The Dell Docking Station WD15 is a device that links all your electronic devices to your computer using a USB-C cable interface. Connecting the computer to the docking station allows you to access all devices (mouse, keyboard, stereo speakers, external hard drive, and large-screen displays) without having to plug each device to the computer.
For help with specifications, setup, connecting an external monitor, troubleshooting common issues, and so on, see an expanding section below.
Laptop Connectivity |
NOTE: Dell Docking Station WD15 does not work with all USB-C ports. Ensure that the USB-C port on your computer supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocols.
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Video ports |
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Audio ports |
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Network ports |
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USB ports |
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The Dell Docking Station WD15 only works with DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocols and is not compatible with all USB-C ports. Ensure that the USB-C port on your computer supports either DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol.
Laptop Connectivity |
NOTE: Dell Docking Station WD15 does not work with all USB-C ports. Ensure that the USB-C port on your computer supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocols.
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Video ports |
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Audio ports |
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Network ports |
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USB ports |
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Dell highly recommends the following applications to automate the installation of BIOS, firmware, driver, and critical updates specific to your computer and docking station. These applications are available to download on Dell Drivers & Downloads page.
Dell recommends installing the following BIOS, firmware, and drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance.
Search for model name or enter the Service Tag of your computer on the Dell Drivers & Downloads page. Select the Operating System to view all available updates for your computer.
Please also refer to our article - Driver Installation Guide for Dell Docking Station WD15
Microsoft Windows operating system includes the VGA graphics drivers only. For optimum graphics performance, it is recommended that Dell graphics drivers applicable for your computer be installed from Dell Drivers & Downloads website under the "Video" section.
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
Single Display (maximum resolution) | Dual Display (maximum resolution) | Triple Display (maximum resolution) | Quad Display (maximum resolution) |
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Symptom | Possible Solution |
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No video on the monitors that are attached to the HDMI, mini-DP port, or the VGA port on the docking station |
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The video on the attached monitor is distorted or flickering. |
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The video on the attached monitor is not displaying as an extended monitor. |
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The audio connector is not functioning or there is a lag in the audio. |
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The USB ports are not functioning on the docking station. |
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The HDCP content is not displayed on the attached monitor. |
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The LAN port is not functioning. |
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Cable LED is not ON after it is connected to your host. |
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USB port does not function in pre-OS environment. | If your BIOS has a USB or Thunderbolt 3 Configuration page, ensure that the following options are checked:
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PXE boot on dock does not function. |
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USB Boot does not function. | If your BIOS has a USB or Thunderbolt 3 Configuration page, ensure that the following options are checked:
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In addition to this article we have further additional content that may assist you on topics such as External monitor blanking or flickering on TB16 and WD15 docks
Here are some frequently asked questions about Dell WD15 docking station.
Dell Docking Station WD15 is compatible with Dell laptops that has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode. The WD15 docking station is also compatible a laptop that has a Thunderbolt 3 port.
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 and different protocols like USB 2.0, WSB 3./0, USB Power Deliver or alternate modes like DisplayPort over USB-C can be implemented. For more information, see Guide to USB Type-C
Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Latest Product and Support | Description |
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USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-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-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
NOTE: USB-C docking stations work with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 protocol. To learn how to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3, see the Frequently asked questions section.
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Dell WD15 docking station can be purchased in 2 configurations - with 130 W or 180 W power adapter. See the table below to understand how much power can the WD15 docking station provide through the USB-C cable to charge compatible laptops.
It is important to note that not all USB-C ports support USB-C Power Delivery, nor will all USB-C devices charge with USB-C chargers. See the User Manual of your laptop to find information if the USB-C port supports power delivery.
Docking station | Wattage |
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WD15 with 130 W ac adapter | 90 W |
WD15 with 180 W ac adapter | 130 W |
Dell Docking Station WD15 is designed to operate in AC power only. AC power loss event makes all devices on the docking station fail to function. Even after the AC power is restored, the dock will still not function correctly as the dock must negotiate a power contract with the USB-C port on the computer. This behavior is evident when there is a power loss but also if AC is applied to the dock, after being removed, while it is plugged into the Dell laptop.
To resolve this issue:
Unplug the USB-C cable and then plug it in again. Sometimes during power loss, you must replug the AC power cable.
You may find that your mouse and keyboard does not work on Dell BIOS splash screens when trying to access BIOS with F2, or the One time boot menu with F12, or enter any input in preboot environments like BIOS, boot menu, or BIOS or HDD password splash screens.
Update the BIOS to the latest version on your Dell Latitude computer from Dell Drivers and downloads page. To learn more, see the Dell knowledge-base article Guide to Dell BIOS Updates
Boot into BIOS. Power on your computer and tap F2 key until you enter the BIOS or System Setup.
On Dell XPS 9560 and Dell Precision 5520 the computer can turn on automatically after shutdown with Dell Docking Station WD15 attached even though the computer is shut down properly. This can also happen with other USB-C devices attached.
To help resolve this issue - Update the BIOS to the latest version on your Dell computer from Dell Drivers and downloads page. To learn more, see to the Dell knowledge-base article Guide to Dell BIOS Updates.