Vaio Pro 13 Windows 10 Update Experience

I have taken the plunge and updated my Vaio Pro 13 to Windows 10, so I thought I would share my experience with everyone.

To start off with, my laptop has the latest drivers from Sony installed. (i.e. There is nothing pending in the Vaio Update app) After the update I have only come across a small number of issues and they are:

Hardware

Fixed Hardware Issues

• Bluetooth was not working (this was fixed by downloading the latest driver from Intel directly)
• Touchscreen is partially working - For example, I cannot scroll, zoom in/out or swipe in from left/right using the touchscreen. (This is fixed by following the steps here: http://www.egalax.com.tw/Win10Update.html)

Software

Whilst certainly usable the current version of Windows 10 is still buggy but the bugs are not catastrophic. Certain examples are:

• Clicking on an email notification in the action center does not open the message if it's from Outlook, only works for the mail app. Not sure if this is by design.
• Right clicking on the start button to open the shortcuts for some reasons show the Windows Explorer option as "3 - Windows Explorer"
• Action Centre has recently refused to open (was working but now stopped working again)

Fixed Software Issues

• Logonui error on going to sleep - Seems to have resolved itself
• Pinned favourites folders in the new mail app keeps unpinning themselves - Seems to have resolved itself
• Fuzzy Texts (Application Scaling) - If there is a desktop application that is displaying fuzzy texts then try going into the application shortcut properties > compatibility > tick "DIsable display scaling on high DPI settings".
• Clicking on search results that is from the Windows store does not open the link (fixed in latest update)
• Cortana - I am in the UK and there is no Cortana. (works by downloading the UK language pack, INCLUDING the UK text to speech pack)

It would be great if you have experience for some of these issues and let everyone know if you found the solution to them.

I hope this helps!

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I got mine working too SVP1322A4E, Bluetooth was working but touch screen still not working after applying your fix above. For Cortana you have to download UK language pack separately before it works. My big problem is with the display when playing videos with native built in apps like film and tv, I get distorted colours on the right side of the screen or with the latest display driver update I get highly noisy image. Even xbox streaming gives same effect. However vlc win 32 runs all videos smoothly.

 

Thanks for the tip! I manage to get Cortana working now.
That's interesting about the video issues, I am running the CPU with the intel hd 4400 so the drivers might different. Have you tried downloading the driver directly from Intel? Many people have also manage to fix it by rolling back the driver.

 

Here you van find a solution for the distorted video on the right side of the screen:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...-upgrade/c876cbd2-9b5c-4135-aa57-d7e33c6f9147

 

I made a little "guide" on how to properely install Windows 10 on the Vaio Pro: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...unge-svp13-2013.720737/page-355#post-10073933

This guide works with every Vaio SV-Series notebook (Vaio Pro is SVP series if anybody doesn't know)

 

Hi!

I upgraded my SVP1321 from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 1511, following Sony's instructions.

My initial environment was:
- Windows 8.1 fully updated
- OEM recovery partition removed
- Windows 10 updated using the option "remove apps and users files"

The idea was that after the Windows 10 update, Vaio Update was going to execute and download/update tools and drivers, but that never happened, perhaps because I selected a clean upgrade.

I decided to install the original Vaio Control Center & Power Manager package for Windows 8 64 bits, and then the latest Sony Vaio Update. Vaio Update detected a downloaded a new version of Sony Vaio Control Center.

Then I opened the Device Manager and started to update the Intel drivers from the Microsoft repository.

My final version numbers are:

• Sony Firmware Extension Parser - 8.0.2.5
• Sony Shared Library - 6.1.0.02040
• Vaio Control Center - 6.2.17.09140
• Vaio Update - 7.1.0.08060

• Intel HD Graphics - 10.18.15.4256
• NXP Driver - 6.6.0.0
• Intel CPPC - 1.0.0.1018
• Intel Management Engine Interface - 11.0.0.1157
• Realteck HD Audio - 6.0.1.7564
• Intel Smart Connect Technology - 1.0.8.0
• Intel Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller - 12.8.0.1016

Problems:
Very few so far.
Vaio Control Center has a couple of options missing:

• Image quality: no image quality presets (vivid, etc)
• Sound quality: missing altogether. I miss the sound presets, the "music" one was very good.
• The most important ones, like battery care and adaptive brightness seems to work ok.

I believe that sometimes after suspend/hibernate, the brightness setting resets to 100%, but I'm not sure.

Todo:
Intel Smart Connect Technology: driver seems very old.
Intel Series SATA AHCI: not sure if worth to install Intel Rapid Storage Technology 14.6.0.1029
Vaio Control Center: investigate missing features.

 

@Fedda provided a new link with Windows 10 drivers https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/mode...te_id=1&region_id=1&tab=download#/downloadTab

On the Vaio Control Center changelog you can read:

• Removes the multi-touch gesture function
• Removes the X-reality feature
• Removes the Sony Sound Effect function

Confirmed this features are removed then.

 

My experience so far - everything works great EXCEPT for the damn battery life... now the batteries get drained in no time, literally within an hour, hour and a half of using the laptop. As in, something is totally jacked in Win 10 that's just not playing along well with the battery.

Anyone else experience this?

 

I didn't do any tests on battery. Seems similar to the Windows 8 performance, but I'm using the battery care function that prevents the battery to reach 100%.

I'll keep an eye, but I can recommend:
- On task manager -> details tab -> right-click and select the CPU Time column. Sort by this column and keep an eye on CPU usage over time. (In my system Windows Defender is almost always on top, which is weird)
- Open the Services Manager, and take a look at anything named Sony... In my system I have a Sony Control Center helper (running), but also a Sony Power Manager that is always disabled.
- Take a look at the advanced power functions.

Something interesting about power manager: when I first installed Windows 10, I found the power button blinking orange a couple of times. That I believe is the standby mode, and never happened ever on Windows 8. After installing Sony's base package (Control center + power management + shared library), the system no longer enters standby.

 

I posted this in the VAIO Pro 13 Owner's thread but thought I should post it here as well to get some feedback quicker:

I have the SVP13226PXB.

I did a clean install of Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and let Windows Update install all the drivers and stuff. I did not install anything on my own. There is still one thing in Device Manager that does not have a driver and I can't seem to figure out what it is.

Secondly, today I noticed that the mouse was right-clicking on its own on the desktop. I had to move around on the trackpad and click it a couple of times and the issue went away. Not sure what happened here. Not sure if it will come back either.

Lastly, I've also noticed that when the screen goes to sleep at the desktop (without a lock screen) and I wake up the screen by moving the mouse, there is no pointer on the screen. I have to keep motioning down on the trackpad till I reach the taskbar and then I can see the mouse pointer on the screen. Every time this happens, I have to keep dragging down on the trackpad till I reach the taskbar and then suddenly the mouse pointer shows up.

Also, I really miss the ClearAudio presets I had in Windows 8.1. They really enhanced the sound. Now it just sounds like every other laptop.

I'm debating whether or not to just sell it and get another ultrabook that has "proper" Windows 10 support (something I really don't want to do because I love the design of the VAIO Pro 13)

 

I believe this is the "Sony Firmware Extension Device Parser" You can download it here https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/mode...te_id=1&region_id=1&tab=download#/downloadTab under "System Components" (remember to switch to Windows 10 64).
I can recommend also install the Share Library and the Vaio Update service, since Sony is still providing updates for Windows 10.
You can also install the Vaio Control Center, but only if you want the dynamic backlight, battery care and fan noise features.

Not sure if you're talking about an external mouse or the clickpad. ¿Can you provide more information?

Yeah, same here. I'm using the built-in equalizer, but is not the same. I was looking into alternatives, but I don't have time to play with them right now. For example, there are a bunch of auto-equializers like ( http://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/). Also, Realtek provides sound enhancement support using Maxx Audio (by Waves), but not all systems are compatible.

 

Thanks for the reply!

I'll try downloading and installing the "Sony Firmware Extension Device Parser" and see if it deals with the unknown device in Device Manager.

Regarding your question on whether I was talking about an external mouse or the clickpad, I was referring to the clickpad. I've never used an external mouse with this laptop.

Also, anything on this:

 

Yes, that's weird. I have no problems with my clickpad, in fact, works so much better than 8.1.
Take a look on "Program and Features" to see if you have the Synaptics drivers already installed. If you see it there, uninstall it, reboot and wait for Windows Update to reinstall the driver.

About the mouse pointer problem, could be related to the Synaptics drivers, but also perhaps Intel video drivers. I can suggest to open the device manager, right click on every "Intel" driver listed there and select "update driver". Let Windows to look for new versions online. You can do this AFTER the Synaptics driver reinstallation, so you can also search for new Synaptics drivers.

 

OK, installing the "Sony Firmware Extension Device Parser" fixed the unknown device issue in Device Manager. I also installed the Shared Library. I didn't get the self right-clicking clickpad this time but I still do have the disappearing mouse pointer after waking the screen up from sleep (not the whole laptop but just the screen's sleep mode). Didn't have time to uninstall and reinstall the drivers like you said but will try later.

By the way, if I want to install the VAIO Update software, do I have to install some older version before installing the latest one from Sony's website? I think that's what the instructions said prior to the download.

 

Try first right-clicking the drivers on the Device Manager, and update them online. Many drivers (Intel in particular) have new versions.

Yes, but I just installed the latest one for my model. The installer will tell you if it needs a previous version.

Talking about odd things, one thing I noticed immediately after Win10 installation, prior to software/drivers download, was the power light blinking red after sometime of inactivity. I learned this could be an indicator of standby mode, but after drivers/software installation, it is not longer reproducible, and I don't have any suspend/standby option on the power settings.

 

Thanks again.

However, I did my clean install of Windows 10 about two weeks ago. Shouldn't Windows Update already have installed the latest drivers? I have yet to search for updates through Device Manager due to time but will try on the weekend.

 

Windows update usually have some stable version of the drivers, and they tend not to push incremental updates but for critical flaws, but they usually keep somewhat updated versions of the drivers on the database online. So, if you explicit check for a new driver, Windows update seeks for the latest version, not the "stable" one.

 

Thanks. Didn't know that. Anyway, I tried manually updating the Synaptics and Intel HD drivers through Device Manager. Both said they are already up-to-date. Haven't tried uninstalling and reinstalling them just yet. By the way, that self-clicking clickpad issue hasn't come back yet but the disappearing mouse pointer is still here. However, I noticed it only disappears when I first boot the laptop and leave it at the desktop without moving the mouse. When you first boot into Windows and don't move the mouse, the mouse pointer stays hidden till you move the mouse. If I boot into Windows, don't touch the mouse (i.e. the mouse is hidden on the desktop) and let the screen go to sleep, upon waking the screen the mouse pointer stays hidden till I move it to the taskbar. If, however, the mouse pointer is on the screen already and then the screen goes to sleep, upon waking the screen the mouse pointer will be there. Not a huge issue it seems.

 

About the drivers, if the online update tells you that there are no new versions, then is fine.

BTW my version numbers are:
HD Graphics 10.18.15.4279
Intel 8 Series Chipset SATA 12.8.0.1016
Intel Dual Band Wireless N-7260 18.21.0.2
Realtek HD audio 6.0.1.7564
Intel CPPC 1.0.0.1018
Intel Management Engine Interface 11.0.0.1157
Synaptics Clickpad 19.0.15.2

About the mouse pointer, I'm going to check on my side, but, you know, the Windows 10 lock screen is currently a bit buggy, and I've experienced other problems after sleep or hibernation.

 

Ok, confirmed the mouse pointer behavior, seems to be by design, perhaps because the notebook has a touchscreen.

 

Thanks.

Do you think Sony will fix all the current issues the VAIO Pro 13 has with Windows 10 or is Sony done with providing updates and whatnot? If you think they will continue to fix issues, any idea if ClearAudio will return in Windows 10?

 

Well, to be fair, I don't have any problems with specific Sony-hardware and Windows 10.
- Weak wifi disconnections are gone
- Touchpad works OK out-of-the-box
- Adaptive backlight works OK
- Keyboard backlight works OK
- Battery care works OK
- Battery life seems OK, no real improvements here but none expected

The only thing I miss is Clearaudio, and I'm not sure about the nature of the problem. If this is about drivers, perhaps we can expect some magic fix in the future; but if this requires reengineering, seems unlikely that Sony is going to fix it

On the Vaio Community people is downgrading the drivers to restore sound quality http://community.sony.com/t5/VAIO-W...-drivers-that-work-with-windows-10/m-p/516334 I didn't tested it, so, if you want to try be careful and always create a restore point before messing with drivers.

 

I am trying to install the "Hard Drive" drivers from the following link for Windows 10 64-bit:

https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/mode...te_id=1&region_id=1&tab=download#/downloadTab

After I double-click the downloaded file, it extracts the files but the installer never starts. I found the folder where it extracts the files and it is empty. I've tried double-clicking it several times and each time it extracts the files but no installer starts or is present on the computer. However, do I even need the Intel SATA AHCI drivers or can I just live with the standard Microsoft drivers? My SSD seems to be performing fine as it is.

 

Hi!
Yes, I didn't bother with the Intel drivers, since the Microsoft is now providing real Intel drivers (no just generic ones), and they seems to be up-to-date.

Mine reads: Intel 8 Series Chipset Family Controller SATA AHCI version 12.8.0.1016

If you have a generic MS one, try right-clicking and selecting "update".

 

I'm investigating a bit about the audio quality on the Vaio, and found something weird.

Currently windows update install drivers version 6.0.1.7564 by Realtek Semiconductor Corp. This drivers sound awful, and have an enhancements tab that look like this:



Based on this post on Sony Community forums http://community.sony.com/t5/VAIO-W...-drivers-that-work-with-windows-10/m-p/516334 I started to test with other driver versions.
I installed versions 10.0.10586.0 by Microsoft (usually available if you rollback the previous driver) and 6.0.1.7469 by Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Those drivers sound so much better! This is the enhancements pane I have using both of them:



So, seems that the driver downloaded by Windows Update, even if the version number is kind of similar, has a very different implementation of the sound system, perhaps more specific to Windows 10.
The problem now is that if you rollback or install another driver, Windows Update reinstalls the specific Windows 10 driver again and again.

 

Not if you prevent MS from messing around with your drivers by disabling WU for third party apps and drivers.
Might have to redo it at next half -yearly version update though..

 

Since we are on the sound topic, I was wondering if the new non-Sony VAIO laptops have ClearAudio? Since it is a Sony thing, I am assuming "no" because VAIO is no longer part of Sony?

 

Cannot comment on that, I do use my laptop for hd audio.. but it's only an old Vaio Z, now on Windows 10.

 

My upgrade experience is mostly positive. Before win 10, the gestures on the trackpad didn't always work and reinstalling drivers or rolling back drivers was too much of a hassle on 8.1 Now on win 10 no issues with the trackpad, works like a charm. I had to install the intel graphics driver myself since I noticed after the initial win 10 upgrade the laptop would crash or hang at times, after the intel gfx update no such issues have appeared.

Everything else works fine, some apps have problems on win 10 but that is an issue of the app and not the OS. Generally feel that win 10 should have been the OS to be released after 8 but better late than never. I've been using Edge a lot more now, I feel it runs faster than chrome or FF and is less of a memory hog but. I'll look into the sata drivers to see what version windows installed.

seems my sata drivers are from 21/06/2006, 10.0.10586.0, can't seem to update it either using windows update or the file from sony.

 

Yes, but this is kind of a on/off switch. I have no problems letting WU to update other drivers.

A follow up, I'm now using the latest Realtek drivers here. Those drivers have the "Equializer" version of the preferences, but I've found that there are two different versions of that panel, with different presets. Seems that Windows 10 have a default set, while Realtek has a custom set.



Anyway, I you are not satisfied with your audio experience, try this:

First try with the latest Realtek drivers: http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false
If you are not satisfied, try this version (be aware that WU is going to overwrite them): http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/DriversForWin8.1/Audio/Audio_Realtek_Win81_64_VER6017469.zip

Let me know how that sounds. I'm now using the latest drivers and the "live" equializer, but I believe the old non "equializer" drivers are better.

 

Sony has a small part on Vaio, so, who knows? But I'm pretty sure that Vaio is going to add something similar, since is common on premium laptops to have something to enhance the sound experience. Realtek is pushing hard Maxx (I saw it on Dell, MSI, Toshiba, etc).

 

MIne are 12.8.0.1016 8/1/2013. Have you tried to update them via "update drivers" from the Device manager?

 

Yup, says driver is up to date.

 

Yeah, that's odd. I never installed an Intel driver here, all driver are from WU, and very up-to-date.
On Sony's drivers page for my model, they recommend to install this one for Windows 10 http://esupport.sony.com/LA/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=SVP13215CLB&upd_id=9175&os_group_id=29

 

Well do you have Raid on your device? because I do not on mine and this may be the issue.

 

No, I have the original 128g SSD untouched.

 

Slight off-topic question, but...

If you had to replace your VAIO Pro 13, what would you get?

 

Probably a Dell XPS 13:



Samsung Series 9 or Ativ book:



People is talking nice things about the HP Envy 13, but the white-low-contrast keyboard bothers me.



I think nothing beats the thin bezel on the Dell.

 

Thanks.

What about the post-Sony VAIO laptops? Would you buy a VAIO Pro 13 mk2 if it was available to you or are you done with VAIO laptops?

 

Speaking off, my pro 13's fan started making some buzzing noise since last day, no idea what it is, maybe it is busted but replacing would mean I would need to fix it myself. So I will probably be buying something new to replace it, most likely the new xps 13. While waiting for the Vaio Z to appear on the US for purchase is doable, I fear it will be missing a thunderbolt 3, while not a deal breaker for some people, it will be for me. I'll see how long can live with the buzzing, if Vaio doesn't announce any new Vaio's by february I will just get the XPS.

 

I think I can consider the machine a second generation SVP, so, perhaps. But first I want to hear about the support chain, and how good/bad is.

 

Good afternoon,
I did a clean installation of the operating system, Windows 10 Professional, and downloaded from the SONY website the original drivers/application for the restore but I am not able to install anything.
When I run the setup, the installation go ahead, then ask me to reboot the PC to apply the changes but at the end... nothing happens. How can I do to re-install the Sony applications?


Thanks!!!

 

1 year back I tried installing Win10 on Vaio T-Series. Display was not working well, bluetooth did not work. I did a fresh installation yesterday and was able to configure everything properly - windows is working fine, no unidentified devices.
Here is the list of final drivers and their versions if it helps anyone:
http://sbytestream.pythonanywhere.com/blog/Windows-10-On-Vaio