Surface 3 Updated for the First Time in 20 Months

Thinking About Surface 3 and the Future

Here’s a weird surprise: Microsoft’s lowly Surface 3 just received its first firmware update since late 2016.

“We’ve released new updates for Surface 3 devices running Windows 10,” Microsoft’s Brandon Records announced. “These updates include new firmware for Surface UEFI on devices with Windows 10 Version 1703 and above that resolves potential security vulnerabilities. For devices with Windows 10 Version 1803 [there is also] a new driver for Intel HD Graphics that improves compatibility with high-resolution external displays.”

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These updates are available via Windows Update, of course, but you can also get them in an updated set of driver sets from the Microsoft Download Center.

Here’s what’s available.

Surface UEFI version 1.51116.198.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 180002. You will receive this update on Surface 3 devices running Windows 10 version 1703 or higher.

Intel HD Graphics version 20.19.15.4835 improves compatibility with high-resolution external displays on Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803). You will receive this update on Surface 3 devices running Windows 10 version 1709 or higher.

I’m sure this update was triggered by Brad’s recent and failed Surface 3 experiment, as Microsoft telemetry must have shown that usage of this aging device had suddenly skyrocketed.

 

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Conversation 14 comments

  • asarathy

    Premium Member
    02 June, 2018 - 11:33 am

    <p>Hey my kids still use it. It was a pretty neat device made useless for adults with it's painfully slow storage</p>

  • marbo100

    02 June, 2018 - 12:15 pm

    <p>Just an FYI for anyone with the Surface 3. You can buy the Surface 3 dock on Amazon for $20, Quite a price drop from the $200 it was when it was new. When I bought it in March it was $15.</p>

  • skborders

    02 June, 2018 - 2:08 pm

    <p>I use one daily. I have Windows 10 running in S mode and battery life is finally tolerable and the device runs better than it has in a while</p>

    • mattijzz

      03 June, 2018 - 8:26 am

      <blockquote><a href="#280544"><em>In reply to skborders:</em></a></blockquote><p>How do I turn S mode on. Sounds good to me for a surface 3.</p>

    • Belralph

      03 June, 2018 - 11:13 am

      <blockquote><a href="#280544"><em>In reply to skborders:</em></a></blockquote><p>I'm interested also. A quick scan of the net didn't turn up anything. I believe the 1709 ISO install listed Windows 10 S. With some kind of work around i believe you can only restore an official Microsoft image to a Surface. It doesn't allow an install from a USB like on a regular PC. </p>

  • wolters

    Premium Member
    02 June, 2018 - 10:01 pm

    <p>My daughter has the Surface 3 and it is perfect for her. Still surprised on how capable it is for her…</p>

  • BlackForestHam

    03 June, 2018 - 5:00 am

    <p>My daughter, who is now a high school senior, loves her Surface 3 and refuses to let me buy her a newer model. Even let her play with the new ones at the Microsoft Store. </p><p><br></p><p>She also thinks Brad is "super cute", so I guess there really is no accounting for taste. (Just kidding, Brad!)</p>

  • Chuck Willemsen

    Premium Member
    03 June, 2018 - 9:07 am

    <p>Have love the size of the Surface 3 for travelling light anywhere and <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">fits into my camera bag which typically are designed for iPads. I use it for </span>doing simple tasks such as checking emails, Skype calls and surfing. Currently use it as my "Insider" test machine and works great. </p>

  • octafish

    03 June, 2018 - 10:39 am

    <p>My Surface 3 LTE has been in daily use since I got it 3 years ago. I absolutely love it for stuff that doesn't require huge amounts of horsepower. I've taken it all round the world twice, used it in many countries and wouldn't be without it and dread the day it retires itself. Will have to get the slightly more cumbersome Surface Pro but would really, really like MS to produce an updated version. </p>

  • Belralph

    03 June, 2018 - 11:07 am

    <p>I have two of the Surface 3s. It's my favorite when I need a strictly content consuming tablet. Lighter and smaller than the Pro. If it used a more mainstream charging cable I'd probably use it even more. Glad the haven't totally abandon it. </p>

    • TravisGreuel

      Premium Member
      04 June, 2018 - 3:21 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#280662"><em>In reply to Belralph:</em></a><em> Love mine too. Can't get more mainstream than micro-usb charger though.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • anchovylover

    03 June, 2018 - 5:54 pm

    <p>" <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I’m sure this update was triggered by Brad’s recent and failed Surface 3 experiment, as Microsoft telemetry must have shown that usage of this aging device had suddenly skyrocketed " </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LOL?, good one Paul. Just what I needed early on a Monday morning.?</span></p>

  • Jurjen Kranenborg

    03 June, 2018 - 6:07 pm

    <p>I still use my Surface 3 as my one-and-only computer. It is a full-featured, low-weight (kept-in-one-hand) and small W10 machine that runs anything (albeit at a slower pace) its Surface family siblings accept (which is important for me as I have a number of special use-cases related to mechatronics-related activities). Small but still perfect for what is offers with the latest W10 version, and with high audio/video quality as well. As far as I am concerned there is a market for such a device, and I tend to describe the Surface 3 as the device designed for me … . Consequently, looking forward to a Surface 4 …</p>

  • rafaelsolmaker

    04 June, 2018 - 8:41 pm

    <p>Time to update mine. Not the fastest around, but still running fine for what's it worth. Oh well, that was well spent money and I have no regrets.</p>

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