Microsoft is now testing support for the USB4 Version 2.0 specification in Windows 11, enabling transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps over USB Type-C cables.
Also known as USB 80Gbps or USB4 Gen4 and announced in September 2022, this latest USB standard adds the transfer bandwidth required by higher-performance displays, USB-based hubs and docks, and storage devices.
"USB 80Gbps support will initially launch on select devices based on the Intel Core 14th Gen HX-series mobile processors, such as the new Razer Blade 18," the Windows Insider Program Team said today.
"It is fully backwards compatible with peripherals built for older generations of USB and Thunderbolt and works alongside all other USB Type-C features."
USB 80Gbps is now being tested in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23615, which was released today in the Dev Channel.
The company has also released ISO images for this dev build, available for download via the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page.
Besides USB4 Gen4 support, Redmond is also testing a new Windows Copilot option to allow Windows Insiders to configure to automatically open on login if their systems have a widescreen display.
"We are trying out opening Copilot automatically when Windows starts on widescreen devices with some Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. This can be managed via Settings > Personalization > Copilot," Microsoft said.
Since this feature is rolling out in stages, not all Insiders with systems enrolled in the Dev Channel will immediately see it available.
Copilot in Windows is now being rolled out in preview to Windows Insiders in North America, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia and South America (additional markets will be included over time).
The new build also has an updated Windows share dialog, where users can send links to their WhatsApp, Gmail, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn friends.
"In Microsoft Edge, you can invoke the Windows share window by clicking the share icon at the top right in the toolbar and choosing the Windows share options," Microsoft said.
These sharing improvements are also rolling out today to Insiders in the Beta Channel who installed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.3061 (KB5034215).