Microsoft clarifies problems with USB4 in Windows 11 and offers solutions

Since March 2023, Windows 11 supports USB4 and offers several customization options in the Settings app. The USB4 settings page provides information about the capabilities of the system and connected peripherals if the computer supports USB4. This information will help you troubleshoot if users need help from the device manufacturer or system administrator. However, USB4 implementation has certain issues in Windows 11, so the Redmond firm has finally published a special support page. There, the problems are listed with solutions the user can apply.

USB4, also known as USB 4.0, is a modern high-speed data transfer protocol based on Thunderbolt 3. It can share a single high-speed link with multiple end-device types dynamically, best serving each transfer by data type and application. It was announced in 2019, and has the latest specification of version 2.0 formed on  on October 18, 2022. It defines 80 Gbits/s and even 120 Gbit/s data transfer speed in asymmetric mode.

Microsoft has published a list of possible solutions to common problems when the system displays the error message “The functionality of the USB4 device may be limited.”

The company provided a list of reasons and solutions:

• The device or dock supports USB4, but is connected to a PC port that does not support this standard. In this case, the connected device may have limited functionality. In this case, you should make sure that the computer supports the standard;
• Using a cable that does not support USB4.You must ensure that you are using a cable provided by the device or docking station manufacturer, or a certified USB4 cable;
• Connecting a USB4 device or docking station to another that does not support USB4. In this case, the device must be connected directly to the computer or only to USB4 docking stations.

You will find the official support page here.