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

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

HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.

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

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

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:

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.

For Windows 11:

1. Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the 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.

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 )

If your Windows laptop will not boot properly when a docking station is connected to the laptop, most often the cause is an external device connected to the docking station (for example an external USB storage drive) as opposed to the dock itself. 

If you are affected by this condition, please follow these steps in order to isolate the behavior further:

1. Disconnect all USB devices from the docking station and put them aside for the moment.
2. Disconnect any displays connected to the dock's video outputs.
3. Disconnect any audio devices connected to the dock's audio ports (if present).
4. Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the dock's Ethernet port (if present).
5. The only remaining connections should be the dock's power adapter cable and the USB cable used to connect it to the laptop. No other external devices should be connected to the dock.
6. While in this state, reboot the laptop to test the behavior.
7. Assuming the laptop boots as expected, please reconnect each device back to the dock one at a time and reboot after each one to test the behavior again. Please reconnect the displays first, then the audio devices, then the Ethernet cable. Please reconnect any USB devices to the dock last, again rebooting after each one is added to test the behavior.

In our experience helping others, the most common cause of this behavior is an external USB storage drive connected to one of the dock's USB ports.  In some cases, a laptop may try to boot from an external storage drive by mistake as opposed to the laptop'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 laptop's System BIOS (also known as UEFI firmware) to change the 'boot order' settings to ensure that the laptop's internal storage drive is the first boot option.  Doing so helps ensure that the laptop will not try to boot from an external USB storage device. 

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

There are various reasons and configurations that can benefit from having more than one network adapter present on a PC.

For users with newer networking products, featuring 2.5Gbps link rates or greater, it may be beneficial to prioritize that network connection over others on your PC that are still connected to your network/LAN.

Yes, this Thunderbolt 4 cable is compatible with any USB-C port for data transfer, charging, or video (capabilities will depend on peripheral used).

Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables can support up to 240W of power allowing you to keep your devices charged, but some cables may not offer the full 240W capability and instead offer a maximum of 100W of Power Delivery.

Yes, Thunderbolt 4 cables are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C devices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your primary monitor, and select ‘System Preferences’
2. Next select ‘Network’ in the ‘System Preferences' window.
3. In the now visible list, please select the Plugable Ethernet, or Thunderbolt Ethernet device that may not be working as expected.
4. Once selected click on the minus button in the bottom left of the network window.
5. Click on Apply in the bottom right.
6. Next click on the plus button in the bottom left of the network window, and add the previously removed device.
7. Click on Apply in the bottom right.
8. Test to see if this has resolved the unexpected behavior, and assure that your Ethernet is now working.
9. If this does not resolve the problem, please proceed to the next section (As noted previously the next section is for advanced users only!)

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.

The TBT4-UDZ docking station offers two primary modes to output video to attached displays via the dual HDMI 2.0 and dual DisplayPort 1.2 outputs: Thunderbolt 3/Thunderbolt 4/USB4 mode and USB-C DisplayPort Alternate mode.

Systems with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 support and USB-C only systems without Thunderbolt support will have differing capabilities. In addition, some Thunderbolt 3 systems may only support a single display and some USB-C only systems may lack USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode video output entirely (no displays will work). Windows versus Mac compatibility varies as well. Due to varying support please see below for more technical details:

Multiple display capabilities for Thunderbolt 4/USB4 systems:

• Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 DSC (High Bit Rate 3 with Display Stream Compression) can offer up to four extended displays at 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs utilizing DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology built into the dock. (USB4 system support may vary depending on system manufacturer specifications)
  
  
• Apple M1/M2/M3 Pro and M1/M2/M3 Max based Macs do not support DisplayPort MST (Multi-Stream Transport) technology and thus can support up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
  
  
• Apple M1/M2 based Macs (base model, non-Pro/Max) are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock. (M1/M2 users should consider a DisplayLink USB graphics based docking station like our UD-ULTC4K instead which can enable up to three 4K 60Hz displays - the TBT4-UDZ does not use DisplayLink USB graphics technology)
• MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3(base) can support up to two displays with the lid closed(clamshell) over Thunderbolt.
  • macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for MacBook Air M3 is required
  • macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for MacBook Pro M3 is required 

Multiple display capabilities for Thunderbolt 3 systems:

• Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems with dual DisplayPort streams can offer up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group*. (*A configuration with three displays may technically be able to be connected, however, by doing so there will be severe bandwidth limitations and will lead to suboptimal resolution and refresh rate options for all three displays. As such this configuration is not recommended or supported.)
  
  
• Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems with a single DP stream are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock.
  
  
• Thunderbolt 3 Apple Macs with Intel processors can support up to 2x 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz extended displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 and 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs* which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
  (*Please note: Older Intel based Macs (non Apple M series processors) are advised to use HDMI for the best compatibility with 4K 60Hz displays if possible. The use of DisplayPort is supported for Intel Macs, however the display(s) may be limited to 4K 30Hz maximum. For Intel based Macs our TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt 3 dock may be a better choice for DisplayPort displays requiring 4K 60Hz)

Multiple display capabilities for USB-C only Windows systems:

(Non-Thunderbolt/USB4, using USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) operating in USB-C Multifunction DisplayPort Mode (MFDP))

• USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 with DSC (High Bit Rate 3 with Display Stream Compression) can offer up to two displays at 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
  
  
• USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) can offer one display up to 4K (3840x2160) at 60Hz or two displays 1440p (2560x1440) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.
  
  
• USB-C DP Alt Mode MFDP Windows systems with DisplayPort 1.2 HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2) can offer a single display up to 4K (3840x2160) at 30Hz or two displays 1080p (1920x1080) at 60Hz via 2x HDMI 2.0 or 2x DisplayPort 1.2 video outputs which can be connected in any combination of HDMI + HDMI, DP + DP, or a mix of HDMI + DP to the "Group 1" and "Group 2" output groups. Two displays cannot be connected to the same group.

Multiple display capabilities for USB-C only Mac systems:

(Non-Thunderbolt/USB4 using USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode)

• USB-C Apple 12" MacBook Retina Macs (single USB-C port, non-Air/Pro) are limited to a single 4K (3840x2160) 30Hz extended display which can be connected to any single HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 video output on the dock.

Important Notes:

• Most Thunderbolt 4 Windows laptop systems will require the internal display to be "disconnected" in the Windows Display Settings to enable four external extended displays. (support is dependent upon the system graphics chipset(s) configuration)
  
  
• Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems will try to mirror/clone attached displays by default upon first connect, it will be required to separate any mirrored/cloned displays and change them to be extended in the Windows Display Settings. (for a quad display setup on a Thunderbolt 4 host this step may need to be repeated until all displays are extended)
  
  
• Some Thunderbolt 3 Windows systems will not support dual displays (only one DisplayPort stream). Please check with your system manufacturer to verify dual displays via Thunderbolt 3 are supported. (a common example would be the popular Intel NUC hosts which usually only support a single display through Thunderbolt 3)
  
  
• For Thunderbolt 4 equipped Windows desktop systems with Intel 11th gen processors ("Rocket Lake-S"). Due to limitations of the integrated Intel UHD 730 and 750 graphics these systems will be limited to a maximum of three displays if the Thunderbolt 4 controller is utilizing the Intel integrated graphics as the DisplayPort video signal source. Additionally, 11th gen processors with an "F" or "KF" designation (like the 11900KF) lack integrated video entirely and will not support any displays over Thunderbolt 4 (again, if the Thunderbolt 4 controller relies on the integrated graphics).
  
  If the Intel 11th Gen Thunderbolt 4 desktop has auxiliary DisplayPort video inputs (either on the motherboard, or via a Thunderbolt 4 add-in card) the user can connect the Thunderbolt 4 controller to a dedicated PCI Express graphics card (such AMD Radeon, Nvidia GeForce, or Intel Arc) DisplayPort video outputs and those systems are capable of supporting four displays (as the integrated UHD graphics is not utilized in this configuration). Typically systems with this ability to "loopback" the video signal from a PCIe graphics card into the Thunderbolt controller are rare except for very high end workstation or gaming class desktops.
  
  
• We do not officially support high refresh rate displays above 60Hz. (higher refresh rates under 4K resolution may be selected but performance and stability above 60Hz is not guaranteed)
  
  
• We do not support HDR (High Dynamic Range) or adaptive sync/variable refresh rate (such as AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync technologies)
  
  
• If converting the DisplayPort outputs to a different connector type an active DisplayPort adapter is required. Passive DisplayPort adapters are not supported. (the 2x DisplayPorts do not offer DP++ capabilities required for passive adapters)
  • Users with legacy DVI displays should use passive HDMI to DVI adapters in most cases* rather than active DP to DVI adapters. (*Dual Link DVI displays will require an active DP to DVI Dual Link adapter)
  • Users with legacy VGA displays should use active DisplayPort to VGA adapters (or active HDMI to VGA adapters)
  • Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode based USB-C displays are not supported
  • Legacy Apple ADC displays are not supported
    
    
• 5K, 6K, and 8K displays are not supported as they require a higher resolution output than what this dock can offer
  
  
• The use of multiple DisplayPort displays daisy-chained via DP MST (DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport) is not supported
  
  
• Older 4K displays that require DP MST to operate at 4K 60Hz are not supported. (these displays use two 1920x2160 vertical panels in the display via DP MST to achieve 3840x2160)
  
  
• Legacy Apple Thunderbolt (1 or 2) systems being converted to Thunderbolt 3 using Apple's bi-directional Thunderbolt adapter are not officially supported and this combination is at this time untested and not recommended.
  
  

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

The power button for the TBT4-UDZ is simply to turn the dock on or off. This button does not have any influence on the computer itself (power button will not power on/off the attached host system). 

When the dock is powered off all devices attached to the dock will also lose power and the dock will no longer be recognizable by the system or offer charging (until it is turned back on).

Please note that the dock will automatically power on when attached to AC power and this is indicated by a white (or green) light on the front. A white light means the dock is getting power but that it is not connected to a host system. A green light means the system is getting power and has successfully connected to a host system.

The TBT4-UDZ generally does not require for the firmware to be updated, however, in some cases a new firmware version may be helpful if you are experiencing the following issue, and after standard troubleshooting (such as driver updates and firmware updates to the host system) has not helped:

• DisplayPort attached display(s) are detected but displaying no image on screen.

Note: Updating the dock firmware will not help with other non-video related issues, if experiencing other issues please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist.

If you are experiencing the above issue, to update the firmware you will need access to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 system with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4. (Standard USB-C systems may also support the update process if they support USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode.)

The firmware update cannot be performed on a Mac system, or systems running Linux. If you do not have access to a compatible Windows system to perform the firmware update please contact us for assistance.

Please follow these PDF instructions to download and perform the firmware update: https://media.plugable.com/downloads/kb/1707049/tbt4-udz_firmware_update_procedure.pdf

If you encounter any issues during the firmware update process, or have any additional questions please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist.

The TBT4-UDZ has a front Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps USB-C port that is used to connect a host system. The rear 10Gbps USB-C port is intended for USB-C accessories and will not support connecting a system there. If connecting to the wrong port by accident no damage will occur but the dock will not be recognized properly.

No, the TBT4-UDZ does not use DisplayLink USB graphics technology and does not support the DisplayLink USB graphics driver software.

External DisplayLink based devices connected to the TBT4-UDZ USB ports are supported.

The Plugable TBT4-UDZ docking station has two media card reader slots located on the front of the unit.

The first slot is for full-size Secure Digital (SD) media cards.  The second slot is for microSD media cards.

Media cards can be inserted into both slots, and both can be used simultaneously. 

Full-size SD card slot

The full-size SD card slot is a ‘manual’ slot.  When the docking station is in the horizontal position, you simply insert the full-size SD card into the slot with the SD card label facing upwards. Continue to push the card into the dock until the card stops. 

To remove the full-size SD card, simply pull to remove the card from the slot. 

*** Please note, prior to removing the card from the slot you may have to manually ‘eject’ the media card from within the host operating system. ***

Full-size SD card outside of the docking station

Full-size SD card partially inserted into the full-size SD card slot

Full-size SD card fully inserted into the full-size SD card slot

microSD card slot

The microSD card slot is a ‘spring loaded’ slot. When the docking station is in the horizontal position, you simply insert the microSD card into the slot with the SD card label facing downwards until you hear a ‘click’. 

To remove the microSD card, simply press on the visible edge of the card with your finger nail and then release. A spring inside the slot will gently push the card outward. Once the card has been released, continue to remove the card from the slot.

*** Please note, prior to removing the card from the slot you may have to manually ‘eject’ the media card from within the host operating system. ***

MicroSD card outside of the docking station, label facing upwards

MicroSD card outside of the docking station, label facing downwards

MicroSD card partially inserted into the microSD card slot

MicroSD card fully inserted into the microSD card slot

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.

UPDATE 1/10/2024

The issue originally described within this article has been resolved by Nvidia with the release of their GPU driver, version 546.33 dated 12/12/2023 → LINK

If you are experiencing lower than expected resolution via the HDMI video outputs of your TBT4-UDZ or UD-4VPD docking station when using either product with a laptop computer with a discrete Nvidia GPU, updating to the GPU driver referenced above should resolve the issue.  

If that does not help, please contact us at support@plugable.com for further assistance.

The original text of this article is being retained below, for historical reference only. 

*** Deprecated information - For historical reference only ***

If you are having issues with your HDMI display(s) not working at their expected native resolution from your TBT4-UDZ or UD-4VPD docking station HDMI outputs, and your notebook computer is equipped with discrete NVIDIA graphics (or hybrid AMD/Intel + NVIDIA graphics), you may need to install an earlier version of the NVIDIA graphics driver to resolve the low-resolution behavior.

This behavior with low resolution over HDMI (usually 800x600 or 720x576) is due to a what we believe is a regression with the NVIDIA graphics driver past version 532.03. Based on our internal testing and reports from customers any newer driver version at this time will cause this low-resolution behavior. 

It is our current recommendation that if you are running a newer version of the NVIDIA graphics driver and are experiencing this issue to roll-back to version 532.03 which can be found below:

https://www.nvidia.com/download/driverResults.aspx/204970/en-us/

Please note that this specific behavior only affects our TBT4-UDZ* and UD-4VPD docking stations and is currently under investigation (*TBT4-UDZ DisplayPort outputs are unaffected). Once there is a newer NVIDIA graphics driver available that does not exhibit this regression this article will be updated.

To update the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers to the compatible version: 
1) Download the latest graphics drivers from NVIDIA linked above, by clicking on the green "Download" button on this and the next page, save the drivers to the Desktop or Downloads directory 
2) Save and close any open applications, unplug the docking station from the computer, and connect the original power supply 
3) Navigate to the downloaded graphics driver, then right-click on the saved driver installation file and select "Run as administrator" to start the installation process 
4) Allow the NVIDIA driver installation through the "User account control" window 
5) Select the "Custom Installation" option, and on the "Custom Installation" screen, select the checkbox next to "Perform a clean installation" near the bottom of the window, then follow the on screen instructions to update the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers 
 - If there are any errors, please take a screenshot ( using the Windows Snipping tool, or screenshot shortcut [Win]+[Shift]+[S] and attach the screenshot of the error message to an email to ‘support@plugable.com’ and we will be happy to help 
6) When complete please restart the computer ( Start > Power > Restart ) before reconnecting the docking station

Please contact us at support@plugable.com for further assistance.

For products which have multiple USB-C ports, normally only one port is capable of connecting the product to a computer. USB-C ports capable of connecting the product to a computer are sometimes called “Host” or “Upstream” ports. 

On Plugable products with multiple USB-C ports, the dedicated port for connecting to the computer will be marked with a small laptop icon or the words “To host”.

A product may not be able to function if it is connected to a computer through a different USB-C port. These ports are also known as “Hub" or “Downstream” ports. 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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”. 
3. 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:

1. Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
2. 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.
3. 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.

If you have installed your DisplayLink-enabled docking station or graphics adapter and downloaded the DisplayLink software, but see that no displays are working properly, you may need to enable “Screen Recording”. In this guide, we will go over a short list of steps to enable this permission, and get your DisplayLink device up and running!

As of macOS Catalina (version 10.15), DisplayLink drivers that are installed require that the “Screen Recording” permission be granted by the user. While this permission, when used in conjunction with DisplayLink is not recording in a traditional sense, it does allow DisplayLink to access the pixels it needs to render images (mirrored or extended). It then sends these pixels over USB from the computer to the display connected to your DisplayLink connected device.

Note: It does not capture or send any data.

During the installation process for the DisplayLink drivers, you will be requested to allow “Screen Recording” for DisplayLink. Additionally, you may see a notification within the DisplayLink application and when a new device is connected. However, we understand sometimes these may get lost in a sea of information and other notifications.

How do I know if the Screen Recording permission hasn’t been set? Reference the image below to check in your “Privacy & Security” settings

If you have not enabled “Screen Recording”, please follow these few instructions to enable it.

1. Click on the Apple icon (defaults to the top left corner of your screen) and select “System Preferences
2. Navigate to and click “Security & Privacy”
3. In this window, select “Privacy”
4. A list will be presented, scroll until you find “Screen Recording” and click on it
5. Displayed on the bottom left, there is a lock icon, click on this to make changes
6. If prompted, login using your computer credentials to make changes
7. Check the box next to DisplayLink Manager
8. You will be promoted to “Quit & Reopen”, click this button
9. Click on the lock icon once more to save your changes

Note: Some of these steps may vary slightly based on your macOS version

You should now be able to see your displays on your docking station or adapter. If you have completed the above steps successfully and still do not see your displays, please be sure to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.

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”

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.