Connect XPS 13 to External HP Monitor through USB-C

Question

I have a Dell XPS 13 laptop with a USB-C DisplayPort jack. I am trying to connect this laptop to my HP Monitor through a USB-C to USB-C connection. Laptop is running Windows 10 OS.

The monitor I am using is a HP Monitor: HP 345495 Business Z27n G2 27" LED LCD Monitor - 16:9-5 ms GTG

The documentation for this monitor indicates that I should be able to use a USB-C to USB-C to connect to the external monitor using the upstream USB-C port on the back of the monitor.

Currently, I have the laptop and the monitor successfully connected using a HDMI cable connected to the back of the monitor and a HDMI to USB-C converter: Adapter: USB C Hub HDMI, HOGORE 7-in-1 USB Type C Multi-Port Adapter Dongle with 4K HDMI, 60W PD Charging,3 USB 3.0 Ports,SD/Micro,Compatible with MacBook,HP S

This connection works successfully, which confirms that my laptop should be able to send video to an external monitor using the DisplayPort USB-C port on the laptop.

However, I'd like to be able to reduce clutter on my desk by using a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect directly to the monitor. I purchased this USB-C 4.0 cable: Thunderbolt 3 Cable 4Ft /40Gbps/5K/100W, SELORE Thunderbolt 3 USB4 Cable 20V/5A Supports Single 5K 60hz Monitor, Compatible with External SSD, eGpu,USB-C Docking Station,MacBook. I've confirmed that the USB-C - USB-C cable is not defective by using it to charge a different USB-C device by connecting it between the laptop USB-C port and the devices USB-C port.

This cable is advertised as USB-C 4.0 thunderbolt 3 rating so it should be able to support sending video from the DisplayPost USB-C port on the laptop to the upstream USB-C port on the monitor.

However, when I connect the two, neither the monitor or the laptop can detect the connection. I have tried switching the input on the monitor to USB-C manually but the screen shows that the input is inactive. I have also tried switching the Projector setting on the laptop to "Extend" and "Second Screen Only" while connected via USB-C with no effect.

I'd like to get this working. When I connect the USB-C cable it does not show up in the "Device Manager" on the computer. Is it possible I am missing the right Driver? Maybe the computer doesn't support USB-C 4.0 and I need to purchase an earlier version of USB-C? Any assistance you could provide would be helpful.

DELL-Cares · Answer

Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution. In the meantime, you may also receive assistance or suggestions from the community members.

jphughan · Answer

@Sam539  What specific generation of XPS 13 do you have? The XPS 13 9350 has a known issue that prevents it from sending video over USB-C to USB-C to certain displays, including Dell’s own, and even though USB-C to DP/HDMI works fine. Also, is that cable you have an 'active' TB3 cable? If so, it would only work as a USB 2.0 + power cable in non-Thunderbolt scenarios. Passive TB3 cables work as full featured USB-C cables outside of Thunderbolt scenarios, but the chips used in active TB cables for the high speed lanes in the cable don’t allow those work for regular USB 3.x data and video that use those same lanes outside of TB scenarios. And in any case, you may have wasted cash there. A USB-C cable rated for USB 3.x Gen 1 and video would be fine, and you can probably get it in greater lengths at lower cost compared to what’s available for passive TB cables.

Sam539 · Answer

@jphughan Thanks for the information. I have a Dell XPS 13 9305 model. Does your comment mean that if I got a different type of USB-C to USB-C cable that it might work or will I have to live with the HDMI-USB-C converter because of the known issue?

jphughan · Answer

@Sam539  The 9350 and 9305 are separate models. The 9305 is actually several years newer. It does not have the issue I described. So I would recommend trying another cable, like this one if you’re in the US or somewhere else that carries that product.

XPS

Connect XPS 13 to External HP Monitor through USB-C

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