Guide to Dell Docking Stations

Summary: This article provides information about different types of Dell docking stations. Find information about how to find a compatible docking station for your Dell laptop.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

A docking station or port replicator provides a way to connect your laptop to several devices like mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, Ethernet. Using a docking station that is connected to several devices helps gain the benefits of a desktop computer without sacrificing the portability of a laptop.

Docking stations work with specific ports - a proprietary dock connector (Dell E/Port), USB 3.0, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3 and 4, among others. See the information to help you identify what the different types of Dell docking stations are.

Helpful links to the model-specific Dell docking station guides, knowledge base articles, and where you can purchase the latest version for your computer.

Dell Docking Station Support Resources

Support Resources Description

Dell Pro Docks redefine productivity with seamless connectivity, powerful charging, and enterprise-grade management all through a single USB-C cable. Designed for modern workspaces, these docks support up to four external monitors at stunning resolutions, deliver up to 300W of power for demanding systems, and offer a wide range of ports for ultimate flexibility. IT teams benefit from advanced remote management, security features like hardware encryption, and universal compatibility across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux.

NOTE: Visit the Docking Stations sales site for your country or region to check which docking stations are available and which computers they are compatible with.
Support Resources Description

USB-C docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. (Available on select Dell laptops.) The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.

NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt, see the manual for your laptop and your docking station. For information about obtaining the manual for your computer, see Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.
Support Resources Description

Thunderbolt 4 docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. (Available on select Dell laptops.) The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.

NOTE: Thunderbolt 4 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports the Thunderbolt 4 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt, see the manual for your laptop and your docking station. For information about obtaining the manual for your computer, see Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.
Support Resources Description

Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over a standard USB connection. This universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through the USB port. It works best with the USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
Support Resources Description
Dell wireless docking stations work with Intel WiGig 1.1 or 2.0 cards. While the D5000 docking station works with Intel WiGig 1.1, the WLD15 docking station requires an Intel WiGig 2.0 card.
Support Resources Description
Dell rugged docking stations are used on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only.
Support Resources Description

Browse to the Dell Product Support Page, and using the search box at the top of the page, search for support for your docking station.

  • Dell E/Port Docking Station
  • Dell E/Port II Docking Station
  • Dell E/Port Plus Docking Station
  • Dell E/Port Plus II Docking Station
  • Dell E/Monitor Docking Station
  • Dell E/View Docking Station

This is a proprietary docking solution for Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series. Dell docking stations provide efficient connectivity to all desktop devices with a simple click into the dock.

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Docking stations come with different types of docking interfaces. You must be able to identify the type of docking interface that is available on the computer. Below are the different types of docking interfaces on Dell laptops.

  • Dell Pro Docks - The Dell Pro Docks allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable.
  • Dell E-port or D-port - Proprietary docking solution for Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series Dell docking stations provide efficient connectivity to all desktop devices with a simple click into the dock. Available mostly on Dell Latitude laptops and certain Precision mobile workstations
  • Thunderbolt 4 - Thunderbolt 4 docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
    Note: All the Thunderbolt over USB Type-C protocol 's backwards compatible with older Thunderbolt USB Type-C protocols. A Thunderbolt 4 computer works with a Thunderbolt 3 dock without any added drivers, cables, or adapters. However, it is limited to using the Thunderbolt 3 protocols.
  • DisplayPort over USB-C - USB-C docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
  • USB 3.0 - Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through USB. It works best with the USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.

To learn how to identify what interfaces your computer and dock has, see the manual for your laptop and your docking station. For information about obtaining the manual for your computer, see Dell Knowledge Base article Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product.

Look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port.

To learn more about Thunderbolt, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to Thunderbolt

Look for the DisplayPort icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort alternate mode.

To learn more about DisplayPort, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C

Universal docking station

Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through USB. It works best with the USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.

NOTE: Dell universal docking stations are compatible with any laptop that has a USB 3.0 port.

The Dell universal docking station UD22 is the first universal dock that has moved from USB 3.0 to USB 3.2 Type-C for its main connection.

USB-C docking station

USB-C docking stations like Dell Docking Station WD19 or WD15 are designed to work with laptops with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode enabled. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode.

NOTE: Dell USB-C docking stations are compatible with USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort alternate mode on the USB-C port.
To learn more about DisplayPort over USB-C, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C

Thunderbolt docking station

Thunderbolt docking stations like Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, TB18DC, WD19TB/WD19TBS, and the WD22TB4 are designed to work with laptops with a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt defines a superset of capabilities that runs on a USB-C connector and cable. In brief, Thunderbolt 3 brought Thunderbolt technology to USB-C and our latest dock and laptops are now using Thunderbolt 4.

NOTE: Older Dell Thunderbolt docking stations are compatible only with a Thunderbolt 3 port. Look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port. 
  • At 40 Gbps, Thunderbolt 4 is the fastest connection available. By comparison, native USB 3.2 operates at 10 Gbps.
  • Thunderbolt 3 supports a 16 Gbit/s data rate using PCI express. Thunderbolt 4 supports twice that with a 32 Gbit/s data rate.
  • With a Thunderbolt 4 port, you can connect to any dock, device, or display, including billions of USB devices.

USB-C docking station

USB-C docking stations like Dell Docking Station WD19/WD19S or HD22Q are designed to work with laptops with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode enabled. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode.

NOTE: Dell USB-C docking stations are compatible with USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort alternate mode on the USB-C port. To learn more about DisplayPort over USB-C, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C

You can dock(connect) or undock(disconnect) a laptop without first turning off the laptop or even logging out of Windows. This method is known as hot docking. There is no requirement to create docked or undocked profiles on the laptop. When a laptop is connected to the docking station, the operating system automatically recognizes the connected devices and adjusts.

Dell Technologies recommends using the highest-quality USB-C cable that was is shipped with the docking station. These cables can deliver power while maintaining optimal signal quality for both USB data and video. Some third-party USB-C cables are found to have quality issues that may affect the performance.

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Affected Products

G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models, Mobile Workstations, D/Dock Expansion-Station, Dell Dock WD15 , Dell Dual Charge Dock HD22Q, Dell Dual Video USB3.0 Docking Station D1000, Dell Pro Max 16 XE MC16250, Dell Rugged Desk Dock, Dell SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Docking Station, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB15, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, Dell Precision Dual USB-C Thunderbolt Dock - TB18DC, Dell Universal Dock D6000, Dell Universal Dock UD22, Dell USB3.0 dock D3100, Dell Dock WD19, Dell Performance Dock - WD19DC, Dell Performance Dock – WD19DCS, Dell Dock – WD19S, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TBS, Dell Wireless Dock, Dell Wireless Docking Station WLD15, E-Port, E-Port Plus, C/Dock Expansion Station, C/Dock II Expansion Station, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD22TB4 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000124295
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 05 Dec 2025
Version:  40
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