As part of the second wave of updates, Microsoft recently made available new hardware updates for its Surface Duo, Surface Pro 7 Plus, and Surface Pro 5 to fix security vulnerabilities and improve the overall performance.
According to the Surface update history, the Duo update rolled out on March 18, while the Pro 7 Plus and Pro 5 received the updates on March 12.
Surface Duo March 2021 update
Here are the improvements available for the unlocked Surface Duos in North America and Europe in March 2021:
- Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin – March 2020.
For the Europe variant, these are the changes:
- Improves device stability.
- Improves device performance.
- Improves Surface Duo UI stability.
- Improves incoming ring experience with the communication apps.
- Fixes the experience when dismissing apps in single screen mode which had a delay before showing the home screen.
- Taking screenshots in single screen mode captures the active screen instead of both.
- Increases time that the “Double-tap to switch screens” is available to change screens.
- Fixes the ability to unlock the device using the fingerprint reader when an app is running above the lock screen.
- Apps that only support portrait orientation can now rotate clockwise when spanning across both screens.
Surface Pro 7 Plus March 2021 update
These are the improvements and changes available for the Pro 7 Plus in March 2021:
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics 27.20.100.9030: Improves system graphics performance and stability. Resolves system Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics Extn 27.20.100.9030: Improves integration between system services.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller – System devices 10.29.0.4842: Improves device audio performance.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) OED – System devices 10.29.0.4842: Improves device audio performance.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth Audio – Sound, video, and game controllers 10.29.0.4842: Improves device audio performance.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio – Sound, video, and game controllers 10.29.0.4842: Improves device audio performance.
- Intel Precise Touch Device – Human Interface Devices 3.0.100.241: Improves device touch response.
- Intel Wireless Bluetooth – Bluetooth 22.20.1.1: Improves Bluetooth stability.
- Surface Integration – System devices 30.39.139: Improves integration between system and pen inking.
- Surface ME – Firmware 15.0.1447.1: Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
- Surface System Aggregator – Firmware 10.101.139: Improves battery performance, system stability, and system telemetry reporting.
- Surface UEFI – Firmware 12.41.141: Improves system stability and system USB port identification.
Surface Pro 5 March 2021 update
These are the fixes and enhancements available for the first generation of the Pro fifth generation in March 2021:
- Intel HD Graphics 620 – Display adapter and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640– Display adapter27.20.100.8682: Improves graphics and system stability.
- Intel ICLS Client – Extension 1952.14.0.1470: Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
- Intel ICLS Client – Software devices 1.62.321.1: Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
- Intel Management Engine Interface – System devices 2040.100.0.1029: Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
- Surface ME – Firmware 11.8.82.3838: Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
The update should download and install automatically, but you go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and try to force the download manually if you have not received it.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.