@Lamf77 Perhaps this short description will help: USB Type-C Status Display Application | Driver Details | Dell US

That link does not offer any help to answer the question.

The linked document says "The USB Type-C Status Display application helps to display messages about the status of the connected devices". I think that answers the original question "What exactly is this and what does it do". If you had a USB Type-C device connected the usefulness of the application would probably be more obvious.

Just tried plugging in my phone into the computer using a USB-C cable and nothing noticeable happens with Dell. Disconnected the phone afterwards and again, nothing. So, not sure what this application is really supposed to be doing since I haven't received any status messages yet.

I too am curious about what this "Dell Type-C Status Display Application" is used for and haven't yet worked it out.  Perhaps the inclusion of the word "Display" in the application name is a bit of a red herring?  Maybe it is used to convey some information when adding an additional DISPLAY via USB-C and not just an indicator display for other USB-C devices...?

Wow, I love techies - answers ranging from "here's a link to a page that doesn't provide any extra information," to "when you know what it does, you'll know what it does," with a liberal sprinkling of "well technically, I answered the question..."

I was baffled too - it's barely mentioned elsewhere online, so I had a play.

If you've got a machine that can handle a USB-C display (a monitor), and a USB-C display plugged in, I think it just keeps an eye on the status of it - I don't think it has a purpose outside of that configuration.

Wow the smarminess! No "The USB Type-C Status Display application helps to display messages about the status of the connected devices" does not answer the question. If you translate it says "USB-C Status Display (Which there is no USB-C Display on my PC) displays messages (on what? not the application that I've seen) about the status of the connected devices (What devices, and what types of status)" Instead of speaking like you are above others and pretentious. How about breaking things down in an elementary manner in which a question can fully be explained? I've seen better descriptions on band aid packaging. More like 5 Oxidized Iron. 

I don't write Dell''s descriptions of their applications. I also don't guess at what the application does, but the application title does say 'Status Display Appplication' (displays the status of something) and not Display Status Application (gives the status of the display/monitor).

Then if you don't know what the application does why would you even comment anything related to? Stay in your wheel house or provide better insight after researching yourself. That's why they're here and was I. It only took me a few more minutes to research what it is. I learned from reddit instead of THE DELL COMMUNITY. Shame. You supplied terrible trouble shooting support and if I could downvote you into the ground, I would. The application is to monitor the display connection from a Dell monitor as it only uses the 1 connection for all 3 (power, usb extension, and video). Again should get 5 Tungsten changed to 5 Iron Oxide. 

What would be useful to know is if this can be closed and disabled from start-up.  I assume this is the app that keeps popping up annoying warning messages about Type-C "Display connection might be limited" as if I should be doing something. 

My Dell XPS8940 type-c port does not support type-C display capability, even though my Dell conferencing monitor only included a type-c cable.  I'm using HDMI 2.0 for my display, and have the type-c connected for the web-cab and USB always on feature of the monitor.

So while I don't know if this type-C tray app justifies using system resources for status of non-display feature of monitors type-c features, but I do know the annoying popup limited display warnings are useless.

Does the "AA" in your name stand for "Amazing "? 

I had the same question regarding my XPS. The answer, I believe, is simple. You mentioned what your system says the Type-C status application is for. Let's look at that statement carefully. It says the application is used for Optiplex machines, Ultra machines, Precision machines, and a few others. Those names of machines are names of various computer lines that Dell sells. Notably, XPS machines are not on the list of supported machines. Therefore, I don't see any good reason for the application to have been installed by Dell on my XPS, or on yours.

If you had one of the Dell machines that the application supports, I presume, from the application's own description, that whatever device you plugged into a type-C USB port in your machine would generate some displayed message on your screen about the status of that connected device. I don't have any type-C device to try plugging into my XPS in order to see if the app does anything on my machine, but given the information that Dell attaches to the app, I doubt that the app has any functionality on an XPS. I intend to uninstall it.

I also would like to know what this is.  It is an app on two new Optiplex 7000s and one new Precision 3660 we just bought, with no description anywhere.

Can any of the readers here explain it?

By the way, are we sure that "Type C" means USB?  Could it be something else?

Thanks.

@martyinsb 

@glnz 

A USB-C alternate mode port converts the device's native video stream to DisplayPort/HDMI/VGA, allowing it to be displayed on an external display. The status of this display is what the app is for.

displayport over usb type-c

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DisplayPort™ over USB Type-C?

DisplayPort™ over USB Type-C enables the USB Type-C connector and cable to support the DisplayPort interface for audio/video (AV) transport capability.

Is DisplayPort™ over USB Type-C a VESA Standard?

Yes, it is published by VESA and called the DisplayPort Alt Mode for USB Type-C Standard.

What type of products will use this standard?

The USB Type-C connector is the next generation USB interface and it will appear on devices such as Smart Phones, Tablets, PCs, Notebooks, Docking Stations, Displays, and Peripherals. Many of these systems are expected to support DisplayPort over USB Type-C, refer to the product documentation for more information.

Will DisplayPort over USB Type-C provide the same level of performance and features as the standard DisplayPort connection?

Yes. Just like in standard DisplayPort connectors and cables, DisplayPort over USB-C can take advantage of the four high-speed data lanes in the USB Type-C connector and cable to provide 4K display resolutions and beyond on supported products.

How will I know if the USB Type-C connector on my device supports DisplayPort over USB Type-C?

USB Type-C connectors that support the DisplayPort over USB Type-C will normally include the DisplayPort (DP) logo near the connector.

Can I connect an existing monitor to a new computer, tablet or phone that uses the USB Type-C connector with DisplayPort over USB Type-C?

Yes. Adapters and Adapter cables are available to connect DisplayPort over USB Type-C to DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA monitor inputs.

Can I connect my HDTV to a device that uses DisplayPort over USB Type-C for video output?

Yes. Adapters and Adapter cables are used to connect DisplayPort over USB Type-C to an HDMI/VGA input on the HDTV. If the HDTV has a DisplayPort input, then a USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter cable can be used to provide DisplayPort display capability.

What happens if I plug my display into a USB Type-C port that does not support DisplayPort over USB Type-C?

No video data will be received by the display, hence there will be no image on the screen. Doing this will not harm your device. A warning message might also be displayed on the screen of the USB product to notify the user about the incompatibility.