Dell Thunderbolt Docks Report Reduced Connectivity Error Message on Boot
Summary: The following article provides information about an error message seen on startup. This happens when connecting a Dell Thunderbolt docking station to a USB type-C port that does not support Thunderbolt 3 protocols. (Such as the WD19TB, WD19TBS, or WD22TB4 dock.) ...
Symptoms
A message appears during POST if a Dell Thunderbolt docking station is connected to a non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C port (See Figure.1) on any commercial Dell laptop. (WD19TB, WD19TBS, or WD22TB4.) Pressing the F1 key allows the laptop to boot normally. (See figure.2)
(Figure.1 Non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C port)
(Figure.2 Error Message The Docking Station you have connected cannot provide full functionality while connected to the current port. If you have a Thunderbolt port, attach the docking station to that port for full functionality.)
The error message informs you that you should not expect Thunderbolt 3 connectivity from the dock. This is because it is not attached to a Thunderbolt port on the computer which it is attached to.
Thunderbolt Platforms
| Latitude | Precision | XPS |
|---|---|---|
| 5280 | 3520 | 9365 |
| 5480 | 5520 | 9360 |
| 5580 | 7520 | 9560 |
| 7280 | 7720 | 9575 |
| 7380 | 3530 | 9570 |
| 7480 | 7530 | 9360 |
| 7285 | 7530 | 9370 |
| 5289 2-in-1 | 7730 | 9000 2-in-1 |
| 7389 2-in-1 | 5530 2-in-1 | 9380 |
| 7290 | 5530 | 7390 |
| 7390 | 7540 | 7300 |
| 7490 | 7740 | 9300 |
| 7390 2-in-1 | 5540 | 9310 |
| 5491 | 7550 | 9315 |
| 5591 | 7750 | 9315 2-in-1 |
| 5290 2-in-1 | 5550 | 9320 |
| 5300 | 7560 | |
| 5400 | 7760 | |
| 5500 | 5560 | |
| 7300 | 7670 | |
| 7400 | 7770 | |
| 7400 2-in-1 | 5570 | |
| 5401 | ||
| 5501 | ||
| 5310 | ||
| 5410 | ||
| 5510 | ||
| 5411 | ||
| 5511 | ||
| 7310 | ||
| 7410 | ||
| 5320 | ||
| 5420 | ||
| 5520 | ||
| 5421 | ||
| 5521 | ||
| 7320 | ||
| 7320 Detachable | ||
| 7420 | ||
| 5330 | ||
| 5430 | ||
| 5530 | ||
| 7330 | ||
| 7330 rugged | ||
| 7430 | ||
| 5431 | ||
| 5531 |
Non-Thunderbolt Platforms
| Latitude | Precision | XPS |
|---|---|---|
| 5280 | 3520 | 9575 |
| 5480 | 3530 | |
| 5580 | 5530 2-in-1 | |
| 7280 | ||
| 7380 | ||
| 7480 | ||
| 5285 2-in-1 | ||
| 5290 | ||
| 5490 | ||
| 5590 | ||
| 7290 | ||
| 7390 | ||
| 7490 | ||
| 7390 2-in-1 | ||
| 5491 | ||
| 5591 | ||
| 3490 | ||
| 3590 | ||
| 5290 2-in-1 | ||
| 5300 | ||
| 5400 | ||
| 5500 | ||
| 3410 | ||
| 3510 | ||
| 3420 | ||
| 3520 |
Cause
A BIOS update resolves this.
Resolution
Updating the latest BIOS version on the computer helps to resolve the issue. To download and install the latest BIOS:
-
Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads Product Support Drivers Page
-
Ensure that your computer model type is correct
-
Select the Operating System
-
Under Category, select BIOS
-
Locate the latest System BIOS
-
Click Download and save the file to your computer
-
Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved
-
Double-click the BIOS setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process
You can skip this message by pressing the F7 key or by disabling USB-C Dock warning messages in the BIOS. However, a second message is showing in Dell SupportAssist. It can only be adjusted with the setting continue on Warnings and Errors, but the error is shown on the next boot. (See figure.3)
(Figure.3 Disabling the Thunderbolt boot message in the BIOS.)
Additional Information
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