Microsoft has announced an update that will allow 80Gbps USB 4 support. Named with the USB-IF’s typical flair for clarity and consistency, the new spec was published in 2022. In addition, updates to the Copilot generative AI assistant means that the Copilot panel will now open automatically on certain PCs as soon as you log into Windows. The panel only opens by default on screens that meet minimum size and resolution requirements. Despite the update rolling out to Dev Channel builds, exact details of Microsoft’s Canary channel builds since January 4 have not been publicized; however, the announcement mentions new additions such as an Energy Saver taskbar icon and the removal of the WordPad app.
The update introducing support for 80Gbps USB 4 ports is available in Dev Channel builds on January 11, and Beta Channel builds from today. This change comes as Microsoft continues to develop Windows 11, following minor updates in September and October. In recent Dev Channel builds, the Copilot generative AI assistant window will open automatically on certain PCs as soon as you log into Windows, becoming part of your default desktop unless you turn it off in Settings. However, details of changes to Microsoft’s Canary channel builds since January 4 were not provided publicly. Microsoft’s commitment to deliver one feature update with a new version number once per year in the fall suggests that a late winter or early spring launch window for the next batch of features could make sense.