Paul or Brad, is Microsoft blocking the Intel Graphics Control Panel on Surface computers?

Paul or Brad, I have a request/favor: to settle this once and for all, could you ask Microsoft if they are blocking Surface computers from using Intel’s Graphics Control Panel? I’ve installed it via the Microsoft Store app on 3 different Surface computers and it won’t run. There is debate about what’s going on, some are saying that Microsoft is blocking it from running, others are saying that when Surface computers eventually get updated to the newer DCH Intel graphics drivers, Graphics Control Panel will run. I haven’t seen anyone from Microsoft actually say anything though, so if it’s not too much trouble please ask them so we all at least know what’s going on

Conversation 16 comments

  • Paul Thurrott

    Premium Member
    09 May, 2019 - 9:10 am

    <p>I will ask.</p>

    • Bdsrev

      09 May, 2019 - 12:58 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#426984">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>Paul thank you!</p>

      • Paul Thurrott

        Premium Member
        10 May, 2019 - 7:29 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#427037">In reply to Bdsrev:</a></em></blockquote><p>No worries … MSFT has confirmed receipt of question. Will get back to me.</p>

        • Bdsrev

          16 May, 2019 - 3:34 pm

          <blockquote><em><a href="#427277">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>Paul has Microsoft got back to you about this yet?</p>

          • Paul Thurrott

            Premium Member
            16 May, 2019 - 3:42 pm

            <blockquote><em><a href="#428637">In reply to Bdsrev:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yes. See above.</p>

  • ryokurin

    09 May, 2019 - 10:54 am

    <p>Probably worth checking to make sure Windows isn't putting an older driver on in it's place. I've had several Dell machines do that. When windows replaces it, it won't remove the DCH control panel, or will install it anyways if it was replaced before the store finishes it's update queue.</p>

  • jimchamplin

    Premium Member
    09 May, 2019 - 11:14 am

    <p>I have this issue on a Late 2012 Mac mini i7. Intel HD 4000 graphics. The drivers from the Apple Boot Camp package (downloaded with Brigadier) will install and give me a functioning control panel and menu on the desktop. The driver that comes from Windows Update will not. Turning off automatic drivers and using the driver from Intel's page works too.</p><p><br></p><p>None of them properly output audio via HDMI because reasons.</p>

  • willr

    09 May, 2019 - 2:49 pm

    <p>I was wondering about this too</p>

  • Paul Thurrott

    Premium Member
    16 May, 2019 - 3:44 pm

    <p>OK, just heard back. </p><p><br></p><p>The company told me it is aware that some Surface devices are experiencing issues with the Intel Graphics Control Panel Microsoft Store app and is working on a solution with Intel for those systems that are impacted. It will release an update through Windows Update when ready. </p><p><br></p><p>I was also told that this Store app is only compatible with Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, and Go. Earlier Surface devices (Surface Book 2, Laptop 1, Pro 5 and earlier) are not compatible.</p><p><br></p><p>Hope this helps.</p>

    • Bdsrev

      16 May, 2019 - 4:07 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428640">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>So they ARE blocking Graphics Control Panel on everything other than the Pro 6, Laptop 2 and Go? If so, that's crazy! That means even Surface Studio 2 customers are stuck with that Intel backlight dimming "feature"… I wish they would explain this better and more clearly</p>

      • jim_vernon

        Premium Member
        16 May, 2019 - 6:24 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#428646">In reply to Bdsrev:</a></em></blockquote><p>I don't know how you got "they're blocking it" from "it's not compatible with older devices".</p>

        • Bdsrev

          16 May, 2019 - 6:32 pm

          <blockquote><em><a href="#428706">In reply to Jim_Vernon:</a></em></blockquote><p>Because Intel says more devices are compatible, and they also say some OEM's block the app…</p>

    • willr

      16 May, 2019 - 4:20 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428640">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>Ok but what about the 'normal' Graphics Control Panel you get from the Intel website, not through the stupid Microsoft Store? Can you please ask them if that is blocked on Surface devices? </p>

    • Bdsrev

      16 May, 2019 - 6:31 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428640">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>Hey Paul sorry for posting again but Intel's website says the following chipsets are compatible with the Graphics Control Panel from the Microsoft Store:</p><p>"Only the Intel® Graphics Controllers listed below will receive an update to Windows DCH Drivers:</p><ul><li>Intel® UHD Graphics 620/630 (formerly codenamed Coffee Lake)</li><li>Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics 655 (formerly codenamed Coffee Lake)</li><li>Intel® UHD Graphics 600/605 (formerly codenamed Gemini Lake)</li><li>Intel® HD Graphics 620/630 (formerly codenamed Kaby Lake)</li><li>Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics 640/650 (formerly codenamed Kaby Lake)</li><li>Intel® HD Graphics 610/615 (formerly codenamed Gemini Lake)</li><li>Intel® HD Graphics 500/505 (formerly codenamed Apollo Lake)</li><li>Intel® HD Graphics 510/515/520/530 (formerly codenamed Skylake)</li><li>Intel® Iris™ Pro Graphics 580 (formerly codenamed Skylake)</li><li>Intel® Iris™ Graphics 540 (formerly codenamed Skylake)</li></ul><p>"</p>

    • Luís Pereira

      17 May, 2019 - 7:48 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428640">In reply to paul-thurrott:</a></em></blockquote><p>But does that mean that the blocked surfaces like Book 2 will be able to use the store app once those issues are fixed? Or that means that older surface will never have the new drivers?</p>

  • willr

    18 May, 2019 - 1:22 pm

    <p>Microsoft is putting out new SKU's of the Surface Book 2 as we speak yet this device isn't compatible with the Intel Graphics Control Panel? But the Surface Go is? That's nonsense.</p>

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