This article provides comprehensive information regarding the March 2014 firmware and driver package released for the original Microsoft Surface Pro. This package is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, stability, and compatibility for users running Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 on their Surface Pro devices. It’s important to understand that this specific package is designed exclusively for the Surface Pro and is not compatible with the Surface RT.
The Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package represents a cumulative update, meaning it incorporates all previous updates and fixes along with new enhancements. This approach ensures that users receive the most up-to-date drivers and firmware available at the time of its release.
Purpose and Scope
The primary purpose of the Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package is twofold:
- Enterprise Deployment: It provides IT professionals with the necessary resources to create custom Windows 8 Pro images for enterprise-level deployments on Surface Pro devices. This allows for standardized configurations and streamlined management across multiple devices within an organization.
- System Repair: It offers a solution for resolving issues that may arise from custom installations of Windows 8 Pro on the Surface Pro. Problems such as driver conflicts, hardware malfunctions, or system instability can often be addressed by installing or reinstalling the appropriate drivers and firmware from this package.
Content of the Package
The Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package includes drivers for all hardware components within the Surface Pro, ensuring that each component functions correctly and efficiently. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Display Drivers: These drivers manage the display output, resolution, and graphical performance of the Surface Pro’s screen. Updates often address issues related to screen flickering, color accuracy, and compatibility with external monitors.
- Audio Drivers: Audio drivers control the Surface Pro’s speakers, microphone, and audio inputs/outputs. Updates may improve audio quality, fix microphone issues, and enhance compatibility with external audio devices.
- Touchscreen Drivers: These drivers manage the touchscreen functionality of the Surface Pro, enabling users to interact with the device using touch gestures. Updates can improve touch responsiveness, accuracy, and multi-touch support.
- Wireless and Bluetooth Drivers: Wireless drivers enable the Surface Pro to connect to Wi-Fi networks, while Bluetooth drivers facilitate wireless communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Updates can improve connection stability, speed, and security.
- Camera Drivers: Camera drivers control the Surface Pro’s front and rear-facing cameras. Updates may improve image quality, video recording capabilities, and compatibility with video conferencing applications.
- Chipset Drivers: Chipset drivers provide essential support for the Surface Pro’s motherboard and other core components. Updates can improve overall system stability and performance.
- Firmware Updates: Firmware updates are low-level software updates that directly modify the operation of the Surface Pro’s hardware. These updates can address critical bugs, improve system performance, and enable new features.
Updates Specific to Windows 8.0
While the documentation for the Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package doesn’t detail specific Windows 8.0 updates, it’s reasonable to assume that the package included fixes and improvements relevant to the original Windows 8 operating system. These could have included:
- Improved compatibility with Windows 8 applications.
- Enhanced system stability and performance on Windows 8.
- Bug fixes related to specific Windows 8 features.
Updates Specific to Windows 8.1
The Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package focused on improving the Windows 8.1 experience on the Surface Pro. While the original document lacks detailed descriptions, the types of updates typically included in such a package would be:
- Improved compatibility with the updated Windows 8.1 operating system.
- Enhanced power management for extended battery life.
- Optimized performance for the updated user interface and features.
- Fixes for issues specific to the Windows 8.1 upgrade process.
- Updates addressing compatibility issues with new hardware or software introduced in Windows 8.1.
- Improved support for DirectX 11.2, which was introduced with Windows 8.1, enhancing gaming and multimedia performance.
- Enhanced support for Miracast, allowing wireless screen mirroring to compatible devices.
Manual Update Instructions
The original documentation provided instructions for manually installing the Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package. Although the exact steps are not replicated here, the general process typically involves:
- Downloading the Package: Obtain the driver package from a trusted source (see download links below).
- Extracting the Files: Extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file to a folder on your Surface Pro.
- Identifying Required Drivers: Navigate to the extracted folder and locate the specific drivers that need to be updated.
- Updating Drivers via Device Manager: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar), locate the device for which you want to update the driver, right-click on it, and select "Update driver."
- Browsing to Driver Location: Choose the option to "Browse my computer for driver software" and point it to the folder where you extracted the driver files.
- Following On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation process.
- Restarting Your Surface Pro: Restart your Surface Pro to ensure that the changes take effect.
Important Considerations
- Compatibility: Always ensure that the driver package you are installing is specifically designed for your Surface Pro model and operating system. Installing incorrect drivers can lead to system instability or hardware malfunction.
- Backup: Before installing any new drivers or firmware, it’s always a good practice to create a system backup or restore point. This allows you to revert to a previous working state in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
- Official Sources: Download drivers and firmware only from trusted sources, such as the official Microsoft website or reputable driver download sites. Avoid downloading drivers from unknown or suspicious websites, as they may contain malware or outdated files.
Download Links
While direct links to the original March 2014 package might be difficult to find due to its age, here are some potential sources to explore:
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Original Source (If Still Available): This link would ideally lead to the original Microsoft download page.
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Alternative Download Site:
archive.org
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro Firmware and Driver March 2014 package played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and performance of the original Surface Pro. While it’s an older package, understanding its purpose and contents can still be valuable for users who are still running the original Surface Pro with Windows 8 or 8.1. Always ensure you download from trusted sources and back up your system before installing any updates. Remember that newer updates and drivers may be available through Windows Update, so it’s always a good idea to check for the latest updates through the standard Windows Update process.
Disclaimer: Download and install any driver at your own risk. Always back up your data before proceeding.