Dell Display and Peripheral Manager for macOS
Summary: Manage Dell monitors and webcams on macOS with Dell Display & Peripheral Manager.
Instructions
What is Dell Display and Peripheral Manager for macOS?
Dell Display and Peripheral Manager (DDPM) for macOS is a free application that helps you manage your Dell monitors and webcams on Apple computers. Adjust display settings, organize windows with Easy Arrange layouts, control webcam settings, and keep your devices up to date, all from your Mac's menu bar.
Supported Devices:
- Dell monitors (multiple series)
- Dell webcams (WB3023, WB5023, WB7022)
System Requirements
Compatible Mac Devices
DDPM supports Mac devices launched after 2018:
- MacBook Pro
- MacBook Air
- Mac Mini
- Mac Pro
- Mac Studio
Compatible macOS Versions and Processor Support
DDPM support varies depending on your Mac's processor and macOS version:
For Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and newer):
- macOS 14 (Sonoma): Full support
- macOS 15 (Sequoia): Full support
- macOS 26 (Tahoe): Full support
For Intel Processor Macs:
- macOS 14 (Sonoma): Limited support
- macOS 15 (Sequoia): Limited support
- macOS 26 (Tahoe): Limited support
- macOS 13 (Ventura) or older: No support
Important Notice: Dell is transitioning support to Apple Silicon processors only. Intel-based Macs will receive limited or no support for new monitors and peripherals. For full functionality with new Dell products, use an Apple Silicon Mac with the latest macOS version.
Before You Start
Enable DDC/CI on Your Monitor
DDPM requires DDC/CI (Display Data Channel/Command Interface) to communicate with your monitor.
To enable DDC/CI:
- Press the menu button on your monitor
- Navigate to Others in the On-Screen Display menu
- Find DDC/CI and set it to On
Connect Your Monitor or Webcam
For Monitors:
- Connect using USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort for video
- For full DDPM functionality, also connect the USB upstream (USB Type-B) cable or use USB-C
- For Apple Silicon Macs, ensure the USB upstream cable is connected
For Webcams:
- Connect using USB cable
- Wait a few seconds after unplugging before reconnecting
Grant Permissions
When using DDPM features for the first time, macOS will request permissions:
- Notifications: Allow DDPM to send notifications
- Accessibility: Required for Easy Arrange and Network KVM features on supported monitors
- Camera: Required for webcam features
- Local Network (macOS 15+): Required for Network KVM features on supported monitors
Follow the on-screen instructions to grant these permissions in System Settings.
Download and Install DDPM
Download Options
Direct Download: Visit Dell Display and Peripheral Manager download page
From Device Support Page:
- Go to Dell Support
- Enter your monitor or webcam model name
- Go to Drivers & Downloads
- Download Dell Display and Peripheral Manager for Mac
Installation
- Open the downloaded .dmg file
- Drag DDPM to your Applications folder
- Launch DDPM from Applications
- Grant permissions when prompted
Getting Started
Access the Menu Launcher
Click the DDPM icon in your Mac's menu bar (status bar) to open the Menu Launcher. This provides quick access to commonly used features.
Quick Access Hotkey: Press Ctrl+Shift+D to open the Menu Launcher for the monitor where your mouse cursor is located.
When Multiple Monitors Are Connected:
- Select the monitor from the drop-down list at the top
- When you select a monitor, its screen briefly dims to show which one you've selected
- Move your cursor to any monitor and press Ctrl+Shift+D to access that monitor's settings
Main Menu
For more detailed settings, access the main menu by:
- Right-clicking the DDPM icon and selecting Open Dell Display and Peripheral Manager
- Clicking the menu icon in the Menu Launcher
Key Features
Monitor Management
Display Settings:
- Adjust brightness and contrast levels
- Schedule brightness changes for day/night
- Auto-adjust based on ambient light (supported monitors with sensors)
- Synchronize settings across multiple monitors
- Configure resolution and refresh rate
- Change monitor orientation
Input Source Management:
- Switch between video inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Configure Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes
- Assign hotkeys for quick input switching
- Name each input source for easy identification
Color Management:
- Select color presets (Standard, Movie, Game, Music, Voice)
- Auto-switch color presets based on active application
- Configure ICC color profiles
- Enable Night Shift for comfortable viewing
- USB-C prioritization settings (High Data Speed or High Resolution)
Audio Control:
- Adjust internal speaker volume
- Mute/unmute speakers and microphone
- Select audio profiles optimized for different content
- Configure PBP audio source priority
- Enable Spatial Audio for immersive sound
Workspace Organization with Easy Arrange
Predefined Layouts:
- Select from built-in screen layouts to divide your display into zones
- Drag applications to zones, they automatically snap into place
- Works in both landscape and portrait monitor orientations
Custom Layouts:
- Create custom layouts by arranging windows on screen, then saving the layout
- Edit existing layouts by adjusting zone boundaries
- Add frequently used custom layouts to your collection
Easy Memory:
- Save applications and files in specific layouts as profiles
- Launch profiles manually, on schedule, or at startup
- Restore your workspace automatically when reconnecting monitors
Application Window Snap:
- Drag any application to see a floating menu of recent layouts
- Drop the application into your desired layout zone
- Quickly organize windows without opening the main menu
Hotkeys:
- Assign keyboard shortcuts to snap windows to screen regions
- Quick access to recently used layouts
- Snap windows to halves, quarters, or custom zones
KVM Features
USB KVM (For Multiple Computers on One Monitor):
- Works on supported monitors only
- Share keyboard and mouse between computers connected to the same monitor
- Switch between computers using hotkeys
- Works with PIP/PBP modes for side-by-side computer display
- Quick USB port switching
Network KVM (Share Across Networked Computers):
- Works on supported monitors only
- Share keyboard and mouse between any computers on your network
- Transfer files securely between computers
- Connect up to 4 computers in a cluster
- Mouse crossing: Move cursor across screens to switch control
- Clipboard sharing for text, images, and files
- End-to-end encrypted communication
Webcam Control
Camera Settings:
- Select from camera presets (Smooth, Vibrant, Warm) or create custom presets
- Enable AI Auto Framing to stay centered in frame
- Adjust Field of View (65°, 78°, 90°)
- Configure zoom level and autofocus
- Mirror video display
Image Quality:
- Enable HDR (High Dynamic Range)
- Auto White Balance
- Adjust brightness, sharpness, contrast, and saturation
- Anti-flicker settings for different lighting conditions
Microphone:
- Mute/unmute built-in webcam microphone
- Available on WB5023 and WB3023 models
Energy Management
PowerNap:
- Reduces power consumption when screensaver activates
- Choose to minimize brightness or put monitor to sleep
- Automatically disabled during PIP/PBP use
Restore Application Window Layout
Automatic Window Positioning:
- Save your current window positions
- DDPM restores windows to saved positions when you reconnect monitors
- Works across different monitor configurations
- Useful when switching between office and home setups
- Remembers layouts for different monitor models
Supported Devices
Dell Monitors
DDPM for macOS supports Dell monitors launched after 2018.
Compatible Monitor Series:
- C Series (Video Conferencing)
- E Series
- P Series
- S Series
- SE Series
- U Series (UltraSharp)
- UP Series (UltraSharp Premier Color)
- Alienware Gaming Monitors
- G Series (Gaming)
Dell Webcams
Supported Models:
- WB3023 (Dell Webcam)
- WB5023 (Dell Pro Webcam)
- WB7022 (Dell UltraSharp Webcam)
Quick Troubleshooting
Monitor Not Detected
If DDPM cannot find your monitor:
- Check that your monitor is on the supported devices list
- Ensure DDC/CI is enabled in your monitor's OSD menu
- For HDMI connections, also connect the USB upstream cable
- Remove any adapters, hubs, or extenders between your Mac and monitor
- If using "Mirror Display" mode, change to "Extended Display" or "Main Display"
- Restart DDPM from the menu bar
Webcam Not Detected
- Check that your webcam appears in System Information under USB devices
- Grant Camera permission to DDPM in System Settings > Privacy & Security
- Wait at least 10 seconds after unplugging before reconnecting
- Try a different USB port
- Restart your Mac
Network KVM Cannot Connect
- Check Firewall settings in System Settings
- Ensure DDPM is allowed for incoming connections
- Grant Local Network permission (macOS 15+)
- Verify ports 5566, 5567, and 5568 are open
- Contact your network administrator if on a corporate network
- Disable Apple Universal Control if enabled
Easy Arrange Not Working
- Grant Accessibility permission to DDPM in System Settings
- Enable "Minimize windows into application icon" in Dock & Menu Bar settings
- Some applications may not support window snapping
- Check that your monitor configuration supports the selected layout
Application Won't Update or Install
For Intel Mac Users:
- If running macOS 13 (Ventura) or older, DDPM is not supported
- On macOS 14+ with an Intel processor, expect limited support
- Consider upgrading to an Apple Silicon Mac for full support
For All Users:
- Check that you have the latest macOS version installed
- Ensure you have administrator privileges
- Try downloading the installer again
- Check available disk space
For complete troubleshooting information, see the troubleshooting section in the User Guide.
Additional Resources
Detailed Documentation
User Guide:
Dell Display and Peripheral Manager for Mac User's Guide
Administrator Guide:
Dell Display and Peripheral Manager Administrator Guide for macOS
Comprehensive guide covering:
- Detailed feature explanations and step-by-step instructions
- Advanced configuration options for displays and webcams
- Complete Easy Arrange and KVM setup guides
- Troubleshooting procedures
Updates and Reports
Check for Updates:
- Right-click the DDPM icon and select Check for new version
- Or go to Settings > Update to check for software and firmware updates
Generate Diagnostic Report:
- Right-click DDPM icon and select Save diagnostic report
- Or go to Settings > General > Save diagnostic report
- Send this file to Dell Support when requesting assistance
Generate Monitor Asset Report:
- Right-click DDPM icon and select Save monitor asset report
- Contains Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) for all connected monitors
Get Help
In-App Help:
- Click the ? icon in DDPM to access help
- View software version and connected device information
- Access quick links to support resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does DDPM work with non-Dell monitors or webcams?
A: No. DDPM is designed exclusively for Dell-branded monitors and webcams.
Q: Can I use DDPM on an Intel Mac?
A: Yes, but with limitations. Full support is only available on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4, and newer). Intel Macs running macOS 14 or later have limited support with no future updates or bug fixes.
Q: Why won't DDPM work on my iMac?
A: DDPM does not support iMac computers because iMacs have integrated displays that don't use the same external display communication protocols.
Q: Can I manage multiple monitors?
A: Yes. DDPM displays all connected Dell monitors. Select each monitor from the drop-down menu to adjust settings individually, or enable "Synchronize between monitors" to apply settings to all monitors.
Q: What's the difference between USB KVM and Network KVM?
A: USB KVM: Share keyboard/mouse between computers connected to the same monitor (simple setup). Network KVM: Share keyboard/mouse/files between any computers on your network (requires network configuration and open firewall ports). KVM feature is available on supported monitors only. Check your monitors user guide for details.
Q: Will DDPM slow down my Mac?
A: No. DDPM uses minimal system resources and runs quietly in the background.
Q: How do I uninstall DDPM?
A: Right-click the DDPM icon in the menu bar and select Uninstall. You'll need administrator privileges to complete the uninstallation.
Q: Why do some features require permissions?
A: macOS security requires explicit permission for applications to access certain features. DDPM needs:
- Notifications: To alert you about updates and changes
- Accessibility: To rearrange windows with Easy Arrange
- Camera: To adjust webcam settings
- Local Network: To connect computers via Network KVM
Q: Can I use DDPM features if my Mac is in Mirror Display mode?
A: No. DDPM requires your external monitor to be in Extended Display or Main Display mode. Change this in System Settings > Displays.
Q: Does DDPM support Apple Universal Control?
A: No. Network KVM automatically disconnects when Apple Universal Control is enabled, as the two features conflict.
Q: What happens if I replace a monitor in a multi-monitor setup?
A: Use the Import/Export feature to save your settings before replacing the monitor. After connecting the new monitor (same model), import the saved settings to restore your configuration.