You definitely need the Thunderbolt software installed on the PC, and the 7480 recently got a Thunderbolt firmware update. Both are listed at support.dell.com if you just select Latitude 7480 > Drivers and Downloads > Find it myself > Windows 10 64-bit. However, sometimes entering your actual Service Tag can filter out some updates that are applicable to your system, which is why I always specify only the model.
Note to add to the above: If you were only looking under the TB16's support page, that was probably the problem. The Thunderbolt firmware and possibly even the Thunderbolt software are specific to the system you're using, not the Thunderbolt device, which is why you need to look on the 7480's support page. However, you will then need to install the drivers for the devices in the TB16 dock itself, namely Realtek USB Audio, Realtek Ethernet, and the ASMedia USB Controller. All of those are available on both the TB16 and 7480 support pages. And you can optionally install the Realtek Ethernet firmware update.
You need the Thunderbolt software, and the 7480 just got a significant Thunderbolt firmware update. I just went to support.dell.com right now, and when I selected Latitude 7480 > Drivers and Downloads > Find it myself > Windows 10 64-bit, I found both under the Chipset section. Note that if you enter your whole Service Tag, sometimes that causes the site to filter out some updates that do in fact apply to your system, which is why I only ever specify the model. Install the software before the firmware update, and actually install the latest BIOS for your 7480 before installing either of those if you haven't already.
Did you update to the latest system BIOS as well? I mentioned that above after editing, but some Thunderbolt firmware updates won't run unless you're at a certain system BIOS level, and it's possible that the error handling/reporting on the updater isn't written very well and therefore isn't calling out the correct limitation. But I'm using a 7480 connected to a TB16 right now, so I'll tell you what I'm seeing:
- My system BIOS version is 1.5.2. Do you have that? (UPDATE: New BIOS released today, see note below.) If not, update it just to be safe.
- When I open the Thunderbolt Software application, right-click its system tray icon, select Settings, and click Details, my "software package version" is 16.3.61.275. Does that match what you have? Additionally, my NVM Firmware version is 20. If you already have that as well, then your firmware is already current.
If everything is good to go there, with the default Thunderbolt security settings, the first time you connect the dock while in Windows, after a few seconds you'll see a prompt to allow both the dock and the cable (no idea why that's separate), and you can approve this on a one-time basis or permanently. After you allow both of those devices, after a few more seconds you'll hear a bunch of "new device connected" sounds and probably see some driver installations, at which point you may want to install the latest versions of those drivers I mentioned above.
I've installed the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver successfully. Latest version.
Now when I install the Intel(R) Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update, runs and installs to 100% and then it gives me the following error which is not true:
___________________________________
Thunderbolt(TM) Firmware Update Program
The Intel Thunderbolt (TM) Controller Driver needs to be updated before the Thunderbolt(TM) firmware can be updated. Please visit the Dell Website to download the latest version and update the driver. then re-run this utility.
___________________________________
I've uninstalled it and installed it a few times under the administrator account. I checked the install logs of the Thunderbolt Controller Driver and there are no errors.
Also, when I get the BIOS, the 'Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration' settings are greyed out and nothing is checked.
UPDATE: Looks like there's a new 1.5.8 BIOS for the 7480 released just today, and it even has a fix pertaining to the TB16. Install that, then reattempt the Thunderbolt firmware update, and you should be good to go. See my note above about what to expect the first time you connect the TB16 too, if you haven't already.
Actually, one further thought: If the BIOS update followed by the firmware update still doesn't get it working, are you sure your particular 7480 even has Thunderbolt? It's optional on the 7480, not standard -- see the screenshot below from the 7480 configurator. Do you see the little Thunderbolt logo next to the USB-C port on your system? The reason I ask is because I just checked my own BIOS and under the Thunderbolt Adapter Settings configuration, I have only "Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support" checked, with the other 2 options unchecked, and the security setting is set to the default "User Authorization" -- but none of that has ever been grayed out for me.
If you don't have Thunderbolt, then you can't use the TB16 dock at all; it can't fall back down to regular USB-C. However, you would be able to use the WD15 USB-C dock. The main differences between the two are in the display output connectors available and the supported display configurations, since the WD15 has less display bandwidth available. The WD15 can do a single display only up to 4K @ 30 Hz (or 1600p @ 60 Hz) and dual displays up to 1200p, whereas the TB16 can do dual displays up to 4K @ 60 Hz. The WD15 also obviously can't have other Thunderbolt peripherals attached to it like the TB16 can. And finally, the WD15 can use a lower-wattage AC adapter for a given system since the dock itself draws less power than the TB16. The WD15 comes with a 130 or 180W power supply, whereas the TB16 comes with a 180W or 240W power supply.
I spoke with the person who ordered the laptop, which is a standard configuration interface customized by Dell, selected Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Displayport over USB Type-C with Core i5 Trans when Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Thunderbolt™ 3 with Core i5 Trans should be the standard because it is backward compatible with Displayport and Dell charges an extra $$. My bad, I thought it was standard. I'll speak with our Dell rep to make the option standard when we order it.
[ ] Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Displayport over USB Type-C with Core i5 Trans
Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Thunderbolt™ 3 with Core i5 Trans
Requirements:
PalmRest
- Dual Pointing, 82 key with No Smartcard or Fingerprint Reader with Thunderbolt™ 3 - extra $$
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
August 15th, 2017 13:00
You definitely need the Thunderbolt software installed on the PC, and the 7480 recently got a Thunderbolt firmware update. Both are listed at support.dell.com if you just select Latitude 7480 > Drivers and Downloads > Find it myself > Windows 10 64-bit. However, sometimes entering your actual Service Tag can filter out some updates that are applicable to your system, which is why I always specify only the model.
Thunderbolt software (install first): www.dell.com/.../driversdetails
Thunderbolt firmware: www.dell.com/.../driversdetails
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
August 15th, 2017 13:00
Note to add to the above: If you were only looking under the TB16's support page, that was probably the problem. The Thunderbolt firmware and possibly even the Thunderbolt software are specific to the system you're using, not the Thunderbolt device, which is why you need to look on the 7480's support page. However, you will then need to install the drivers for the devices in the TB16 dock itself, namely Realtek USB Audio, Realtek Ethernet, and the ASMedia USB Controller. All of those are available on both the TB16 and 7480 support pages. And you can optionally install the Realtek Ethernet firmware update.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
August 15th, 2017 13:00
You need the Thunderbolt software, and the 7480 just got a significant Thunderbolt firmware update. I just went to support.dell.com right now, and when I selected Latitude 7480 > Drivers and Downloads > Find it myself > Windows 10 64-bit, I found both under the Chipset section. Note that if you enter your whole Service Tag, sometimes that causes the site to filter out some updates that do in fact apply to your system, which is why I only ever specify the model. Install the software before the firmware update, and actually install the latest BIOS for your 7480 before installing either of those if you haven't already.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
August 16th, 2017 11:00
Did you update to the latest system BIOS as well? I mentioned that above after editing, but some Thunderbolt firmware updates won't run unless you're at a certain system BIOS level, and it's possible that the error handling/reporting on the updater isn't written very well and therefore isn't calling out the correct limitation. But I'm using a 7480 connected to a TB16 right now, so I'll tell you what I'm seeing:
- My system BIOS version is 1.5.2. Do you have that? (UPDATE: New BIOS released today, see note below.) If not, update it just to be safe.
- When I open the Thunderbolt Software application, right-click its system tray icon, select Settings, and click Details, my "software package version" is 16.3.61.275. Does that match what you have? Additionally, my NVM Firmware version is 20. If you already have that as well, then your firmware is already current.
If everything is good to go there, with the default Thunderbolt security settings, the first time you connect the dock while in Windows, after a few seconds you'll see a prompt to allow both the dock and the cable (no idea why that's separate), and you can approve this on a one-time basis or permanently. After you allow both of those devices, after a few more seconds you'll hear a bunch of "new device connected" sounds and probably see some driver installations, at which point you may want to install the latest versions of those drivers I mentioned above.
Martin_uOttawa
3 Posts
1
August 16th, 2017 11:00
Hi jphughan,
Thank you for the prompt replies.
I've installed the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver successfully. Latest version.
Now when I install the Intel(R) Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update, runs and installs to 100% and then it gives me the following error which is not true:
___________________________________
Thunderbolt(TM) Firmware Update Program
The Intel Thunderbolt (TM) Controller Driver needs to be updated before the Thunderbolt(TM) firmware can be updated. Please visit the Dell Website to download the latest version and update the driver. then re-run this utility.
___________________________________
I've uninstalled it and installed it a few times under the administrator account. I checked the install logs of the Thunderbolt Controller Driver and there are no errors.
Also, when I get the BIOS, the 'Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration' settings are greyed out and nothing is checked.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Martin
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
August 16th, 2017 11:00
UPDATE: Looks like there's a new 1.5.8 BIOS for the 7480 released just today, and it even has a fix pertaining to the TB16. Install that, then reattempt the Thunderbolt firmware update, and you should be good to go. See my note above about what to expect the first time you connect the TB16 too, if you haven't already.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
August 16th, 2017 11:00
Actually, one further thought: If the BIOS update followed by the firmware update still doesn't get it working, are you sure your particular 7480 even has Thunderbolt? It's optional on the 7480, not standard -- see the screenshot below from the 7480 configurator. Do you see the little Thunderbolt logo next to the USB-C port on your system? The reason I ask is because I just checked my own BIOS and under the Thunderbolt Adapter Settings configuration, I have only "Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support" checked, with the other 2 options unchecked, and the security setting is set to the default "User Authorization" -- but none of that has ever been grayed out for me.
If you don't have Thunderbolt, then you can't use the TB16 dock at all; it can't fall back down to regular USB-C. However, you would be able to use the WD15 USB-C dock. The main differences between the two are in the display output connectors available and the supported display configurations, since the WD15 has less display bandwidth available. The WD15 can do a single display only up to 4K @ 30 Hz (or 1600p @ 60 Hz) and dual displays up to 1200p, whereas the TB16 can do dual displays up to 4K @ 60 Hz. The WD15 also obviously can't have other Thunderbolt peripherals attached to it like the TB16 can. And finally, the WD15 can use a lower-wattage AC adapter for a given system since the dock itself draws less power than the TB16. The WD15 comes with a 130 or 180W power supply, whereas the TB16 comes with a 180W or 240W power supply.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
August 17th, 2017 08:00
Excellent! Sorry I didn't think of that sooner, but I'm glad it sounds like you'll be able to get it sorted. :)
Martin_uOttawa
3 Posts
0
August 17th, 2017 08:00
jphughan,
I spoke with the person who ordered the laptop, which is a standard configuration interface customized by Dell, selected Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Displayport over USB Type-C with Core i5 Trans when Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Thunderbolt™ 3 with Core i5 Trans should be the standard because it is backward compatible with Displayport and Dell charges an extra $$. My bad, I thought it was standard. I'll speak with our Dell rep to make the option standard when we order it.
[ ] Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Displayport over USB Type-C with Core i5 Trans
Intel® HD Graphics 620 with Thunderbolt™ 3 with Core i5 Trans
Requirements:
PalmRest
- Dual Pointing, 82 key with No Smartcard or Fingerprint Reader with Thunderbolt™ 3 - extra $$
Keyboard
- Internal English Keyboard, Backlit - extra $$
Thank you your help and time.
Best,
Martin