Thunderbolt 3 Dock - Dual Monitor 4K 60Hz TB3 Laptop Docking Station with DisplayPort - PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure - 85W Power Delivery - SD 4.0, 10Gbps USB-C, 2 USB-A Hub - TAA

Questions & Answers

Will my DisplayPort adapter work with this docking station?
Only active DisplayPort adapters are supported when connecting DisplayPort outputs to HDMI or DVI displays through this docking station. Passive DisplayPort adapters are not compatible with this device. Explanation: This docking station requires active DisplayPort video conversion when connecting HDMI or DVI monitors through DisplayPort outputs. Active adapters contain integrated conversion circuitry that converts the DisplayPort signal to the required display format. Passive adapters rely on DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++) functionality and are not supported with this docking station. You can confirm whether a DisplayPort adapter is active or passive in the Technical Specifications for each product on our website. Before deployment, verify that the adapter supports the required resolution, refresh rate, and display configuration for your installation.

I am having issues with my new network interface card (NIC) and my on-board NIC is still enabled. What do I do in Windows?
Sometimes an on-board network interface card (NIC) conflicts with a new NIC. In these cases it is best to disable the on-board NIC. The best way to disable your on-board NIC is to go into your BIOS and disable it there if possible. To do this, consult your motherboard manual. You can also disable any NIC in Windows. Here is how you do this: First click Start , or, in Windows 10 and 8, hold down the Windows key and press X . Then click Control Panel . Windows 10 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 8 Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows 7 Click Network and Internet . Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Change adapter settings . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows Vista Click Network and Sharing Center . On the left, click Manage network connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable . Windows XP Click Network Connections . Right-click the NIC that you would like to disable and select Disable .

Why do I have speed or connectivity issues?
If you are experiencing speed or connectivity issues, it is best to set a specific speed at half or full duplex in your settings. You can set your network adapter to perform at a certain speed, but the device that the adapter is connected to (whether it is a router, switch, or computer) must also be able to perform at the same speed. Note : You must log in as the local administrator before you continue. To open Device Manager: Press Windows key + R . Type devmgmt.msc . Click OK . Open the Networking adapters section. Right-click the network adapter that you want to change and select Properties . Click the Advanced tab. Scroll down to Speed & Duplex . By default, it is set to Auto-Negotiate . Select any of the speeds that you see in the list. Click OK and restart your computer.

My computer is not properly detecting my Thunderbolt 3 device. What do I do?
If your computer is not detecting your Thunderbolt™ 3 device, try the following: Update the Thunderbolt software on your Thunderbolt 3 host device. Update the Thunderbolt controller NVM firmware on your Thunderbolt 3 host device. Update the Thunderbolt controller drivers. Update your motherboard BIOS or UEFI. For more information about how to update the software, firmware, drivers, and BIOS or UEFI, refer to the website of the manufacturer of the Thunderbolt 3 host device. The following website includes links to some of the manufacturers of Thunderbolt 3 host devices: https://thunderbolttechnology.net/updates . If the manufacturer of your host device is not listed, you should contact the manufacturer or refer to their website for more information. For more information about how to check which version of the Thunderbolt software and firmware you are currently using, see the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/thunderbolt-3-check-software-firmware . For more information about Thunderbolt 3 host system and motherboard compatibility, refer to the Thunderbolt 3 Compatibility and Troubleshooting guide .

What do I do if only the video portion of my Thunderbolt device is working?
When you connect a Thunderbolt™ device to any Windows operating system that can support Thunderbolt 3, a pop-up message appears. To use your Thunderbolt 3 device do one of the following: Select Connect Only Once . Select Always Connect . Caution! If you select Do Not Connect , only video will pass through on your Thunderbolt 3 device. If you accidentally set a Thunderbolt™3 device to not connect to your computer when prompted by the system, you can force the software to prompt you again for authentication. To do so, complete the following: Right-click the Thunderbolt icon. Click Approve Attached Devices . Select the Thunderbolt 3 port that you want to authenticate.

My DisplayPort displays are not working at 60Hz with this adapter. How do I resolve this issue?
To use a Thunderbolt 3 adapter to output to a display at 60Hz, your monitor must support the refresh rate and you need to set the monitor to work at 60Hz. By default, most monitors are set to DP1.1, which will not work with this Thunderbolt 3 device when you use a display at 60Hz. In most cases, you need to set your monitor's DisplayPort settings to DP1.2. To resolve this issue, use the buttons on your monitor to change the DisplayPort settings to DP1.2. For more information about changing your monitor settings, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your monitor.

How do I configure additional displays in Windows?
Windows 11 To configure displays in Windows 11, complete the following: Press the Windows + I (capital letter i) keys together to open Settings Click 'System' > 'Display' Click 'Duplicate these displays' and choose 'Extend these displays' (if needed). Click ‘Identify’ to determine the number assigned to each display. Drag and drop each display accordingly to the physical layout on your desk. Click the Apply button. Windows 10 To configure displays on Windows 10, complete the following: Press the Windows + I (capital letter i) keys together. Click 'System' > 'Display' Under the ‘Multiple displays’ section, select ‘Extend Desktop To This Display.’ Click ‘Identify’ to determine the number assigned to each display. Drag and drop each display accordingly to the physical layout on your desk. Click the Apply button.

How do I arrange extended displays on macOS?
To arrange extended displays on macOS, complete the following. Navigate to the Apple Menu > System Preferences, click Displays , then click Arrangement . Make sure that the ‘ Mirror Displays ’ checkbox is not selected. Click on each display to determine what number each display is assigned to. Drag and drop each display accordingly to the physical layout on your desk.

Can I use my network card for a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)?
StarTech.com does not support a Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) as this requires third-party software. However, our devices can be used as long as the following conditions are met: The BIOS must support PXE. The BIOS must see the card. The environment must have drivers for the chipset used in the card. If using a USB networking card, the environment must have support for USB devices as well.

Can I use a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 device on a USB-C or USB4 port?
No, a Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 device requires a Thunderbolt-enabled port and will not work on a USB-C port that does not support Thunderbolt. Explanation: Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5 use the USB-C connector, but they require Thunderbolt protocol support from the host port, cable, and device. Compatibility rules are as follows: A Thunderbolt device (Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5) only works when connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C port. A standard USB-C port without Thunderbolt support does not support Thunderbolt devices and will result in no functionality. USB-C devices are compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 5 ports because Thunderbolt includes USB support. USB4 ports may support Thunderbolt 3 devices, but this support is optional and not guaranteed. USB4 does not ensure compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 devices. To confirm compatibility, look for the Thunderbolt symbol on the host port, cable, and device. If the Thunderbolt symbol is not present, the connection supports USB-C only and does not support Thunderbolt devices. All components in the connection must support the required Thunderbolt standard to ensure proper operation and full performance.

Why is only one external display working with my Apple M1 or M2 Mac?
Late 2020 models of MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13-inch, and Mac Mini systems using the original Apple M1 or 2022 models of MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro using the Apple M2 chip support only a single external display over the Thunderbolt 3 ports, even when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 docking station or adapter with more than one video output. This limitation also applies to using multiple Thunderbolt or USB Type-C display adapters on both Thunderbolt/USB Type-C ports. This is not a limitation of StarTech.com products specifically, and Apple lists support for only one external display in the Tech Specs for Video Support on the M1 MacBook Pro 13” [external link to apple.com]. Turning off the laptop display or using clamshell mode does not change this. One option that allows for more than one external display with an Apple M1 or M2 silicon is to use a USB-C DisplayLink-based docking station or video adapter that requires a driver install. One dual monitor example is our DK30CHDDPPD, but please contact StarTech.com support for a recommendation based on your specific setup. Please note: this single monitor limitation does not affect Intel-based Macs with Thunderbolt 3, or later M1 and M2 models that ship with M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2 Pro, or M2 Max processors.

What DC barrel connector power plug types do StarTech.com products use, and what are their dimensions?
StarTech.com DC barrel connector plug types are defined in the “Plug Type” field of the technical specifications, using a letter code that specifies the connector’s outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) in millimeters for power adapter compatibility. Explanation: In StarTech.com technical specifications, the “Plug Type” field is a standardized identifier for the exact DC barrel connector size required to power a product. Each plug type is assigned a letter code that corresponds to a specific combination of outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID), measured in millimeters. Common DC barrel plug type dimensions Plug Type OD ID A 2.35 mm 0.7 mm B 4.0 mm 1.7 mm C 4.75 mm 1.7 mm H 3.4 mm 1.3 mm L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm M 5.5 mm 2.1 mm N 5.5 mm 2.5 mm The DC barrel connector plug type must match both the outer diameter and inner diameter exactly. A mismatch between the StarTech.com product requirement and the power adapter connector can prevent proper fit or stable power delivery, which may result in device startup failure or intermittent operation. The plug type defines only the physical connector size. The plug type does not define electrical power requirements such as voltage, current, or polarity. The power adapter used with a StarTech.com product must match the product’s specified electrical requirements. Using an incompatible power adapter can cause device malfunction or permanent damage. This standardized DC barrel connector plug type system enables IT professionals and procurement teams to verify connector dimensions, ensure power adapter compatibility, standardize hardware deployments, and identify the correct replacement power supply for StarTech.com products.