Windows 11 Detects the Dell WD22TB4 Thunderbolt Dock as USB4.0
Summary: This article provides information about the Dell WD22TB docks being detected as USB4.0 devices in Device Manager, and not as Thunderbolt4.
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Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Symptoms
Affected Products:
- Dell WD22TB4 Thunderbolt Dock
Cause
This is expected behavior, it is due to the different modes, Software Connection Manager (SWCM), and Firmware Connection Manager (FWCM):
- From a platform with Thunderbolt4 host controller, on Windows 11, It is SWCM and shows as USB4.0.
- On Windows 10, it is FWCM and shows as a Thunderbolt device in Device Manager.
Resolution
- Intel and Microsoft collaborated to integrate the Thunderbolt driver into Windows 11 (Enables Plug and Play)
- Benefits of driver integration in Windows 11
- Simple - With integration, there is no need to download additional drivers.
- Reliable - Tightly integrated driver and operating system handshakes improve enumeration experience.
- Performance - Connect to the Thunderbolt dock quickly and get to work right away.
- Windows 11 (with SWCM) provides a more responsive and better Thunderbolt user experience compare with Windows 10 (with FWCM)
- Dock Enumeration time: TBD, Pending test results
- Modern Standby resume time: five to six percent faster
- Peer-to-peer transfer rate: two to three percent faster
- Rapid Hotplug testing: No enumeration failures down to two seconds intervals (prior limitation was five seconds)
- Benefits of driver integration in Windows 11
Note: For more information, consult the attached Software Connection Manager Documentation.
Affected Products
Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD22TB4Article Properties
Article Number: 000217113
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 22 Apr 2025
Version: 6
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