Microsoft to update Surface Pro 3 with firmware, connectivity and pen fixes

Patch Tuesday came and went last week with no firmware updates for any of the four Microsoft Surface tablets.

On November 17, Microsoft officials shared a list of updates it planned to issue for the Intel-based Surface Pro 3, but didn't specify exactly when they'd deliver them beyond saying they'd come "in the upcoming update." The team said that customers have asked to learn about the updates for the (Surface Pro 3) device in advance of them being available," and that the list was based on that feedback.

I'm hearing Microsoft will make the mentioned Surface Pro 3 fixes available later today, November 18.

Update: Actually, it sounds like the updates are more likely tomorrow, November 19. Microsoft officials are not commenting as to when they will be available.

The list of what's coming in the Pro 3 update, according to Microsoft:

Surface Pro UEFI update (v3.11.350.0)

Resolves scenarios where the device will boot to a black screen if McAfee Defense Encryption 7.1.1 is installed.
Optimizes the FWPOST time to 3.7 seconds with the fast boot enabled.
Prevents situations where system clock loses time when battery falls below 3%.

Surface Home Button driver update (v2.0.1174.0)

Along with the pen update below, this helps prevent scenarios where device may accidentally wake up from sleep while being stored or carried.

Surface Pen Settings driver update (v2.5.14.0)

Along with the home button driver update above, this helps to prevent scenarios where the device may accidentally wake up from sleep while being stored or carried.

Wireless Network Controller and Bluetooth driver update (v15.68.3066.135)

Enables better throughput after waking from sleep and connecting to an 802.11AC network.
Ensures Infra scan list is not empty while connected to a wireless display adapter.
Resolves an issue connecting to Cisco 1242 access points.
Ensures device reconnects properly to a hidden SSID using a 5Ghz DFS channel after waking from sleep.
Adds customer-requested functionality to prefer 5Ghz connections when both a 2.4ghz and 5ghz connection are present with the same SSID.