How to Connect and Set Up a Docking Station With a Dell Laptop

Docking stations come with different types of docking interfaces. For example, Dell E-port or D-port, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, USB 3.0, or WiGig (wireless). It is important to identify if the type of docking interface or port that is available on the computer is compatible with the docking station.

• Dell E-port or D-port - Proprietary docking solution for Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series. Dell docking stations provide efficient connectivity to all desktop devices and devices with a simple click into the docking station. Available mostly on Dell Latitude laptops and certain Precision mobile workstations.
• Thunderbolt 3 - Thunderbolt 3 docking stations link all devices to the laptop using a single USB-C Thunderbolt cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multi-display 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.
• DisplayPort over USB-C - USB-C docking station links all devices to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multi-display 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.
• USB 3.0 - Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through USB. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
• WiGig (wireless) - WiGig or wireless docking stations work with a laptop that is configured with a WiGig adapter. Only select Dell laptops support WiGig technology.

1. Connect the keyboard and mouse.
   NOTE: A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse must be paired to the laptop. Docking stations do not have an integrated Bluetooth receiver. If a USB dongle was provided with the wireless keyboard and mouse, connect the USB dongle to the docking station.
2. Connect the external monitor/s. Learn How to Connect a Monitor to a Dell Computer.
   NOTE: Support for multiple monitors with higher resolution depends on the available bandwidth on the laptop. See the user manual of the docking station to learn how many multiple monitors are supported.
   NOTE: For information about third-party or non-Dell docking stations, see the docking station manufacturer's website.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable.
4. Connect other external USB devices (printer, external webcam, USB drive, and so on) to the docking station.
5. Connect the power cable to the docking station.
   NOTE: Dell Technologies recommends using the power adapter that was provided with the docking station for optimal performance.
6. Power on the docking station.

Connect the docking station to the laptop. Ensure that the docking station is connected to the correct port on the laptop. It is important to ensure that the docking station is connected to the correct port.

• Dell E/Port docking station - This proprietary docking interface is available on select Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series laptops. This connector is at the bottom of the laptop.
• Universal USB docking station - Universal USB docking stations work with USB 3.0 ports. Ensure that the docking station is connected to any of the USB 3.0 ports that is available on the laptop.
• USB-C docking station - USB-C docking stations may be connected to a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode. USB-C docking stations may also be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop. See the user manual to verify if the USB-C port on the laptop supports this either DisplayPort over USB-C alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3.
• Thunderbolt 3 - Thunderbolt docking stations must be connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the laptop. See the User Manual of the laptop to verify that the USB-C port on the laptop supports the Thunderbolt 3 protocol.

Windows operating system and Dell driver updates:

1. Run Windows Update to ensure that Windows is up to date.
2. See the Explore SupportAssist for Home PCs page to download, install and run SupportAssist (for all models), or Dell Command | Update (for Precision, XPS, and Latitude) or Dell Update (for Vostro, Inspiron, and G-Series) to update the BIOS and drivers for both the Dell computer and Dell docking station. Dell drivers can also be manually downloaded and installed from the Dell Support website.
   • The docking station must be connected to the computer during the update process to detect and install the docking station firmware.
   • Power cycle the docking station after the firmware is updated.