back to the top Dell TB15 Desktop Dock - Step-by-step driver/firmware/BIOS installation instructions for XPS, Latitude and Precision notebooks [UPDATED 07-28-16]

[DELL-Brian B]

Use Dell Command | Update to install Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) drivers for Latitude E5570 / 7275 / 7370 / Precision 3510 / 5510 / XPS 15-9550 / XPS 13-9350 & XPS 12-9250

Dell provides the Dell Command | Update Application on a business client supported platforms to simplify the BIOS, firmware & driver update experience. This application is located under the "Systems Management" section of the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Be sure to pick your system type from the list or enter your service tag to ensure you get the right version for your system.

• Install the Dell Command | Update v2.2.0 available for the system in the "Systems Management" section to obtain the latest firmware and drivers.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810413M/1/Systems-Management_Application_P52W9_WN32_2.2.0_A00.EXE

NOTE: The application allows users to download and install the latest firmware and drivers on their systems, including

1. System BIOS
2. Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver
3. Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update
4. ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver
5. Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver
6. Realtek USB Audio Driver

Other than above automatic installation, it’s recommended that users download and install the Dell Dock Firmware Update utility (expected to be available to download by August 2016) and Intel HD Graphics Driver manually.

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<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude E5570 / Precision 3510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03796988M/1/Latitude_E5x70_Precision_3510_1.7.3.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.
2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

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Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7275 / XPS 12-9250

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.

1. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03814070M/1/XPS_9250_Latitude_7275_01.01.17.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03730414M/1/Video_Driver_JM0JP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.

1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

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<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7370

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.

1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810970M/1/Latitude_7370_01.04.05.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03585219M/1/Audio_Driver_0PP6T_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.

1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Precision 5510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.

1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800318M/1/Precision_5510_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.
2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 15-9550

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800340M/1/XPS_9550_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.
2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 13-9350

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03769593M/1/XPS_9350_1.4.4.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03743273M/1/9350_Video_Driver_4XM7X_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A05.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

1. Power off the system.
2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

[johnptd]

 Unfortunately I see no updates to firmware or drivers from what I already have for the TB15 and my XPS 15 9550. I have experienced issues with the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver (generating BSOD's) and the mini-Displayport connection from the TB15 to an external monitor (screen blanks out). Time is running out for me. I will be forced to return my TB15 this week.

JohnD

[Mircolino]

This used to be this thread.

The current list of drivers/firmwares (and the installation sequence), as posted by Brian above, doesn't resolve the issue: devices connected to the dock (monitors, LAN, mouse, keyboard etc.) frequently and randomly disconnecting.  

Most (if not all) customers are still unable to get the docking station to work.

Either the dock is flawed (overheating) or the thunderbolt driver/firmware is unstable and needs updates.

[dcabanaw]

I have followed all the instructions for the TB15 with a XPS 13 9350 (Win10 64-bit)  and I get disconnects on USB mouse and keyboard still.  The disconnects happen every 60-90 seconds.  I have tried all the USB ports with multiple keyboards and mice that work fine when plugged directly into the laptop.

USB thumb drives seem to work fine though.  I was able to transfer files to and from several thumb drives without interruption.

Ethernet seem to be working just fine.

HDMI and Displayport seem to be working fine.  I have yet to try the mini-displayport and vga.

[Mingus59]

XPS 15 9550 & TB15 here.

Mine seems to be (mostly) stable with audio, Ethernet, keyboard, mouse and two external HDDs.  What trips my TB15 up is when I connect to an external display, first with DP, then with a brand new mDP cable.  Disconnects and hangs after that.

[HMT1]

I have Precision 5510, and TB15. After plugging the TB15 dock (without any other devices attached to the dock) to the laptop, the fan is switched on strongly, and it is really noisy. Is there anyway to get rid of this?

Thanks

[Mircolino]

Nope. Fans permanently at 3200 RPM even when the laptop is essentially cold.
This alone makes me not want to use the TB15.

And BTW, it's not just the TB15. Anything that you connect to the USB-C port (like a simple memory stick) and the fans will kick in). 

[HMT1]

Yes, you are right. The fan speed problem happens when plugging anything to the thunderbolt port (I tested with not only TB15 dock, but also USB-C ethernet adapter; other people also reported fan noise problem when plugging USB-C to HDMI/VGA/USB3/Ethernet adaper to XPS 15 9550), even without really using these plugged devices.

I think it is really a problem of the thunberbolt 3 USB-C port! Hope that Dell will have answer/solution to this problem soon.

[Mircolino]

This problem (assuming it's a problem and not a feature) has been there since the laptop was released.
Several BIOS and driver version later and nothing has changed.

Dell doesn't care much. Technical support is a joke and nobody is moderating/supervising these forums.

[bull3964]

One tip I would like to share with the troubleshooting process.  I, like many others, was getting a quick exit on the Thunderbolt firmware update because I had already installed it.  But I suspected that maybe the installation wasn't clean because I don't know if I had the drivers updated before hand when I originally ran the firmware update.

So, I decided to see if there where any command line switches for the thunderbolt firmware buy running it with the /? switch.  Sure enough, there was a /f switch that was described as overriding soft dependencies.  I took a blind leap and hoped that this included whether or not the update was already installed.

So, I uninstalled every driver listed above, rebooting between every install.  Then I also cleared out all disconnected devices in device manager.  I then ran the steps one at a time starting with the BIOS update that I had already applied.

When it came to the Thunderbolt 3 firmware, I ran it from the command line with the /s (silent) /f and /l (switches).  It took much longer than just running the executable previously and when it exited (I could tell by seeing when the process left the task manager) the log indicated that the firmware was updated (it didn't say anything about it being already updated.)  So, I think that successfully forced it to flash again.

I then installed the remaining drivers in order.  Rebooting inbetween each one even if it didn't prompt.

I then reinstalled the Intel graphics drivers followed by a clean install of the latest Nvidia drivers.

I then power cycled the dock and plugged it into the notebook without any devices connected to it.  I let it install all the USB hub devices and then rebooted.  I then followed up with the display, then audio, then USB hubs, then keyboard and mouse.

After ALL that, it seems somewhat stable.  The display is no longer blanking out on me every few seconds, USB devices seem to be responding fairly well.  I've been able to sleep the computer and wake it up while docked and have everything work.

Reboots while docked are still a little hit and miss.  Sometimes it comes up with the login on my external monitor, sometimes it just completely blanks out both notebook and external screens until I unplug and replug.

Also, there is certainly a failure rate associated with plugging in the dock and having the notebook display work.  Sometimes when I plug in the dock, the external display lights up but then the notebooks internal display freezes and doesn't act as a 2nd monitor.  Usually unplugging and plugging back in resolves that.

Also, there's the high speed fan issue as well while docked.

At the end of the day, I'm still not happy.  One shouldn't have to jump through such hoops to make a $399 accessory on a $2100 notebook function properly.  I've already spent about 5 hours troubleshooting it to get it in this state and I still don't have confidence that it will remain stable long term.  Dell should be packaging up all the necessary drivers and firmwares into a single install program that puts everything in the correct order.  There are also still many bugs to work out with this thing.

I already submitted for a return last night because I was so frustrated with it (and I had only just received the dock 5 days earlier.)  I may either cancel the return or wait until the last possible moment to return if I let it process through just to see if anything gets updated in the next week or two to improve the experience or to see if this remains stable long term.  I'm cautiously optimistic right now.