External Monitor Issues After Updating Dell Pro Dock Firmware

An external monitor that is connected to a Dell Pro Dock WD25 or Dell Pro Smart Dock SD25 may experience no display or resolution issues. This happens when the monitor is connected using a HDMI-to-DVI or DisplayPort-to-DVI dongle. The DVI end of the dongle is connected to the monitor’s DVI port. The dock is updated to version 01.01.13.01. This issue is not experienced when it has firmware version 01.01.11.01.

Affected Platforms:

• Dell Pro Dock WD25
• Dell Pro Smart Dock SD25
• Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Dock WD25TB4
• Dell Pro Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock SD25TB4
• Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Dock WD25TB5
• Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock SD25TB5

Some monitors that are connected using the DVI port may try to use DVI mode, resulting in no video output.

Long-term Solution:

The engineering department is working on a fix to be released in Dell dock firmware version 01.01.16.01 and later. The updated firmware is posted to the computer’s support page once it is made available. Firmware version 01.01.16.01 is expected to be released in October 2026.

Workarounds:

Either change the cabled connection to the dock or downgrade the dock firmware.

Change the Cabled Connection to the Dock

• Use an HDMI or DisplayPort connection if the monitor supports either of these ports. Directly connect the monitor to the dock using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable and avoid using dongles.
  • If the connection must be converted, use HDMI-to-VGA or DisplayPort-to-VGA dongles.
  • If using a Thunderbolt (TBT) dock, use the TBT Type-C port with a Type-C-to-DVI or Type-C-to-VGA dongle.
• The monitor may be directly connected to the laptop if a different dongle or cable is not available.

Downgrade the Dock Firmware

Downgrading the Dell Dock WD19/WD22/HD22/WD25/SD25 Firmware Update Utility to version 01.01.11.01 resolves the issue. To download and install the firmware, go to Dell Drivers & Downloads, search for the appropriate dock, locate the Dell Dock WD19/WD22/HD22/WD25/SD25 Firmware Update Utility, and then select View full driver details. From Other Available Versions, download the version 01.01.11.01 firmware.

The firmware must be installed through a command-line interface (CLI) once downloaded.

1. Open the Windows Explorer folder where the Firmware Update Utility file is saved. Click in the Windows Explorer address bar, type cmd, and then press Enter to open Command Prompt.
   Note: Alternatively, open Command Prompt and use the cd command to go to the folder where the firmware package is saved. For example, if the firmware package is saved in the Downloads folder, type cd %USERPROFILE%\Downloads and then press Enter.
2. Type DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD19_WD22_HD22_WD25_SD25_01.01.11.exe /f and then press Enter.

Prevention:

To block Dell Command Update from updating to the latest firmware, refer to How To Use Dell Command Update Blocklist Feature.