Microsoft Windows 10 will get official support for USB 3.1 functionality such as dual-role peripherals, external displays and the new Type-C connector.

While it's not terribly surprising, it is exciting to see that Windows 10 will bring support for the feature-rich USB 3.1 protocol. The addition was all but confirmed by a seminar description at Microsoft's WinHEC (Windows Hardware Engineering Community) Conference. Entitled "Enabling New USB Connectivity Scenarios in Windows 10", the March 18 session for hardware partners carries the description:

Windows 10 introduces support for USB Dual Role and Type-C, which will enable new wired connectivity scenarios such a phone interacting with USB peripherals, or laptops connecting to an external display using the USB Type-C connector. This session will go into detail on how Windows supports these technologies and what you need to do to enable them. Topics include: Overview of the new use cases introduced with USB Dual Role and Type-C, What scenarios are and aren’t supported for Dual Role devices, Using Alternate Modes (e.g. DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or MHL) over Type-C, Support for Power Delivery, enabling devices to provide/consume up to 100W over USB, Hardware and software architecture changes for Dual Role and Type-C, and Building a Windows system with Dual Role and/or Type-C support. Intended Audience: OEMs, ODMs, IDHs, IHVs, Peripheral Manufacturers, Driver Developers.

Read our USB 3.1 preview here