Thunderbolt 5 Limitation in Windows 10 Operating System

Summary: The Windows 10 operating system does not support Thunderbolt 5 (TBT5) features and reverts to Multi-Function DisplayPort (MFDP).

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.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

Windows 10 does not provide native support for Thunderbolt 5 features. As a result, on the affected platforms listed below, the Thunderbolt 5 port operates in Multi-Function DisplayPort (MFDP) mode. In this mode, the port supports two lanes of DisplayPort video output and USB 3.0 data transfer.

Although the laptop port is labeled as Thunderbolt 5, full Thunderbolt 5 functionality requires an operating system with proper support.

The icon on the laptop is for the Thunderbolt 5 port.
Thunderbolt 5 (TBT5) port icon on the laptop

Affected Platforms:

  • Dell Pro Max 14 Premium MA14250
  • Dell Pro Max 16 Plus MB16250
  • Dell Pro Max 16 Premium MA16250
  • Dell Pro Max 18 Plus MB18250

Affected Operating System:

  • Windows 10

Cause

Windows 10 does not support TBT5 features, causing the computer to revert to using MFDP.

Resolution

Upgrading the computer to Windows 11 version 23H2 or later restores full Thunderbolt 5 functionality.

Affected Products

Dell Pro Max 14 Premium MA14250, Dell Pro Max 16 Premium MA16250, Dell Pro Max 16 Plus MB16250, Dell Pro Max 18 Plus MB18250
Article Properties
Article Number: 000350694
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 15 Sept 2025
Version:  2
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.