Latest Surface Pro firmware updates add official support for Windows 10 S

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
last updated

We finally know what was packed in the latest firmware updates for the new Surface Pro, and Windows 10 S seems to be the running theme.

Microsoft recently released a new batch of firmware updates for the new Surface Pro, but a lack of release notes at the time meant the changes were initially unknown. Now, release notes have been posted to the Surface Update History (opens in new tab) page, showing exactly what was added.

The big takeaway? These updates bring official support for Windows 10 S to the Surface Pro with a set of Intel driver updates (via Thurrott). The notes also mention support for "an upcoming product release," which presumably hints at the Fall Creators Update. Here's a look at the notes in full:

  • Intel(R) Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Processor Participant - 8.2.11004.3973 enable support for Windows 10s.
  • Intel(R) Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Power Participant - 8.2.11004.3973 enable support for Windows 10s.
  • Intel(R) Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Generic Participant - 8.2.11004.3973 enable support for Windows 10s.
  • Intel(R) Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Processor Manager - 8.2.11004.3973 adds support for an upcoming product release.

Based on the notes, we're likely seeing Microsoft laying the groundwork to start selling a version of Surface Pro with Windows 10 S preloaded. Of course, the updates also smooth the road for anyone who wants to give the Windows Store-restricted OS a shot on their current Surface Pro as well.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

14 Comments
  • While that's great and all, the last thing I'd want to do is hobble my SP with W10S.
  • Agreed, this seems to me to be more of a move to cut people off from open source or legacy software that isn't on the Windows store.
  • Well, that's the idea they are going for, that eventually everything will be through the Windows store. Some people still need legacy or other open source software obviously so that is why there is still the Pro and enterprise options.
  • Neither would I but some people might. Those that bought a Surface Pro for a non tech family member for example.
  • Wouldn't they be better of with a more affordable and more robust device?
  • Then they should buy an ipad pro because without access to traditional Windows programs and only store apps available they should buy a device with is more likely to have those kind of apps.
  • But Apple... Apple is gross.
  • We have been told by people here over and over (and I believe you were one of them) that if a computer doesn't have USB Type-C then it is useless. But now we should be buying a computer (iPP) even though it doesn't have USB Type-C?
  • Please point out the post where i said any device was "useless" without USB-C. And as for buying an Ipad Pro, Windows 10 S is restricted to store apps and the Windows 10 store is undeniably rubbish, so if someone is buying a device that can only run those kind of apps what is the logic in buying a device with a poor app store over one that would have practically every app you would require? Or is this somehing only "true Microsoft fans" aka delusional can comprehend?
  • Well if one doesn't really use a lot of apps then it doesn't matter or if they want to stay in the same ecosystem. Also, if they really wanted to then they can "upgrade" to the pro version. In general, the more users the better for windows store. I do agree windows store is not great compared to others and I want it to improve.
  • Why does a surface pro need a new firmware update for windows 10s? How different can drivers be between 10S and 10Pro? Does going back from windows 10S to windows 10 Pro mean yet another firmware update?
  • Driver and firmware now available from microsoft update? msi and exe instalation not possible on Windows 10 S? my 2 cents
  • Any hint of LTE support in the release notes?
  • Microsoft is King.