When a Plugable DisplayLink device is not working as expected with a Windows system, the best practice is to disconnect the device from the host system (and remove it's external power source, if it has one) and perform a 'clean' manual installation of the latest version we recommend of the required DisplayLink software driver to help ensure both are in a good state. To do so, please follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the Plugable USB docking station or video adapter from the host system. If the product you are using has an external power adapter (for example a USB docking station), please also disconnect the power adapter from the product so that the unit resets. Please keep everything disconnected until prompted
2. Uninstall any and all software with 'DisplayLink' in the title that is present from within the Control Panel Programs and Features (Apps and Features in Windows 10). Don't worry if these entries are not present or if the process does not work for any reason, just move onto the next step
3. Download and run the DisplayLink Installation Cleaner utility
   • We have a short video that demonstrates this process
4. Once the cleaning utility has completed running, restart the host system (even if not prompted to)
5. Download and install the latest version (that we recommend) of the DisplayLink software driver
6. If you disconnected the power adapter from your product in step one, please reconnect it so the device powers on, then reconnect the product to the host system. If the product is still not working as expected, please restart the host system one more time.

If, after having completed this process, your Plugable DisplayLink device is still not working as expected, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com with the output of our PlugDebug diagnostic utility and we will be happy to help

The graphical software utilities provided by Intel, NVIDIA and AMD/ATI are designed to only recognize and work with graphics adapters made by their respective manufacturers. As a result, they will not recognize USB-attached displays connected to a DisplayLink-based docking station or graphics adapter.

It is recommended to use the facilities built-in to Windows to manage the connected displays. These would be the ‘Display Settings’ application on Windows 10 and ‘Screen Resolution’ application on Windows 8.1 and 7. Both of these applications are available by right-clicking on empty space within the Windows desktop and selecting the appropriate choice from the context menu that appears. 

Note: Intel has released an updated 'Intel Graphics Command Center' application that can recognize DisplayLink-attached displays and configure them to a certain extent. However, some of the features within the Intel Graphics Command Center application that are specific to Intel graphics adapters may not work on a DisplayLink-attached display.

The DisplayLink driver does not support color calibration functionality of any kind. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.

Touchscreens that do not require drivers and use the host’s operating system’s built-in USB Human Interface drivers (HID) to record touch inputs can be made to work with our products, however Plugable does not provide support for doing so due the complexity of multi-monitor touch screen setups.

No, the DisplayLink device's presence on your system will not preclude the use of any of your system’s built-in video outputs.

The use of Powerline-based network adapters in conjunction with the Ethernet port within our DisplayLink-based docking stations or video adapters is not supported.

Windows does not have the ability to adjust the brightness of a display connected using DisplayLink technology. We recommend making use of the display’s internal on-screen menu options in order to adjust the display's brightness.

No, Plugable does not recommend or support using our DisplayLink-based docking stations with a traditional KVM switch. If you simply need to share the dock between two systems, the dock can be manually disconnected from the first system and then manually connected to the second system. 

For those using our USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station products that would like a more permanent solution that does not require disconnecting the unit from the host system, our Plugable USB 3.0 Sharing Switch can be used as an alternative to share the dock between two systems (please keep in mind that the dock can only be used by one system at a time).

Wi-Fi Performance Issues

Any time a USB 3.0 device is connected to a laptop system, there is a potential that the USB 3.0 connection can generate interference that can affect the performance of the laptop's built-in Wi-Fi adapter.

This behavior is not specific to Plugable products, and Intel has published a white paper on the topic for those who are curious about the technical details.

white paper 

So now that we know that this can happen with any type of USB 3.0 connection, how do we solve the problem should it occur? Every person’s setup can be a little different so there will never be one definitive solution, but a few simple approaches can solve the problem in most cases:

• Option One—Move the device as far as away from the system as the USB cable will allow. This will try and ‘move’ the signals from both the USB connection and the Wi-Fi physically further apart. As a corollary to this, if the dock is located very close to the Wi-Fi router itself, placing more distance between the two can help.
• Option Two—Switch to a different USB port on the system, preferably one on the opposite side of the laptop. This employs the same approach as option one, in that physically separating the two signals (in this case the physical proximity of the USB connection and the internal Wi-Fi antennas within your system) can help. If your system has both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, try using the USB 2.0 port first.
• Option Three—Use a USB 2.0 cable, like one used connect to a USB printer, instead of a USB 3.0 cable. All USB 3.0 devices should be backward compatible with a USB 2.0 cable, and when a device is connected at USB 2.0 speeds there is no possibility for the interference.
• Option Four—Switch to using a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. As the name implies, there are two common sets of frequencies used by most Wi-Fi networks (2.4GHz and 5GHz). If both your wireless router and the wireless network adapter in your system support a 5GHz connection (they both need to, one is not enough), connecting to your Wi-Fi in that manner will prevent the interference from happening due to the two very different frequencies in use.
• Option Five—If using a 5GHz connection is not possible, changing the ‘channel’ of a 2.4 GHz connection can help. Within the 2.4GHz band used for Wi-Fi, there are eleven different channels each using a slightly different frequency. The three most commonly used ones in the United States are channel 1, 6 and 11. Using the manual for your wireless router as a guide, switching channels can potentially help. Ideally you would want to switch the channel to the opposite end of the spectrum for the best results, for example if you are on channel one already try switching to channel eleven or vice-versa

Wireless Mouse or Wireless Keyboard Performance Issues (Radio Frequency Interference)

While the items listed above can help with Wi-Fi interference, there is another type of interference that can sometimes cause problems with wireless keyboards and wireless mice which we refer to as Radio Frequency (RF) interference. 

To expand further, the USB wireless receiver 'dongles' used by many wireless keyboards and wireless mice operate within the same 2.4GHz radio frequency range as many Wi-Fi adapters. 

If a USB 3.0 connection is generating interference, this can affect the behavior of a wireless keyboard or wireless mouse. This behavior typically manifests as inconsistent mouse movement and/or inconsistent or sporadic keystroke registration.

In general there are two methods to mitigate this behavior should it occur:

• RF Option One—Reconnect the USB wireless receiver 'dongle' to one of the USB Docking Station's USB 2.0 ports (if the dock has USB 2.0 ports), furthest away from the USB 3.0 host connection cable. Moving the USB receiver to a USB 2.0 port typically mitigates this interference.
• RF Option Two—In rarer cases when moving the receiver is not enough or if the product in question does not have a USB 2.0 port, adding a short USB 2.0 extension cable can also help mitigate the behavior. In many cases wireless mice or keyboards include such a cable for this very reason, but if one is not available our USB2-2PORT is a good alternative solution.
  
  

In some less common instances on Windows computers, erratic keyboard/mouse behavior can be related to an issue with Intel Management Engine. We've written about this issue and the workaround that may fix it in another article in our Knowledge Base: https://kb.plugable.com/docking-stations-and-video/laggy-mouse-or-keyboard

Plugable’s DisplayLink-based products are supported with macOS with the installation of the DisplayLink software. 

There are different versions of the macOS driver that have been released by DisplayLink (the separate company that makes the primary chip within our DisplayLink-based products, and who also develops the software driver), with each version aligning with different versions of macOS. When first introduced there were several differences between the two driver versions. Over time, these differences have become fewer with updates to both the DisplayLink Manager and macOS, however this article is being retained for historical reference.

A ‘legacy’ version which uses a kernel extension in order to provide its functionality, and a newer ‘DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity’ App which utilizes a new architecture that does not rely on a kernel extension to provide its functionality.

The choice of which driver to use is ultimately determined by one’s OS version and individual specific requirements, since each version offers different capabilities and operating system compatibility. We have provided a comparison table below that highlights their differences in an effort to help our customers make an informed decision.

Links to the latest DisplayLink driver versions for each version of macOS as well as installation instructions can be found on the “Downloads” tab of applicable products, or at www.plugable.com/displaylink

*** Display rotation on Macs with an Apple CPU is accomplished within the DisplayLink Manager Application. It is NOT accomplished via the 'Displays' System Preferences application. More information on this feature is available here: Link

**** There is a 3rd-party application called 'f.lux' that allows the adjustment of a display's color according to the time of day. This functionality is in 'beta' status, and must be enabled within the DisplayLink Manager Application in order to function. This functionality is supported with devices based on the DisplayLink DL-3xxx chipset, DL-5xxx chipset, and DL-6xxx chipset.  However, it is important to note that on DL-6xxx chipsets this functionality is limited to DisplayPort video outputs only. It is NOT supported on HDMI video outputs via DL-6xxx chipsets.

Unsure which version of macOS you have installed? Click on the ‘Apple’ icon in the menu bar on your desktop and select ‘About this Mac’. A new window will open and display the system’s macOS version.

How to install the DisplayLink Manager application

1. Download the DisplayLink Manager from our drivers page here: https://plugable.com/pages/displaylink#macos

2. Open the DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity 1.x.pkg

3. Click ‘Continue’ on ‘Introduction’ page

4. Click ‘Continue’ on ‘Licence’ page

5. Click ‘Agree’ when prompted

6. Click ‘Install’ on ‘Installation Type’ page

7. Input your password when prompted

8. When installation finishes click ‘Close’ on ‘Summary’ page

9. Click’ Move to bin’ when prompted

How to use DisplayLink Manager?

The following steps are to be followed once after installing the app.

1. After installation, the DisplayLink Manager app will start automatically and the DisplayLink Manager logo will show in the Menu Bar. It will be grey when the dock is disconnected (Connection status will show: No monitor detected) and white when connected (Connection status will show: Monitor detected). 

NOTE: The DisplayLink Manager app will only start on its own once after the initial installation. Step 5 shows how to setup the app to always start after logging-in (recommended). Otherwise the app has to be started manually each time (see step 2).

2. In case the app does not show in your Menu Bar, to start it manually, please press ‘command’ + ’space’ and type in DisplayLink Manager, click on the application to open it

a. Alternatively you can go to the Applications folder in Finder and click on the DisplayLink Manager there

3. When first opened, DisplayLink Manager will ask you to turn on notifications for the app. Click on the notification below when it shows up. It will open a Notifications window.

4. Turn on ‘Allow Notifications’ for DisplayLink Manager

5. Select “Launch automatically after logging-in” for the software to start automatically every time you log-in.

6. Screen Recording

NOTE: From macOS Catalina 10.15, the operating system requires the user to permit "Screen Recording" in order for DisplayLink based devices (like Plugable UD-3900) to work properly. The message is generated by the OS and the screen is not actually being recorded by DisplayLink. Approving it enables the DisplayLink driver to access the pixels it needs to render a mirrored or extended screen and send the pixels over USB from your computer to the DisplayLink display. DisplayLink Manager does not store or record any screen content.

a. If you enabled notifications in step 3 you will see the below message if Screen Recording is switched off

b. This message will also show in the DisplayLink Manager app window and there will be an exclamation mark ‘!’ next to the DisplayLink Manager icon.

7. To enable “Screen Recording”

a. Go to System Preferences and click on Security & Privacy

b. In the ‘Privacy’ tab scroll down to ‘Screen Recording’ and click on the padlock to make changes

c. Enter password to allow the system to make changes

d. Tick the box next to ‘DisplayLink Manager’ and click ‘Quit and reopen’ when prompted.

e. Click on a padlock to save the changes.

Other functions of the DisplayLink Manager

Login screen extension (Optional)

This enables the external screens to be available on the login screen prior to the app loading after logging into your account.

1. Download the Login Screen Extension from the link available on the front page of the DisplayLink Manager.

2. Install the extension.

3. Once the installation is complete the extension will show as ‘Installed’

Support

NOTE: Opening a ticket through the Support tab will contact the DisplayLink engineering team in Europe. We recommend contacting support@plugable.com if you have any questions or issues. 

No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.

Why is DisplayPort to HDMI often a one-way conversion?

DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs (DP++) have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.

HDMI historically uses a Transmission-Minimized Differential Signaling (TDMS) video signal originally based on DVI's signal, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to convert from HDMI to DisplayPort packet-based data. The latest HDMI specifications enable the new Fixed Rate Link (FRL) which is packet based similar to but not directly compatible with DisplayPort.

Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.

We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!

We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the general concepts of multi-monitor setups in Windows, how to make changes to the way things behave, as well as how to solve common problems.

Direct links to the introductory videos our customers have found the most useful are:

• Introduction to Multiple Displays in Windows  
• Common Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation  
• How To Make a Display the ‘Main’ Display in Windows  
• Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation Part Two  
• Introduction to Display Scaling in Windows  

We also maintain a playlist that contains all of the multiple monitor tutorial videos we have made  .

Windows defaults to putting the computer to sleep when the lid is closed, even if there are external displays and devices connected, we can change this setting to enable closing the lid while using a docking station.

Recommended Setup

To ensure the computer can reliably function with the lid closed there are some requirements and recommendations:

1. The system should be powered: This can be from a USB Type-C Docking Station with host charging, or by connecting the laptop's original power source.
2. There should be at least one external display connected, this can be through a docking station, or directly to the computer.
3. There should be a keyboard and mouse connected, either through a docking station, USB Hub, or directly to the computer.

Windows 11 24H2 and Newer

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Power Options from the context menu

   

2. Expand the Lid, power & sleep button controls sub-section

   

3. Under Plugged in select Do Nothing from the Closing the lid will make my PC  context menu

Windows 11 23H2 and Earlier

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Power Options from the context menu

   

2. 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

   

3. Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing

   

4. Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.

Windows 10

1. Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
2. From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings

   

3. From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
4. Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing

   

5. 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.

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.

When to open the lid?

The laptop lid may still need to be opened when performing any of the following:

• 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)

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!

Unsure which version of macOS you have installed? Click on the ‘Apple’ icon in the menu bar on your desktop and select ‘About this Mac’. A new window will open and display the system’s macOS version.

'Legacy' DisplayLink Driver installation for macOS 10.15 Catalina

We also have a video that demonstrates this process here –> https://youtu.be/ixWKrd5SLKs

Before you begin

If have installed a previous version of the DisplayLink driver, please uninstall it and then reboot your system before proceeding.

1. Download the latest driver for macOS 10.15 Catalina from here -> Link

2. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the DisplayLink driver download

3, The disk image of the driver will mount, and automatically open the DisplayLink Installer main landing page.

4. Double-click on the ‘DisplayLink Software Installer.pkg’ file. The Install DisplayLink Driver page will open.

 *** Depending on your system’s security settings, the installer may not open and instead present you with a warning ***

Click on the ‘OK’ button to dismiss the warning, and then open ‘System Preferences’ (gear icon) and then open the ‘Security & Privacy’ application.

Click on the ‘Open Anyway’ button in the lower right-hand portion of the application window. Then click the ‘Open’ button within the next prompt.

5. Click the ‘Continue’ button shown within the installer’s ‘Introduction’ screen.

6. Click the ‘Agree’ button to accept the license.

7. Click the ‘Install’ button.

8. Click the ‘Continue Installation’ button. The system will need to be restarted when the installation is complete.

9. Enter your system password and click the ‘Install Software’ button.

10. After a few moments, the installer should report a successful installation.

11. The system should also prompt you to access the System Preferences to grant necessary permissions to the DisplayLink driver. Click on the ‘Open System Preferences’ button.

*** If the prompt described above did not appear automatically, manually open the ‘System Preferences’ application (gear icon in the macOS dock at the bottom of the screen) and select the ‘Security & Privacy’ application. Within the ‘Security & Privacy’ application click on the ‘Privacy’ tab. Scroll down in the list of items on the left-hand side of the application window and click to select ‘Screen Recording’. The proceed to the next step ***

12. The ‘Security & Privacy’ application should open and default to showing the ‘Privacy’ tab. On the right-hand side of the application window there should be a single entry entitled, ‘DisplayLinkUserAgent’. Click to place a checkmark next to this entry.

*** Important note – the contents of your screens (displays) are not being recorded. This setting just enables the DisplayLink driver to access the information generated by the system’s built-in graphics adapter to generate the image shown on the DisplayLink-connected displays. ***

13. After having placed a checkmark next to the ‘DisplayLinkUserAgent’ entry, click the ‘Quit Now’ button in the prompt that appears.

14. Close the ‘Security & Privacy’ application, and then restart your system. The DisplayLink device should start working after the restart is complete.

'Legacy' DisplayLink Driver installation for macOS 10.14 Mojave

** Before you begin **

If have installed a previous version of the DisplayLink driver, please uninstall it and then reboot your system before proceeding.

1. Download the latest driver for macOS 10.14 Mojave from here -> Link

2. Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the DisplayLink driver download

3. The disk image of the driver will mount, and automatically open the DisplayLink Installer main landing page

4. Double-click on the ‘DisplayLink Software Installer.pkg’ file. The Install DisplayLink Driver page will open

5. Click ‘Continue’

6. Click the ‘Agree’ button

7. Click ‘Install’

8. Click ‘Continue Installation’ The system will need to be restarted when the installation is complete

9. Enter your system password and click the ‘Install Software’ button

10. There is a chance that the security settings in macOS may block the installation of the DisplayLink extension

11. If that occurs, click on the ‘Open Security Preferences’ button and click the ‘Allow’ button at the bottom of the window to grant permission for the extension to be loaded. ** Important note – this approval must be granted within 30 minutes of the driver installation or the process will not work. A fresh installation must be performed to reset this timer. **

There is also a chance that the warning message about the blocked System Extension will not appear, but macOS may still block the extension. After the driver installation completes, please double-check that the necessary approval was granted by clicking the ‘System Preferences’ icon (the gear) and then clicking on the ‘Security & Privacy’ icon. From the window that appears please ensure the DisplayLink driver is Approved by clicking the ‘Allow’ button.

12. Close the ‘Security and Privacy’ window. The DisplayLink installation should now complete

13. Click on the ‘Restart’ button to restart your system. The DisplayLink device should start working after the restart is complete.

'Legacy' DisplayLink Driver removal for macOS 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina

We also have a video that demonstrates this process here –> https://youtu.be/VRRLJf6D7vc

1. Click the Spotlight magnifying glass icon in the Apple Menu, and search for ‘DisplayLink Software Uninstaller’. Double-click on the result

2. The uninstall window will appear

3. Click the ‘Uninstall’ button

4. Enter your account password and click ‘OK’

5. After a few moments the process will complete. Click the ‘Restart’ button to complete the removal process.

If your Windows computer will not boot properly when a docking station (such as the Plugable UD-3900), USB hub (such as the Plugable USBC-HUB7C), or USB hub adapter (such as the Plugable USBC-7IN1E) is connected most often the cause is an external device connected to the product (for example an external USB storage drive) as opposed to the product itself. 

There are also cases where an external USB storage device (such as a Plugable USBC-NVME SSD enclosure) is the only device connected that can sometimes produce a similar result. 

If you are affected by this condition while using a docking station, USB hub, or USB hub adapter, please temporarily disconnect all of the external devices from the product. The only remaining connections should be the product's external power source (if it has one) and the cable connecting the product to the host computer.

While in this simplified physical configuration, reboot the host computer in order to test the behavior. Presuming the host computer boots as expected while in the simplified configuration, reconnect each external device back to the product one at a time and reboot after each one to test the behavior again. This process should isolate the source of the issue.

In cases where only an external USB storage device is in use, please temporarily disconnect the USB storage device from the host computer and then reboot in order to test the behavior again. 

To expand further, in our experience helping others the most common cause of this behavior is an external USB storage drive connected to one of the product's USB ports.  In some cases, a Windows computer may try to boot from an external storage drive by mistake as opposed to the host computer's built-in storage drive.  Since most external USB storage drives are not 'bootable', this can interrupt the boot process. 

If this behavior occurs, the most common way to mitigate the behavior is to access the host computer's System BIOS (also known as UEFI firmware) to change the 'boot order' settings to ensure that the host computer's internal storage drive is the first boot option.  Doing so helps ensure that the host computer will not try to boot from an external USB storage device. 

Every Windows host computer system is different, so the best resource for accessing the System BIOS and changing the settings is the manual for the host computer provided by the manufacturer of the host computer.

Docking stations based on DisplayLink USB video technology are in essence a 'virtual' graphics adapter that relies on the host laptop's CPU and internal physical graphics processing unit (aka as GPU) to generate the information shown on the dock-attached displays.

In rare instances, Windows applications that use a technology known as OpenGL to draw the image shown on the display will attempt to direct OpenGL related tasks to the DisplayLink-based docking station's virtual graphics adapter, and not to the 'real'/'physical' GPU within the laptop.  

Since the dock is not a physical GPU that supports OpenGL, this can sometimes cause applications that make use of OpenGL (such as Google Earth or AutoCAD) to not work as expected or result in various types of error messages. 

The true root cause of this behavior can vary, and ultimately lies outside of the docking station or its associated DisplayLink driver. In some cases the root cause lies within the Windows driver for the host system's physical GPU and in rarer cases within the Windows operating system itself.  

In some cases updating either the driver for the system's internal GPU or updating Windows itself (when Microsoft provides such updates) can help, however that is unfortunately not always the case.

If updating those components does not help, in most cases there are two possible workarounds. 

The first is to configure Windows to have the ‘Main’ display set to a display directly connected to the host system's built-in internal GPU, whether that is an internal laptop display or another external display connected to one of the system's built-in video outputs (a quick guide to doing so is here -> https://youtu.be/7nnKztRZXsw). 

If the first option does not prove a suitable workaround, the second option is to boot the system without the dock connected, launching the affected application, and then connecting the dock may also help.

When upgrading the DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App to new version within a macOS system, the update process will cause the older version of the App to quit. As a result, any monitors connected to a DisplayLink-based USB video adapter or docking station will stop working.

The solution is to manually start the new version of the DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App by double-clicking on the App's icon within the macOS 'Applications' folder within the macOS Finder. This will restart the DisplayLink Manager Graphics Connectivity App, which in turn will enable any monitors connected to a DisplayLink-based USB video adapter or docking station to start working again. 

This article intends to provide a list of Plugable products that utilize DisplayLink technology that we currently recommend for use with macOS Mojave 10.14 and newer versions of the macOS operating system. For additional information regarding the current limitations with DisplayLink adapters and docks with macOS, please look at our KB article here: https://kb.plugable.com/question/724337

DisplayLink docks that are recommended with USB 3.0 Type-A and USB 3.0 Type-C connection to laptop:

Plugable UD-3900 Dual Display Universal Docking Station (UD-3900)

Plugable USB 3.0 Dual Monitor Horizontal Docking Station (UD-3900H)

Plugable Dual HDMI USB Universal Docking Station For Windows (UD-3900Z)

Plugable Dual 4K Display HDMI or DisplayPort Universal Docking Station (UD-6950Z)

Plugable UD-6950 USB 3.0 Dual DisplayPort 4K Docking Station (UD-6950)

Plugable UD-6950H USB 3.0 Dual 4K Display Horizontal Docking Station with DisplayPort and HDMI (UD-6950H)

DisplayLink docks that are recommended that support USB-C power delivery to the laptop:

Plugable USB-C 5-Display Docking Station with HDMI 2.1 and 140W charging (UD-7400PD)

Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station for 4K Quad Monitors, 100W Laptop Charging (TBT-6950PD)

Plugable USB-C Docking Station, Dual 4K Monitors, 100W Laptop Charging (UD-6950PDH)

Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging - Horizontal (UD-6950PDZ)

Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Display Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging - Horizontal (UD-3900PDZ)

Plugable USB-C Triple 4K Display Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging - Vertical (UD-ULTC4K)

Plugable USB-C Triple HDMI Display Docking Station with 100W Laptop Charging - Vertical (UD-ULTCDL)

Plugable USB-C Triple Monitor Docking Station with 3x HDMI Ports, 100W Laptop Charging (UD-3900PDH)

Plugable USB-C Docking Station for 4 Monitor Setup, 96W Laptop Charging (UD-3900C4)

Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station, 100W Pass Through Charging (USBC-6950PDZ)

DisplayLink adapters that are recommended:

Plugable Dual Monitor USB-C to HDMI Adapter, 4K 60Hz (USBC-6950M)

Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Graphics Adapter With up to 100W USB-C PD Pass-through Charging (USBC-7400H4)

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.

UPDATE - 3/11/2025 - Content switched to Internal for historical purposes. This KB has been superseded by this new KB --> https://kb.plugable.com/question/3137440

Plugable has received reports of Notifications not working as expected when a DisplayLink-based product (such as our UD-3900 or UD-6950Z docking stations) is connected to a Mac running macOS 12 Monterey. 

The cause of this behavior is still being investigated, however in our experience making a small change within the ‘Notifications & Focus’ preference settings can help.

For macOS 12 Montery, please follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘System Preferences’ icon (looks like a gear) in the macOS Dock at the bottom of your screen
2. Click on the ‘Notifications and Focus’ application
3. At the bottom of the ‘Notifications and Focus’ application window, click to place a checkmark in the ‘When mirroring or sharing the display’ option under the ‘Allow notifications’ section.  An example screenshot with this option highlighted is included below:

For macOS 13 Ventura, please follow these steps:

1. From Finder, click on the Apple Menu then select System Settings
2. On the left side select "Notifications"
3. On the right side select the option to "Allow notification s when mirroring or sharing the display"
4. Under Application Notifications select "DisplayLink Manager"
5. Toggle on the "Allow notifications" option at the top

UPDATE 5/24/2022 - To the best of Plugable's knowledge, the unexpected behavior described below has been resolved by the macOS 12.4 update.  While the issue has been resolved, the information below has been retained for historical reference. 

Plugable’s products based on DisplayLink technology have the ability to send an audio signal out via their 3.5mm analog audio jacks or via their HDMI or DisplayPort video output ports (which can also carry an audio signal). 

Examples of Plugable products based on DisplayLink technology are the UD-3900, UD-6950Z, or USBC-6950U. Any Plugable product based on DisplayLink technology will have a 'DisplayLink' logo printed somewhere on the product. If a Plugable product does not have this logo, then it does not use DisplayLink technology.  

In some cases, when DisplayLink-based products are used with a Mac running macOS 12 Monterey the audio signal may not be heard when switching to the DisplayLink-based device.  

This behavior appears to be tied to the order in which an audio output device is selected and used within macOS. For reference, the macOS driver used for the audio device within any DisplayLink-based product is provided by Apple and built-in to macOS.   

To expand further, consider the following two examples:

‘Working’ example

1. A Mac system is powered on with a DisplayLink device already connected. 
2. The DisplayLink device is set to the default audio output device within the ‘Sound’ macOS System Preferences application. 
3. An application plays a file that contains audio. 
4. The audio signal is heard properly via the DisplayLink device.

‘Not working’ example

1. A Mac system is powered on without a DisplayLink device connected
2. The Mac’s built-in audio output device is set as the default audio output device within the ‘Sound’ macOS System Preferences application. 
3. An application plays a file that contains audio. 
4. The audio signal is heard properly via the Mac’s built-in audio output device.
5. A DisplayLink device is connected to the Mac
6. The default audio output device within the ‘Sound’ macOS System Preferences application is changed to the DisplayLink device.
7. An application plays a file that contains audio. 
8. An audio signal is NOT heard via the DisplayLink device. 

At this time, there are three potential workarounds for this behavior:

• Restart the Mac
• Completely close the application that is affected by the behavior, and then restart the application
• Execute this command from within the macOS Terminal application (without the quotes) -->  'sudo killall coreaudiod'

Can Silicon Motion and DisplayLink-Based Docking Stations and Graphics Adapters Work Together?

Yes, Silicon Motion and DisplayLink-based products can work together and be used at the same time on the same computer. This requires that the software drivers for both types of products are installed on the host system.

How Silicon Motion and DisplayLink Products Work Together

Both Silicon Motion and DisplayLink utilize USB graphics technology that can coexist on a single operating system. To ensure proper functionality, users must download and install the specific drivers associated with each respective chipset.

While Windows limits are typically performance-based recommendations, the actual ceiling of adding external monitors is much higher.

Plugable recommends up to 8 external 4K displays via DisplayLink for productivity workloads, but more is theoretically possible for high-end computers.

With Silicon Motion Plugable recommends up to 4 displays using Silicon Motion based adapters. macOS often enforces a hard limit on the number of addressable displays.

Applicable To

USBC-7400H4

USBC-6950M

USBC-6950UE

USBC-6950U

UGA-4KHDMI

UGA-HDMI-2S

UGA-HDMI-S

USBC-768H4

USBC-MSTH2

UGA-DP-S

USB3-3900DHE

USB-VGA-165

UGA-4KDP

UGA-2KHDMI

UGA-165

USBC-MSTH3

UGA-3000

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.

Modern operating systems support adjusting the color of the image shown within external displays in order to make the image more pleasing depending upon the time of the day.

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, this feature is known as ‘Night Light’ → https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/set-your-display-for-night-time-in-windows-18fe903a-e0a1-8326-4c68-fd23d7aaf136

In ChromeOS, this feature is also known as ‘Night Light’ → https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9145848?hl=en

In macOS, this feature is known as ‘Night Shift’ → https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207513

When using a DisplayLink-based product based on the DL-3xxx, DL-5xxx, or DL-6xxx chipsets, as of today the level of support for color adjustment is as follows:

*** More information about this feature is available here → https://support.displaylink.com/knowledgebase/articles/1990237-displaylink-manager-app-f-lux-support-option