Figuring out your Thunderbolt version on Windows 10 might sound like one of those tech tasks reserved for IT pros, but honestly, it’s pretty straightforward—once you get the hang of it. The thing is, knowing your Thunderbolt version can save you a lot of hassle when you’re trying to buy compatible peripherals or troubleshoot connection issues. Sometimes, the ports look the same, but the underlying hardware is a different beast altogether. So, this guide helps you peek under the hood without resorting to some fancy third-party tools or complicated commands. Spoiler: it’s mostly about digging into Device Manager and reviewing driver info. It’s kind of weird, but that’s how Windows hides some of its secrets—so let’s crack that open.
How to Check Thunderbolt Version on Windows 10
Using Device Manager is usually the fastest way to get info about your Thunderbolt hardware. If you’re not familiar, Device Manager is like Windows’ backstage pass to all your hardware components—think of it as the place where you can peek at all the guts of your PC or laptop. The goal here is to find the Thunderbolt Controller listed under System Devices and check its driver version. That version number can tell you whether you’re rocking Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or maybe an earlier version. The whole process is pretty reliable, but on some setups, the device might not show up perfectly, especially if your drivers are out of date or the hardware isn’t properly recognized. Still, it’s worth a shot; it’s not rocket science.
Open Device Manager
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu, or just type “Device Manager” in the taskbar search and hit enter.
- This opens a window with all your hardware listed. If you’re on a super tight setup, you might want to make sure your system is fully updated, just in case some devices aren’t detected properly.
Find “System Devices” and Locate Thunderbolt Controller
- Scroll down to System Devices — it’s a big list, so be patient.
- Look for an entry labeled Thunderbolt(TM) Controller. Sometimes it’s called something like “Intel(R) Thunderbolt(TM) Controller” depending on your hardware.
- Double-click on that entry to open its properties. If you don’t see it, your device might not support Thunderbolt or the drivers aren’t installed properly—of course, Windows has to make things harder than necessary.
Check Driver Details
- In the Controller’s properties window, click on the Driver tab.
- This will show you the driver version number—it’s usually a long string like 34. Ramirez 1234 or whatever Microsoft decided to label it.
- Some people suggest looking up that version number online to see which Thunderbolt version it corresponds to, because, honestly, not every driver version map is perfectly clear. But generally, higher numbers usually mean newer versions or at least indicate the latest driver your system has installed.
Match the Driver Version to Known Thunderbolt Versions
Once you have that version number, a quick search online—like “Thunderbolt driver version 41.4.15” — can help you figure out if you’re running Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4. Keep in mind, driver versions can sometimes be misleading if you’re not using the original hardware or drivers from your manufacturer. In some cases, OEM-specific drivers may not report in a standard way.
On one setup, this worked perfectly; on another, I had to go into the manufacturer’s support page (like Intel or the PC maker’s site) to get the right info. It’s kind of fuzzy, but so far, checking the driver is the best bet without diving into BIOS or other more complicated routes.
If it doesn’t show up or you suspect the driver info is wrong, another thing to consider is updating your system drivers or BIOS, which sometimes opens things up a bit. But that’s for another time.
Tips for Checking Thunderbolt Version on Windows 10
- Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated; sometimes, missing updates hide hardware details or cause drivers to not update properly.
- If your Thunderbolt Controller isn’t showing up, check if your device actually supports Thunderbolt — not all laptops do, especially the budget ones.
- Driving the latest drivers from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer can make a difference. Sometimes Intel releases new drivers that add support or fix quirks.
- Use tools like Device Manager or even third-party apps like Thunderbolt Control Center if your hardware supports it for more detailed info.
- And yeah, a quick Google search with your laptop model + “Thunderbolt driver” can sometimes clarify exactly what’s supported and the driver version needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my laptop has Thunderbolt?
Check the physical ports — they usually have a lightning bolt icon next to or on the port. If you see that, it’s likely Thunderbolt, but best to confirm by checking Device Manager as explained above.
Can I upgrade my Thunderbolt version?
Unfortunately, nope. Thunderbolt versions are tied to hardware, so you’d need a new motherboard or device to move to Thunderbolt 4 if you’re on Thunderbolt 3 or earlier.
Do all Windows 10 computers have Thunderbolt?
Nope, most mid- and lower-range models skip Thunderbolt altogether. It’s more common on high-end laptops, gaming rigs, or workstations meant for data-heavy tasks.
What’s the benefit of knowing my Thunderbolt version?
It’s mostly about compatibility and speeds. Thunderbolt 4 supports daisy chaining, higher data transfer, and even power delivery, so knowing what you have helps you pick the right accessories.
Is updating Thunderbolt drivers safe?
Generally yes, but always grab drivers from official sources — your PC manufacturer or Intel. Unofficial drivers might cause issues or even brick your device.
Summary
- Open Device Manager via Windows + X and then Device Manager.
- Find System Devices and locate Thunderbolt Controller.
- Double-click and go to the Driver tab.
- Note the driver version number.
- Look up that number online to figure out which Thunderbolt version you have.
Wrap-up
Honestly, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Once you get into Device Manager and see that driver info, you’re pretty much set. Sometimes, driver updates or BIOS tweaks are needed to get everything recognized correctly, but for the most part, this method works across the board. Knowing your Thunderbolt version can really help when buying accessories or troubleshooting issues, so it’s worth the few minutes it takes.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone trying to figure out if their laptop can handle Thunderbolt gear or not. Just remember to keep your drivers updated and check your hardware specs if you hit snags.