How to Connect and Set Up a Docking Station With a Dell Laptop

Docking stations come with different types of docking interface, example - Dell E-port or D-port, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, USB 3.0, or WiGig (wireless). It is important to identify if the type of docking interface or port that is available on the computer is compatible with the docking station.

• 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 and devices with a simple click into the dock. Available mostly on Dell Latitude laptops and certain Precision mobile workstations.
• Thunderbolt 3 - Thunderbolt 3 docking stations link all devices to the laptop using a single USB Type-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multidisplay video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB Type-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB Type-C, with no wrong orientation.
• DisplayPort over USB Type-C - USB Type-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB Type-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multidisplay video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB Type-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB Type-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.
• WiGig (wireless) - WiGig or wireless docking stations work with a laptop that is configured with a WiGig adapter. Only select Dell laptops support WiGig technology.

1. Connect the keyboard and mouse.
   Note: Bluetooth keyboard and mouses must be paired to the laptop. Docking stations do not have an integrated bluetooth receiver. If a USB dongle was provided with the wireless keyboard and mouse, connect the USB dongle to the docking station.
2. Connect the external monitor/s. To learn more, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Connect a Monitor to a computer.
   Note: Support for multiple monitors with higher resolution depends on the available bandwidth on the laptop. See the User Manual of the docking station to learn if and how many multiple monitors are supported.
    
   Note: For information about third-party or non-Dell docking stations, see the docking station manufacturers website.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable.
4. Connect other external USB devices (printer, external webcam, USB drive, and so on) to the docking station.
5. Connect the power cable to the docking station.
   Note: Dell recommends using the power adapter that was provided with the docking station for optimal performance.
6. Power on the docking station.

Connect the docking station to the laptop. Ensure that the docking station is connected to the correct port on the laptop. It is important to ensure that the docking station is connected to the correct port.

• Dell E/Port docking station - This proprietary docking interface is available on select Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series laptops. This connector is at the bottom of the laptop.
• Universal USB docking station - Universal USB docking stations work with USB 3.0 ports. Ensure that the docking station is connected to any of the USB 3.0 ports that is available on the laptop.
• USB-C docking station - USB-C docking stations may be connected to a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode. USB-C docking stations may also be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop. See the User Manual to verify if the USB-C port on the laptop supports this either DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3.
• Thunderbolt 3 - Thunderbolt docking stations must be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop. See the User Manual of the laptop to verify that the USB-C port on the laptop supports Thunderbolt 3 protocol.

Windows Operating System and Dell driver updates:

1. Run Windows Update to ensure that the operating system is up to date.
2. Run SupportAssist (all models), or Dell Command | Update (Precision, XPS, and Latitude) or Dell Update (Vostro, Inspiron, and G-Series) to update the computer BIOS and Drivers for both the computer and dock. Drivers can also be manually downloaded and installed. (Table 1.) These computer BIOS (the computer reboots when running the BIOS update), drivers, and the drivers for the dock can be downloaded from the Dell Support Website. (The USB Audio jack driver only applies to docks with 3.5 mm jacks.)

   Table 1. WD19 Dock Drivers and Firmware.

   Dock Drivers and Firmware	Notes
   Realtek USB Audio	Not used by WD19S, WD19TBS, or WD19DCS
   Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver
   Dell Dock WD19 Series Firmware Update Utility
   System Drivers and Firmware
   Intel Thunderbolt Controller Firmware Update Utility	This is for computers that support Thunderbolt III technology. Ice Lake and Tiger Lake chipsets have native Thunderbolt support and do not use this driver.
   Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver	This is for computers that support Thunderbolt III technology. Ice Lake and Tiger Lake chipsets have native Thunderbolt support and do not use this driver.
   Intel UHD Graphics Driver	Required even if computer has discrete graphics.
   BIOS
   Windows Operating System Updates	Run Windows Update

   • The dock must be connected to the computer during the update process to detect and install the dock firmware.
   • Power cycle the dock once the firmware has been updated. (See instructions for the reset procedure above)
3. Test the Docking Station to see if the issues are resolved.

Dell Universal Docking Station (D6000 Series) Updates

For the Dell Universal Docking Station (D6000 Series), download and install the following drivers and firmware:

1. The system BIOS (the computer reboots).
2. The DisplayLink driver from the DisplayLink Page

The D6000 firmware update from the Dell Drivers & Downloads Page.