How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S

Summary: Learn how to setup, use, and troubleshoot Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S. Find information about drivers, setting up multiple monitors and troubleshooting steps to resolve common issues. ...

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Instructions

WD19 Docking Station Product Shot

Quick Links

Getting Started with your Dell Docking Station WD19 Docking Station Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S Dock Setup, Specifications and Service Manual Dell Drivers & Downloads Warranty and Support Services Frequently asked questions

Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S link all your electronic devices to your laptop using a single USB Type-C (USB-C) cable. Connecting a supported laptop to the docking station, gives access to all your devices without having to plug each device to the laptop. (For example: The mouse, keyboard, stereo speakers, external hard drive, and large-screen monitors.)

NOTE: Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S are compatible with Dell laptops that has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3. Learn how to identify if the USB-C port on your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C.

For help with specifications, setup, connecting an external monitor, troubleshooting common issues, and so on see an expanding section below.

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Table 1: Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S specifications
Laptop connectivity USB-C (with DisplayPort over USB-C)
Video ports
  • 2 x DisplayPort (DP 1.4)
  • 1 x High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI 2.0)
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) supports DP 1.4.
Audio ports (WD19 only)
  • 1 x Audio Line-out (rear)
  • 1 x Headphone and Microphone Combo (front)
Network ports
  • 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
USB ports
  • 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports (rear)
  • 1 x USB-C 3.1 (front)
  • 1 x USB 3.1 with PowerShare (front)
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C (rear)
Power or DC-in
  • 7.4 mm DC-in
Power Delivery to a laptop Dell laptops
  • 90 W with Dell laptops using a 130 W power supply
  • 130 W with Dell laptops using a 180 W power supply
Non-Dell laptops
  • 90 W with non-Dell laptops and power supply

Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S are compatible with Dell laptops that has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3. Before using the docking station, ensure that your laptop has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C.

WD19 Front Ports
Figure 1: Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S Front Ports

Table 2: Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S front ports
1. USB-C 3.1 Gen1
2. USB 3.1 Gen1
3. Headphone and Microphone Combo (WD19 only)

WD19 Rear Ports
Figure 2: Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S Rear Ports

Table 3: Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S rear ports
1. Audio line-out (WD19 only)
2. DisplayPort 1.4
3. DisplayPort 1.4
4. HDMI 2.0
5. USB-C 3.1 Gen1 with DP 1.4
6. 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1
7. Gigabit Ethernet
8. AC power
NOTE: The Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S does not function on a device with any USB-C port. Verify that your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C protocol.
NOTE: The power button on the docking station is designed to replicate the power button of the laptop. Connecting the Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S to supported Dell laptops, gives a second power button. The power button works like the power button on the laptop. You can use it to turn on, sleep, or force shut down the laptop. The power button is not functional if connected to unsupported Dell laptops or non-Dell laptops.

Dell Technologies recommends resetting the docking station, updating Windows, and updating the drivers for the computer and the docking station when troubleshooting a docking station problem.

NOTE: Your computer must be connected to the docking station before installing the driver updates.

Dock Reset Procedure:

  1. Remove the dock USB-C or Thunderbolt cable from the computer.
  2. Unplug AC power from the WD19 series dock.
  3. Drain any remaining power to the dock by holding the power button for 30 seconds.
  4. Plug AC power into the dock.
  5. The dock LED on the power button should blink three (3) times.
  6. Plug the dock USB-C or Thunderbolt cable back to the computer.

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 from the Dell Support website.
    • 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.

Important BIOS Settings:

The necessary BIOS settings are similar for all USB Type-C Docking Stations. See the individual notes in the following instructions. Reboot your computer and press the F2 multiple times when the Dell logo appears. In the BIOS, proceed as follows:

NOTE: For some computers, the following settings are all found under the section USB-Configuration.
  1. Browse to System Configuration and then to USB-Configuration.
  2. Select the options Enable USB Boot Support and Enable External USB Port.
  3. Browse to Dell Type-C Dock Configuration and select Always Allow Dell Docks.
  4. Under System Configuration, browse to USB PowerShare and activate this option.
  5. Browse to Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration, and select Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support, Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Boot Support, and Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Preboot Modules.
  6. In the same category, select Security Level - No Security.
    NOTE: Items 5 and 6 apply only to computers with Thunderbolt controllers.
  7. Now browse to POST Behavior and Fastboot. Select Thorough.
  8. On the bottom right, click the Apply button to save the changes made. Exit the BIOS by clicking the Exit button.
Table 4: 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 the computer has a discrete graphics card.
BIOS  
Windows Operating System Updates Run Windows Update.

Download and install the Dell Docking Station WD19 or WD19S drivers.

  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
    1. Dell Dock WD19
    2. Dell Dock WD19S
  2. Select the Operating System that is installed on the laptop.
  3. Download and install the latest drivers for the docking station.
    NOTE: Download and install all available docking station drivers except the firmware update utility.
  4. Restart the computer.
  5. After the driver update process is complete, connect the AC adapter to the Dell WD19 or WD19S docking station.
  6. Attach the USB-C cable to the computer.
  7. Connect your devices such as monitor, keyboard, mouse, external hard drive to the docking station one at a time.
NOTE: To learn more about installing device drivers, see the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to download and install a device driver?
NOTE: Drivers for third-party devices such as keyboard, mouse, printers, must be installed if required. See the device manufacturer's website for more information.

See the Driver Installation Guide for Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S.

Microsoft Windows operating system includes the VGA graphics drivers only. It is recommended that the latest Dell graphics drivers applicable for your laptop should be installed for optimum graphics performance. The latest driver is available from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website, and it is listed under the "Video" section.

NOTE:
  1. For NVIDIA Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Dell Precision laptops:
    • First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics Driver applicable to your laptop.
    • Second, install the NVIDIA Discrete Graphics Driver applicable to your laptop.
  2. For AMD Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Dell Precision laptops:
    • First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics driver applicable to your laptop.
    • Second, install the AMD Discrete Graphics driver applicable to your laptop.

Before connecting the docking station to your laptop and connecting a monitor and other devices, ensure to install all the required drivers.

Connect the monitor to the docking station using the DisplayPort, HDMI, or USB-C cable provided with the monitor. The docking station supports up to four monitors* (available on select Dell laptops only) connected simultaneously. See the Display Resolution Table below for more details about the supported resolution when connecting multiple monitors to the docking station.

To learn more about setting up and troubleshooting issues with multiple monitor setups, see these Dell knowledge base articles: How to Set up Multiple Monitors or How to Troubleshoot Multiple Monitor Issues

Display resolution table

External monitors require a certain amount of bandwidth to work properly. Monitors with higher resolution require more bandwidth.

  • HBR2 is DP 1.2 (5.4 Gbps maximum link rate per lane). With DP overhead, the effective data rate is 4.3 Gbps per lane.
  • HBR3 is DP 1.4 (8.1 Gbps maximum link rate per lane). With DP overhead, the effective data rate is 6.5 Gbps per lane.
Table 5: Display resolutions that the Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S supports
Resolution Minimum bandwidth required
1 x FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz 3.2 Gbps
1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 60 Hz 5.6 Gbps
1 x 4k (3840 x 2160) @ 30 Hz 6.2 Gbps
1 x 4k (3840 x 2160) @ 60 Hz 12.5 Gbps

Display resolution table for non-Thunderbolt laptops

Table 6: Display resolution table for non-Thunderbolt capable laptops
DisplayPort available bandwidth Single Display (maximum resolution) Dual Display (maximum resolution) Triple Display (maximum resolution)
HBR2 (HBR2 x2 lanes - 8.6 Gbps)
  • DP 1.4 (3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz)
  • HDMI 2.0 (3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz)
  • MFDP Type-C (3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz)
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 - FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + HDMI 2.0 - FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + MFDP Type-C - FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 + HDMI 2.0 -
    1 x FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
    2 x HD (1280 x 720) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 + MFDP Type-C -
    1 x FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
    2 x HD (1280 x 720) @ 60 Hz
HBR3 ** (HBR3 x2 lanes - 12.9 Gbps)
  • DP 1.4 (3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz)
  • HDMI 2.0 (3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz)
  • MFDP Type-C (3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz)
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 - QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + HDMI 2.0 - QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + MFDP Type-C - QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 + HDMI 2.0 - FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
  • DP 1.4 + DP 1.4 + MFDP Type-C - FHD (1920 x 1080) @ 60 Hz
NOTE: Linux operating system is unable to physically turn off integrated display. The external display numbers are one less than the display numbers listed in the above tables.
If the Display Port Data Rate is HBR2 then the maximum resolution that Linux supports is 8192 x 8192 (counted with integrated display plus external display).
NOTE: Configuration that is supported with AMD and NVIDIA in discrete-only mode or special-graphics mode. These modes are listed in the BIOS for the Dell Precision mobile workstations 7540 and 7740. They require disabling switchable graphics for discrete-only mode or enabling special-graphics mode when Switchable is enabled. If the laptop does not have these options in the BIOS, then four monitors are not supported.
NOTE: HDMI and Multi-Function DisplayPort (MFDP) Type-C ports on the back of all docks in the WD19 family are switch. HDMI and MFDP Type-C cannot support dual monitors simultaneously. Only one of these ports can be used as a display device at a time.
NOTE: If higher resolution monitors are used, the Graphics driver makes a judgment that is based on monitor specifications and display configurations. Some resolutions may not be supported, and so it is removed from the Intel Graphics Media Control Panel.
Resolution support is also dependent on the monitor’s Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) resolution.

Display resolution table for Thunderbolt laptops

Table 7: Display resolution table for Thunderbolt capable laptops
DisplayPort available bandwidth Single Display (maximum resolution) Dual Display (maximum resolution) Triple Display (maximum resolution) Quad Display (maximum resolution)
HBR2 (HBR2 x8 lanes - 34.5 Gbps)

DP1.4/HDMI2.0/MFDP Type-C/USB Type-C TB: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4: QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + HDMI2.0: QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C: QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + USB Type-C TB: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • HDMI2.0 + USB Type-C TB: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • MFDP Type-C + USB Type-C TB: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + HDMI2.0: 2 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz + 1 x FHD (1920 x 1080) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C: 2 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz + 1 x FHD (1920 x 1080) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + USB Type-C TB: 3 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C + USB Type-C TB: 3 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + HDMI2.0 + USB Type-C TB: 3 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
 N/A

HBR3 (HBR3 x4 lanes + HBR3 x1 - 32.4 Gbps)

For Precision 7530/7540/7730/7740 with discrete graphics card

DP1.4/HDMI2.0/MFDP Type-C/USB Type-C TB: 8K (7689x4320) @30 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + HDMI2.0: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C: 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + USB Type-C TB:
    • 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • HDMI2.0 + USB Type-C TB:
    • 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • MFDP Type-C + USB Type-C TB:
    • 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + HDMI2.0:
    • 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 2 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C:
    • 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 2 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + USB Type-C TB:
    • 2 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C + USB Type-C TB:
    • 2 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + HDMI2.0 + USB Type-C TB:
    • 2 x 4K (3840 x 2160) @60 Hz
    • 1 x QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + HDMI2.0 + USB Type-C TB: QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
  • DP1.4 + DP1.4 + MFDP Type-C + USB Type-C TB: QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz
NOTE: HDMI2.0 and MFDP (Multi-Function DisplayPort) Type-C ports on the back of all docks in the WD19 family are toggled. HDMI2.0 and MFDP Type-C cannot support dual monitors simultaneously. Only one of these ports can be used as a display device at a time.
NOTE: If higher resolution monitors are used, the Graphics driver makes a judgment based on monitor specifications and display configurations. Some resolutions may not be supported and so are removed from the Windows Display Control Panel.
NOTE: Linux operating system is unable to physically turn-off integrated display, the external display numbers are one less than the display numbers listed in the above tables.

If the Display Port Data Rate is HBR2 then the maximum resolution that Linux supports is 8192 x 8192 (counted with integrated display plus external display).

WD19TB for Thunderbolt systems with HBR2:

  1. If the integrated display resolution is FHD (1920 x 1080 @60 Hz), two external displays with QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz could be supported.
  2. If the integrated display resolution is 4K (3840 x 2160 @60 Hz), only one external display with QHD (2560 x 1440) @60 Hz could be supported.
NOTE: Resolution support is also dependent on the monitor’s Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) resolution.
NOTE: The 5K resolution support is only available in either of these conditions:
  1. With discrete graphics mode only, or special graphics mode, or
  2. Using the Thunderbolt 3 Type-C to a dual DisplayPort adapter.
NOTE: Configuration that is supported with AMD and NVIDIA in discrete-only mode or special-graphics mode. These modes are listed in the BIOS for the Dell Precision mobile workstations 7000 series and require disabling switchable graphics for discrete-only mode or enabling special-graphics mode when Switchable is enabled. If the system does not have these options in the BIOS, then four monitors are NOT supported.
NOTE: The XPS 7390 2-in-1, XPS 9300, XPS 9310, and XPS 9310 2-in-1 do not support 4K at 60Hz through the docking station WD19. The solution is to connect the external monitor directly to the computer.

Table 8: Common symptoms and troubleshooting steps for Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S
Symptom Possible Solution
The docking station does not turn on.
  • Disconnect all the cables from the docking station, including the AC adapter.
  • Check the LED on the AC adapter plug. If the LED is off, try with a known-good AC adapter. Otherwise, go to the next step.
  • Allow the docking station to auto reset. Do not connect any cables to the docking station for 3 minutes.
  • Connect the AC adapter to the docking station. The LED on the power button flashes three times to indicate that the self-test passed.
  • Power on the docking station. The LED on the power button remains lit.
  • If the docking station does not turn on, contact Dell Technical Support for further help.
No video on the monitors that are attached to the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), mini-DisplayPort (mDP) port, or DisplayPort (DP) port on the docking station.
  • Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your laptop and the docking station are installed on your laptop.
  • Ensure that your laptop is connected to the docking station securely. Try to disconnect and reconnect the docking station to the laptop.
  • Disconnect both ends of the video cable and check for damaged or bent pins. Securely reconnect the cable to the monitor and docking station.
  • Ensure the video cable (HDMI, or DisplayPort) is connected properly to the monitor and the docking station. Ensure to select the correct video source on your monitor (see your monitor’s documentation for more information about changing the video source).
  • Check the resolution settings on your laptop. Your monitor may support higher resolutions than what the docking station can support. See the Display Resolution Table for more information about maximum resolution capacity.
  • If your monitor is connected to the docking station, the video output on your laptop may be disabled. You can enable the video output using the Intel Graphics Control Panel or see the User Guide of your laptop.
  • If your monitor is connected to the docking station, the video output on your laptop may be disabled. You can enable the video output using the Intel Graphics Control Panel or see the User Guide of your laptop.
  • If only one monitor is shown, while the other is not, go to Windows Display Properties, under Multiple Displays, select the output for the second monitor.
  • Using Intel graphics and using the laptop LCD, only two displays can be supported.
  • For NVIDIA or AMD discrete graphics, the dock supports three external displays plus the laptop LCD.
  • Try with a different monitor and cable that is known to be good, if possible.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
The video on the attached monitor is distorted or flickering.
  • Reset the monitor to Factory Defaults. See the User Guide of your monitor for more information about how to reset the monitor to factory defaults.
  • Ensure that the video cable (HDMI, or DisplayPort) is connected securely to the monitor and the docking station.
  • Disconnect and reconnect the monitor/s from the docking station.
  • First turn off the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock. Then, turn on the docking station by connecting a power adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your laptop.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
The video on the attached monitor is not displaying as an Extended Monitor.
  • Ensure that the Intel HD Graphics driver is installed in the Windows Device Manager.
  • Ensure that the nVidia or AMD Graphics driver is installed in the Windows Device Manager.
  • Open the Windows Display Properties and go to Multiple Displays control to set the display to the extended mode.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
The audio connector is not functioning or there is a lag in the audio. (WD19 only)
  • Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your laptop and the docking station are installed on your laptop.
  • If your BIOS Setup has an Audio-Enabled/Disabled option, ensure it is set to Enabled.
  • Ensure that the correct playback device is selected on the laptop.
  • Try to replug the audio cable to the external speaker output on the docking station.
  • First turn off the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock. Then, turn on the docking station by connecting the power adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your laptop.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
The USB ports are not functioning on the docking station.
  • Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your laptop and the docking station are installed on your laptop.
  • If your BIOS Setup has a USB-Enabled/Disabled option, ensure it is set to Enabled.
  • Verify if the device is detected in Windows Device Manager and that the correct device drivers are installed.
  • Ensure that the docking station is connected securely to the laptop. Try to disconnect and reconnect the docking station to the laptop.
  • Check the USB ports. Try plugging the USB device into another port.
  • First turn off the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock. Then, turn on the docking station by connecting the power adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your laptop.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
The HDCP content is not displayed on the attached monitor.
NOTE: The monitor or display connected to the docking station must support HDCP 2.2.
  • Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S support HDCP up to HDCP 2.2
The LAN port is not functioning.
  • Ensure that the latest BIOS and drivers for your laptop and the docking station are installed on your laptop.
  • Ensure that the RealTek Gigabit Ethernet Controller is installed in the Windows Device Manager.
  • If your BIOS Setup has a LAN, GBE, Enabled/Disabled option, ensure it is set to Enabled.
  • Ensure that the Ethernet cable is connected securely on the docking station and the hub, router, firewall.
  • Check the status LED of the Ethernet cable to confirm connectivity. Reconnect both ends of the Ethernet cable if the LED is not lit.
  • First turn off the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock. Then, turn on the docking station by connecting the power adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your laptop.
  • Update the firmware on your docking station. For more information, see the How to Update Your Docking Station Firmware section.
Cable LED is not ON after it is connected to your host.
  • Ensure the WD19 and WD19S are connected to AC power.
  • Ensure that the laptop is connected with the docking station. Try to disconnect and reconnect again with the docking station.
A USB port has no function in a pre-OS environment. If your BIOS has a USB Configuration page, ensure that the following options are checked:
  • Enable USB Boot Support
  • Enable External USB Port
PXE boot on dock does not function. If your BIOS has an integrated NIC page, select Enabled w/PXE.
If your BIOS Setup on your laptop has a USB Configuration page, ensure that the following options are checked:
  • Enable USB Boot Support
USB Boot does not function. If your BIOS has a USB Configuration page, ensure that the following options are checked:
  • Enable USB Boot Support
  • Enable External USB Port
AC Adapter is displayed as "Not Installed" in the Battery Information page of the Dell BIOS Setup when the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable is connected.
  • Ensure the Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S is connected properly to its adapter (240 W).
  • Ensure that the cable LED of your docking station is ON.
  • Disconnect and then reconnect the USB-C cable to your laptop.
Peripherals connected to the docking station do not work in a pre-OS environment. If the BIOS Setup on your laptop has a USB Configuration page, check the following option to enable docking station function in a pre-OS environment:
  • Enable External USB Port
The alert message "You have attached an undersized power adapter to your computer" is displayed when the docking station is connected to your laptop.
  • Ensure that the docking station is connected properly to its power adapter. Laptop requiring more than 130 W power input must also be connected to their power adapter for charging and operating at full performance.
  • First turn off the docking station by disconnecting the Type-C cable and then removing the power adapter from the dock. Then, turn on the docking station by connecting the power adapter to the dock before connecting the Type-C cable to your laptop.
Undersized power adapter warning message that is displayed and cable LED are off.
  • The docking connector has disconnected from the laptop's USB ports. Reconnect the docking cable from the laptop, wait for 15 s or more, and then dock again.
No external display, and the USB or data and cable LED is off.
  • The docking connector has disconnected from the laptop's USB ports. Reconnect the docking connector.
When the laptop or dock is moved, the cable LED turns off.
  • Avoid moving the laptop or dock when the docking cable is connected to the laptop.
Troubleshooting multiple monitor issues
  • Ensure to install the latest video drivers from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website.
  • Verify that the external monitor/s are connected to Dell Docking Station (WD19).
To learn more about setting up and troubleshooting issues with multiple monitor setups, see these Dell knowledge base articles: How to Set up Multiple Monitors or How to Troubleshoot Multiple Monitor Issues

To update the firmware on your docking station, perform the following steps.

  1. Go to the Dell Drivers & Downloads website.
  2. Identify your dock using its Service Tag, Express Service Code, or Model Number.
  3. Locate the Dell Dock Firmware Update Utility and click Download.
  4. Ensure that the docking station is connected to your computer.
  5. After downloading, run the Firmware Update Tool. Ensure to start the firmware update tool in administrative mode, and follow the prompts.
NOTE: It is recommended to power cycle the docking station after the firmware update is finished. Always ensure that the latest firmware version is installed to resolve issues and enhance performance.

Additional Information

Frequently asked questions

Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S are compatible with Dell laptops that has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode. The WD19 and WD19S docking stations are also compatible with laptops that have a Thunderbolt 3 port.

NOTE: To learn more about what type of USB-C port is available on your laptop, see the User Guide of the laptop.

USB-C also known as USB Type-C, is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and turn on a single cable. USB-C is a common type of connector. Different protocols can be implemented. (For example: USB 2.0, 3.0, alternate modes like USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort over USB-C and Thunderbolt 3.)  For more information, see: Guide to USB Type-C

DisplayPort over USB-C enables the delivery of full DisplayPort AV performance. (Driving monitor resolutions of 4 K and beyond.) It is SuperSpeed USB 3.1 data and up to 100 W of power with the convenience of reversible plug orientation and cable direction. DisplayPort is the first AV protocol to be carried over USB-C.

To identify if the USB-C port supports DisplayPort over USB-C, look for the DisplayPort icon next to the USB-C port.

Before using the docking station, ensure that your laptop has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C designed to support the docking station.

On non-Dell laptops, you may notice limited functionality.

Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S provide power to the laptop over USB-C cable in the following scenarios:

For Dell laptops

  • Up to 90 W with Dell laptops, when the docking station is connected to a 130 W power supply.
  • Up to 130 W with Dell laptops, when the docking station is connected to a 180 W power supply.

For non-Dell laptops

  • Up to 90 W with non-Dell laptops and power supply

 

  • Temperature triggers the fan. The dock fan does not rotate until the dock is hot enough to trigger a thermal threshold.
  • Conversely, if your dock is not cool enough, the fan does not stop even when you disconnect the dock from the laptop.

  • When you hear a loud fan noise, it is warning you that the dock is in some kind of a hot condition. For example, the vent in the dock may be blocked or the dock is working in a high working-temperature environment (> 35C). Eliminate these abnormal conditions from the dock. If you do not eliminate the abnormal condition, in a worst-case situation, the dock shuts down through the overtemperature protection mechanism. Once this happens, unplug the Type-C cable from the laptop and remove the dock’s power. Then, plug in the dock power to recover the dock back online.

  • This is a normal condition. The first time plugging in of the dock’s AC adapter triggers the fan to rotate, but it turns off soon.

  • The dock fan is designed with two different rotating speeds. The dock works on low fan speed. If you put the dock in a heavy loading or a high working-temperature environment, the dock fan may have a chance to work at a high speed. But, this is normal and the fan works at a low/high speed depending on the work loading.

  • The Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S can charge your mobile or power bank even without being connected to the laptop. Ensure that your dock is connected to external power. The dock fan rotates automatically if the dock gets too warm. This is a normal working condition.

  • When a new device is plugged in, the USB hub driver notifies the Plug and Play manager that a new device was detected. The plug and play manager queries the hub driver for all the device's hardware IDs and then notifies the Windows operating system that a new device must be installed. In this scenario, you see a hardware installation window.
  • Step 1: The New Device is Identified This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.
  • Identifiers for USB Devices This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

  • Dell docking station WD19 and WD19S are designed to operate on AC power only, and it does not support power coming from the laptop. (Powered by the USB-C port of the laptop.) A power loss event makes all devices on the dock fail to work. Even when you restore the AC power, the dock may still not function properly because the dock must negotiate a proper power contract with the USB-C port of the laptop and establish a laptop EC-dock-EC connection.

Helpful videos

Using Your Dell Docking Station WD19 and WD19S

Duration: 03:02
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

Affected Products

Dell Dock WD19, Dell Dock – WD19S
Article Properties
Article Number: 000131784
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 11 Jun 2025
Version:  22
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