microsoft usb c travel hub driver

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Surface Laptop Studio and Microsoft USB-C travel Hub

When using the MS USB-C Travel Hub with my Laptop Studio with an HDMI connected monitor, the Travel Hub heats up and creates a deep power drain on the laptop. It also seems to fool the Laptop that IT is the power source and the Laptop will stop drawing power from its primary power charge connection. Resultantly, the battery will drain to zero and shut down and will not take a charge. In order to rectify, I have to perform a hardware reset holding the power button down for 60 seconds. Then the laptop will recognize the power input again and charge back to full charge. I always check the obvious things such as whether the power brick is properly connected and a connection light is confirmed on.

I am driving a 4K monitor at 60 Hz when this happens.

I have also noticed that if I leave the travel hub connected while the laptop is turned off at night and still have the ethernet plugged in, the latent ethernet activity will drain the battery overnight.

I have tested USB-C to HDMI with an Apple adapter and do not have this problem.

Is my Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub defective?

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Replies (10) 

• Microsoft Agent |

Hello FredJacob ,

Thanks for reaching Microsoft Community. We're sorry to learn about this issue on your USB-C hub and device. We'll do our best to help.

Have you also tried your USB-C travel hub to another Surface device and see if issue persists or not?

In the meantime, please give these methods a try and observe if issue still occurs or not:

Run Power troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooter > Power > Run the troubleshooter.

Run the  Surface Diagnostic Toolkit  and check for  Windows Update . Ensure all pending updates are installed.

Manually install drivers and firmware for Surface

Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by typing  winver  on the  search bar  near the Windows logo.

Go to  Download driver and firmware for Surface ,  choose (your Surface model) then click  Download. Choose the .msi file closest to your current OS Build and click  Next . After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart.

Run the System File Checker in Windows (microsoft.com) .

See Troubleshoot problems with USB-C on Surface (microsoft.com) and Troubleshoot connecting Surface to a second screen (microsoft.com) for more troubleshooting guide.

Feel free to respond on this thread to let us know how it goes.

Kind regards,

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• Volunteer Moderator

1. Have you tried a different HDMI cable? (Which one are you using?) Not all cables are created equal.

2. It is a little unclear if the power drain/charge stopping only occurs when the monitor is plugged in, can you clarify?

3. Does this happen on both USB-C ports?

4. I've seen some Ethernet reports, but those refer to Ethernet dropping out or stopping working as opposed to traffic while in sleep mode.

5. Did you buy the travel hub in the Microsoft Store (consumer) or the Microsoft Store for Business? While I think this is a marketing mistake, the one in the Business Store does not state it supports Windows 11 yet and I'm wondering if this is a firmware issue (or if these are even different).

2 people found this reply helpful

Thank you for your prompt response. Here are my answers that I CAN answer right now.

I have not tried a different HDMI cable. However, I have ordered a new USB-C to HDMI cable which I will be trying directly connected to my laptop USB-C port. This, of course will bypass the MS USB-C Travel hub, but I want to ensure a clean connection. I will be checking that the cable meets HDMI 2.1 specs before opening the package.

Yes. I have tried both USB-C ports with the same results.

I bought the Travel Hub from the online consumer store which states that Windows 11 and my Laptop Studio are supported.

Hello Steven,

I cannot test the hub on another surface device, as this is my first USB-C device. My previous Surface is a Pro 3.

These prompts do not seem to match my Windows 11 UI.

Yes, I have run the full Surface Diagnostics and it found no problems with the battery or power features.

Windows update indicated that my laptop is fully up to date. I always accept new driver updates.

I have reviewed all the online Troubleshooting problems with USB-C on surface from Microsoft.com before posting in this forum.

Thank you for any additional assistance.

I'm still scratching my head on this. Can you check the settings in Device Manager? They should be set like this:

The only thing I can suggest is to unplug the travel adapter when you are done for the day. Microsoft will ask you to exchange the travel hub to rule out a defect and then if the replacement still has issues, they will ask you to reimage your Surface and start fresh as part of trouble shooting.

Thanks again Barb.

Yes, I checked my Device settings and confirmed that all USB devices were set to allow power saving.

Interestingly, I have for the past two days been using my partners Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter in order to continue using my external monitor and have had no power issues whatso ever. Even leaving it attached overnight.

I will proceed with asking for a return/exchange on my MS Hub and retest when the replacement arrives.

Ultimately, I only planned to use this hub while traveling and have been waiting to get the new Kensington SD5750T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio (K37899NA) for my desktop setup. Since that dock will have its own power, I sincerely doubt I will encounter the power drain issues as I have with the MS Travel Hub.

Many thanks for your help and advice,

Please have a Happy New Year and raise up a toast to Betty White!

1 person found this reply helpful

Please keep us posted.

My SD5750T JUST arrived today. It had been out of stock in the MS Store, but Wednesday morning it did not show out of stock so I ordered it! They actually shipped it the same day UPS 2nd day air.

HNY to you as well. Betty was one of a kind!

I am so thankful you told me about the Kensington dock availability on the MS site. I went there and there it was, and available! I placed my order there and cancelled the backordered one on Amazon. I am always happy when I can make a purchase outside of Amazon, even if it's another giant like MS.

When I processed the return of the MS Travel Hub, they did not offer an exchange option, so I am just returning it as defective for credit. In the meantime, looking for an alternative, so that I don't have to keep borrowing my partners APPLE adapter, I ordered the Kensignton UH1400P USB-C to be my travel adapter. It will fit those needs well and also adds SD slot for when I resume real photography in the future.

Many thanks again and HNY!

Let us know how that Kensington travel hub works out for you.

Will do. My SD5750T is due to arrive tomorrow. The Kensington Travel hub will not arrive until late January. I can say that I did receive my direct USB-C to HDMI cable from "Cable Matters" yesterday and it works very well with my external monitor. Naturally, I still need either the travel hub or dock to gain USB-A ports, but at least the monitor is working flawlessly.

Will keep you posted.

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Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub - Multiport Adapter with VGA, USB, Ethernet, HDMI Ports. Compatible with USB-C Laptops/PCs

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All the connections, wherever you are

Have the ports you need, wherever you go, with this multi-port adapter. Designed for on-the-go professionals, it gives you five ways to connect to networks, displays and more, including USB-C.

The ports you need to stay connected and productive

With USB‑C, USB‑A, VGA, Ethernet, and HDMI ports, you can connect to the internet, project content onto a big screen, charge accessories, and more. Compatible with modern PCs and all Surface laptops with a USB‑C port.

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Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub

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Customers say

Customers like the ease of use and travel of the multiport hub. They mention it's convenient and perfect for travel. That said, opinions are mixed on performance.

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Customers find the multiport hub easy to use and convenient. They say it connects everything, is light weight, and makes schoolwork and research so much easier.

"...And the cord stores away inside itself. Very convenient ...." Read more

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" Easy to setup and light weight." Read more

" Completely plug-and-play ..." Read more

Customers like the travel of the multiport hub. They mention that it's perfect for travel, with an HDMI port. They also appreciate the flexible travel hub and the form factor is nice for mobility.

" Great to travel with and for home use too." Read more

" Form factor is nice for mobility " Read more

"I ordered this because it seems theoretically fabulous- perfect for travel , and with an HDMI port which is what I was mainly looking for...." Read more

" Flexible travel hub , but no pass-through charging..." Read more

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"This worked without any setup ...." Read more

"If your laptop is more than a year or so old the 4k60 isn't going to work . (Surface Go only does 4k30 with this)..." Read more

"This hub works great for connecting my Surface Duo 2 to whatever I need.. except power USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI work fine, but the USB-C does not..." Read more

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Windows support for USB Type-C connectors

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This topic is intended for OEMs who want to build a Windows 10 system with USB Type-C connector and want to leverage OS features that allow for faster charging, power delivery, dual role, alternate modes, and error notifications through Billboard devices.

A traditional USB connection uses a cable with a USB A and USB B connector on each end. The USB A connector always plugs in to the host side and the USB B connector connects the function side, which is a device (phone) or peripheral (mouse, keyboard). By using those connectors, you can only connect a host to a function; never a host to another host or a function to another function. The host is the power source provider and the function consumes power from the host.

The traditional configuration limits some scenarios. For example, if a mobile device wants to connect to a peripheral, the device must act as the host and deliver power to the connected device.

The USB Type-C connector, introduced by the USB-IF, defined in the USB 3.1 specification, addresses those limitations. Windows 10 introduces native support for those features.

Feature summary

• Allows for faster charging up to 100W with Power Delivery over USB Type-C.
• Single connector for both USB Hosts and USB Devices.
• Can switch USB roles to support a USB host or device.
• Can switch power roles between sourcing and sinking power.
• Supports other protocols like DisplayPort and Thunderbolt over USB Type-C.
• Introduces USB Billboard device class to provide error notifications for Alternate Modes.

Official specifications

• USB Type-C specification
• USB Power Delivery
• Billboard Devices specification
• UCSI Specification

Hardware design

USB Type-C connector is reversible and symmetric.

The main component are: the USB Type-C connector and its port or PD controller that manages the CC pin logic for the connector. Such systems typically have a dual-role controller that can swap the USB role from host to function. It has Display-Out module that allows video signal to be transmitted over USB. Optionally it can support BC1.2 charger detection.

• Hardware design of a USB Type-C system
• Hardware design for a USB Type-C system with an embedded controller

Consider recommendations for the design and development of USB components, including minimum hardware requirements, Windows Hardware Compatibility Program requirements, and other recommendations that build on those requirements. Hardware component guidelines USB

Choose a driver model

Bring up drivers

USB Function driver bring-up is only required if you support USB Function mode. If you previously implemented a USB Function driver for a USB micro-B connector, describe the appropriate connectors as USB Type-C in the ACPI tables for the USB Function driver to continue working.

For more information, see instructions about writing a USB Function driver .

USB Role-Switch driver bring-up is only required for devices that have a Dual Role controller that assumes both Host and Function roles. To bring-up the USB Role-Switch driver, you need to modify the ACPI tables to enable the Microsoft in-box USB role-switch driver.

For more information, see the guidance for bringing up the USB Role Switch Driver .

A USB Connector Manager Driver is required for Windows to manage the USB Type-C ports on a system. The bring-up tasks for a USB Connector Manager driver depend on the driver that you choose for the USB Type-C ports: The Microsoft in-box UCSI (UcmUcsiCx.sys and UcmUcsiAcpiClient.sys) driver, a UcmCx client driver, or a UcmTcpciCx client driver. For more information, see the links in the preceding section that describe how to choose the right solution for your USB Type-C system.

Perform various functional and stress tests on systems and devices that expose a USB Type-C connector.

• Test USB Type-C systems with USB Type-C ConnEx : Run USB tests included in the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK).
• Run USB function HLK tests with a C-to-A cable : Search for Windows USB Device in the HLK.
• Certification and compliance : Attend power delivery and USB Type-C compliance workshops hosted by the standards bodies.
• FAQ: USB Type-C connector on a Windows system
• Fix USB-C problems in Windows

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Additional resources

• Connect external display
• Supported resolution and refresh rates

Set up a Surface USB-C to display adapter

• Troubleshoot external display

See things on a bigger screen by connecting one of the Surface USB-C to display adapters to an external monitor or TV. Here’s what you’ll need: 

A Surface USB-C to display adapter . This can be any of the following:

Surface USB-C to DisplayPort adapter ( see it in the Microsoft Store )

Surface USB-C to HDMI adapter ( see it in the Microsoft Store )

Surface USB-C to VGA adapter ( see it in the Microsoft Store )

A Surface device that has USB-C port . To determine if a Surface has a USB-C port, check the features page for the device. To do this, go to Find out which Surface model you have , and then select the Surface device on the left-hand side.

An external display and video cable . The video cable and Surface adapter you need depends on which type of video port is on your external display. For example, if your external display has a DisplayPort, you will need a DisplayPort video cable and the Surface USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.

Connect the adapter to your Surface and external display

Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into the USB-C port on your Surface.

Take the video cable that’s connected to your external display or TV, and then plug the other end of it into the adapter. The cable to use depends on your display and the type of video connection it uses—DisplayPort, HDMI, or VGA.

Turn on your external display and your Surface.

Tips to fix problems

If nothing appears on your external display when you turn it on, try one or more of the following:

Make sure the USB-C connector on the adapter is securely plugged into the USB-C port on your Surface.

Make sure the video cable is securely plugged into your external display or TV. On the other end, make sure the video cable is securely plugged into the adapter.

Disconnect the adapter from your Surface, and then reconnect it. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the video cable from your adapter, and then reconnect it.

If the steps above don't work, try the following:

Unplug the USB-C connector from your Surface.

Unplug the video cable from your display, and then unplug the other end of the cable from the adapter.

Flip the USB-C connector over and plug it back into your Surface.

Plug one end of the video cable back into your display, and then plug the other end of the video cable back into your adapter.

Restart your Surface.

Related topic

Connect Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector

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• Troubleshoot problems with USB-C on Surface
• Use Surface USB-C Travel Hub

Use the Microsoft or Surface USB-C Travel Hub

Expand the capabilities of your PC with the Microsoft or Surface USB-C Travel Hub. It’s designed for professionals who travel, so this adapter can give you the extra ports and connections you need when you work on-the-go. It works with PCs and Surface devices that have a USB-C port.

What you'll need

The Microsoft or Surface USB-C Travel Hub.

A USB-C port on your computer or other device. The USB-C port must support USB-C Alt Mode.

A computer or other device running one of the following operating systems:

Microsoft Windows 11,10, or 8.1

Mac OS 10.14 or 10.15

Android 9.0 or 8.1

Find your way around

Set up your Microsoft or Surface USB-C Travel Hub

After you unpack your travel hub, put it where you want on your desk and leave out any necessary cords or cables to get to them easily. Now you're ready to set it up.

Set up your workspace and plug in

Plug the USB-C connector into the USB-C port on your PC.

If you want to use a wired network connection, connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port.

To connect an external display, do one of the following, depending on which kind of video connection your external display supports:

HDMI connection . Take an HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI port on your external display and plug the other end into the HDMI port on your hub. If your video cable doesn't have an HDMI connector, you'll need to buy another cable or an adapter. For more info on adapters, go to Connect Surface to a TV, monitor, or projector .

VGA connection . Take a VGA cable and plug one end into the VGA port on your display. Plug the other end into the VGA port on your hub.

Plug your USB computer peripherals into the USB or USB-C port on your hub—depending on which kind of USB connection your peripheral uses.

Related topics

​​​​​​​ Troubleshoot problems with USB-C on Surface

Fix USB-C problems in Windows

Need more help?

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Microsoft security

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Microsoft Tech Community

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Microsoft 365 Insiders

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