Article Number: 000124295
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.
Article Content
Symptoms
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.
Cause
Docking stations work with specific ports - a proprietary dock connector (Dell E/Port), USB 3.0, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3, 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.
Expand the country or region section and then expand the dock connector type to access information about the docking station.
Resolution
Latest Dell Docking Station Products Available for Purchase and Support
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are designed to be used specifically on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell tablet or slate docks are designed for specific Dell tablets or slate devices. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are used on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell tablet or slate docks are designed for specific Dell tablets or slate devices. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are used on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell tablet or slate docks are designed for specific Dell tablets or slate devices. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
|
Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are designed to be used specifically on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are used on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Dell rugged docking stations are used on select Dell Latitude rugged series laptops only. |
| Latest Product and Support | 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | Description |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Latest Product and Support | 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop. |
Dell Docking Station Support Resources
| 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 (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: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| Support Resources | Description |
|---|---|
|
Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 3 docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3, see the FAQ section.
|
| 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. Works best with 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 D5000 docking station works with Intel WiGig 1.1, 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 |
|---|---|
| Dell tablet or slate docks are designed for specific Dell tablets or slate devices. |
| 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.
|
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Docking stations come with different types of docking interfaces. It is important to identify if the type of docking interface that is available on the computer. Below are the different types of docking interfaces on Dell laptops.
- 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 3 - Thunderbolt 3-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: Thunderbolt 4 is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3. A Thunderbolt 4 computer will work with a Thunderbolt 3 dock without any added drivers, cables or adapters.
- 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
To learn about Dell docking stations based on the docking interface, see the Dell Docking Station Support Resources section of this Dell knowledgebase article.
Look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port.
To learn more about Thunderbolt 3, see the Dell knowledgebase article Guide to Thunderbolt over USB-C
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 knowledgebase 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. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
NOTE: Dell universal docking stations are compatible with any laptop that has a USB 3.0 port.
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 knowledgebase article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
To learn more about DisplayPort over USB-C, see the Dell knowledgebase article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
Thunderbolt docking station
Thunderbolt docking stations like Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, TB18DC, WD19TB/WD19TBS are designed to work with laptops with a Thunderbolt 3 port. Thunderbolt 3 defines a superset of capabilities that runs on a USB-C connector and cable. In brief, Thunderbolt 3 brings Thunderbolt technology to USB-C.
NOTE: 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 3 port. To learn more about Thunderbolt 3, see the Dell knowledgebase article Guide to Thunderbolt over USB-C
- At 40 Gbps, Thunderbolt 3 is the fastest connection available. By comparison, native USB 3.1 operates at 10 Gbps.
- Thunderbolt 3 is bi-directional with four lanes of PCI Express Gen 3 and eight lanes of DisplayPort 1.2.
- With a Thunderbolt 3 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 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 knowledgebase article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
You can dock(connect) or undock(disconnect) a laptop without first powering off the laptop or even logging out of Windows. This method is known as hot docking. There is no need 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 recommends using the highest-quality USB-C cable that was 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.
Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers.
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Article Properties
Affected Product
Laptops, Mobile Workstations, D/Dock Expansion-Station, Dell Dock WD15, Dell Dual Video USB3.0 Docking Station D1000, Dell Rugged Desk Dock, Dell SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Docking Station, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB15, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16See more
Last Published Date
09 Dec 2021
Version
20
Article Type
Solution