Looking for some way to determine if a USB-C port supports Alt Modes


  1. Posts : 4,187
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
       #1

    Looking for some way to determine if a USB-C port supports Alt Modes


    Had a discussion with a friend about USB-C Alt Modes. That got me wondering - does anyone know of a way within Windows or via a utility to determine if any USB-C ports on a system support Alt modes, and if so, which modes the particular port supports?

    As an example, in order to support DisplayPort video over USB-C, the port in question must support the DisplayPort Alternate USB-C mode.

    Up until now I've simply relied upon the manufacturers specs, but surely there must be some way to determine this via software.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 42,990
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Well, there should be some symbols:
    How do you check which type of USB-C port my laptop has? - Coolblue - anything for a smile

    There appear to be professional conformance checkers of course...

    One of the problems is the range of possible options for Alt-mode:
    DisplayPort Alt-Mode offers DP v1.2, v1.4 or v2.0 connectivity (depending on the hardware) for video connections anywhere from Full HD 1080p up to 8K@60Hz* over USB-C. Audio is usually also supported as a part of the protocol for screens with built-in speakers. Additionally, DisplayPort Alt-Mode can be used with DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI or VGA adapters for extended support to other monitor types.
    FYI: (probably seen these)
    Definitive Guide to USB-C Alternate Modes - Cable Chick Blog
    How to Enable DisplayPort Alt Mode over a USB Type-C Cable - Total Phase Blog

    Just a few thoughts..no answer as such...
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 4,187
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks, dalchina. Yeah, I'm aware of those items. Just was curious to see if there was some sort of software that could report on that.

    I find USB-C a bit frustrating at times. Another good example is the cables. If you grab a cable and look at it, unless it has clear markings, and many don't, you have no way to know if it supports 30W charging, 65W charging, 100W charging, 5Gbps data rates, or 10Gbps, 20Gbps, etc.

    EDIT: My solution has been that when in doubt, grab a 100W 40Gbps thunderbolt cable. Then you are guaranteed the highest possible data rates and largest available current to power hungry devices.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 42,990
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #4

    This seems a wonderful way to confuse customers- even suppliers and (if one went in to an actual shop) shop assistants. I mean people struggle sometimes with USB 2 & 3. A standard that just isn't.

    This is the sort of thing you'd need for cables:
    How to Test and Analyze USB Type-C Cable Functions and Power Delivery - Total Phase Blog
    Actual test kit...
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 4,187
    Windows 11 Pro, 22H2
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Wow, thanks for that link. I've been looking for something like that. Have not looked at prices, but I'm sure that is very expensive equipment. Would love a consumer level device that does something like that.
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 16:11.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums