Surface Pro 3 firmware update claims to improve Wi-Fi reliability, system stability

By Konrad Krawczyk September 9, 2014

Microsoft SURFACE Pro 3 start screen — Image used with permission by copyright holder

As part of its monthly “Patch Tuesday” update release schedule, Microsoft is rolling out a new firmware update for its Surface Pro 3 tablet.

The new patch, which should be available via Windows Update right now, promises to make multiple improvements. It targets areas like Wi-Fi performance, system stability, and more.

Related: Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review

Here’s what the newest Surface Pro 3 firmware aims to do, in Microsoft’s own words.

“Surface Pro UEFI update (v3.10.250.0) improves system experience and enhances overall system stability, including Wi-Fi.”
“Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware update (v38.6.50.0) enhanced support for system performance and user experience, including thermostat icon on boot.”
“Surface Pro System Aggregator Firmware update (v3.9.350.0) increases the overall system reliability and compatibility with a Surface cover.”
“Surface Integration driver update (v2.0.1102.0) enhances user experience, including Wi-Fi stability.”
“Surface Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver update (v15.68.3055.107) improves Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth reliability and system stability, and significantly enhances the user experience.”

Claims of performance improvements are great and all, but Microsoft has had a checkered past when it comes to releasing firmware updates for its Surface devices. Many Surface Pro 3 owners complained about issues with Wi-Fi performance after it turned out that a firmware update that was released back in June was to blame.

Prior to that, a firmware update for the Surface Pro 2 that was released back in December caused problems with sleep mode and battery life.

Related: 10 best cases and accessories for the Surface Pro 3

We wouldn’t be surprised if many Surface Pro 3 owners stayed away from this update simply due to the snafus Microsoft has experienced with past updates.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

Computing

Don’t buy the Surface Laptop Go 3 — here’s what you should get instead

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 front view showing display and keyboard.

As a former marketing professional and a laptop reviewer, I often find myself surprised and sometimes confused by the decisions companies make when launching a laptop. An example is when a company introduces just one or two configurations that may not meet the needs of a range of users and, as a result, starts a laptop off on the wrong foot. In that case, I can at least understand the complexity of manufacturing and component sourcing. Although I'll mention a lack of options in a review, I won't necessarily ding a laptop because of it.

Some mistakes, though, are harder to overlook. That's how I feel about Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go 3, which the company introduced at a significantly higher price than its predecessors. The laptop, which is designed and configured like a budget machine, starts at $800 and runs up to $1,000. Those are midrange prices, but the Surface just can't compete against many midrange laptops.
$800 is too much
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Computing

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is no match for the MacBook Air

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 front view showing display and keyboard.

Microsoft just introduced the Surface Laptop Go 3, which ostensibly is its budget laptop offering. However, it raised the starting price from the laptop's original $550 to $800, while also offering a slightly upgraded model for $1,000. That places it in competition with some excellent laptops.

Two of the most significant are the Apple MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Air M2. The former starts at $999, while the latter is currently (and often) on sale for $950. Can the Surface Laptop Go 3 compete with two of the best laptops at its higher price?
Specs and configurations

Computing

Surface Laptop Go 3 vs. Surface Pro 7+: is it an upgrade?

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's new affordable Surface laptop, with upgraded hardware and long battery life making it a compelling option for budget laptop buyers in 2023. But for anyone considering an upgrade to a Surface device at around that $800 price, the Surface Pro 7+ still presents an attractive purchase, and it can flip into a tablet when you need it.

That brings to mind the age-old question, of whether newer is automatically better. In this case, it might not be. Let's take a look at the Surface Laptop Go 3 versus Surface Pro 7+, to find out.