Microsoft released on Thursday new firmware for its Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. The new release issues a number of driver updates to components such as the Surface Button, Surface Touch, Surface Pen Settings, the Intel CS12 Host Controller, and more. Owners can see the full list when they check for updates in Windows, or when they view the update history after the firmware and drivers are installed.
The updates appear to be identical on both devices save for a few driver numbers. According to the change log, the new Intel CS12 Host Controller driver improves Windows Hello stability after the owner installs Anniversary Update early next month. Additionally, the updated Surface System Aggregator Firmware driver makes the keyboard more stable once the device comes out of hibernation or standby mode.
On the Surface Touch front, the update provides a new driver that fixes a number of issues regarding touch, pen ink, and barrel button eraser “scenarios.” Surface Touch is a bit more stable now too, as is Surface Pen Settings, which has an updated driver in preparation for Anniversary Update’s August 2 arrival. The Surface Button driver update, according to Microsoft, makes the device more stable when it’s in tablet mode.
With the release of the new firmware comes a new driver for the Intel HD Graphics 520 integrated GPU. Other updated Intel components include the Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller driver for better audio stability, as well as a new Smart Sound Technology OED audio driver offering better audio stability, too.
Finally, the new firmware introduces an updated Surface Touch Servicing ML driver. The change notes state that this driver increases stability and addresses issues related to touch, pen ink, and barrel button eraser scenarios, just like the new Surface Touch driver.
Customers and companies can grab the firmware and drivers manually through Microsoft in two formats, ZIP and MSI. Those who use the ZIP file can selectively install or deploy individual drivers while the MSI file will install everything served up in the new firmware release. There are additional WinTab x64 and x32 drivers provided as well for those who need WinTab compatibility with specific applications supporting the Surface Pen.
“Use these drivers and firmware to prepare your custom images for enterprise deployment, or to repair problems with custom installations of Windows on your Surface Book (or Surface Pro 4),” Microsoft states. “These drivers and firmware are compatible with Windows 10, including Enterprise versions.”
Consumers not wanting to manually download the new firmware and drivers can just let Windows 10 upgrade for them through Windows Update. As with any update made available to devices, the rollout will take some time to reach all Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 devices, so be patient. Also, the new firmware will include all updates introduced via Windows Update prior to Thursday’s release in case some users have yet to update their device.
