Search the Community

Microsoft has released a firmware update for the Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors. As usual, Surface firmware updates deliver important hardware-related fixes and improvements. With the latest update, Surface Pro 9 owners received patches for a problem with their devices unexpectedly shutting down due to inaccurate battery life estimation. Nothing ruins a day more than watching your computer abruptly die with a 30% battery level. Here is the official changelog: Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Surface - Firmware - 6.301.139.0 Surface System Aggregator - Firmware Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 22H2 Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer Update Size 742 MB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require extra steps to install. Known Issues No known issues in this update. Your Surface Pro 9 will download available updates automatically, but you can speed things up by heading to Settings > Windows Update and clicking the "Check for updates" button. Alternatively, go to the official Surface support website and download a manual installation package. As usual, remember to back up important data before updating firmware since Microsoft does not allow undoing Surface firmware updates. Better safe than sorry. All Surface Pro 9 configurations have a six-year lifecycle, which started on October 25, 2022, and will end on October 25, 2028. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. 2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of September): 4,292 news posts RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Microsoft recently released a new firmware update for the Intel-based Surface Pro 9 to improve the device's audio system. However, Microsoft is not done with updating its current flagship tablet with new firmware. Shortly after the previous update, the company pushed another one to fix the choppy cursor and slow animations across the operating system. The Surface Pro 9 has a beautiful 120Hz display, so stuttery animations and the buggy cursor can feel extra annoying. Fortunately, the issue seems to be hiding in the Intel graphics driver, so getting to the latest version from Windows Update should fix the problem in no time. Here is the changelog: Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Intel Corporation - Extension - 30.0.101.3118 Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Extensions Intel Corporation - Display - 30.0.101.3118 Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters You can download the latest firmware update for the Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors in Settings > Windows Update. If you want to install it manually, go to the official support website and download the latest package (744MB). It is compatible with Windows 10 version 21H2 and Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer releases. Like other Surface computers released after January 1, 2021, the Surface Pro 9 has a six-year lifecycle. Therefore, expect Microsoft to receive plenty of other firmware updates and fixes before the device reaches its end of life on October 25, 2028. You can check out other Surface computers that have been updated with new firmware in April 2024 using this link. Source

The November 2023 firmware update is now available for the Surface Pro 9 powered by Intel processors. The latest release addresses screen rotation issues, fixes the "battery not genuine" error message, improves stability when connected to docks and external displays, plus patches the stuck Surface logo on boot. Note: this update does not apply to the Surface Pro 9 with the Microsoft SQ3 processor. What is new in the Surface Pro 9 November 2023 firmware update? Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Surface - Extension - 6.196.139.0 Microsoft Devices Telemetry Service - Extension Surface - Firmware - 2.26.4.0 Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt (TM) 4 Dock Firmware Update - Firmware Surface - Extension - 6.10.137.0 Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update - Extension Surface - System - 6.204.139.0 Surface Integration Service - System devices Surface - Firmware - 6.101.139.0 Surface System Aggregator - Firmware Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 21H2 and newer Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer How to get the update Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Note: Surface firmware updates are non-uninstallable, so back up important data before proceeding. Update Size 741MB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require additional steps before or after installation. Known Issues The update does not contain known issues or bugs. Surface Pro 9 with Intel and ARM processors will be supported until October 25, 2028. It is Microsoft's current flagship Windows 11 tablet, and you can pick one starting at $999 on Amazon US or the Microsoft Store. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Source

In this Specs Appeal article, we dive deep into all the differences between the new Surface Pro 9 and its two preceding generations. If you are considering buying the Surface Pro 9, this article will help you see how the tablet compares to the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Pro 7, which you can still buy with significant discounts. We did not include the Surface Pro 7+ since Microsoft aims this device squarely at commercial customers. The Surface Pro 9 focuses on improving the redesigned model that Microsoft introduced last year, so there are no major or ground-breaking visual changes this year. The only design change you can spot on the surface is two new vivid color variants. Besides the same chassis, the Surface Pro 9 features the same 120Hz display (now with dynamic refresh rate support out of the box). Surface Pro 8 A significant difference between the Surface Pro 9 and 8 is the optional variant with an ARM processor, which was previously available in the separate Surface Pro X lineup. Microsoft is now confident in its custom ARM processors (made in partnership with Qualcomm) enough to include them in the Surface Pro lineup. Besides offering a notably better battery life, the Surface Pro 9 with the Microsoft SQ 3 processor is your choice if you want a Surface with 5G. Intel-based variants are Wi-Fi-only. Speaking of less exciting changes, Microsoft this year, for some reason, decided to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Also, despite having a user-upgradeable SSD, the Surface Pro 9 does not allow you to expand its storage with microSD cards since Microsoft removed that slot in the Surface Pro 8. Surface Pro 7 Here are the key changes summed up in a list: New color variants: blue (Sapphire) and green (Forest) 12th Gen Intel processors and the third-gen Microsoft SQ by Qualcomm Newer LPDDR5 memory Improved security with TPM 2.0 chip and Windows 11 Secure-core PC standard Wi-Fi 6E support and optional 5G Better battery life (only in the Microsoft SQ 3-based variants) No 3.5 mm headphone jack Surface Pro 9 Surface Pro 8 Surface Pro 7 Chassis 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.94 lbs 287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 879.9 g 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.96 lbs 287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 889 g 11.5" x 7.9" x 0.33", 1.7 lb 292 x 201 x 8.5 mm, 790 g Colors Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, Forest Platinum, Graphite Platinum, Matte Black Display 13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz 13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Up to 120Hz refresh rate 12.3-inch 3:2 PixelSense 2736x1284 (267 ppi) 60Hz Processor Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1255U Microsoft SQ 3 Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i7-1185G7 Intel Core i3-1005G1 Intel Core i5-1035G4 Intel Core i7-1065G7 Memory 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x 4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x Storage User-removable SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Non-user-removable SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Security TPM 2.0 Chip Windows Hello face sign-in Windows 11 Secured-core PC Firmware TPM Windows Hello face sign-in Network Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 Optional 5G Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 Battery Up to 15.5 hours of typical use (Intel) Up to 19 hours of typical use (ARM) Up to 16 hours of typical use Up to 10.5 hours of typical use Cameras Front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello 8.0MP rear-facing camera with auto-focus and 1080p video Ports Intel: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 (Intel) 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Port ARM: 2x USB-C 3.2 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Port 1x nanoSIM 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Port 1x USB-C 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Type Cover 1x microSDXC Accessories Surface Slim Pen 2 Surface Signature Keyboard Surface Pen Surface Slim Pen 2 Surface Type Cover Price TBA $1,099 $750 The Surface Pro 9 looks like a great upgrade option for owners of the Surface Pro 7 or older models. You will get a significantly upgraded display, much more horsepower courtesy of Intel's 12th Gen processors, better battery life, and an overall more modern-looking device. If you own the Surface Pro 8, upgrading to the Surface Pro 9 does not feel like a reasonable decision unless you want 5G. Also, users who can accept using a device with an older processor could just buy the Surface Pro 8 for notably less money. Do you think the Surface Pro 9 offers enough changes to justify upgrades from the previous two generations? Share your thoughts in the comments. Specs Appeal: Here is how Surface Pro 9 compares to Pro 8 and Pro 7

Microsoft announced the next generation of its Surface Pro tablet during the October event. The latest model features several key changes, such as optional 5G connectivity and ARM processors, new vibrant colors, and updated accessories. The Surface Pro 9 is the first Microsoft tablet to feature both Intel and ARM processors within the same lineup. Users can pick a variant with Intel's 12th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 models or opt for the one with the Microsoft SQ 3 processors powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon. Microsoft says the neural processing unit in the latter enables high-speed 5G connectivity (first time in any Surface), better battery life, and improved video calls with automatic framing, eye contact, voice focus, and background blur. Intel-based variants are available with 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM. If you want the Surface Pro 9 with 5G and the Microsoft SQ 3 processor, you can choose between 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X RAM. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The latter is only available on the Surface Pro 9 models with Intel processors. It is also worth noting that all Surface Pro 9 variants come with user-replaceable solid-state drives. The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft's first tablet in the Pro lineup to feature vibrant, colorful chassis. In addition to now-classic Platinum and Graphite, users can get the computer in new Sapphire and Forest variants. Buyers can also customize their Surface Pro 9 with the new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard made with partially biobased Alcantara with at least 12% renewable content derived from sugarcane waste. Although the Surface Pro 9 looks very similar to its predecessor and features the same anodized aluminum body, the tablet no longer offers a headphone jack. Microsoft has ditched a 3.5 mm audio port, leaving only one Surface Connect and two Thunderbolt/USB-C 4.0 (only on Intel) ports. The ARM-based Surface Pro 9 has two USB-C 3.2 ports. Microsoft's new flagship tablets will be available for regular customers and commercial clients. The commercial version features Intel's vPro processors and the option to ship the device with Windows 10 Pro instead of Windows 11 Pro. Regular consumers will get their Surface Pro 9 with Windows 11 Home preinstalled. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Specifications: Surface Pro 9 Surface Pro 9 with 5G Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro (commercial SKU) Dimensions 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.94 lbs 287 x 208.28 x 9.3 mm, 879.9 grams Display 13-inch PixelSense 2880x1920 (267 ppi) 120Hz dynamic refresh rate Adaptive Color and Auto Color Management Dolby Vision IQ Gorilla Glass 5 13-inch PixelSense 2880x1920 (267 ppi) 120Hz dynamic refresh rate Adaptive Color Gorilla Glass 5 Processor Consumer: Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1235U Commercial: Intel Core i5-1245U Intel Core i7-1265U Microsoft SQ 3 Neural Processing Unit Memory 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4X Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB Security TPM 2.0 Chip Windows Hello face sign-in Microsoft Pluton Windows Hello face sign-in Network Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou NanoSIM and eSIM support mmWave and sub-6 5G support Gigabit LTE-A support Battery Up to 15.5 hours of typical use 60W power supply with extra USB-A port Up to 19 hours of typical use 60W power supply with extra USB-A port Cameras Front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello support. 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support Front-facing camera with 1080p video, Windows Hello support, and Windows Studio Effects. 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support Ports 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4.0 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Port 1x nano SIM 2x USB-C 3.2 1x Surface Connect 1x Surface Keyboard Price $999 $1,299 Surface Pro 9 is official with Intel and ARM processors, optional 5G, and new colors

Microsoft joins Apple, Dell, and other tech giants in slowly phasing out the 3.5mm connector Today marks another chapter in the slow demise of the headphone jack. Microsoft has quietly removed the 3.5mm connector from its brand-new Surface Pro 9. The change is confirmed on the tech specs page, which no longer lists a headphone jack among the device’s “connections.” But it’s very much present on the same page for the Surface Pro 8. This seems to be the direct result of Microsoft bringing the Intel and Arm versions of the Surface Pro 9 together in the same chassis. The Surface Pro X has never had a 3.5mm jack, so now, the Intel hardware is coming in line with that design direction. But I’d argue it’s a more controversial omission this time. Why? The new universal outer enclosure is essentially the same size as that of the Surface Pro 8. Surface Pro 9 and Surface Pro 8 Length: 11.3 inches (287mm) Width: 8.2 inches (209mm) — Surface Pro 8 is 208mm Height: 0.37 inches (9.3mm) Surface Pro X Length: 11.3 inches (287mm) Width: 8.2 inches (208mm) Height: 0.28 inches (7.3mm) The Surface Pro X hardware was quite a bit thinner than Microsoft’s Intel hardware at the time (and still now). So excising the 3.5mm jack made sense. But we’ve now lost the headphone jack for a chassis that’s basically identical in dimensions to last year’s model. They really couldn’t fit one on there somewhere? Microsoft has kept the headphone jack around on the Intel-only Surface Laptop 5. So laptops (at least from Microsoft) are safe. And if you’re shelling out over $4,000 for the new Surface Studio 2 Plus, that also retains the 3.5mm connector. But we seem to have reached the point where tech giants are fully comfortable going without one on tablets — or 2-in-1s, in the case of Microsoft. I’m still a big fan of that new forest green Surface Pro 9, but this trend is a bummer. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 is the latest major gadget to ditch the headphone jack

If you have one of the Intel-based Surface Pro 9 tablets, there is an important update for you to get from Windows Update. Microsoft has fully released the July 2024 firmware update with fixes for taskbar flickering, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues, and the problem with the USB-C port not working after booting up the computer. Note that the update is not applicable to the Surface Pro 9 with the Microsoft SQ3 processor. Here is the official changelog: Here is the list of new drivers in the latest firmware update: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Surface - Firmware - 6.202.139.0 Surface System Aggregator - Firmware Intel Corporation - Bluetooth - 23.30.0.3 Intel Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth Intel - net - 23.30.0.6 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 160MHz - Network adapters Surface - Extension - 18.119.139.0 Surface Touch Pen Processor - Extensions Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 22H2 and newer Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer How to get the update Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Update Size 742MB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require extra steps before or after installation Known Issues There are no known issues in this update The Surface Pro 9 (both Intel and ARM-based versions) has a six-year lifecycle. It is expected to run out of support on October 25, 2028. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years. 2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of June): 2,839 news posts