USB4 Systems Backward Compatible With Thunderbolt 3

  • Article

Verifies that USB4 systems support backward compatibility with Thunderbolt® 3.

Description

Systems that incorporate a USB4 host router and support external user connectable USB4 port(s) must support interoperability with Thunderbolt 3 (TBT3) peripherals according to chapter 13 of the USB4 specification. Specifically, the USB4 host router must be interoperable with TBT3 device routers and cables. However, the host router is not required to be compatible with a TBT3 connection manager. TBT3 certification and branding are also not required.

USB4 is an evolution of the TBT3 technology, using the same connector and filling many of the same high-performance requirements for users. As such, they will expect their existing TBT3 compatible peripherals to continue to function on their new USB4 enabled system. With the goal of maximizing compatibility with the existing TBT3 cable and peripheral ecosystem, all systems that support USB4 on external connectors must support interoperability with TBT3 device routers and cables.

Test details

   
Specifications
  • System.Fundamentals.SystemUSB.USB4.SupportThunderboltCompatibility
Platforms
  • Windows 10, client editions (x86)
  • Windows 10, client editions (x64)
  • Windows 10, client editions (Arm)
  • Windows 10, client editions (Arm64)
Supported Releases
  • Windows 11
  • Next update to Windows 11
Expected run time (in minutes) 5
Category Development and Integration
Timeout (in minutes) 5
Requires reboot False
Requires special configuration False
Type development

Additional documentation

Tests in this feature area might have additional documentation, including prerequisites, setup, and troubleshooting information, that can be found in the following topic:

More information

Parameters

None

Enhancement scenarios

Support legacy Thunderbolt 3 peripherals on new USB4 capable systems.

Troubleshooting

For generic troubleshooting of HLK test failures, see Troubleshooting Windows HLK Test Failures.