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Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station, Certified Works with Chromebook, 60W Charging
$159.95 USD
SKU: UD-MSTHDCAmazon Rating : (79 Reviews)
Features
- Certified Chromebook Docking Station— Designed for reliable, high-performance use in business and education settings, this Works With Chromebook Certified 12-port docking station supports dual 4K 60Hz displays via 2x HDMI or 2x DisplayPort ports - perfect for classrooms, labs, and teacher workstations. Ideal for standardized Chromebook deployments across school districts or enterprise environments.
- Dual 4K— Windows and Chromebook docking station dual monitor is supported through 2x HDMI and 2x DisplayPort connections. Users can standardize on one or use a mix of either HDMI or DP to add two screens, each with up to 4K 60Hz resolution
- 60W Charging— Charging dock provides 60W charging to host laptop so you can leave your power cord in your travel bag. And, because this dock is certified to work with Chromebook, you can rest assured the dock will intelligently manage power requirements
- Compatibility— Laptop docking station is compatible with ChromeOS and Windows 10 and newer. Supports secure, Google-managed firmware updates in ChromeOS. DP 1.4 host is required for Dual 4K 60Hz
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support— Every Plugable product, including this docking station, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
Free 3-Day Shipping When Buying Direct!
Strong security, simplicity, and cost efficiency has made the Chromebook a popular choice for students, teachers, and government employees. When you connect that to a docking station with two HDMI ports and two DisplayPort ports (standardize on one or a mix of both) for extending two displays and up to 4K 60Hz resolution, 60W host charging, gigabit Ethernet, combination audio port, 4x USB 5Gbps ports, 2x USB 10Gbps ports, and 1x USB-C 10Gbps port, you go from laptop to productivity powerhouse.
Works With Chromebook
There is more to “Works With Chromebook” than just a compatibility statement. It’s actually a pretty tough badge to acquire. That’s because
laptop docking stations that carry the badge are validated to ensure they will “work seamlessly with current and future ChromeOS devices.”
It comes with other features, too, like automatic secure firmware updates while the USB-C dock is connected to a Chromebook laptop. Perfect for ensuring employees always have the latest compatibility improvements and features.
Dual 4K
It doesn’t matter if you are on a Chromebook or a Windows laptop, this laptop docking station is all about choice.
Offering two ports each, HDMI and DisplayPort, so users can standardize on one, or use a mix of both to extend to up to two screens. And no matter how you connect your displays, all video ports are capable of up to 4K 60Hz.
And with 60W charging, this USB-C docking station will power your productive endeavors.
Laptop docking station dual monitor resolution is dependent on host. DP 1.4 host is required for Dual 4K 60Hz. DP1.2 hosts will see resolutions up to 4K 30Hz.
Compatibility
Many organizations and households have mixed device fleets that span platforms, so while this docking station has been designed for ChromeOS, it’s also compatible with Windows devices.
This Plugable docking station provides full functionality to Windows 11 and Windows 10, systems with Thunderbolt 3 or 4, USB4, and USB-C.
The dock can also be used on Macs, however due to lack of MST functionality in macOS, the USB C dock only allows for one additional extended display. The second display will be mirrored.
This product works with devices capable of running the latest version of ChromeOS and has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Google is not responsible for the operation of this product or its compliance with safety requirements. Chromebook and the Works With Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Works With Chromebook Certified |
||||
# of Displays |
2 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
Video Ports |
2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4 |
2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 |
3x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.2 |
2x HDMI |
Max Resolutions Supported |
2x 4K 60Hz |
2x 4K 60Hz |
3x 4K 60Hz |
2x 4K 60Hz |
# of USB Type-A Ports |
6 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
Laptop Charging |
60W |
No |
100W (96W Certified) |
No |
Laptop Connection |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 4 / 3 |
USB 3.0 and USB-C |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 4 / 3 |
USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 4 / 3 |
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
Is my laptop compatible with Plugable Multi-Stream Transport (MST) products?
MST is a DisplayPort (DP) 1.2 and newer feature that allows multiple displays to be connected to a single video output. This can be done using a MST hub or by daisy-chaining multiple MST-enabled displays. This technology is driverless, and can be used for seamlessly setting up hotdesking or work from home setups. However, there are some common problems that can occur with these devices.
Display Resolution
While our MST devices can support up to two 4K 60Hz external displays, users of older Intel CPU versions such as the 10th generation Icelake and 11th generation Tigerlake may find that their CPU only supports dual 4K 30Hz, or dual 1080p 60Hz external displays when connected to an MST-based docking station.
Based on internal testing, Plugable expects laptops that support DP 1.4 (Intel 12th gen CPUs or newer) to support up to two 4K 60Hz external displays. Older DP 1.2 hosts typically only support dual 1080p 60Hz external displays.
ARM-based Compatibility
ARM-based systems also do not universally support MST. Whether or not a particular ARM system supports MST depends on the specific SoC (System on a Chip) that is used in the system. Some SoCs such as the Texas Instruments DRA829J do support MST, while others such as the MediaTek MT8127 do not.
If you are unsure whether or not your ARM-based system supports MST, you can check the specifications of your system processor to see if it mentions MST support.
Chart of external display performance for various hosts
Connection issues: (USB-C/Video Cables)
Another potential source of issues are the cables used to connect your dock to your laptop, and your monitors to the dock.
To connect your dock to your laptop, make sure that you are using a USB-C cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Plugable recommends using the cable that was provided with your device.
When choosing a video cable for MST, it is important to make sure that the cable supports the desired resolution and refresh rate. To be fully compatible with our MST products, you will want a cable that supports DP 1.4 with a maximum total bandwidth of 32.4Gbps. That gives it enough bandwidth to handle two 4K UHD streams at up to 60Hz. Plugable recommends using the cables that were included with your monitor.
If there are still connection or resolution issues despite using the correct cables, Plugable also recommends swapping out the cables to help determine if the original ones were faulty.
Driver/OS issues: (Staying up to date)
The last major source of compatibility issues with MST-based docks is the operating system your laptop is running. While modern laptops with MST compatible processors that are running operating systems such as Windows 11,10, 8, 7, and ChromeOS do support MST displays and devices, MST is currently not supported by macOS hosts.
You will also want to make sure that all system and graphics driver updates are applied to avoid any problems with outdated drivers or OS versions.
However, if you have confirmed that all your hardware is compatible and you are still not seeing the expected display results, please feel free to to reach out to our support team as support@plugable.com
How can I tell if my laptop is compatible with the UD-MSTHDC?
For full functionality, the UD-MSTHDC requires that the host computer have at least one of the following ports:
- Thunderbolt 4 or 3 port
- USB Type-C ports with Alt Mode (DP) and Power Delivery (PD) support
And that the host computer be running ChromeOS (a Chromebook) or Windows. The UD-MSTHDC is NOT compatible with Mac computers running macOS.
Additionally, the host computer needs to have a processor that supports DP 1.4 (such as Intel 11th gen CPUs or newer) to fully support all external display resolutions and refresh rates, as noted below:
- DP 1.4 hosts support up to two 4K 60Hz external displays
- DP 1.2 hosts support up to two 1080p 60Hz external displays
To determine which processor your laptop has, you can go to Settings -> About ChromeOS -> Diagnostics, and note the first two numbers in the Intel CPU's name (i.e. 11xxx or 12xxx means 11th and 12th generation respectively.
What does the power button on the UD-MSTHDC do?
The UD-MSTHDC's power button controls power to the docking station itself, and will not turn on or off the connected host.
The button will be on by default, and can be used to manually turn the dock off, and then back on if needed.
MST Explained
What is MST?
MST stands for Multi-Stream Transport and is based on DisplayPort Technology, allowing multiple uncompressed video streams to be delivered over a single DisplayPort connection (a process known as multiplexing). MST can be used over several different video port mediums, such as DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, and USB-C ports that support DisplayPort (Alt-Mode).
Two types of connections can be made when using MST. A “daisy-chain” connection where you can link multiple monitors together or an “MST Hub” configuration that can split one DisplayPort cable into multiple video outputs.
For MST to work in a daisy-chain or MST Hub configuration, monitors must support either DisplayPort 1.2 connection (or higher) or Thunderbolt, provide a video “out” port on the monitor, and have MST mode enabled in order for the monitors to work together. Note that HDMI is not supported.
Daisy-chain example
In many cases, a monitor will not have a video “out” option; this is where an MST Hub will become necessary to break out the video signal to each monitor individually.
Plugable's USBC-11IN1E shown in this MST Hub example
Will I need additional software to use MST?
MST does not require any additional software and will connect directly to the host GPU in order to bring high-resolution, uncompressed video that is beneficial in a variety of applications such as graphics design and video editing. Resolutions will vary depending on the specifications of the GPU. DisplayPort 1.4 GPUs will support higher resolutions and refresh rates than DisplayPort 1.2, for example.
It is recommended to use the most up-to-date GPU drivers from your laptop or GPU manufacturer.
Which operating systems support MST?
MST is supported by Windows 11, 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, and Chrome OS.
MST is currently not supported by macOS or Mac OS X.
Compatible Plugable MST devices
Now that we have a better idea of MST, Plugable is excited to introduce several MST compatible hubs and docking stations that can help boost productivity and provide external monitor support, including the ability to provide other capabilities such as USB, Ethernet, and even Audio. Some supported products are,
Some of our Thunderbolt supported products include,
How to identify your Chromebook Model and ChromeOS Version
Plugable supports computers running ChromeOS (such as Chromebook laptops or Chromebox desktops) with several of our Plugable products.
There are many different models of ChromeOS devices available, and several of these models have similar names despite them having different features or specifications.
Should things not work as expected while using a supported Plugable product in conjunction with a supported ChromeOS device, the most important piece of information Plugable needs in order to help troubleshoot the issue is the ChromeOS device’s model information.
The most straightforward way to determine this information is as follows:
1. Power on the ChromeOS device and log in
2. Press the following three keys on the ChromeOS device’s keyboard at the same time:
A. The ‘CTRL’ key
B. The ‘Search’ key, also known as the ‘Launcher’ key
The labeling on this key will look like a magnifying glass or a small solid circle, and this key is typically located near the left ‘Shift’ key on the keyboard.
If you are using a Windows keyboard with a ChromeOS device, the ‘Windows’ key (which looks like the Microsoft logo) will function as the ‘Search’ or the ‘Launcher’ key
C. The ‘Esc’ key
3.. After pressing the combination of keys listed above, a ChromeOS diagnostics window will appear.
At the top of the window, there will be a line of text that displays the version of ChromeOS installed on the device, as well as the ‘code name’ of the device.
For reference, every ChromeOS device has a ‘code name’ given to it by Google while the product was in development, and the code names are unique to each model.
For example, the screenshot below shows the ‘Diagnostics’ application from a Chromebook laptop:
The information at the top of the window reads ‘Intel Tiger Lake Chromebook (voxel, version 107.15117.0)’ and this information is outlined in red in our example.
The ‘107.155117.0’ refers to the specific version of ChromeOS installed on the device. In this case, the major version is ‘107’.
The word ‘voxel’ is the code name for this specific model Chromebook. Google maintains a list of all ChromeOS devices and their code names here → https://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/developer-information-for-chrome-os-devices/
Using the Google list as a reference, we can see that ‘voxel’ is the code name for an ‘Acer Chromebook Spin 713’ laptop, with a model number of ‘CP713-3W’.
For reference, there are two ways to provide this information to Plugable, should we request It:
A. Provide a screenshot of the ‘Diagnostics’ application window. Google provides instructions for taking screenshots here → https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/10474268
B. Click on the ‘Save test details’ button located in the bottom left-hand corner of the ‘Diagnostics’ application window.
You will be prompted to save a text file containing information from the Diagnostics utility. The default location for this file will be within the ‘Downloads’ section within the ‘Files’ application.
Once the file has been saved, provide a copy of that file to Plugable.
If it is not possible to obtain the model information using the process described in item #1, there are a few alternate ways to determine the model information.
2. If you have access to the purchase information for your ChromeOS device (such as an invoice), this information may provide you with the brand and specific model number.
An example of a different brand and specific product model number of a Chromebook (as compared to our previous example) would be ‘ASUS Chromebook C424’
3. Most ChromeOS devices have a label located on the device that provides the specific model number of the product.
For example, here is a photo from the bottom of the Chromebook we used earlier in item #1:
In this example, we can see that this is a Chromebook made by the company ‘Acer’, and the specific product model is ‘CP713-3W’.
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.
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 My Plugable Docking Station Or USB Hub Or USB Adapter Is Connected
If your Windows computer will not boot properly when a Plugable docking station (such as the UD-3900), USB hub (such as the USB3-HUB7C), or USB hub adapter (such as the USBC-7IN1E) is connected most often the cause is an external device connected to the Plugable product (for example an external USB storage drive) as opposed to the Plugable product itself.
If you are affected by this condition, please temporarily disconnect all of the external devices from the Plugable product. The only remaining connections should be the Plugable product's external power source (if it has one) and the cable connecting the Plugable 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 Plugable product one at a time and reboot after each one to test the behavior again. This process should isolate the source of the issue.
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 Plugable 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.
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 |
|
| 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.
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.
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”
Will 60W Be Enough to Charge My Laptop?
A common question we receive is whether it is okay to use a dock or hub that provides different wattage compared to the power adapter included with the laptop, especially if the dock or hub provides less power than the OEM charger. Short answer: for most use cases, it’s fine! And when using standards-compliant docks, hubs, and chargers like those from Plugable, it’s always safe.
When considering whether a dock or hub has enough power to charge a host, it is helpful to understand how little power is consumed most of the time you’re using your system.
Some details why 60W charging is more than sufficient for typical workloads:
All laptops will come with a power supply directly from the manufacturer. This power supply usually supports the maximum charging rate that the host can support (45W, 60W, 100W, 140W, etc.). However, modern systems are designed to be power efficient while managing their power consumption dynamically, typically using just a fraction of their maximum power draw under typical workloads. Additionally, to preserve battery longevity, most devices will reduce charging rate even when a higher wattage charger is connected. Note that Gaming or Workstation laptops, typically including 180W+ power adapters, may have special power requirements.
Even during high-power tasks such as video editing, hosts may only pull greater than 60W for brief periods of time. In these instances, you may notice the battery charges slower, or in some cases even slowly discharges. This is not indicative of a faulty power supply or a problem, just a difference in power consumption vs power delivery.
In some cases, for laptops that can charge at higher than 60W over USB-C, it can take longer for the 60W charger to fully charge a host from 0-100% than a 100W charger for example. However, this is usually only relevant for the first 50 or so percent, as the host limits the charging rate exponentially as the battery gets closer to being fully charged. In the 80-100% range, laptops are typically charging at less than 15W. This means that in a configuration where you are connected to the power adapter for long periods of time, like an entire work day, the 60W charger will be functionally identical to a higher wattage power adapter.
Windows laptops – particularly those from Dell, HP, or Lenovo – may send pop-ups in the OS or messages on boot warning you about a lower charging rate. The messages could be similar to the following:
- “You have plugged in a lower wattage power adapter, USB-C charging device, or power pass-through device. Your system will continue to work, but may not perform at its peak.”
- “Weak charging state, please check power charger.”
- “The AC power adapter wattage and type cannot be determined. The battery may not charge. The system will adjust the performance to match the power available.”
- “The connected AC adapter has a lower wattage than the recommended model – Please connect the AC adapter which was shipped with the system for best system performance”
- “For full performance, connect a higher power adapter”
Despite these warnings, most business and consumer laptops will indeed continue to charge with a lower wattage charger connected, and the messages can often be disabled in your laptop’s BIOS settings.
All this to say that in most use cases, the differences between 60W and higher wattage chargers are minimal, and 60W charging is likely enough to charge most laptops!
Plugable SKUs that feature 60W charging: TBT4-HUB3C, USB4-HUB3A, TBT3-UDC1, UD-3900PDZ, UD-6950PDZ, UD-MSTH2, UD-MSTHDC, USBC-PS-60W
Understanding USB-C Alt Mode
What is Alt Mode, and how does it work?
USB-C is a truly versatile connection that supports a range of functions, including power delivery, data transfer, and video. Alt Mode leverages this versatility by repurposing high-speed data pins to enable alternative video data protocols. Many of our docking stations support this protocol, but there is a catch! To take advantage of this feature, your host system must support Alt Mode via the host USB-C port and controller. If the host system and device support Alt Mode, the USB-C ports automatically switch from its default data protocol to the required Alt Mode protocol for video.
How do I determine if my system supports Alt Mode?
Reviewing your manufacturer's system specifications or user manual is the easiest way to determine if your system supports Alt Mode via the USB-C port, but unfortunately, it’s not always consistent or straightforward. Below, we have included examples of how some system manufacturers mention the capabilities of the USB-C ports on their laptops. This information will usually be included in the user manuals or system specification sheets.
Please note that mention of DisplayPort or DP 1.2, 1,4, and 2.1 indicates Alt Mode support.
Lenovo
HP
Dell
Additionally, some manufacturers, but not all, will also include a DP symbol next to the port to illustrate its ability to support video. If your USB-C port is unmarked, check your user manual or consult the system specifications.
What about Thunderbolt 4 and USB4?
Unlike earlier iterations of USB-C, which use Alt Mode for video support, USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 primarily use video tunnelling to transmit video over the USB-C connection. Video tunnelling dynamically allocates bandwidth for video and data to ensure optimized performance. If a device does not fully support video tunnelling, your Thunderbolt 4 or USB4-capable system can fall back to Alt Mode, ensuring compatibility with devices that support Alt Mode for video. So you don’t have to worry about a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection supporting USB-C Alt Mode!
Troubleshooting For Alt Mode
When using a USB-C video cable, adapter, docking station, or hub, it's important to ensure that your laptop supports Alt Mode. If you encounter any issues, the following steps can help you troubleshoot and determine why video may not be working through your USB-C Alt Mode cable or device.
-
First and foremost, check to ensure that your system supports Alt Mode. This is vital as Alt Mode is an optional feature that not all manufacturers include on their systems.
- If your system does not support Alt Mode, unfortunately, this is a hardware limitation, and there is no workaround for achieving Alt Mode compatibility. However, it’s possible to still drive external monitors through DisplayLink.
- Reboot your system and perform a power reset on your docking station or hub (if applicable)
-
If you are using a docking station, ensure that you are using a USB-C cable that supports Alt Mode.
- Not all cables are created equal—USB-C cables that support USB 2.0 only or “charging only” cables are not built to support video. To ensure compatibility, all of our Alt Mode-capable products will come with a USB-C cable that supports this feature.
- Do not use USB-C to USB-A adapters, as they are not designed to support video transmission.
- Be sure to check your operating system's display settings. The connected display can sometimes be disabled within the display settings, or the resolution and refresh may need to be adjusted to match what your device or display can support.
- Check if your Alt Mode-capable device has any firmware updates listed specifically for Alt Mode.
- Ensure that your system is up to date with all its latest drivers, firmware, and BIOS, especially your USB and internal graphics controller. Outdated drivers can often lead to connectivity issues, and at times, a BIOS update is needed, which the system manufacturer will generally mention on their official support page.
- Check BIOS and UEFI settings; some manufacturers add settings that control USB-C functionality. Ensure that your settings are enabled and correctly configured for Alt Mode.
- Test out another USB-C port on your system if you have more than one. This is beneficial in determining if the issues are related to the specific port.
Benefits of USB-C Alt Mode
Alt Mode over USB-C provides a direct connection to the GPU, allowing you to take advantage of the capabilities of your built-in GPU. This ensures native-level performance without the need for extra software or drivers. As a result, your USB-C Alt Mode-connected display will have reduced latency compared to other methods of adding additional displays, making it perfect for users who require sharp and detailed visuals at optimal refresh rates. Unlike traditional video connectors like HDMI or DisplayPort, which only support video, a USB-C connection with Alt Mode is more flexible and multifunctional, allowing a single connection to carry video, data, and power delivery.
Alt Mode supported devices from Plugable
If your system supports Alt Mode or if you are looking to get more out of your laptop, especially Apple M1, M2, or M3 base chipsets (which are limited to one external display), we have compiled some options below that utilize Alt Mode or a combination of Alt Mode and DisplayLink for even more monitor expandability.
Plugable USB-C Docking Station with HDMI, 60W Laptop Charging
SKU: UD-CA1A
The UD-CA1A is a versatile docking station that enables you to connect a 4K HDMI display via Alt Mode. In addition, it comes equipped with high-speed Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm jacks for headphones and microphone, and will provide 60W of power delivery to your host device—all via a single USB-C port. It is compatible with macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS, making it the ideal solution for any setup. You can enjoy seamless plug-and-play functionality and save space with its sleek vertical design or lay it flat for a more subtle look.
Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub with Ethernet
SKU: USBC-7IN1E
The USBC-7IN1E instantly transforms a single USB-C with Alt Mode or Thunderbolt port into a versatile hub featuring 2x USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, and SD and microSD card readers. For hosts that support Power Delivery over USB-C, this hub also supports 100W PD passthrough, allowing you to plug in your included USB-C power adapter to further simplify your setup for greater portable productivity.
The products mentioned above demonstrate the versatility of a single USB-C connection. Plugable offers a wide range of solutions to meet your needs. Whether you are looking for a full-featured docking station that utilizes DisplayLink and USB-C Alt mode, such as our UD-ULTC4K, or a USB-C cable that supports video, data, and charging, like our USBC-240W-1M, you can rest assured that we have you covered. If you have any questions or need help building a solution that takes full advantage of your laptop's USB-C connection, please reach out to us at support@plugable.com.
What is the Works With Chromebook (WWCB) program, and what Plugable products are included?
WWCB stands for Works With Chromebook. It's a certification program where Google collaborates with leading accessory and peripheral partners to ensure certified products, like docking stations, mice, cables, power adapters and more work seamlessly to help you get the most from your Chromebook.
In order for products to be WWCB certified, they must go through rigorous interoperability testing by Google. This helps to ensure external devices operate smoothly with Chromebooks, and helps to add confidence in purchasing products knowing the devices have been verified to meet Google’s standards.
Another benefit of this program is that participating products can utilize Google’s Secure Firmware update mechanism, offering ease and peace of mind for IT departments and users alike. This allows device firmware updates containing security and bug fixes to automatically be pushed by Google via native OS update mechanisms to securely update your WWCB devices via your Chromebook.
WWCB products can be identified with the following Works With Chromebook badge or logo:
More information about the WWCB program can be found on Google’s WWCB page:
Plugable offers many products that are compatible with Chromebooks, and our Plugable UD-MSTHDC USB-C Dual Display Docking Station is a device that has received Google’s WWCB certification. The dock has the following supported features for a Chromebook:
- 1 x USB-C Port (10Gbps)
- 2 x USB-A Ports (10Gbps)
- 4 x USB-A Ports (5Gbps)
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet Port
- 1 x 3.5mm Audio Port
- 2x DisplayPort 1.4 or 2 x HDMI 2.0 Video Ports supporting up to 4K @ 60Hz
- Up to 60W Host Power Delivery via USB-C
- Secure firmware update via ChromeOS
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.
How do I know if my computer supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?
Most modern laptops that support USB-C DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode should Support two displays.
You may have to research some technical specifications for your laptop to see exactly what version of DisplayPort your computer supports.
- DisplayPort 1.2 should allow for two 1080p@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 should allow for two 4K@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC 1.2 support should allow you to connect 8K@60Hz displays.
Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 enables visually lossless compression for ultra-high-definition (UHD) displays, while also supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR).
If you're unsure or can't find the appropriate technical specifications for the version of DisplayPort your computer supports, you may want to contact the computer manufacturer support team for more detailed information.
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.
Why is the Alt Mode video output on my dock not working?
Alt Mode video works by creating a direct pipeline from the host device's graphics processor through USB-C to the dock which allows it to output video to connected display. This relies on a few key factors to function correctly, including the host device's graphics processor, the host device's USB-C port, and the cable used to connect the dock.
It's recommended to check these possible causes if the Alt Mode video output on your dock is not working:
- USB-C Port Limitations: Not all USB-C ports support video output (Alt Mode). Check your host device's specifications to confirm it supports Alt Mode video output.
- Incompatible USB-C Cable: Some USB-C cables support power and data, but not Alt Mode video. Use the USB-C cable that was originally included in the box with your dock to ensure it supports Alt Mode video output.
- Incorrect Host Connection: Ensure you’re connecting to the correct USB-C port on the dock, typically labeled a laptop icon. Other USB-C ports on the dock may not function for connecting the dock to a host device, and using them could result in no function.
- Outdated Drivers: Ensure your operating system and graphics drivers are up to date. USB-C Alt Mode primarily relies on the laptops graphics processor to produce video, so outdated drivers can often cause issues.
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
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.
