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Plugable Thunderbolt™ 4 16-in-1 Docking Station for MacBook Air/Pro
$269.95 USD
SKU: TBT4-UDZAmazon Rating : (424 Reviews)
Features
- Award Winning Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock— Premium 16-in-1 design enables dual 4K 60Hz screens on M4/M5 Macs, Windows and USB4. Laptop Mag 2025 Dock of the Year with 7 USB ports, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, SD/microSD slots, audio, and 100W charging.
- Seamless Dual Monitor Setup for M4/M5 Macs— This dual monitor for laptop docking station enables two 4K 60Hz displays via HDMI or DisplayPort—no drivers needed. Just plug and play. Also supports Windows Thunderbolt 4/USB4 laptops.
- 100W Power Delivery— Ensure all-day laptop charging with 100W Power Delivery. Third party lab tested to UL standards for safe, worry-free charging. Automatically adjusts for lower power systems and provides USB-C and USB ports for peripheral charging.
- Universal Compatibility— Works with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and USB-C laptops. Compatible with macOS 11+ and Windows 10 or later. This dual monitor docking station connects effortlessly with the included Thunderbolt 4 cable (40Gbps, 3.3ft/1m).
- Boost Productivity— Turn your laptop into a powerful dual monitor workstation with this dual monitor thunderbolt dock. Perfect for multitasking, content creation, and professional workflows - perfect for Mac users needing a clean, simple dual-monitor solution.
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping When Buying Direct!
| Dual 4K Display on Mac | Using a Mac with an M4, M5 or M3, or any Pro/Max CPU, extend your desktop to 2x screens using any combination of HDMI and/or DisplayPort. Macs with a base M1 / M2 CPU only support one external display, while the M3 can support up to two external displays with the lid closed while running up to date macOS. This laptop docking station dual monitor solution ensures seamless multi-screen productivity. |
| Quad 4K Display on Windows | With this Thunderbolt 4 docking station Windows Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 computers can use the 2x HDMI ports, and 2x DisplayPort ports to connect as many as 4x screens at up to 4K 60Hz. Can also be used as a single, dual, or triple display docking station. Windows Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C laptops can support up to dual displays. |
| 100W Power Delivery | The laptop Thunderbolt docking station offers USB Power Delivery up to 100W (98W certified) — no more climbing under the desk to get plugged in. Not all laptop docking stations handle power the same. With the TBT4-UDZ, if your laptop needs less power, the docking station adjusts and only sends the optimal wattage. And with 6x available USB ports, and one USB-C port, your devices will always have a place to connect. |
| 16 Ports to Power Productivity | The TBT4-UDZ has all the ports you need: 2x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (to host), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 3x USB (10Gbps), 2x USB (5Gbps), 1x USB 2.0 (charging), SD and microSD Card Slots, Audio In/Out, Gigabit Ethernet (2.5Gbps*)*Actual Ethernet port speed determined by OS version and host model. To reach 2.5Gbps speeds, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet switch or 2.5Gbps network router is required. |
| Compatibility | The TBT4-UDZ is compatible with *Windows 10+ and **macOS 11+. Connect via Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4 or USB-C via included Thunderbolt 4 cable (40Gbps, 3.3ft/1m). Actual number of screens that can be extended depends on the capabilities of the host computer. *On some Windows laptops, enabling four displays may require a Windows settings change to disable the internal screen. **On Macs, additional monitors beyond specs below may not function, and/or will “mirror” rather than extend. |
A: No, Macs with Intel or Apple M4, M5 & M3 chips and all Pro/Max CPUs support up to dual 4K 60Hz displays. Base M1/M2 chips support one external display. Base M3 supports up to two external displays with the lid closed while running up to date macOS.
A: No, the TBT4-UDZ has a front Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps host port to connect a computer and a rear USB-C 10Gbps port for connecting accessory devices. The USB-C 10Gbps port is for USB data and charging only and does not support Thunderbolt devices.
A: HDMI and DisplayPort monitors are supported at up to 4K 60Hz. Thunderbolt and USB-C monitors are not supported. To convert DisplayPort to HDMI, DVI, or VGA, an active DisplayPort adapter is required - passive adapters (“DP++”) will not work.
A: Drivers are not required for macOS or Windows systems to use the TBT4-UDZ, but for Windows users to achieve the best Ethernet performance you may optionally download the latest Ethernet drivers (which can be found on the Plugable website).
A: Yes! The front USB 2.0 port and rear USB-C port offer charging to connected devices (up to 7.5W).
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laptop Compatibility |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4 |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4 |
Thunderbolt 4, USB4, USB-C |
Laptop Charging |
100W (98W Certified) |
100W (96W Certified) |
100W (96W Certified) |
100W (96W Certified) |
Max # of Displays |
2x TB4 Mac, 4x TB4 Windows |
Up to 2x |
Up to 2x |
Up to 3x |
Video Output Types |
2x DisplayPort and 2x HDMI |
1x HDMI + 1x C to HDMI adapter |
2x HDMI |
3x HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 |
# of Ports |
16 |
11 |
13 |
13 |
Downstream Thunderbolt Ports |
- |
2 |
1 |
- |
Charging Ports |
1x USB-C 7.5W and 1x USBA 7.5W |
1x USB-A 7.5W, 2x TB4 15W |
1x USB-C 7.5W and 1x TB4 15W |
1x USB-C 20W PD |
Ethernet |
2.5 Gigabit |
2.5 Gigabit |
Gigabit |
Gigabit |
SD / MicroSD |
Yes / Yes |
Yes / No |
Yes / Yes |
Yes / No |
The TBT4-UDZ offers flexibility to connect to either Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4 or USB-C only systems. Compatibility for Thunderbolt and USB-C can be complex, please view the below information prior to purchasing and feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com for compatibility assistance if needed, we'll be happy to help!
Please note, dock capabilities are highly dependent upon system specifications.
Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 Systems:
PC: Windows 10 or 11 with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 and Power Delivery (PD support is required for host charging, not all hosts support PD charging input)
- Thunderbolt 4/USB4 hosts support up to 4x 4K 60Hz displays (using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport technology)
- Thunderbolt 3 hosts support up to 2x 4K 60Hz displays (DP MST is not supported for Thunderbolt 3 hosts)
MAC: macOS Big Sur 11.x or later with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 (All Mac laptops with these connections offer PD support)
M1 / M2 / M3 Pro or Max based Macs support up to 2x 4K 60Hz extended displays
M4/M5/Pro/Max based Macs support up to 2x 4K 60Hz extended displays
M1 / M2 / M3 based Macs (base model, non Pro/Max) are limited to a single 4K 60Hz extended display
Intel based Macs support up to 2x 4K 60Hz extended displays. (Intel Macs are advised to use HDMI for the best compatibility with 4K displays)
- LINUX: Not supported
- CHROME OS: Not supported
USB-C Systems (No Thunderbolt):
- PC: Windows 10 or Windows 11 with Alternate Mode video output support (Alt Mode required for video functionality) and Power Delivery (PD support is required for host charging, not all hosts support PD charging input)
- MAC: 12" MacBook Retina (non Air/Pro) models are limited to a single 4K 30Hz extended display
- LINUX: Not supported
- CHROME OS: Not supported
Please see the full display output capabilities article here for more information.
Important Notes:
- Apple M1 / M2 / M3 (base model, non Pro/Max) based MacBook, Mac Mini, and iMac systems (non-Intel processors) only support a single external display via Thunderbolt/USB4 ports (this is a limitation of the M1 / M2 / M3 base model graphics chipset, M1 / M2 / M3 Pro/Max and M4/M5/Pro/Max support dual displays)
- Most Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptop systems will require the internal display to be "disconnected" in the Windows Display Settings to enable four external extended displays. (support is dependent upon the system graphics chipset configuration)
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems will try to mirror/clone attached displays by default upon first connect, it will be required to separate any mirrored/cloned displays and change them to be extended in the Windows Display Settings. For a quad display setup on a Thunderbolt 4 host this step may need to be repeated until all displays are extended
- Some Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems will not support dual displays (only one DisplayPort stream). Please check with your system manufacturer to verify dual displays via Thunderbolt 3 are supported. A common example would be Intel NUC hosts which usually only support a single display through Thunderbolt 3
- Not all systems with USB-C or Thunderbolt support charging from these ports. Use of a separate laptop power adapter may be required. Please check with your system manufacturer to verify Power Delivery charging is supported. High wattage workstation and gaming laptops often cannot accept PD charging
- Dock capabilities are reduced when connected to USB-C only systems. When using the dock in USB-C mode (no Thunderbolt support from system) the 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports will be limited to 5Gbps operation. Display support may also be limited to a maximum of two 1080p @ 60Hz displays (dependent upon system graphics card DisplayPort implementation)
- Windows systems may require updated Thunderbolt drivers, Thunderbolt NVM firmware, system UEFI BIOS, and graphics card drivers from the system manufacturer (Apple systems provide this automatically)
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
USB Port Types
USB-A
pietz, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is the standard USB connection that most computers offered prior to the introduction of USB Type-C (USB-C). Even after the introduction of USB Type-C, this is still quite common.
It can provide data transfer rates up to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 gbps) specification depending on the host and device, but does not directly support video in the way that USB-C Alternate Mode does. This limitation makes DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and docking stations ideal on systems that do not have USB-C, or in instances where more displays are needed beyond available video outputs of a PC.
USB-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This type of connection comes in a couple different styles depending on whether USB 3.0 and higher transfer rates are supported (bottom graphic). Usually this type of connection is used to plug into USB devices that do not have a fixed cable connected, such as USB docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and others.
USB Mini-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
One of the first connectors for charging a smartphone, wireless game controller (such as the Sixaxis and DualShock 3), and other small devices such as external hard drives. Not commonly used today, but is still used in some cases. Most devices using USB Mini B are using USB 2.0, though a USB 3.0 variant does exist. This specification also added USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, though it is more commonly implemented with Micro USB.
USB Micro-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A smaller connector that serves many of the same uses as the Mini B connector, with added optional features such as Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) to allow devices like smartphones to output video to larger displays without requiring a dedicated port for video output.
The larger variant of USB-B is most commonly used for external hard drives for higher 5Gbps transfer rates.
USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 3, and Thunderbolt™ 4
Niridya , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most recent USB connection, USB Type-C (USB-C), represents a major change in what USB can do. The connector is smaller, can be connected in two orientations, is able to carry substantially more power and data, and can directly carry video signals of multiple types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) Intel has also adapted the USB-C connector for use with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
It is important to note that while all Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are USB-C, not all USB-C connections can be used with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices.
More details regarding physical USB connections can be found on Wikipedia . The graphics depicted here are adapted from Wikimedia Commons by various artists under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
Is my ethernet adapter compatible with iPhone?
Our Plugable ethernet adapters are compatible with USB-C iPhone 15 and 16 / Pro / Pro Max running iOS 17 or newer. Our ethernet adapters are plug-and-play on iPhone, and ethernet connection is identified in the iOS settings app.
These following ethernet adapters from Plugable have been tested and verified to work with iPhone:
Understanding and Troubleshooting Network Performance
Computer networking is a complex topic. In this article, we'll be taking a deep dive on the nuances of network performance for those who need some additional explanation while striving to be concise, and to educate users of various experience levels relating computer hardware and computer networking.
If you just need to know how to perform a network performance test/benchmark, jump down to configuring iPerf.
Core Network Concepts
LAN vs WAN
With regards to network performance, it is crucial to first separate whether an issue is with Wide Area Network (WAN) performance, or if the issue is with Local Area Network (LAN) performance.
Your LAN is essentially the network inside your home or business. Many homes use a combination modem/router device provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). In some cases, especially in businesses, you may have a separate modem and router, along with other equipment connecting to the router such as a network switch.
Your modem, and the connection it establishes to your ISP—whether through coaxial cable, fiber, phone lines, or long-range wireless—essentially marks the point between the WAN and the LAN. The connection your modem makes to your ISP is the WAN, and any devices you connect through your router behind that modem belong to the LAN.
Link Rate
Almost every type of connection your computer makes to any piece of hardware will have a link rate of some kind. The link rate establishes how fast data can possibly be transferred across any given connection, but it does not guarantee how fast the hardware on either end of the connection will actually transfer data.
The concept of link rates, and their related bottlenecks, is likely best conveyed by giving an example of what connections might be involved in transferring a file from one computer on your LAN to another.
- 800Mbps—The file source is a USB 3.0 thumb drive capable of 100MB/s (800Mbps) read/write.
- 480Mbps—The USB 3.0 thumb drive is plugged into a USB 2.0 port on the PC, which has a maximum throughput of 480Mbps
- 1000Mbps—PC1's Ethernet connection establishes 1Gbps (1000Mbps) link to the router via Ethernet
- 300Mbps—The router connects to a second PC (we'll refer to this as PC2) via Wi-Fi, and it has established a 300Mbps link to the Wi-Fi adapter on PC2
- 480Mbps—The Wi-Fi adapter on PC2 is connected via a USB 2.0 port. The link rate of the USB connection to PC2 is at 480Mbps
- 6000Mbps—PC2 is going to store the file on an internal hard drive with a link rate of 6Gbps
- 1600Mbps—File Destination: SATA hard drive capable of 200MB/s (1600Mbps) read/write.
Following this chain, we see that 300Mbps is the slowest link rate established. This means that, regardless of the link rates established elsewhere, the absolute maximum the data can possibly be transferred is 300Mbps.
if we were to change the Wi-Fi connection to a wired Ethernet connection capable of 1Gbps, our performance bottleneck would then become the USB 2.0 connection to the USB drive where the file is stored.
Ports and Interfaces
Interfaces
A network interface represents connections, whether wired or wireless, that are made to form a network between devices.
Ports
Some may refer to physical hardware connections as "ports". For the purposes of networking, ports are logical constructs that can also be referred to as "network ports". Each network interface has 65,535 of these logical ports. Each port on a network interface is a separate data connection.
Benchmarking Network Adapter Performance
To properly benchmark network adapter performance, we need to:
- Use a simple LAN configuration
- Eliminate bottlenecks, especially link rate bottlenecks
Websites like speedtest.net, fast.com, and other performance tools in your web browser are going to use your WAN connection, and are not appropriate for determining if a network adapter is working well.
Transferring files from one computer to another on your LAN is typically not the best way to benchmark a network adapter. File transfers are bottlenecked by a number of things, including performance limitations of the disk the data is on, and often times a lack of establishing parallel network connections to perform the task.
One of the most accurate ways to benchmark network performance on a LAN is by using iPerf . To more effectively benchmark network adapter performance, it is best to establish a point-to-point connection between two PCs, rather than connecting through a router or switch.
Configuring iPerf
To test a connection using iPerf, you'll need at least two network interfaces, and preferably two computers. You'll also need to know the IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to each network interface . One network interface will function as an iPerf server, and the other network interface will function as an iPerf client. Lastly, you'll need to download the version of iPerf 3.x that's appropriate for your computer's operating system and extract/install it .
Windows
- Make sure the drivers for both network interfaces involved in the test are using up-to-date drivers. Drivers for Plugable products can be found here.
- Download and extract iPerf for Windows
- Open Command Prompt
- Press Windows Key + R or + R, then enter
cmdin the window that appears - Search the Start Menu for
Command Prompt, and open it
- Press Windows Key + R or + R, then enter
- Navigate Command Prompt to the directory the directory where iPerf is located
- The
cdcommand is for 'change directory'- If you have a folder named 'iperf' on your Windows desktop, you can reach it in command prompt with the command
cd %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\iperf
- If you have a folder named 'iperf' on your Windows desktop, you can reach it in command prompt with the command
- The
- Run iperf in server mode via Command Prompt
iperf3.exe -s
macOS
- Usually it is best to install iperf on macOS using brew in Terminal
- Make sure the drivers for both network interfaces involved in the test are using up-to-date drivers
- Open Terminal
- Run iPerf in server mode
iperf3 -s
Linux
- Usually it is best to install iperf using the package manager in your Linux distro. For example, in Ubuntu, use
apt: sudo apt install iperf3
- Make sure the drivers for both network interfaces involved in the test are using up-to-date Drivers
- Open Terminal
- Run iPerf in server mode
iperf3 -s
Next, you'll need to run iPerf in client mode, targeting the IP address of the server/interface where iPerf is running in server mode. Additionally, we'll run the test for 30 seconds using -t 30 and with four parallel connections using -P 4. Running 4 parallel connections is optimal for saturating a network link.
Windows
- Open Command Prompt
- Press Windows Key + R or + R, then enter
cmdin the window that appears - Search the Start Menu for
Command Prompt, and open it
- Press Windows Key + R or + R, then enter
- Navigate Command Prompt to the directory the directory where iPerf is located
- The
cdcommand is for 'change directory'- If you have a folder named 'iperf' on your Windows desktop, you can reach it in command prompt with the command
cd %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\iperf
- If you have a folder named 'iperf' on your Windows desktop, you can reach it in command prompt with the command
- The
- Run iperf in client mode via Command Prompt (replace 192.168.0.200 with the IP address of the server/interface where iPerf is running in server mode)
iperf3.exe -c 192.168.0.200 -t 30 -P 4
macOS / Linux
- Open Terminal
- Run iPerf in client mode (replace 192.168.0.200 with the IP address of the server/interface where iPerf is running in server mode)
iperf3 -c 192.168.0.200 -t 30 -P 4
iPerf should start performing a network performance test. If the test fails to start, make sure that iPerf is not being blocked by your PC's/Mac's firewall.
Why iPerf is Ideal for Benchmarking
Unlike a file transfer, iPerf runs in memory on the PC and generates data to send using the CPU directly. This alleviates potential bottlenecks generated by storage devices, and allows you to explicitly control how many parallel connections are being used to transfer data rather than being unsure if parallel network connections are being used by other means.
Conclusion
There's a lot more to networking that isn't covered in this article, but we hope this helps explain enough to get an accurate measure of your network performance.
If you need assistance with your Plugable product that features network connectivity, please contact us for further assistance.
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
My Windows Computer Will Not Boot Properly When a Docking Station, USB Hub, USB Adapter, or USB Storage Drive Is Connected
If your Windows computer will not boot properly when a docking station (such as the Plugable UD-3900), USB hub (such as the Plugable USBC-HUB7C), or USB hub adapter (such as the Plugable USBC-7IN1E) is connected most often the cause is an external device connected to the product (for example an external USB storage drive) as opposed to the product itself.
There are also cases where an external USB storage device (such as a Plugable USBC-NVME SSD enclosure) is the only device connected that can sometimes produce a similar result.
If you are affected by this condition while using a docking station, USB hub, or USB hub adapter, please temporarily disconnect all of the external devices from the product. The only remaining connections should be the product's external power source (if it has one) and the cable connecting the product to the host computer.
While in this simplified physical configuration, reboot the host computer in order to test the behavior. Presuming the host computer boots as expected while in the simplified configuration, reconnect each external device back to the product one at a time and reboot after each one to test the behavior again. This process should isolate the source of the issue.
In cases where only an external USB storage device is in use, please temporarily disconnect the USB storage device from the host computer and then reboot in order to test the behavior again.
To expand further, in our experience helping others the most common cause of this behavior is an external USB storage drive connected to one of the product's USB ports. In some cases, a Windows computer may try to boot from an external storage drive by mistake as opposed to the host computer's built-in storage drive. Since most external USB storage drives are not 'bootable', this can interrupt the boot process.
If this behavior occurs, the most common way to mitigate the behavior is to access the host computer's System BIOS (also known as UEFI firmware) to change the 'boot order' settings to ensure that the host computer's internal storage drive is the first boot option. Doing so helps ensure that the host computer will not try to boot from an external USB storage device.
Every Windows host computer system is different, so the best resource for accessing the System BIOS and changing the settings is the manual for the host computer provided by the manufacturer of the host computer.
Network Adapter Prioritization on Windows
There are various reasons and configurations that can benefit from having more than one network adapter present on a PC.
For users with newer networking products, featuring 2.5Gbps link rates or greater, it may be beneficial to prioritize that network connection over others on your PC that are still connected to your network/LAN.
Can I Use a Thunderbolt 4 Cable to Connect to a Thunderbolt or USB-C Device Such as a Phone, iPad, or Docking Stations?
Yes, this Thunderbolt 4 cable is compatible with any USB-C port for data transfer, charging, or video (capabilities will depend on peripheral used).
Do Thunderbolt 4 Cables Support USB-C Power Delivery for Host Charging?
Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables can support up to 240W of power allowing you to keep your devices charged, but some cables may not offer the full 240W capability and instead offer a maximum of 100W of Power Delivery.
Are Thunderbolt 4 Cables Compatible With Thunderbolt 3 Computers and Devices?
Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices.
Docking Station Power Adapters
Below is a list of power adapter models used by Plugable docking stations. We offer refurbished replacement power adapters on eBay as they are available for purchase, however, we may not have replacement power adapters available for all of our docking stations.
If the power adapter for your docking station or region is not listed, out of stock on eBay or if you have any other questions regarding replacement power adapters for our docks please contact us at support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist further.
We offer a 30-day return period for our replacement power adapters listed on eBay.
| Dock Models | Power Supply Model Number | Replacement Power Supply (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 / USB-C Docking Stations | ||
| UD-3900 UD-3000 UD-5900 UD-PRO8 UD-3900C |
DSA-24PFS-05 |
|
| UD-3900H | P120W2000U |
|
| UD-3900PDZ - 100W (purchased from March 2025) | A18-135P1B |
|
| UD-3900Z | ADS-26SGP-12 12024E |
|
| UD-6950 | A16-045N3A |
|
| UD-6950H | P200W2000UG |
|
| UD-6950Z | ADS-40SGP-19 20040G |
|
| UD-CA1 UD-CA1A |
EA10953D-200 |
|
| UD-ULTCDL (MK1 original and MK2 updated version) Note: Check here to determine what version of dock you have |
A16-065N2A (MK1 model) A18-135P1B-Rev3 (MK2 model) Note: MK2 model adapters will work with MK1 docks |
|
| UD-ULTC4K (MK1 original and MK2 updated version) Note: Check here to determine what version of dock you have |
A16-100P1A (MK1 model) A18-135P1B-Rev3 (MK2 model) Note: MK2 model adapters will work with MK1 docks |
|
| UD-3900C4 |
A18-135P1B-Rev3 |
North America plug |
| UD-3900PDH UD-3900PDZ - 60W alternative power adapter |
PS200D06500G1 |
North America plug |
| UD-768PDZ |
PA-1131-72 v2 |
North America plug |
| UD-6950PDZ - 100W (purchased from February 2025) |
A18-135P1B |
North America plug |
| UD-MSTH2 |
ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
North America plug |
| UD-MSTHDC |
ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
North America plug |
| UD-CAM |
A16-100P1A |
|
| UD-CUBE |
EA1024CR-050 |
|
| UD-6950PDH |
PS200D06500G1 (v1 of dock*) F-J-SW202720006700 (v2 of dock with serial numbers 4157 or newer*) *For more details about v1 and v2 UD-6950PDH docks visit our Knowledge Base article |
North America plug (v1) North America plug (v2) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 Docking Stations | ||
| TBT4-UDZ |
PA-1131-72 v2 |
North America plug |
| TBT3-UDC1 | PA-1131-72 v1 |
|
| TBT3-UDV | A18-135P1B-Rev1 |
|
| TBT3-UDZ | PA-1171-72 |
|
| TBT3-UDC3 | PA-1171-72 |
|
| TBT4-HUB3C | ADS-110DL-19-1 200110E |
|
| USB4-HUB3A |
ADS-110DL-19-1-200100E |
North America plug |
| TBT4-UD5 | FJ-SW202720006400 |
North America plug |
| TBT4-UDX1 | A18-135P1B-Rev4 A18-135P1B-Rev3 (Large Barrel) |
|
| TBT-6950PD | YW180A2-2100858 |
North America plug |
| UD-4VPD |
PA-1171-72 |
North America plug |
My Plugable Dock Is Missing a Component Such As the Power Supply, USB Cable, or Other Adapter.
If your package is missing one or more of the items that should be included with your Plugable dock (included items are listed on a chart on the side of the box), start by double checking if the part is still in the packaging. Pieces can occasionally get stuck in the corners under the main insert in the box.
If you are still unable to locate the piece, please contact support@plugable.com with the following information:
1. Amazon Order ID (or other proof of purchase) associated with your Plugable device.
2. A description of the parts that are missing from your order.
3. Your preferred shipping address (and a phone number associated with that address).
4. The serial number of your Plugable Dock.
Can I Connect My High Refresh Rate Monitor (e.g. 120Hz, 144Hz) to a Plugable Dock?
Most Plugable docks do not officially support monitors over 60Hz including 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rate unless otherwise specified on the Plugable product page or listing.
DisplayLink USB Graphics technology and Silicon Motion based docking stations and graphics adapters, like our USB 3.0 dual display and USB Type-C triple display docking stations, are limited to 60Hz fresh rate by the USB graphics controller hardware.
USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode docking station and ports on our USB Type-C Triple Display Docking Stations can support higher refresh rates, but may be limited by the computer's capability and available bandwidth to the docking station. Additionally, when paired with DisplayLink or Silicon Motion USB graphics, having displays at different refresh rates may reduce overall system performance. Due to this we normally recommend limiting all connected displays to 60Hz refresh rate when using DisplayLink and Silicon Motion graphics technology with directly connected, or USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode controlled displays.
Monitors with refresh rates higher then 60Hz may be connected to a docking station operating at up to 60Hz, or connected directly on the computer's HDMI or DisplayPort to ensure the display is powered by the system's native GPU.
Do Plugable products support the Apple SuperDrive?
Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.
The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive
If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.
My Plugable product with wired Ethernet is no longer working on macOS. What can I do?
Please Note
The below guide is an advanced troubleshooting step, and we do not recommend doing so unless you are comfortable manually altering files on your Apple product running macOS. You may not be able to perform the below troubleshooting step if you are unable to execute administrative credentials on your laptop. Please reach out to our support first if you do not wish to attempt the below instructions. You can do so at Plugable.com/Support
How to delete a specific Ethernet adapter from your Network devices on macOS
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your primary monitor, and select ‘System Preferences’
- Next select ‘Network’ in the ‘System Preferences' window.
- In the now visible list, please select the Plugable Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Ethernet device that may not be working as expected.
- Once selected click on the minus button in the bottom left of the network window.
- Click on Apply in the bottom right.
- Next click on the plus button in the bottom left of the network window, and add the previously removed device.
- Click on Apply in the bottom right.
- Test to see if this has resolved the unexpected behavior, and assure that your Ethernet is now working.
- If this does not resolve the problem, please proceed to the next section (As noted previously the next section is for advanced users only!)
Manually erase your macOS Network Settings to fully reset the Network configuration
(Advanced! Click to reveal)
- Open the ‘Finder’ app, then in the ‘Go’ menu at the top of your screen select ‘Computer’
- Click on ‘Macintosh HD’ then Library, Preferences, SystemConfiguration
- Copy the file named ‘NetworkInterfaces.plist’ to your desktop as a backup of your current configuration.
- Delete the original version of the ‘NetworkInterfaces.plist’ located in the SystemConfiguration directory.
- Restart your Mac
- Login to your Mac, and return to System Preferences → Network
- If the list is now empty, please re-add the Plugable or Thunderbolt network adapter by clicking on the plus button in the bottom left of the Network window. Once done click on 'Apply'.
- Test to see if this has resolved the unexpected network behavior
I am still unable to get my Ethernet connection working on my Mac
If this is the case please reach out to our support team. When you do please include a diagnostic log gathered using our PlugDebug tool (instructions are provided on the PlugDebug page). If you are not able to gather the PlugDebug diagnostics do not worry we are still here to help! Please reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com or Plugable.com/Support with a detailed description of your problem, and the model of Plugable product you are using.
What are the display output capabilities for the TBT4-UDZ?
The TBT4-UDZ docking station offers two primary modes to output video to attached displays via the dual HDMI 2.0 and dual DisplayPort 1.2 outputs: Thunderbolt 3/Thunderbolt 4/USB4 mode and USB-C DisplayPort Alternate mode.
Systems with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 support and USB-C only systems without Thunderbolt support will have differing capabilities. In addition, some Thunderbolt 3 systems may only support a single display and some USB-C only systems may lack USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode video output entirely (no displays will work). Windows versus Mac compatibility varies as well. Due to varying support please see below for more technical details:
Multiple display capabilities for Thunderbolt 4/USB4 systems:
-
Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 DSC (High Bit Rate 3 with Display Stream Compression) can offer up to four extended displays at 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs utilizing DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology built into the dock. (USB4 system support may vary depending on system manufacturer specifications)
-
Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro/Max based Macs do not support DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology and thus can support up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
-
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M4 based Macs (base model, non-Pro/Max) can support up to two displays over Thunderbolt 4.
-
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3 based Macs (base model, non-Pro/Max) can support up to two displays with the lid closed (clamshell mode) over Thunderbolt 4.
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for MacBook Air M3 is required
-
macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for MacBook Pro M3 is required
-
Apple M1/M2 based Macs (base model, non-Pro/Max) are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock.
- M1/M2 users should consider a DisplayLink USB graphics based docking station like our UD-ULTC4K instead which can enable up to three 4K 60Hz displays - the TBT4-UDZ does not use DisplayLink USB graphics technology.
-
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M4 based Macs (base model, non-Pro/Max) can support up to two displays over Thunderbolt 4.
Multiple display capabilities for Thunderbolt 3 systems:
-
Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems with dual DisplayPort streams can offer up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group*. (*A configuration with three displays may technically be able to be connected, however, by doing so there will be severe bandwidth limitations and will lead to suboptimal resolution and refresh rate options for all three displays. As such this configuration is not recommended or supported.)
-
Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems with a single DP stream are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock.
-
Thunderbolt 3 Apple Macs with Intel processors can support up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs* which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
(*Please note: Older Intel based Macs (non Apple M series processors) are advised to use HDMI for the best compatibility with 4K 60Hz displays if possible. The use of DisplayPort is supported for Intel Macs, however the display(s) may be limited to 4K 30Hz maximum. For Intel based Macs our TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt 3 dock may be a better choice for DisplayPort displays requiring 4K 60Hz)
Multiple display capabilities for USB-C only Windows systems:
(Non-Thunderbolt/USB4, using USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) operating in USB-C Multifunction DisplayPort Mode (MFDP))
-
USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 with DSC (High Bit Rate 3 with Display Stream Compression) can offer up to two displays at 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
-
USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) can offer one display up to 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz or two displays 1440p (2560x1440) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
- USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2) can offer a single display up to 4K (3840x2160) at 30Hz or two displays 1080p (1920x1080) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
Multiple display capabilities for USB-C only Mac systems:
(Non-Thunderbolt/USB4 using USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode)
- USB-C Apple 12" MacBook Retina Macs (single USB-C port, non-Air/Pro) are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 30Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock.
Important Notes:
- Most Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptop systems will require the internal display to be "disconnected" in the Windows Display Settings to enable four external extended displays. (support is dependent upon the system graphics chipset(s) configuration)
- Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems will try to mirror/clone attached displays by default upon first connect, it will be required to separate any mirrored/cloned displays and change them to be extended in the Windows Display Settings. (for a quad display setup on a Thunderbolt 4 host this step may need to be repeated until all displays are extended)
- Some Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems will not support dual displays (only one DisplayPort stream). Please check with your system manufacturer to verify dual displays via Thunderbolt 3 are supported. (a common example would be the popular Intel NUC hosts which usually only support a single display through Thunderbolt 3)
- For Thunderbolt 4 equipped Windows desktop systems with Intel 11th gen processors ("Rocket Lake-S"). Due to limitations of the integrated Intel UHD 730 and 750 graphics these systems will be limited to a maximum of three displays if the Thunderbolt 4 controller is utilizing the Intel integrated graphics as the DisplayPort video signal source. Additionally, 11th gen processors with an "F" or "KF" designation (like the 11900KF) lack integrated video entirely and will not support any displays over Thunderbolt 4 (again, if the Thunderbolt 4 controller relies on the integrated graphics).
If the Intel 11th Gen Thunderbolt 4 desktop has auxiliary DisplayPort video inputs (either on the motherboard, or via a Thunderbolt 4 add-in card) the user can connect the Thunderbolt 4 controller to a dedicated PCI Express graphics card (such AMD Radeon, Nvidia GeForce, or Intel Arc) DisplayPort video outputs and those systems are capable of supporting four displays (as the integrated UHD graphics is not utilized in this configuration). Typically systems with this ability to "loopback" the video signal from a PCIe graphics card into the Thunderbolt controller are rare except for very high end workstation or gaming class desktops.
- We do not officially support high refresh rate displays above 60Hz. (higher refresh rates under 4K resolution may be selected but performance and stability above 60Hz is not guaranteed)
- We do not support HDR (High Dynamic Range) or adaptive sync/variable refresh rate (such as AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync technologies)
- If converting the DisplayPort outputs to a different connector type an active DisplayPort adapter is required. Passive DisplayPort adapters are not supported. (the 2x DisplayPorts do not offer DP++ capabilities required for passive adapters)
- Users with legacy DVI displays should use passive HDMI to DVI adapters in most cases* rather than active DP to DVI adapters. (*Dual Link DVI displays will require an active DP to DVI Dual Link adapter)
- Users with legacy VGA displays should use active DisplayPort to VGA adapters (or active HDMI to VGA adapters)
- Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode based USB-C displays are not supported
- Legacy Apple ADC displays are not supported
- 5K, 6K, and 8K displays are not supported as they require a higher resolution output than what this dock can offer
- The use of multiple DisplayPort displays daisy-chained via DP MST (DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport) is not supported
- Older 4K displays that require DP MST to operate at 4K 60Hz are not supported. (these displays use two 1920x2160 vertical panels in the display via DP MST to achieve 3840x2160)
- Legacy Apple Thunderbolt (1 or 2) systems being converted to Thunderbolt 3 using Apple's bi-directional Thunderbolt adapter are not officially supported and this combination is at this time untested and not recommended.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist!
What does the power button on the TBT4-UDZ do and what do the lights indicate?
The power button for the TBT4-UDZ is simply to turn the dock on or off. This button does not have any influence on the computer itself (power button will not power on/off the attached host system).
When the dock is powered off all devices attached to the dock will also lose power and the dock will no longer be recognizable by the system or offer charging (until it is turned back on).
Please note that the dock will automatically power on when attached to AC power and this is indicated by a white (or green) light on the front. A white light means the dock is getting power but that it is not connected to a host system. A green light means the system is getting power and has successfully connected to a host system.
Does my TBT4-UDZ need updated firmware?
The TBT4-UDZ generally does not require any firmware to be updated. However, in some cases a new firmware version may be helpful if you are experiencing video related issues, and after standard troubleshooting (such as operating system, device driver, and UEFI / firmware updates to the host system) has not helped.
Examples of possible video related issues that updating to new firmware may help with:
- Display instability such as intermittent flickering/flashing/black screen
- Display not detected after waking from sleep (or is detected but no image is displayed)
- DisplayPort display not detected (but using HDMI for the same display works as expected)
Note: Updating the dock firmware will not help with other non-video related issues, if experiencing other issues please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist.
If you are experiencing any of the above issues, to update the firmware you will need access to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 system with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5, or USB4. (Standard USB-C systems may also support the update process if they support USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode.)
The firmware update cannot be performed on a Mac system or systems running Linux. If you do not have access to a compatible Windows system to perform the firmware update please contact us for assistance.
Please follow these instructions to download and perform the firmware update --> LINK
If you encounter any issues during the firmware update process, or have any additional questions please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist.
Which port on the TBT4-UDZ dock do I connect my system to?
The TBT4-UDZ has a front Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps USB-C port that is used to connect a host system. The rear 10Gbps USB-C port is intended for USB-C accessories and will not support connecting a system there. If connecting to the wrong port by accident no damage will occur but the dock will not be recognized properly.
Is the TBT4-UDZ compatible with DisplayLink?
No, the TBT4-UDZ does not use DisplayLink USB graphics technology and does not support the DisplayLink USB graphics driver software.
External DisplayLink based devices connected to the TBT4-UDZ USB ports are supported.
How do I insert and remove media cards from the TBT4-UDZ?
The Plugable TBT4-UDZ docking station has two media card reader slots located on the front of the unit.
The first slot is for full-size Secure Digital (SD) media cards. The second slot is for microSD media cards.
Media cards can be inserted into both slots, and both can be used simultaneously.
Full-size SD card slot
The full-size SD card slot is a ‘manual’ slot. When the docking station is in the horizontal position, you simply insert the full-size SD card into the slot with the SD card label facing upwards. Continue to push the card into the dock until the card stops.
To remove the full-size SD card, simply pull to remove the card from the slot.
*** Please note, prior to removing the card from the slot you may have to manually ‘eject’ the media card from within the host operating system. ***
Full-size SD card outside of the docking station
Full-size SD card partially inserted into the full-size SD card slot
Full-size SD card fully inserted into the full-size SD card slot
microSD card slot
The microSD card slot is a ‘spring loaded’ slot. When the docking station is in the horizontal position, you simply insert the microSD card into the slot with the SD card label facing downwards until you hear a ‘click’.
To remove the microSD card, simply press on the visible edge of the card with your finger nail and then release. A spring inside the slot will gently push the card outward. Once the card has been released, continue to remove the card from the slot.
*** Please note, prior to removing the card from the slot you may have to manually ‘eject’ the media card from within the host operating system. ***
MicroSD card outside of the docking station, label facing upwards
MicroSD card outside of the docking station, label facing downwards
MicroSD card partially inserted into the microSD card slot
MicroSD card fully inserted into the microSD card slot
Can I leave my notebook computer connected to a charging dock overnight, or should I discharge and recharge the notebook battery regularly?
We are often asked if it is okay to leave a notebook computer connected to one of our USB-C docking stations with Power Delivery for extended periods of time. The short answer is yes, it is no different from leaving the laptop connected to the manufacturer's original USB-C power supply for the same time. The long answer is yes for modern laptops, and maybe for older (1990s-early 2000s laptops) and involves going into the different battery technologies used in consumer electronics devices.
Another common question is if it is possible to use the docking station but to disable powering and charging the computer. When a modern notebook computer runs on battery power it will often set the system to a reduced power state which may impact performance, or connected devices and we recommend always powering the computer when using a desktop docking station. For all of our docking stations that provide power to the host computer this will not affect the lifespan of the computer's battery.
Modern Laptop Batteries: Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are found in a wide range of consumer electronics from notebook computers and cell phones, to electric cars, power tools, and wearable electronics like wireless earbuds. Li-ion offers fast charging, high-current discharging, fairly long service live compared to other rechargeable battery technologies and are relatively inexpensive.
The life-span of a rechargeable battery depends on many factors including age, temperature history, charging patterns, the chemical composition of the specific battery, and usage. For example batteries stored at 100% charge will degrade faster than batteries stored at 50% charge, this is why most consumer electronics devices arrive from the manufacturer with between 25% to 75% charge.
Lithium-ion batteries are consumable components, however in most modern computers, cell phones, and tablets these are not user serviceable components. To help maintain the battery all modern computers and most consumer electronics will include battery charge and protection circuits. These can be fairly simple, charging up the battery at preset rates depending on the charge level to help maintain the battery life, or complex software controlled charging that monitors battery temperature, voltage and current draw to maintain the fastest charging while maintaining the battery longevity.
Modern notebook computers can be left connected to the original power cable or a docking station with charging capability for extended periods, and do not benefit from regular discharge/recharge cycles. Our docking stations with charging capability rely on USB Type-C Power Delivery to power and charge compatible computers. USB Type-C Power Delivery is a negotiated charging protocol between the host computer and the docking station or USB Type-C power supply, this allows the computer to draw only the power it requires, and even select the best voltage level for powering the computer. In combination with a computer's built-in battery charging controller the computer is capable of maintaining the battery's optimal state even when left connected to a power source for an extended period of time.
Legacy Laptop Batteries: NiCad and NiMH
Older laptops, from the 1990s and some early 2000s, as well as some consumer electronics, and most rechargeable AA or AAA battery replacements use Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. These batteries are slower to charge and discharge than li-ion batteries, and require very simple charge controllers, and in some cases can even be trickle-charged ( very low-current continuous charging ) if desired.
These batteries generally don't have smart charging controllers and to prolong the life of the battery required "training" or fully discharging and recharging the battery every so often. Many laptop manufacturers recommended fully charging and discharging a new laptop 2-3 times to train the battery, this is not necessary with modern laptops.
Conclusion
Modern notebook batteries are managed by the computer's built-in battery charging circuit, and require little to no user intervention to maintain optimal battery health. It does not harm the battery to leave the computer connected to an external power supply, so long as the computer is being used regularly. If the computer is to be stored for a prolonged period then discharging the battery to between 50-75% can help to maintain the battery life.
Batteries are consumable components and degrade over time, however modern notebook computers can extend the battery life generally to meet or exceed the life of the computer's other electronic components.
HDMI Resolution Issues with Nvidia Graphics Equipped Notebooks
UPDATE 1/10/2024
The issue originally described within this article has been resolved by Nvidia with the release of their GPU driver, version 546.33 dated 12/12/2023 → LINK
If you are experiencing lower than expected resolution via the HDMI video outputs of your TBT4-UDZ or UD-4VPD docking station when using either product with a laptop computer with a discrete Nvidia GPU, updating to the GPU driver referenced above should resolve the issue.
If that does not help, please contact us at support@plugable.com for further assistance.
The original text of this article is being retained below, for historical reference only.
*** Deprecated information - For historical reference only ***
If you are having issues with your HDMI display(s) not working at their expected native resolution from your TBT4-UDZ or UD-4VPD docking station HDMI outputs, and your notebook computer is equipped with discrete NVIDIA graphics (or hybrid AMD/Intel + NVIDIA graphics), you may need to install an earlier version of the NVIDIA graphics driver to resolve the low-resolution behavior.
This behavior with low resolution over HDMI (usually 800x600 or 720x576) is due to a what we believe is a regression with the NVIDIA graphics driver past version 532.03. Based on our internal testing and reports from customers any newer driver version at this time will cause this low-resolution behavior.
It is our current recommendation that if you are running a newer version of the NVIDIA graphics driver and are experiencing this issue to roll-back to version 532.03 which can be found below:
https://www.nvidia.com/download/driverResults.aspx/204970/en-us/
Please note that this specific behavior only affects our TBT4-UDZ* and UD-4VPD docking stations and is currently under investigation (*TBT4-UDZ DisplayPort outputs are unaffected). Once there is a newer NVIDIA graphics driver available that does not exhibit this regression this article will be updated.
To update the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers to the compatible version:
1) Download the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA linked above, by clicking on the green "Download" button on this and the next page, save the drivers to the Desktop or Downloads directory
2) Save and close any open applications, unplug the docking station from the computer, and connect the original power supply
3) Navigate to the downloaded graphics driver, then right-click on the saved driver installation file and select "Run as administrator" to start the installation process
4) Allow the NVIDIA driver installation through the "User account control" window
5) Select the "Custom Installation" option, and on the "Custom Installation" screen, select the checkbox next to "Perform a clean installation" near the bottom of the window, then follow the on screen instructions to update the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
- If there are any errors, please take a screenshot ( using the Windows Snipping tool, or screenshot shortcut [Win]+[Shift]+[S] and attach the screenshot of the error message to an email to ‘support@plugable.com’ and we will be happy to help
6) When complete please restart the computer ( Start > Power > Restart ) before reconnecting the docking station
Please contact us at support@plugable.com for further assistance.
Which USB-C port on this product can be used to connect it to my computer?
For products which have multiple USB-C ports, normally only one port is capable of connecting the product to a computer. USB-C ports capable of connecting the product to a computer are sometimes called “Host” or “Upstream” ports.
On Plugable products with multiple USB-C ports, the dedicated port for connecting to the computer will be marked with a small laptop icon or the words “To host”.
A product may not be able to function if it is connected to a computer through a different USB-C port. These ports are also known as “Hub" or “Downstream” ports.
Understanding Heat Generation in Electronics
It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.
Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.
Factors Influencing Heat Generation:
- Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
- Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”.
- Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.
Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.
Tips for Users:
- Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
- Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
- Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.
In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
How To - Set a Network to Private or Public in Windows 10 & 11
The Windows Firewall may block some networking features when the local network is not set to Private. This article will describe the process for setting the local network, either wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi to be a Private network.
Windows 11
1 - Connect the computer to the network, either wired or wireless
2 - Open the Windows Settings - right-click on the Start Menu and select “Settings” from the pop-up menu
3 - On the left column select “Network & internet”
For Wired Networks
4 - Select the “Ethernet” option
5 - The connected network should be expanded, if not click on “Network Connected" to expand the section
6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs
For Wi-Fi Networks
4 - Select the “Wi-Fi” option
5 - Select your Wi-Fi network name “properties”
6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs
Windows 10
1 - Connect the computer to the network, either wired or wireless
2 - Open the Windows Settings - right-click on the Start Menu and select “Settings” from the pop-up menu
3 - Select “Network & Internet” fro the bottom section
4 - Select the “Ethernet” option from the left pane
5 - Select the “Connected” network from the right pane
6 - Select the “Network profile type” either “Public network” or “Private network” to suite your needs
Windows PowerShell
If the option does not show up in the Windows Settings GUI, or if you prefer to use the terminal.
1 - Open a new terminal: Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Terminal”
2 - Run the following command to list the available networks
Get-NetConnectionProfile
PS C:\Users\plugable> Get-NetConnectionProfile Name : Network InterfaceAlias : Ethernet Instance 0 InterfaceIndex : 7 NetworkCategory : Private DomainAuthenticationKind : None IPv4Connectivity : Internet IPv6Connectivity : NoTraffic
3 - Run the following command to set the network to Private
Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name Network -NetworkCategory Private
Where “Network” is the network name from step #2 and “Private” can be either “Public" or “Private”
How to Use Two External Displays with the Lid Closed on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3
Overview
With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.
Requirements
Before getting started, ensure you have the following:
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
- Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
- A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
- External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
- Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
- A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.
Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed
1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse
- If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
- For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
- An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.
2. Connect Your Displays
- Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Close your laptop’s lid.
- Connect the second external display using a similar method.
- Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.
3. Configure Display Settings
- Open System Settings on your MacBook.
- Go to Displays.
- You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
- Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.
4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)
- With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
- Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
- Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.
5. Check the Display Arrangement
- With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
- If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
- MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
- Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.
Thunderbolt Dock Users
With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).
Additional Resources
If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.
Maximizing 2.5Gbps Ethernet Performance
Ethernet technology has come a long way since its inception in the late 1970s when early Ethernet operated at 10 Mbps, which was considered fast for its time. As digital demands increased, so did the need for faster data transfer speeds, leading to the introduction of Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and eventually Gigabit Ethernet ( 1 Gbps ), which has been the standard for home and office networking for over 20 years. Over these years, Ethernet continued to evolve, with standards being developed to handle even higher speeds but most often being isolated to the server room, and cloud computing. Today, technologies like 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps Ethernet have developed from 10 Gbps Ethernet, catering to modern high-bandwidth applications in both home and office environments. These advancements make it easier than ever for users to connect and transfer data at speeds that support the demands of video streaming, gaming, and extensive network tasks with higher reliability and lower latency than WiFi.
Upgrading a whole network from Gigabit to 2.5Gbps or faster can be costly and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once. We have released both 2.5Gbps and soon 5Gbps USB Ethernet adapters that can be used with both notebook computers and desktops to provide up to five times faster Ethernet speeds than the built-in network controller, without having to install any new PCIe cards. Both of our high-speed Ethernet offerings are backwards compatible with current Gigabit Ethernet and in many cases can use the same network cables, however we do recommend replacing Category 5 and Category 5e cables with at least Category 6a or Category 7 cables to ensure future compatibility with both 5Gbps and 10Gbps Ethernet. Desktop 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps Ethernet switches are also coming down in price and can be used to quickly upgrade the network throughput between nearby computers.
As you make the upgrade process there are some steps that can be taken to ensure the network throughput is maximized between the 2.5Gbps or faster computers.
Maximizing 2.5Gbps Ethernet Performance
Maximizing the performance of a 2.5Gbps Ethernet network can enhance both speed and reliability, especially for power users who value efficiency and seamless connectivity in a busy IT environment or at home for the fastest home media center. Here are some best practices for small 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps network setups:
Upgrade Network Infrastructure for Compatibility
Switches and Routers: Ensure your network infrastructure, particularly switches and routers, supports 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet. Many older devices are limited to 1Gbps, which will bottleneck the system.
This is most important between the computers that need the higher speed, if you have internet speed at or below 1Gbps then upgrading the router will not improve performance, so long as all computers that need faster local area network access are connected to the same 2.5Gbps or faster Ethernet switches.
Cable Quality: Use high-quality Cat 6a cables or better. While 2.5Gbps is designed to work with Cat 5e Ethernet cables, at least for short distances, for longer runs and to ensure the best performance Cat 6, 6a, or Cat 7 are recommended for 5Gbps networks.
Optimize Device Connections and Settings
NIC Configuration: Adjust your network interface card (NIC) settings to ensure optimal performance. This may involve tweaking parameters such as jumbo frames or flow control for maximum efficiency.
Ethernet data frames with more than 1500 bytes of data are called “jumbo frames”. Setting a larger frame size packs more data into each frame and can potentially reduce the CPU overhead, however to function it must be enabled on both endpoints and supported by all networking hardware in between. For most users there will be no noticeable difference in network performance, however in some specific cases like when a home server is transcoding and streaming video it can help to reduce the CPU overhead of the entire process. This can best be enabled on short point-to-point networks rather than sprawling networks, as packet loss with jumbo frames enabled causes significantly worse slowdowns than with standard frame sizes.
Flow control allows for the receiving system to transmit a pause request to the transmitting system to prevent data loss. This is necessary when multiple computers are communicating to the same server as there is generally not enough bandwidth to service all requests simultaneously, however it can be disabled in a point-to-point network setup where both computers are directly connected and both computers can handle full-speed data throughput. QoS - Quality of Service offers an alternative to Flow Control but requires significantly more setup often including managed switches and may not be an effective choice for the home and small office networks.
Driver and Firmware Updates: Keep all drivers and firmware updated for your network adapters, switches, and routers. This reduces potential compatibility issues and improves performance. Firmware updates are also important for maintaining network security, vulnerabilities in router firmware have been historically exploited to create network back doors, to exfiltrate data, as well as creating bot-nets for DDoS - Dedicated Denial of Service attacks on websites.
Drivers for Plugable devices can be found on our product pages, under the "Downloads" tab.
Consider Network Segmentation
For a network with mixed-speed devices (1Gb, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps and 10Gbps), segmenting traffic can prevent slower devices from dragging down performance. This can be done physically by using gigabit Ethernet switches separate from 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps switches then bridging the switches together, or virtually by setting up virtual LANs (VLANs) with a managed Ethernet switch. VLANs can help allocate 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps connections exclusively for high-bandwidth tasks while lower speed devices can utilize secondary gigabit Ethernet ports on the server or client computers.
Leverage Multi-Gig Capable Devices for Key Applications
Identify the devices that will benefit the most from 2.5Gbps and faster connections, such as NAS - Network Attached Storage systems with integrated 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet, high-performance workstations or desktop replacement notebooks with USB Ethernet adapters, or servers with multi-port bonded Ethernet controllers handling large data transfers. Connect these devices directly to a switch that can take advantage of the higher network throughput to ensure they receive the best performance possible.
Future-Proofing with 2.5Gbps-capable or faster Docking Stations and USB Ethernet Adapters
Many Plugable docking stations now support 2.5Gbps Ethernet, which could be ideal for enhancing productivity for hybrid work setups, at home, or in the classroom by enabling high-speed, wired connectivity. Plugable’s docks also simplify integration across Windows and Chrome OS devices, which can be especially helpful in mixed-device environments.
USB Ethernet Adapters
- 2.5Gbps USB 3 Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usbc-e2500 )
- 5Gbps USB 10Gbps Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usbc-e5000 )
- 1Gbps USB 3.0 Standard-A and Type-C Ethernet Adapter ( https://plugable.com/products/usb3-e1000 https://plugable.com/products/ubsc-e1000 )
Thunderbolt and USB4 docking stations
- USB4 Dual 4K Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/ud-4vpd )
- Thunderbolt 4 Quad Display Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/tbt4-udz )
- Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 HDMI Docking Station ( https://plugable.com/products/tbt4-udx1 )
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
Is this safe to use if my computer doesn't support USB-C Power Delivery?
USB-C Power Delivery (PD) is negotiated between the power-sourcing equipment (e.g., a dock or multiport hub) and the connected host device. During this negotiation, the device offering power communicates its capabilities, and the host determines whether it can accept the power. If the host does not support Power Delivery, no power will be sent to the computer over the USB-C connection. This will allow you to take advantage of other capabilities such as data transfer or video output without risking damage to the computer.
Is there a way to add more displays to my dock?
Extra displays can be added to your docking station by using USB graphics adapters. This allows you to expand your workspace beyond the number of displays natively supported by your dock or computer.
Here’s how it works:
- Ensure your dock has open USB-A or USB-C ports to connect the USB graphics adapter(s).
- Select a Plugable USB graphics adapter compatible with your operating system and monitor specifications. Feel free to contact Plugable support (support@plugable.com) for assistance in selecting the appropriate adapter for your setup.
- Download and install the driver from the "Downloads" section of the product page for the USB graphics adapter on Plugable's website.
- Plug the adapter into an available USB port on your docking station.
- Use an appropriate video cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort) to connect the adapter to your monitor.
Important Considerations:
- Windows supports up to 8 DisplayLink/SiliconMotion-based monitors.
- macOS has a hard limit of 4 DisplayLink/SiliconMotion-based monitors.
- USB graphics adapters use bandwidth and system resources. Connecting multiple adapters can reduce performance.
How Can I Check the Ethernet Adapter Link Rate on my Mac?
One helpful way to identify your ethernet link rate speed is through the System Settings app in macOS. This can help us identify if your Plugable ethernet adapter is negotiating either 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps network speeds. Some routers have a mix of 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps ports, and in the macOS System Settings this will be shown in the Speed field.
In this example, we will be analyzing our USBC-E2500, which is a 2.5Gbps ethernet adapter. This method applies to all of our ethernet adapters, such as:
Navigate to the Network section, select the entry named “USB 10/100/1G/2.5G LAN” with the Green - Connected icon. Expand the Details button, and go to Hardware.
In the field that says Speed, you should see 2500Base-T if the ethernet adapter is connected to a 2.5G ethernet LAN port on your router. If you see 1000Base-T, this means the adapter is connected to a 1G ethernet LAN port. If you are expecting faster network speeds, please see your router's documentation on its multi-gig LAN port.
Choosing the Right USB Type-C Cable for Your Docking Station
At Plugable, we rigorously test our docking stations with the included accessories to ensure they work seamlessly together. One key reason for using the included cable is that not all USB Type-C cables on the market support the same features. Therefore we strongly recommend using the USB Type-C or Thunderbolt cable that comes with your Plugable dock for best results.
Understanding the differences between charging and data cables is essential to fully enable your new docking station, or if you are ever in need of a replacement or longer cable for your docking station. Let’s break it down.
USB Type-C Cables: Charging vs. Data
USB Type-C cables may look identical, but their capabilities can vary significantly. Unfortunately, the USB specifications do not require cables to be clearly labeled, which can make identifying the right cable a challenge.
There are two main categories:
USB Type-C Charging Cables
Charging cables are among the most common Type-C cables available. They typically support:
✔ USB 2.0 data (up to 480Mbps)
✔ USB Power Delivery for charging devices
These cables are often included with smartphones, tablets, and some laptops. They are also frequently sold specifically for charging purposes. However, they lack the necessary conductors for high-speed data transfer and video output.
Fully Featured USB Type-C Cables
Fully featured USB Type-C cables offer full functionality and are required for docking stations. The cables we include with our USB Type-C docks support:
✔ USB4 or USB 3.0/3.1 data (5Gbps or faster)
✔ USB 2.0 data
✔ USB Power Delivery
✔ USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode for video output
These cables ensure full compatibility with our docking stations, allowing for both high-speed data transfer and external display support.
Thunderbolt Data Cables
Thunderbolt cables are a specialized subset of USB Type-C data cables. They are Intel-certified and typically marked with the Thunderbolt logo (⚡).
✔ Interchangeable with USB Type-C data cables when using USB 3.x devices
✔ Required for Thunderbolt devices to ensure proper functionality
If you're using a Thunderbolt docking station or device, a certified Thunderbolt cable is essential for maximum performance.
What Makes These Cables Different?
The key difference lies in the internal wiring:
🚫 Charging cables lack the conductors required for high-speed data (USB 5Gbps or higher) and video output. Even if a device supports USB Type-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode, a charging cable won’t transmit video.
✅ Data cables include additional wiring to support higher data rates, video output, and greater flexibility in bandwidth allocation.
How Can I Tell the Difference?
🔎 Charging cables are generally thinner and may have smaller connector grips, as they often lack electronic markers. They are typically advertised as:
- "Charging cable"
- "480Mbps data rate"
- Advertised primarily for phones and tablets, not laptops
🔎 Data cables are usually thicker and slightly more expensive due to their additional complexity. Look for statements such as:
- "USB 3.0/3.1," "USB4," or "Thunderbolt"
- "5Gbps" or faster data rates
- Mention of video support for use with external displays
⚠ Cable Length Matters!
Fully featured data cables are typically limited to 1 meter (3.3 feet) to comply with USB Type-C specifications. Charging cables, on the other hand, can be much longer.
Need a Longer or Replacement Cable?
If you need a replacement or a longer cable for your USB Type-C or Thunderbolt docking station, consider these options:
For USB 3.1/3.2 Type-C Docking Stations:
🔗 USB Type-C 10Gbps 1m (3.3ft) Cable
For Thunderbolt & USB4, and USB 3 Type-C Docking Stations:
🔗 Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps 1m (3.3ft) Cable
🔗 Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps 0.8m (3ft) 90° Right-Angle Cable
🔗 Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps 2m (6.6ft) Cable
Note: The USB Type-C 10Gbps cable is only recommended for USB 3.x docking stations, not Thunderbolt docks.
Do Plugable docking stations support automatic Ethernet hardware address (also known as Media Access Control or MAC address) pass through from the host computer?
Plugable does not officially support automatic or automated MAC address pass through functionality from the host computer with any of our currently available docking station products.
As of this writing, the only current exception is the upcoming UD-7400PD docking station → LINK and we speak to its capabilities in this regard here → LINK
However, when our docking station products are used within a Windows environment such behavior can be approximated by other means. The methods to do so and their complexity can vary depending upon the Ethernet network technology on which the dock is based.
To be clear, Plugable does not officially support these approximated solutions. However, we wanted to mention them should they prove helpful to others.
With that said, Plugable docking stations will vary in regard to the Ethernet network chipset used within the product. For general reference, the specific Ethernet chipset used within the product will be listed within the 'Specifications' tab of the docking station's product page.
For example, here are the specifications for the Plugable UD-6950Z docking station which is based on DisplayLink technology, which also provides the Ethernet network chipset functionality.
Note, all Plugable docking station products based on DisplayLink technology will have the DisplayLink logo printed on the product. For general reference, we have a list of all of our DisplayLink-based docking stations available here --> LINK
A DisplayLink-based Ethernet adapter can be configured to use a 'virtual' MAC address that is manually configured within the Windows Device Manager via the adapter's 'Advanced' settings tab, specifically the 'MAC Address' field.
Manually entering a hexadecimal value for the MAC Address field will override the MAC address stored in the Ethernet chipset within the docking station product (in so far as it is presented to the Windows operating system).
To be clear, this only affects the current Windows installation. This does NOT change the Ethernet MAC address stored within the dock itself.
Further to this, Synaptics (the separate company from Plugable who created the DisplayLink technology and also developed the software), have additional options available for configuring a DisplayLink-based MAC address. Some of these options provide a certain level of automation, while others require manual inputs.
DisplayLink outlines the available options within this knowledge base article --> LINK which for general reference is part of their broader 'Corporate Deployment' knowledge base category --> LINK
To be clear, since DisplayLink develops the software DisplayLink also supports the Corporate Deployment options directly.
Should additional assistance be required in regard to the Corporate Deployment options, please contact DisplayLink directly for further assistance --> LINK
Plugable also offers docking station products based on a variety of Realtek, Intel, and ASIX Ethernet network chipsets. For those products, the only option available is to manually configure a 'virtual' MAC address in a similar manner to what we described above.
However, please note that the description of the option to do so within Device Manager will vary. For example, for Intel Ethernet chipsets the option will be called, 'Locally Administered Address'. When using Realtek Ethernet chipsets the option will be called, 'Network Address'.
How to Determine Your USB-C Port Video Capabilities
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Understanding your laptop's video output capabilities is essential when connecting to external displays. This guide will help you identify what video technologies your laptop supports and how to find the relevant information.
Common Video Output Technologies
Modern laptops commonly use one or more of the following technologies to transmit video to external monitors:
1. Thunderbolt 3
- Supports video output using the DisplayPort protocol.
- Capable of driving up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz.
- Uses a USB-C connector and features a lightning bolt symbol next to the port.
Note: An example of Thunderbolt 3 ports
2. Thunderbolt 4
- Provides improved performance over Thunderbolt 3.
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Uses a USB-C connector with the same lightning bolt symbol but may also include the number "4" for identification.
Note: Thunderbolt 4 has the same physical connection and “lightning” bolt icon as Thunderbolt 3
3. Thunderbolt 5 (As of 2024)
- Up to 80 Gbps bi-directional bandwidth (Double that of Thunderbolt 4’s 40 Gbps).
- Up to 120 Gbps bandwidth for displays (With Bandwidth Boost — 120 Gbps upstream and 40 Gbps downstream for display-intensive use cases).
- Support for dual 6K or 8K displays (Compared to Thunderbolt 4’s dual 4K support).
4. USB-C DisplayPort "Alt Mode"
- Allows video output directly through the USB-C port using DisplayPort technology.
- Commonly supports one 4K display at 60Hz, but capabilities may vary.
- Often marked with a DisplayPort ("DP") symbol, but this feature may also be specified in your system's documentation.
Note: An example of a USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities
How to Identify Your Laptop's Video Capabilities
To determine what video technologies your laptop supports, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Laptop's User Manual:
- Locate your laptop's user manual (often available online from the manufacturer's support site).
- Search for keywords like "Thunderbolt," "DisplayPort Alt Mode," or "video output capabilities."
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
- Go to the support page for your laptop model and find the technical specifications section.
- Look for details on Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities.
3. Inspect Your Laptop's Ports:
-
Check for identifying symbols next to USB-C ports:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 ports may have a lightning bolt symbol.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode may be marked with a "DP" icon.
“What if I do not have the above technologies?”: USB 3.0 (Type-A) and Display Expansion
While USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports do not support native video output, they can still be used to extend to two or more displays using software-based solutions like DisplayLink or Silicon Motion's InstantView. These technologies enable video through USB-A ports by utilizing dedicated drivers and software.
If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities, DisplayLink or InstantView may be a viable alternative for expanding your display setup. A few other things to consider:
- Not all USB-C ports support video output. Checking your laptop's documentation is crucial to confirm this capability.
- Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode but provide enhanced performance and flexibility.
If you have further questions about connecting your Plugable docking station or adapter to your laptop, please reach out to our support team for guidance.
Understanding Power Delivery vs. Pass-Through Power Delivery
When choosing a docking station or USB hub, it's important to understand the difference between Power Delivery (PD) and Pass-Through Power Delivery. While both terms refer to charging capabilities, they function differently and impact how power is distributed to connected devices.
What is Power Delivery (PD)?
USB Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that allows devices to negotiate power levels dynamically. Key aspects include:
- Enables higher power transfer (up to 100W or more, depending on the device and cable).
- Ensures efficient charging by dynamically adjusting voltage and current.
- Commonly used in USB-C chargers, docking stations, and hubs that provide power directly to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Example: A USB-C docking station with PD output can charge a connected laptop while simultaneously powering other peripherals. Additionally, these tend to come with their own AC adapter.
What is Pass-Through Power Delivery?
Pass-Through Power Delivery refers to a hub or docking station that does not generate power itself but instead allows power to pass through from an external power adapter. Key aspects include:
- Requires a dedicated power adapter (e.g., a USB-C PD laptop charger) plugged into the docking station or hub.
- Typically, a portion of the incoming power is allocated to the dock’s functionality (such as data transfer and peripheral connections), and the remaining power is sent to the connected laptop or device.
- May reduce the total power available to the laptop compared to direct charging.
Example: A USB-C hub with pass-through PD allows a laptop's original USB-C PD charger to be connected to the hub, which then distributes power to the laptop while also supporting external peripherals.
Choosing the Right Option
- If you need a docking station that can directly charge your laptop, look for one with dedicated Power Delivery (PD) support.
- If your laptop already has a high-wattage charger and you want to maintain power while expanding connectivity, a pass-through PD hub may be a better choice.
- Be mindful of power limitations with pass-through charging, as some hubs may reserve power for their own operation, reducing the power available for the laptop.
Some examples of hubs with PD pass-through would be our USBC-9IN1E with 140w pass-through charging or our smaller USBC-4IN1 with 100w pass-through.
On the flip side, we have our docking stations that power your devices by themselves. Examples such as our UD-7400PD which is capable of 140w of charge and 5 displays.
Understanding these differences will help ensure you select the right docking station or USB-C hub for your setup. If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
My Monitors Occasionally Swap Positions on macOS. How Do I Fix This? (BetterDisplay)
There is currently a known bug on Apple Silicon Mac’s that causes some sets of displays to swap positions on wake from sleep. This issue occurs with sets of identical model displays, as this issue is basically macOS misidentifying these displays as one another, causing them to swap positions.
Because this is a macOS issue, there is not much that can be done to fully remedy this issue until Apple addresses it themselves. However, there is an application called BetterDisplay that has been confirmed by customers to help resolve this issue.
BetterDisplay:
To download BetterDisplay, you can find the latest releases on GitHub below:
https://github.com/waydabber/BetterDisplay
Note that there is a premium upgrade that costs money, and the initial download includes a 14 day free trial. But for the purpose of this specific issue, the free version will still have all the features that we need.
Simply click on the “Download app for macOS” button and follow the instructions to install the application. You will get notified that this app is downloaded from the internet. Click Open to open the application:
Start the app from the Applications folder or from Launchpad / Spotlight. Once you launch the app, you should see a page similar to the one below:
Once the app is opened, we are going to want to change the Display Identification Method to “basic + extended identifiers”. This is supposed to make it easier for BetterDisplay to identify and correctly position identical monitors.
To find this setting:
- Ensure that the displays are in the correct arrangement to start
- Select one of your monitors at the top of the settings menu
- Select the “Additional settings…” under the “General Settings”
- Scroll down and find “Display identification method”
- Select “basic + extended identifiers”
This should hopefully resolve the display swapping positions issue!
Notes:
We do not officially support this application, as it just came recommended to us to solve this specific issue. If you run into issues with this application, consult the documentation provided by the developer on the BetterDisplay Github.
The developer has stated that this will not work on DisplayLink based docking stations or graphics adapters. This fix is primarily intended for natively connected displays.
What are the external display capabilities of Apple Mac laptops with an Apple M4 processor as compared to the previous M3, M2 and M1 generations?
As of this writing, there have been four generations of Apple CPUs, the M1, the M2, the M3, and the M4. Each generation has offered three variations, a ‘base’ model (without a suffix) and ‘Pro’ and ‘Max’ models.
Mac laptops based on Apple CPUs have varying native external display capabilities via Thunderbolt/USB-C connections.
Each generation offers different capabilities depending upon which generation and variation of Apple processor is in use.
As of this writing, the M4 generation is the most capable CPU in regard to native external display capabilities as compared to all previous generations and variations.
Apple Mac laptops with a base M4 processor or M4 Pro processor can support up to two external displays regardless of the state of the laptop lid.
Apple Mac laptops with a M4 Max processor can support up to a total of four external displays regardless of the state of the laptop lid.
Apple Mac laptops with base M3 processors can support one external display when the laptop lid is open and the laptop’s internal display is enabled. They can support up to two external displays when the laptop lid is closed and the laptop's internal display is disabled.
Apple Mac laptops with M3 Pro or M3 Max processors can support up to four external displays in total, regardless of the state of the laptop lid.
Apple Mac laptops with base M1 and M2 processors support one external display only.
Apple Mac laptops with M1 Pro and M2 Pro processors support up to two external displays.
Apple Mac laptops with M1 Max and M2 Max processors can support up to four external displays in total.
What information is helpful to provide when contacting Plugable support for assistance?
Here are a few things that you can do when contacting Plugable for assistance that can help expedite the process:
1. Provide a clear, detailed description of the issue, and if possible the steps necessary to recreate it
At first glance this may appear somewhat obvious, however a clear detailed description will help prevent our support engineers from making any incorrect assumptions.
If the unexpected behavior is repeatable, then a list of the steps necessary to recreate the issue will help provide us with important context.
2. Provide the model number of your Plugable product
All Plugable brand products have their model number or ‘stock keeping unit’ (aka SKU) printed somewhere on the product. For example, ‘UD-3900’ or ‘TBT4-UDZ’
When contacting us for assistance, providing the model number will help us route your request to the appropriate support engineer.
3. Provide the purchase information for your Plugable product, such as the Amazon Order ID number
Providing us with the order information for your purchase allows us to do two things:
A. Be sure that we understand precisely which product you are using (we make a lot of different products)
B. Help confirm the unit’s warranty status.
4. Provide us with a diagnostic file from your computer, gathered when the issue is actively occurring or just after the event
Rather than have our customers manually compile and provide information about their computer, we created the PlugDebug utility which automates the process of collecting various pieces of diagnostic information from both Windows and macOS systems.
A PlugDebug file gathered while the issue is occurring (or just after the issue has occurred) will provide important information that will allow us to help troubleshoot the issue.
5. If possible, photographs or a video of the issue
While not always necessary, in some cases having photographs of the problem and/or a video that documents the issue will allow us to ‘see’ what is happening, which in turn may help provide clues to the cause.
Now, to be clear it is not always necessary (nor is it required) to provide all of the information we described above in order for us to be of help. However, the more information we have available the faster are able to help.
As always, if you require assistance with a Plugable product please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist.
What kind of power adapters come with Plugable products, and how can they be used in different parts of the world?
Introduction
At Plugable, we make a lot of different products that can help make your computing efforts more efficient and productive.
Many of those products (such as our extensive line of docking stations → LINK) require an external power adapter in order to function.
In the course of helping our customers, we often receive questions in regard to what type of power adapter is included with the product and how those power adapters can be used in different parts of the world.
This knowledge base article will help answer those questions.
Power Adapter Types
To put it simply, in general there are two types of power adapters included with a Plugable product.
WALL PLUG
The first type is typically referred to as a ‘wall plug’ or in some cases as a ‘wall wart’ due to its size being larger than that of a standard electrical plug.
This is a small AC to DC power adapter that is completely self contained and plugs directly into an electrical power outlet.
For example, here are photos of the ‘wall plug’ included in the box with the Plugable UD-6950Z docking station.
UD-6950Z U.S. Style Wall Plug Power Adapter:
UD-6950Z U.S Style Wall Plug Power Adapter with Prong removed:
Most ‘wall plug’ style power adapters included with Plugable products support all of the electrical voltages and electrical frequencies used throughout the world.
Note, you can double-check the specifications by looking at the label printed on the wall plug power adapter, or by reviewing the ‘Power’ specifications located on each Plugable product page.
However, the electrical ‘prong’ (the small plastic piece that provides the blades that insert into the electrical power outlet) included with the wall plug will only be for the country in which the product was sold.
To put that another way and using the aforementioned UD-6950Z as an example, if the UD-6950Z is purchased from Amazon.com within the United States, the electrical prong included with the wall plug power adapter will be for a United States style power outlet only.
If the wall plug power adapter needs to be used in a different part of the world, a small inexpensive ‘travel style’ adapter that converts the United States style plug to the local plug type is required.
POWER ADAPTER BRICK
The second type is typically referred to simply as a ‘power adapter’ or by some as a ‘power adapter brick’.
The power adapter is a combination of two separate components. One component is the power adapter itself, which is typically rectangular in shape and why some people refer to it as a ‘brick’.
The second component is the power cable that connects to the power brick. This cable has an electrical wall plug on one end and an industry standard connector on the opposite end.
Looking at two different example power adapters will allow us to expand further.
Let’s look at the power adapter and power cable for our TBT4-UDZ Thunderbolt 4 docking station:
Within the power adapter brick, there is a female inlet:
On one end of the power cable, there is an electrical wall plug.
On the opposite end of the power cable, there is a male connector. This connector will be inserted into the power brick.
There is an international standard that governs the shapes and sizes of the connectors in use, specifically IEC 60320 → LINK
In this example, the male connector on the end of the power cable is known as a ‘C5’ connector:
In this example, the female inlet is known as a ‘C6’ connector.
Some refer to this type of connection as a ‘Mickey Mouse’ connection, because the overall shape of the connector visually resembles the outline of a silhouette of the cartoon character Mickey Mouse.
Now, let’s look at the power adapter and power cable for our USB4-HUB3A Thunderbolt 4 hub.
Within the power adapter brick, there is a female inlet:
On one end of the power cable, there is an electrical wall plug.
On the opposite end of the power cable, there is a male connector. This connector will be inserted into the power brick.
Note that the shapes on the inlet and connector are different as compared to the TBT4-UDZ example we looked at previously, however as was the case before the IEC 60320 standard governs the design.
In this example, the male connector on the end of the power cable is known as a ‘C13’ connector.
In this example, the female inlet is known as a ‘C14’ connector.
While the cables are different, the benefit of both cables being based on a common standard is that replacement cables for use in different parts of the world can typically be sourced locally.
Most Plugable power adapters support the electrical frequency and electrical voltages used throughout the world.
Note, you can double-check the specifications by looking at the label printed on the wall plug power adapter, or by reviewing the ‘Power’ specifications located on each Plugable product page.
If necessary, the power cable can be replaced with a different one with the necessary wall plug in order to use the product in different parts of the world.
Note, when replacing the cable with a different one please be sure to purchase a cable from a reputable brand and that also meets the electrical specifications printed on the power adapter.
Summary
In summary, there are two different types of power adapters included with Plugable products and the power adapters support the electrical voltage and frequency used throughout the world.
However, the plug that inserts into the power outlet will be specific to the region in which the product was sold.
If a wall plug type power adapter is in use, then a ‘travel style’ adapter is needed to convert the power adapter for use in a different part of the world.
If a power adapter brick is in use, then an industry standard replacement power cable can be used to convert the power adapter brick for use in a different part of the world.
Should you have any additional questions, please reach out to us via support@plugable.com and we will be happy to assist you further.
Can I connect this product to a computer's Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 port?
Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only - not standard USB-C peripherals.
While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.
If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.
In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.
Why Isn’t My Plugable Dock Charging My Laptop?
If your Plugable docking station isn’t charging your laptop, it’s usually due to one of a few common causes. This guide offers some diagnostic checks you can perform to help pinpoint the issue.
Check if Your Dock Supports USB-C Power Delivery
Not all docks charge laptops. Docks fall into three categories:
- Built-in Power Delivery (PD): These include an AC power adapter and can provide 60W, 85W, or 100W to your laptop. A list of Plugable docking stations with built-in Power Delivery can be found here.
- PD Passthrough: These compact docks require a separate USB-C charger plugged into the dock to pass power through to your laptop. A list of Plugable docking stations with PD Passthrough can be found here.
- Host Charging Unsupported: Some docks do not offer any host charging functionality. These are designed solely for display expansion, data, or peripherals.
Tip: Check your Plugable dock’s product specifications for Power Delivery or charging support. If no charging is listed, the dock may not charge your laptop, and the system would need to be powered separately.
Verify the Dock’s Power Source
For your dock to charge your laptop, it needs to be adequately powered itself.
Check:
- Are you using the original Plugable AC adapter for a built-in PD dock?
- For PD passthrough docks, is your USB-C charger powerful enough for your laptop?
- Are you using a reputable, certified charger - not a low-wattage third-party adapter?
Use a Compatible USB-C to USB-C Host Cable
Cable issues can be a common cause of charging problems.
Check:
- Are you using the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with your Plugable dock? This can be identified through its included cable tag.
- If not, does your replacement cable explicitly support USB PD or Thunderbolt?
- Are you accidentally using a USB-C to USB-A cable, which cannot deliver charging to laptops?
- Could the cable be data-only or rated for lower wattage?
Confirm Your Laptop Supports USB-C or Thunderbolt Charging
Even with a PD-capable dock and cable, your laptop must support charging over the USB-C or Thunderbolt port in use.
Common compatibility issues:
- Some USB-C ports are data/video-only.
- Some laptops support charging only through a specific USB-C port.
- Gaming and enterprise laptops often use proprietary power adapters.
Tip: Check your laptop’s specifications or user manual for “USB-C charging” or “Power Delivery (PD) input” support.
Try a Hard Reset
Sometimes, a failed handshake between the dock and laptop prevents charging.
To reset the connection:
- Disconnect the dock from both your laptop and its power source.
- Wait 30–60 seconds.
- Reconnect power to the dock first, then reconnect it to your laptop.
This often resolves temporary communication issues that block charging.
Update Drivers and Firmware
System-level software can directly impact charging behavior - especially on newer laptops and docks.
Update:
- Your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI
- USB-C and Thunderbolt controller firmware and drivers
Tip: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support site and search by model for the latest system updates.
Compare Power Requirements
If your laptop demands more power than the dock can supply, it may not charge - or may charge very slowly.
Check:
- What wattage does your original laptop charger provide? (Usually printed on the power adapter.)
- What is the maximum PD output your Plugable dock can provide?
- Does your laptop still slowly discharge while docked under heavy use?
Tip: For especially power-hungry laptops (like gaming or workstation models), consider connecting the laptop’s original charger along with the dock to ensure the laptop charges at full speed
Related: Overcoming Power Challenges: Efficiently Charging High-Demand Laptops While Docking
What is the maximum length Thunderbolt cable that can be used to connect a Plugable Thunderbolt docking station to the host computer?
All Thunderbolt docking stations include the appropriate Thunderbolt cable in order to connect the docking station to the host computer. As of this writing, all Plugable Thunderbolt host cables that are included with Plugable Thunderbolt docking stations are 1.0 meter (approximately 3.3) feet in overall length.
For reference, the specifications of all Plugable Thunderbolt cables are printed on a small white cable flag attached to the cable itself.
If the original 1.0 meter long Thunderbolt host cable is not sufficient for a specific use case, longer cables of up to 2.0 meters (approximately 6.6 feet) in overall length can be purchased separately from Plugable. An example of such a cable is the Plugable TBT4-40G2M cable
Plugable does NOT support using Thunderbolt host connection cables that are over 2.0 meters in overall length with any Plugable brand product.
Plugable does NOT support the use of any type of Thunderbolt extension cable or any type of signal repeater in conjunction with our products.
Please note, Plugable can only guarantee the performance and compatibility of Plugable brand cables.
What is the maximum length cable that can be used to connect a Plugable USB-C docking station to the host computer?
All Plugable USB-C docking stations include the appropriate USB-C cable in order to connect the docking station to the host computer. As of this writing, all Plugable USB-C host cables that are included with Plugable USB-C docking stations are 1.0 meter (approximately 3.3) feet in overall length.
For reference, the specifications of all Plugable brand USB-C cables are printed on a small white cable flag attached to the cable itself.
If the original 1.0 meter long USB-C host cable is not sufficient for a specific use case, longer cables of up to 2.0 meters (approximately 6.6 feet) in overall length can be purchased separately from a 3rd-party.
We recommend purchasing a cable that matches or exceeds the specifications of the original Plugable cable and purchasing said cable from both a well known and reliable brand.
Plugable does offer a 1.0 meter long USB-C extension cable (USBC-METER3-1MF) that can be used in conjunction with our USB-C docking stations. This extension cable can be combined with the original 1.0 meter long Plugable USB-C cable included in the box with the docking station to extend the overall cable length to 2.0 meters.
Plugable does NOT support using USB-C host connection cables that are over 2.0 meters in overall length with any Plugable brand product. Additionally, Plugable does NOT support the use of any type of 3rd-party USB-C extension cable or signal repeater in conjunction with our products.
Do I need to approve or authenticate Thunderbolt devices when I connect them to my Windows or Mac computer?
Overview
For most modern Windows and Mac systems, Thunderbolt devices are automatically approved and will ‘just work’ once connected.
The main exception is Apple Mac laptops with Apple CPUs running macOS Ventura (13) or newer, where you’ll be prompted to manually approve the device the first time you connect it.
The summary table below provides the specific details at a glance, and the text that follows explains the table in more detail.
Thunderbolt Approval / Authentication Summary Table
Why Authentication Exists
To expand further, Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 are in essence external connections to the host computer’s internal PCI Express bus. This type of low-level and high speed connection warranted security protocols to prevent unauthorized access to user data.
Windows: From Intel Software to Native OS Support
When Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems were first introduced in late 2015 it was necessary to use Intel Thunderbolt software to manually authenticate and approve external Thunderbolt devices.
With the introduction of Thunderbolt 4 Windows systems in 2020, it was still necessary to have Intel Thunderbolt software installed on the host computer. However, in most cases the authentication and approval process would happen automatically greatly simplifying the process.
Starting with Windows 11 version 21H2 released in October of 2021, Microsoft integrated support for both USB4 and Thunderbolt into the Windows operating system → LINK
This means that with most modern Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 computers running the latest version of Windows 11 it is no longer necessary to install Intel Thunderbolt software on the host computer in order to manage Thunderbolt devices. In most cases, the authentication and approval process will still happen automatically.
macOS: From Intel CPUs to Apple CPUs
When Thunderbolt 3 Mac systems with Intel CPUs were first introduced in 2016, the authentication and approval mechanism was built-in to macOS and was transparent to the end user.
Apple introduced Mac computers based on Apple CPUs in 2020. Macs based on Apple CPUs running macoS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey would automatically approve and authenticate Thunderbolt devices when connected.
macOS 13 Ventura was released in 2022 and for portable Macs with Apple CPUs Apple introduced a feature known as ‘Accessory Security’ (also known as ‘Restricted Mode’) → LINK
By default, portable Macs (i.e. laptops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS will require the end user to authenticate and approve a Thunderbolt device when initially connected.
Stationary Macs (i.e. desktops) with an Apple CPU running macOS 13 Ventura or newer version of macOS do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
Apple Macs with Intel CPUs (both laptop and desktops) running macOS 13 Ventura or newer do NOT implement the ‘Accessory Security’ feature. As a result, Thunderbolt devices will be automatically approved and authenticated when initially connected.
Understanding Uni-Directional vs. Bi-Directional Video Cables
When connecting a laptop/dock to a monitor, the right direction matters. Many “converter” cables only work one way. If the cable’s intended direction doesn’t match your source (video output) and display (video input), you’ll get no signal. Even if the connectors fit.
Key terms
- Source (Output): Laptop, dock, GPU port sending video
- Display (Input): Monitor/TV/projector receiving video
- Uni-directional: Works only one way (e.g., DP to HDMI)
- Bi-directional: Works both ways (common with HDMI to/from DVI, DP to/from mDP)
- Active adapter: Has electronics to convert formats/directions (e.g., HDMI to DP)
- Passive adapter/cable: No electronics; relies on source capabilities (e.g., DP++ to HDMI)
What typically works and what doesn’t
Rule of thumb: For DP to/from HDMI, assume DP to HDMI unless the product explicitly says HDMI to DP (Active).
Docking stations: quick notes
- USB-C/Thunderbolt docks output standard HDMI/DP signals (direction rules above still apply)
- DisplayLink-based docks still output HDMI/DP at the port (same direction rules)
- DP MST/daisy-chain works only in DP domain; converting to HDMI at the first hop ends DP-specific features downstream
Resolution, refresh, and features
- Achievable resolution/refresh (e.g., 4K60) depends on source + cable/adapter + display
- Features like HDR, HDCP, and VRR may require active adapters and sufficient bandwidth
- For long runs or flaky links, prefer active solutions
Shopping checklist (esp. on Amazon)
- Check the pictures: Listings often show Source to Display with icons/arrows (match this to your setup)
- Read the title/bullets: Look for explicit direction (“DP to HDMI,” “HDMI to DP (Active)”)
- Scan specs: “Active” vs. “Passive,” DP++, supported resolutions, and any power needs
Quick examples
- Dock (DP out) to Monitor (HDMI in): DPtoHDMI cable/adapter; use active if DP++ isn’t supported or for higher reliability
- Laptop (HDMI out) to Monitor (DP in): Active HDMItoDP adapter required
- USB-C laptop (Alt Mode) to HDMI monitor: USB-CtoHDMI cable/adapter; not reversible
FAQs
Why doesn’t my “DP to HDMI” cable work from an HDMI laptop to a DP monitor?
It’s uni-directional (DP to HDMI). Your path is the reverse and needs an active HDMI to DP adapter.
Are “bi-directional” cables truly both ways?
Commonly for HDMI to/from DVI and DP to/from mDP. For DP to/from HDMI, true bi-directional products are uncommon—verify the exact directions in the listing images/text.
Why Higher Voltage Power Supplies Are Included with USB 5V Hubs and Docks
Improved Voltage Regulation Under Load
When multiple USB devices are connected - especially high-draw peripherals like external drives or charging phones - the demand on the dock’s internal power can spike. If the power supply were delivering only 5V, any load increase might cause voltage “sag,” potentially leading to unstable or unreliable performance.
By starting with a higher voltage like 12V or 20V, the internal voltage regulators within the dock or hub can more reliably and efficiently step down that voltage to a consistent 5V, even under heavy load. It’s similar to having a reservoir above a village - you’ll have more reliable water pressure regardless of demand.
Greater Power Efficiency Over Distance
Transmitting power at higher voltage and lower current reduces energy loss due to resistance in the wires (which causes heat). By increasing the voltage we can decrease the amperage for the same power, and power loss in the line is directly proportional to amperage squared so even a small decrease in the amperage adds up quickly. Once the power reaches the dock, it's stepped down to the voltages needed for USB ports. This not only enhances efficiency but also makes compact, cooler-running designs possible.
Special Consideration for USB-C Docks
USB-C docks commonly include 20V power supplies, which serve a dual purpose:
- Supplying 5V for downstream USB devices
- Delivering up to 100W (or more) to host laptops via USB-C Power Delivery
With USB Power Delivery 3.1 (EPR), even higher voltages (up to 48V) are supported, enabling future docks and laptops to handle even more powerful devices like desktop replacement laptops or external GPUs.
Will Future Docks Use 48V Power Supplies?
It's likely. While 20V is common now (especially for consumer devices), 24V+ power supplies are widespread in industrial and telecom applications. As high-performance laptops and workstations demand more power, consumer docks may start including 24V, 36V, or even 48V adapters. These would align with USB PD 3.1 specs and simplify designs that support extended power ranges.
However, for now, 20V remains a sweet spot for cost, availability, and compatibility across a wide range of devices.
TL;DR
Higher voltages like 12V or 20V are used for better regulation and more efficient power delivery.
USB-C docks use 20V to support Power Delivery charging (up to 100W+).
USB PD 3.1 EPR opens the door to 48V systems, and while uncommon now, future docking stations may shift to 48V as demand grows.
