Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 - Firmware Update Procedure

Symptom

This article provides detailed steps on how to update the Dell TB16 docking firmware and a solution to the problems that may be encountered during the update process. The steps below are required to rule out the software on your system/dock is causing your docking issue.

Affected systems

(Thunderbolt 3 capable Dell Notebooks that can use the TB16 docking Station.)

(Figure.1 TB16 docking station)

Solution

Before you run through the update process, you need to make sure that:

1. You have administrator rights on your notebook or access to an account on your notebook that does

2. You have updated to the latest BIOS version on your notebook before you work on the dock. To download and install the latest BIOS:

   Warning: Dell recommends disconnecting any external devices like external hard disk drives, printers, scanners before updating the BIOS.
    
   Warning: Dell laptops must have the battery installed and charged to at least 10% before you begin the BIOS update. Dell recommends connecting the laptop to AC power before proceeding with the update process.
    
   Note: To learn more about updating the BIOS on a Dell computer, see the Dell knowledgebase article Dell BIOS Updates.

1. Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page:

   • Dell Support Page

2. Ensure you have the correct System Type selected

3. Select the Operating System

4. Under Category, select BIOS

5. Locate the latest System BIOS

6. Click Download and save the file to your computer

7. Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved

8. Double-click the BIOS setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process

Updating the TB16's firmware

1. Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page:

   • Dell Support Page

2. Click on the Browse All Products link

(Figure.2 Support Site Page)

3. Select Electronics & Accessories from the Pop-Up

(Figure.3 All Products Pop Up)

4. Navigate to PC & Tablet Accessories on the Pop-Up

(Figure.4 Electronics & Accessories Pop Up)

5. Click on the Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 link to open its support page

(Figure.5 PC & Tablet Accessories Pop Up)

6. Click on the Drivers & Downloads link to open the driver's page

(Figure.6 Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 Support Page)

7. Go to the Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 Firmware Update Utility and click on Download and save the file to your computer

(Figure.7 Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 Firmware Utility)

8. Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved

9. Right-click the Utility setup file, run the file as an administrator and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process

10. Click Update (The update process may cause docking to be unusable while it's updating.)

(Figure.8 Firmware Update Utility)

11. Update complete, click on Exit and please re-plug the USB type-c port cable before using the TB16 dock for the first time

(Figure.9 Update Complete)

Resolving an install error

If an error occurs during the firmware update, giving an error message such as "Reading ASMedia USB 3.0 Host Controller Firmware failed".

(Figure.10 Root Cause: Docking connection does not set up at Thunderbolt Control Center)

Solution

1. Open the Thunderbolt Control Center Application (The software can be downloaded and installed through the Microsoft Store.)

2. Click Not Connected to set

3. Set up the Dell Thunderbolt Cable to the Dell Thunderbolt Dock to be connected only once or always, and then click on OK to apply the changes.