Skip to main content

Microsoft releases graphics and audio updates for Surface Pro 2 and Pro 3

1201153 autosave v1 microsoft surface pro 3 hands on 1500x1000
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Microsoft has released driver updates for the Surface Pro 3 and its predecessor, the Surface Pro 2. The updates are centered around audio and video drivers, and offer enhanced support for Miracast wireless display functionality.

If you’re looking to install Windows 10 on your Surface Pro, you’ll need these drivers. Microsoft recommends keeping your graphics drivers up to date as a fix for some known issues that can affect rendering and use of the Mini-DisplayPort. Non-Pro users are still waiting on drivers from Intel to ready their devices for the new OS.

Recommended Videos

The full changelog for both devices released by Microsoft reads as follows:

Surface 3

  • Surface Pro 3 UEFI update (v3.11.850.0) includes changes needed for compatibility with the updated graphics driver.
  • HD Graphics Family driver update (v10.18.14.4170) improves graphics performance and includes better Miracast (wireless display) support.
  • Display Audio driver update (v6.16.00.3172) improves audio experience and supports compatibility with the updated graphics driver.

Surface 2

  • Surface Pro UEFI update (v2.5.250.0) includes changes needed for compatibility with the updated graphics driver.
  • HD Graphics Family driver update (v10.18.14.4170) improves graphic performance and includes better Miracast (wireless display) support.
  • Display Audio driver update (v6.16.00.3172) improves audio experience and supports compatibility with the updated graphics driver.

Microsoft warns that not all devices will update at the same time, so don’t worry if your Surface doesn’t prompt you to install these drivers just yet. The company rolls out such updates gradually, but it will get to all users eventually — you can try start it manually via Windows Update if you’re worried about being overlooked.

The Surface line seems key to Microsoft’s strategy of expanding Windows beyond traditional computers to everything from hybrid devices to microcontrollers. While many expected to see the Surface 4 announced at BUILD 2015, we’re yet to hear what’s next for the blossoming range of devices.

Brad Jones
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
Your M3 MacBook Pro can finally connect to two displays
The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip seen from behind.

As spotted by the folks at iMore, the macOS Sonoma 14.6 update released on July 29 has added support for two external displays on the M3 MacBook Pro. People have been waiting for this since the M3 MacBook Air launched in March with this feature, and now it's finally here.

Apple confirmed its intentions to bring this update to the M3 MacBook Pro around the time the M3 Air launched, but it's unknown why it took so long. The feature shares the same limitation as the M3 Air -- you can only use two external displays while the laptop is closed. This is different from models using the M1 Pro, M2 Pro, or M3 Pro level chips that can handle two external monitors and the native display all at once.

Read more
The new Surface Laptop whips the MacBook in this important test
The keyboard and trackpad on the new Surface Laptop.

With the release of the new Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, iFixit has begun its usual investigation into just how easy it is for customers to repair the devices. And, in an unexpected, but welcome turn of events, the two Copilot+ PCs both scored a repairability rating of 8 out of 10, which represents a huge win over the 5/10 score given to the M3 MacBook Air.

Microsoft has long been a thorn in iFixit's side, with the original Surface Laptop receiving a rock-bottom rating of 0 out of 10 in 2017.

Read more
A free update just made the Quest 3 way better
First Encounter is the perfect introduction to mixed reality on Quest 3.

The Meta Quest 3 was already one of the best VR headsets for mixed reality, while keeping costs affordable. Soon Quest 3 owners will see a big upgrade that removes the distortion that sometimes broke the immersive feeling, simply by updating their headsets.

Meta has announced the v66 software update that, among many things, comes with improvements to the Quest 3's passthrough cameras. Since the Quest 3’s passthrough cameras are located a couple of inches in front of your eyes, the headset must adjust the image to match your true perspective. Otherwise, everything would seem slightly zoomed in. Distant objects are easy, but nearby hands hide a portion of the background, presenting a challenge.

Read more