Most docking station issues can be solved by installing the latest Windows operating system updates, BIOS, firmware, and drivers. Follow the instructions below to ensure that the software is installed correctly. And then, follow the instructions to configure the BIOS settings for your computer.
- Updating the Docking Station firmware and drivers
- Important BIOS Settings
Dell 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
- Remove the USB-C or Thunderbolt cable from the computer.
- Unplug AC power from the WD19 series docking station.
- Drain any remaining power to the docking station by holding the power button for 30 s.
- Plug AC power into the docking station.
- The dock LED on the power button should blink three (3) times.
- Plug the USB-C or Thunderbolt cable back into the computer.
Windows operating system and Dell driver updates
- Run Windows Update to ensure that the operating system is up to date.
- Run SupportAssist for Business PC's, 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.)
- 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)
- Test the Docking Station to see if the issues are resolved.
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 |
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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.
- Browse to System Configuration and then to USB-Configuration.
- Select the options Enable USB Boot Support and Enable External USB Port.
- Browse to Dell Type-C Dock Configuration and select Always Allow Dell Docks.
- Under System Configuration, browse to USB PowerShare and activate this option.
- Browse to Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration, and select Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support, Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Boot Support, and Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Preboot Modules.
- In the same category, select Security Level - No Security.
NOTE: Items 5 and 6 apply only to computers with Thunderbolt controllers.
- Now browse to POST Behavior and Fastboot. Select Thorough.
- On the bottom right, click the Apply button to save the changes made. Exit the BIOS by clicking the Exit button.
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