Dual monitors and docking station training video
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Dual monitors and docking station training video. Recorded 12.11.2020. Basic overview of setting up and configuring laptop with dual monitors and docking station.
Setup shown in this video includes dual Dell P-series 24" monitors, Planar dual monitor stand, Dell WD19TB dock, Logitech wireless keyboard & mouse, power strip, and associated cords.
Diagram (drawing) for reference: imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
I've recorded a follow-up to this video, with more information about connecting different models of docking station: • How to set up a laptop... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Wow! I didn't expect my simple training video to take off. If I had known how popular it would get I would have used a tripod, LOL. Thanks for all the views and likes! As I mentioned in the description, this video shows some of the setup process and configuration of a Dell business laptop (Precision model, very similar to a Latitude-series) connected to a WD19TB docking station, dual 24" monitors on a Planar monitor stand (connected to the dock via DisplayPort cables and USB cables to activate the USB ports on the monitors), a Logitech wireless keyboard & mouse combo, and briefly discusses some config of these devices.
While no video can cover all the possible combinations of hardware available, this is a pretty standard business-class setup in today's "work from home" environment. Hope my video has been helpful to people, feel free to drop any questions in the comments. Thanks!
Hi, Thank you for the video. If you don't mind, I would prefer to see the drawing connections between dock station to two monitors and so on...
@@HsingSun Hi! It is very simple. Nearly all good monitors now (such as the Dell P- and U-series), have DisplayPort connections. Also, good docking stations (like the Dell WD19TB dock shown in this video) also have DisplayPort connections. DisplayPort is the best and most modern standard supported by most hardware (until USB-C monitors become more common). Better than HDMI, better than DVI, and definitely much better than old-fashion VGA.
So just connect your monitors to your dock with DisplayPort cables. I also recommend connecting the USB cables to enable the built-in USB hubs on the monitors (so you can use the USB ports on the monitors).
Since you asked, here is a drawing. 😉
Link: imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
Note to viewers: this Dell Docking station only works with laptops with Thunderbolt docking compatibility
@@utubestalker.dotcom Hi! Thanks for the comment. While I agree that not all docking stations are compatible with all laptops, your information is not entirely correct. The dock shown in this video is a Dell WD19TB. It is a Thunderbolt-compatible dock, and offers best performance when paired with a Thunderbolt-capable laptop. If you connect it to a non-Thunderbolt-equipped laptop you will see this screen:
imgur.com/a/Sli0MCH
(screenshot hosted on Imgur)
This screen advises you that you have connected to a non-Thunderbolt port. You can press F7 to disable the warning.
There are other variants of this particular model including the WD19 (a non-Thunderbolt version) and the WD19TBS (a newer version with improved design).
I always recommend using a *matching* docking station for best performance. If your laptop has a Thunderbolt port, use a Thunderbolt dock. If you have a Dell, get a Dell dock. If you have a Lenovo, get a Lenovo dock. Etcetera. Using cheaper off-brand docks is just a recipe for having compatibility issues. About the only non-OEM brand of dock we have had okay luck with is Plugable-brand docking stations:
plugable.com/collections/docking-stations
If you are interested in learning more about docking stations and laptop connectivity, I recommend checking out some of my other videos in this series:
Laptop docking stations in a small office: th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
How to set up dual laptops with a KVM switch: th-cam.com/video/-r84fIaxae4/w-d-xo.html
How to connect an ASUS Zenbook 14" to a USB-C docking station: th-cam.com/video/8HL0t2_P8fg/w-d-xo.html
Dual and triple monitors docking station training video: th-cam.com/video/hIEobv1rhyA/w-d-xo.html
Planar monitor stands: th-cam.com/video/R1UhEVdzwzU/w-d-xo.html
Hope this information is helpful. In summary, it is best to use a "paired", or matching docking station with your particular laptop to avoid compatibility issues. Thanks!
It's been over two years since I uploaded this video to help *one guy* with his equipment. Am thrilled that it's received more than 377,000 views and helped so many people (I do still wish I'd used a tripod, LOL). It continues to be a valuable resource every day and we're still using much of the equipment shown here, with the exception that we're now using Dell WD22TB4 Thunderbolt 4.0 docking stations (a newer model of the WD19TB shown in this video). And for our non-Dell laptops we recommend getting a dock from the same manufacturer. E.g., for Lenovo get a Lenovo dock, for HP get a HP dock, etc., but for other manufacturers who do not provide their own docks (such as Asus) we've had the best luck with Plugable-brand docking stations.
One of the most common questions continues to be "how do I keep my laptop from turning off when I close the lid?" While this process may vary for different hardware makes/models, it is most commonly set through the Windows Control Panel setting for "When I close the lid: Do nothing". That is accessed by going to Control Panel (search for it in Start) --> View by: Small icons --> Power Options --> Choose what closing the lid does --> then change the setting from the dropdown.
Here's a screenshot (hosted on Imgur) of that setting:
imgur.com/a/XZyp89y
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
John probably never watched this video, but I sure did! 🤣
LOL! I didn't expect the number of views it's gotten, but glad it's helping some people! 😁
🤣😂🤣😂Hilarious comment!!!
Same!!
@@GLD9191 Thanks! 😊
Review of Planar dual, triple, and quad monitor stands: th-cam.com/video/R1UhEVdzwzU/w-d-xo.html
For anyone looking for other options to connect a laptop (or multiple laptops) to an external monitor, one other suggestion is to look at a Dell hub monitor such as the U3821DW or U3824DW. Hub monitors have many ports and support the connection of multiple laptops or other devices simultaneously, and have a built-in KVM to easily switch between them. They can provide multiple connectivity options to connected laptops such as external keyboard & mouse (via USB), Ethernet, and power delivery (so you only need to plug the laptop into the monitor and it will get everything it needs - no additional dock or power cord required).
There are many models of hub monitor available, my recommendation is the Dell Ultrasharp line models such as those listed previously.
With the built-in KVM you can even do "picture in picture" or split-screen views. An example of this would be having two laptops connected to one large monitor and 50% of the screen being used to display the image from each laptop.
A few photos here for reference:
imgur.com/a/06X3zGK
(images hosted on Imgur)
Finally!! Been looking through so many videos for simple to the point instructions. I can finally say I have a dual monitor home office now!! I actually applauded 😄 Thanks, so much!✌🏽
Awesome! Glad to help. 😊👍👍
If you are interested in learning more about the monitor stand shown in this video, you can see my review of them here: th-cam.com/video/R1UhEVdzwzU/w-d-xo.html
I've just completed another video in this series: How to set up dual laptops with a KVM switch. Check it out, let me know what you think! ☺
th-cam.com/video/-r84fIaxae4/w-d-xo.html
I've recorded a follow-up to this video, with more information about connecting different models of docking station: th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
Thank you, Mike..and John. This was what I needed to confirm before getting a 2nd external monitor that can extend out for Windows 10. Had to sieve through so many videos to get one this clear and straight forward. Thanks!
Glad to help! 😊👍👍
@@CompTechMike have a great and safe weekend!
OMG, fantastic video! I could not figure this out and am so appreciative for the very logical, clear cut direction! You have a great voice for narration and very patient well annunciated directions! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
If this video was helpful to you, please "like" and "subscribe" to my channel. It really helps me out a lot. Also feel free to check out my playlist of the other computer videos I've recorded, which includes videos on computer hardware repair, memory upgrades, laptop battery replacement, building a bitcoin mining rig, and other docking station setup videos:
th-cam.com/play/PLZsiP8a81zDF3__mn_Oa2A6hsIU7WTN1C.html
Thanks! 😊😸
This video has been very helpful. I've been working from home since March 2020 due to COVID and I finally got my duel monitor's but I had no clue how to set it up after everything was plugged in. Thank you!
Thanks! Glad to help. 😊👍👍
The option to "show taskbar where window is open" in the taskbar settings is a Godsend! So useful, thanks for the tip1
You're welcome! I like to use these settings to more efficiently manage having a lot of screens and apps open. Glad it helps! 😁
As a reminder, if you have any questions please include the exact model number of your laptop, docking station, and other equipment. It's tough to offer suggestions without complete information. Thanks! 😊
Hi Mike. my docking station is just you used on the video. Question for you: do I need to leave the power cable connected all the time? Isn't going to ruin the battery? Thanks
@@AlexandrePallota Hi Alexandre! Personally I would not have any concerns about leaving the docking station plugged into its power supply at all times. If you're worried about the dock continuously charging the laptop battery (and potentially diminishing battery life) I would recommend go into your laptop BIOS settings. From there you have a variety of settings (vary depending on your exact model of laptop) such as adaptive charge, express charge, you can set specific charging hours and times, set to "primarily AC use", etc. These settings vary depending on your exact BIOS version and model of laptop, but set properly can help extend battery wear / life significantly. Hope this helps!
Dear Mike - Thank you so much! This is the best and easiest set of directions I have found. I am now a force to be reckoned with!!!
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
Thanks Smith for this explanatory video. I really loved the step by step explanation and the review of the steps. Thanks once again
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😃👍👍
I struggled all day attempting to set up my equipment. I wish I'd watched this first. Thank you!
You're welcome! Glad to help. Better late than never I suppose, right? 🤣 I actually recorded this video quickly one evening just for one employee at one of my jobs. Figured it might be useful to share, had no idea how many people it would help! 😄
Dual monitors and docking station training video. Recorded 12.11.2020. Basic overview of setting up and configuring laptop with dual monitors and docking station.
Setup shown in this video includes dual Dell P-series 24" monitors, Planar dual monitor stand, Dell WD19TB dock, Logitech wireless keyboard & mouse, power strip, and associated cords.
Very helpful, I used this video to setup step by step two big screens with my laptop. Appreciate. Thanks Mike Smith
@@shahid54G Fantastic! Glad to help!
Would this also work with the laptop and only one external monitor? I have a TV that I wanted to use as a second screen with the laptop. Or do I need tow external screens? I do have this particular docking station at my office as well as at home. In the office, there are two external monitors.
@@kathyreese9373 Hi! I'm not really sure I understand your question. If you have a laptop that has an HDMI port (most do) you should be able to plug the laptop directly into your TV with an HDMI cable. You wouldn't need a docking station or any other accessories. The computer should recognize it automatically, you'd just need to configure it how you want it to display (for example, duplicate or extend).
If you want to plug in two external devices (for example: a monitor and a TV) you would need appropriate connectors or adapters. Since most laptops only have connections for one external display, you would need an adapter or docking station to support multiple displays.
If your laptop does not have any external monitor connections, obviously you would need a docking station or other suitable adapter to plug in a TV. So it all pretty much depends on what type of hardware you have. If you want to comment back with your specific model number of hardware I may be able to give more advice. Good luck!
I am just wondering if I have to have 2 external monitors (like your video shows) or if I can have 1 external monitor and the laptop. I do not have a 2nd external monitor.
Mike. You need to publish a book, or something. This tutorial has been the best I have ever seen as far as setting up dual monitors, and you have an excellent way of presenting the information and the details involved. Thank you very much!
Thank you! 😊
This is a great video, you explained everything so well.
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for posting this publicly! Like others, this is *the* video tutorial I've been looking for. Thanks, Mike!
You're welcome! I made this video for one guy, never expected it to be so popular, LOL. 😀
Great video! This helped me solve an issue that I have been struggling with for months. I'm so glad that I found this video. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You're welcome! ☺️
thank you for your generous responds - very helpful
Best tutorial on multi-monitor set-up out there! Thanks! 👌🏽
Thank you! Glad it was helpful. 😊
Thank you!! This was very helpful in setting up my work station at home. I did have to look up the steps to close your laptop and keep the desktop monitor operating.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful. I normally keep my lid open and use it as another screen. Not all laptops support being closed while staying on, but the setting is usually under the "Additional power settings" --> "Choose what the power buttons do". Or you can go to Control Panel --> Power Options. See image:
imgur.com/a/TCKxPdL
@@CompTechMike I would love to use the laptop as a 3rd screen but as soon as i plug it in only one of the screens works, it says it's screen 2 but stays blank ?
@@richardbyrne7907 Hi! What is your exact model of laptop and exact model of docking station? Some very old and low-end laptops do not support having three displays connected, although most newer hardware supports this. Have you checked the Display Settings to make sure that they are all set to "enabled"?
I dont have two HDMI ports in my docking station - any tips to fix this?>
Hi! What is your exact model of laptop, monitors, and docking station? If you just need an additional HDMI port there are a variety of adapters you can use. If you tell me your exact model of equipment I may be able to suggest one. 😊
@@CompTechMike thanks - docking station has 1 hdmi it is a targus acp71eu. My laptop also has one hdmi it is a hp. I have two hdmi samsung montiors. Is it worth getting a docking station with two hdmi ports?
@@islamrewards2860 Hi! I just looked up the Targus ACP71USZ. That appears to be kind of a low-end model. I would not recommend that model docking station personally. However you should be able to use it with two HDMI monitors if you use a DVI-to-HDMI cable. Plug one monitor in to the HDMI port normally, and use the DVI port with a DVI-to-HDMI for the second. Here is a link for that cable:
www.amazon.com/BlueRigger-Speed-Adapter-Cable-Meters/dp/B004S4R5CK/
Alternatively you could plug one HDMI monitor into the dock and one into the laptop, however my recommendation would be to pick up a more capable dock. You didn't provide the exact model number of your laptop, but if it has a USB-C port your better option would be to use a USB-C or Thunderbolt dock. Good luck!
@@CompTechMike Many thanks Mike
@@islamrewards2860 you're welcome! 😊
Honestly the most helpful video I have watched! Sure hope John watched.
Haha, he did! Thanks! 😄
Great video and very well explained. Thank you!
Thanks! 😊👍👍
Great video! It was very helpful. Thank you so so much!
You're welcome! 😊👍👍
Hi, I have a similar set up, of sorts, with a Lenovo x220 and two large Dell monitors. With the laptop I also have a docking station - which gives me Display Port twice ..... and so on. My question is that each of my Dell screens has a sound bar attached underneath (at the front). If I want to move say a TH-cam video from my main left screen (as you have) can I then get the sound to follow the image? At the moment, if I move TH-cam across to the RH screen - the sound stays on the LH monitor (or its soundbar to be more exact). It sounds like a small problem - but is is slightly annoying..... Any help would be appreciated, (have tried various different wiring and plugging in connections - but nothing seems to work / fix). Thanks.
Hi! I think that's a Windows setting, where you select your sound output device. It's the same thing as being on a Zoom or Teams call and wanting to switch from using your external speakers and mic and switching to your headset in the middle of the call (without disconnecting and reconnecting the call). I've had hit-or-miss luck just plugging something in, usually you do have to go through the settings and tell Windows what audio output device you want to use.
I guess one thing to consider is how are the sound bars connected? Are they pulling the audio over DisplayPort or are they connected to 1/8" aux jacks? Could you wire them together and use both sound bars at the same time?
www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Splitter-Extension-Earphone-Compatible/dp/B00LM0ZGK6/
You might also check out this thread on Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/46b99p/how_do_i_make_windows_automatically_switch_all/
They recommend using a lightweight audio switching application that runs in the background. Looks like the app is free, may be worth checking out?
www.audioswit.ch/er
Hope this helps!
Hi just wondering if I could turn on the laptop using the dock (without opening the lid and pushing the power button)
Hi! Thanks for the comment. That depends on the model of laptop and the model of docking station. Many Dell laptops and Dell docking stations support this functionality. For example: the Dell E-Port series, WD15, WD19 series, and WD22 docking stations all have a dedicated power button for turning on the system. You can see it on the top of the dock in this video around the 0:45 second mark (under my hand).
Additional functionality is available in the laptop BIOS. For example, you can configure the laptop to turn on automatically when connected, whether the ports on the dock remain active if the power supply is disconnected (draw power from laptop battery), etc. These features vary depending on the specific model.
Brilliant straight forward instructions
Awesome! Glad to help. 😊
may God Bless you Mike, This was very helpful
Thank you very much! Glad to help. 😊
Super helpful thanks! Received all of these from work with no setup instructions! I’m a nurse, not IT ;)
Awesome! Thank you for the work you do! ❤️
Same here Christina Vandersluis. Incredible 🤦🏽♀️
Thank you for the video. Do you know if it's possible to have one of the extended screens display on two devices?? For example, you have 3 screens there. If two of them showed screen "2" and one showed screen "1"?
Hi! Yes, this should be possible. You would just set one of them to "duplicate" and one to "extend". Assuming your computer supports this.
Thanks for sharing. I just set up a friends home network...including these dual monitors. She can now start her 'remote' job tomorrow morning. Yay! #yourock
Awesome! Glad to help. 😀👍👍
Thank you! I was able to set up my home office with your help.
Fantastic! Glad to help. 😊
ThANK YOU !! None explained how to fix the 1/2 ... U did 👍😎
You're welcome! 😄
Hi! Thank you for the helpful video! I have the Dell WD19S docking station. Every time I close my laptop, the monitors shut off as well. Is there a setting that can change this? Thank you!
Hi! Thanks for the comment. The behavior you are describing is normal. It is because your laptop is configured to go to sleep when you close the lid. Most laptops are configured by default to do this. To change that you need to go into your system settings and change the behavior from "hibernate" or "sleep" to "do nothing" when you close the lid. See this screenshot (hosted on imgur):
imgur.com/a/TCKxPdL
Thank you! I had the thinkpad dock but worked the same!
Fantastic! We had ThinkPad docks at one of my old jobs. They're pretty good equipment, as well. Glad you got it working!
Your video was so helpful. Thank you😊
You're welcome Renee! Glad to help. 😊
Diagram: imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
Good tutorial and I love the idea of making a set up video for your clients. Might have to do the same for my business!
Thanks! I definitely recommend it. I talk to so many people who made the switch to full-time WFH in the past 18 months and who's bosses or "IT departments" just shipped them a bunch of boxes of equipment with zero instructions how to set it up. As an IT Professional for the past 20+ years it is personally very frustrating to me to hear these stories. Why would you send someone thousands of dollars worth of equipment and not make any effort to teach them how to set it up? We can do better. 😁
@@CompTechMike absolutely! Plus it will likely save you far more time trouble shooting than it took to make the video. It's great to see WFH becoming more accepted but the learning curve will definitely be steep for some people who now have to set up their own home set up.
Thank you so much. Answered every single question I had.
Nice! Glad to help. 😊
Just the info I needed to help with setting up my tradeing station.
2 monitors and my laptop.
Laptop for discord, 1 monitor for charts and other for my brokerage.
You're welcome! Glad to help. Good luck trading, make that $$$. When you strike it rich, don't forget the TH-cam content creators who helped you along the way, LOL. 😄🤣
great training video: question: I have Alienware laptop m18, dual aw38dw monitors, wireless keyboard, mouse, headset. my monitors only have HDMI & DP connectivity. will the Dell WD19TB dock work with Alienware?? How can you configure the power options on the laptop in order to close the laptop w/o powering it down? any suggestions would be helpful thanks
Hi Brian! Thanks for checking out my video. I'm not familiar with Alienware (we mostly just use business-class equipment here), but I assume since Alienware is owned by Dell, they should be cross-compatible.
A quick Google search tells me the M18 has two Thunderbolt 4.0 USB-C ports so I'd look at the latest Thunderbolt 4.0 docking station from Dell, which is the WD22TB4:
www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-thunderbolt-dock-wd22tb4/apd/210-bdqh/pc-accessories
Make sure to get the firmware update tool from their support page, as well:
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/wd22tb4-dock/drivers
I see the specs on the Alienware AW3418DW monitors are pretty high. You might want to review and compare with the output on the WD22TB4 (link posted above) to ensure full compatibility. For example, I believe most business docks only display 60Hz and it looks like the monitor might be able to go up to 120Hz (if that's a feature that's important to you).
Make sure to grab some good quality DisplayPort cables to ensure you aren't limited by poor quality cables. Personally we use these:
www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Braided-32-4Gbps-Compatible-Monitor/dp/B07VVJZJ2P/
If you click on that link above it looks like they've started selling 16K-rated cables now, as well.
Regarding configuring power options on the laptop so it does not go to sleep when you close the lid, this question comes up very often. I normally keep my lid open and use it as another screen. Not all laptops support being closed while staying on, but the setting can be found in Windows under Control Panel (search for it in Start) --> then select: View by: Small Icons --> Power Options --> Choose what the power buttons do. Then change the dropdown for "When I close the lid: Do nothing". See screenshot of setting below:
imgur.com/a/TCKxPdL
(image hosted on Imgur)
Assuming your laptop supports this setting, change it and you should be good to go. Other laptops you may have to change a setting in BIOS. Basically it depends on your particular model. Hope this helps!
It's been over two years since I uploaded this video to help *one guy* with his equipment. Am thrilled that it's received more than 377,000 views and helped so many people (I do still wish I'd used a tripod, LOL). It continues to be a valuable resource every day and we're still using much of the equipment shown here, with the exception that we're now using Dell WD22TB4 Thunderbolt 4.0 docking stations (a newer model of the WD19TB shown in this video). And for our non-Dell laptops we recommend getting a dock from the same manufacturer. E.g., for Lenovo get a Lenovo dock, for HP get a HP dock, etc., but for other manufacturers who do not provide their own docks (such as Asus) we've had the best luck with Plugable-brand docking stations.
One of the most common questions continues to be "how do I keep my laptop from turning off when I close the lid?" While this process may vary for different hardware makes/models, it is most commonly set through the Windows Control Panel setting for "When I close the lid: Do nothing". That is accessed by going to Control Panel (search for it in Start) --> View by: Small icons --> Power Options --> Choose what closing the lid does --> then change the setting from the dropdown.
Here's a screenshot (hosted on Imgur) of that setting:
imgur.com/a/XZyp89y
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
this is a great resource for new remote employees.
Thanks! Glad it's helped so many people. 😊
Hi great video. Question, I want to only use the two monitors. Does the extended screen work if I close the laptop (not shutdown ) maybe sleep. ?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. In general, the answer to your question would be yes - with caveats. Most decent laptops and docking stations should support operation with the lid open or closed, but not all do. One thing to look for is if the docking station has a separate power button. For example, in this image (hosted on imgur) of the Dell E-Port Plus and WD19TB model docking stations, you'll see I've highlighed the power buttons. This is so you can turn the laptop on or off with the lid closed. Docks without power buttons are less likely to support the configuration you're describing:
imgur.com/a/WphIKhZ
Also, you may need to configure your Windows sleep settings. You'll need to change "What to do when I close the lid" from "Sleep" to "Do nothing", as shown in this screen:
imgur.com/a/T951FA3
Hope this helps!
Thank you super helpful for WFH set up.
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
Hey mike… learned some by watching your videos. I’ve a station, a WD-15. In the past, I was able to comnect 3 monitors, and my laptop monitor. Now when I connect the new laptops, only the orignal external or laptop screen get signal. Is there any alternatives, such as usb hubs and usb to hdmi adapters. Ugh it’s for work and i have a feeling I’ll have to repair my laptop screen that was broken by a made. FML
Hi Nigel! Thanks for checking out my video. Glad it was helpful. Personally we've decommissioned all our WD15 docking stations as we found them "problematic" at best. All our newer systems have WD19TB or WD22TB4 docking stations, which we've had a lot more success with.
One of my complaints about the WD15 is its selection of ports. To connect monitors you've got the one Mini-DP, one HDMI, and one legacy VGA connector. So that means you're juggling a variety of connectors that aren't very common on most monitors. You'll usually need an adapter or two, which can cause additional sources of failure. Personally we had the best luck with the WD15 when connecting two external monitors, one via Mini-DP to DisplayPort cable and one using an HDMI cable (most of our monitors have either DisplayPort or HDMI input, with DisplayPort being preferred). We don't use any VGA stuff.
Without having it in front of me it's tough to say what your particular issue is. I'd recommend going back and double-checking all your cables and connections, including the power supply going to the dock. An insufficient power supply can cause a lot of random issues.
Also recommend updating to the latest firmware. You can find the firmware update utility for the WD15 on Dell's website here:
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/dell-dock-wd15/drivers
You might check that the inputs on your monitors are all set correctly (if the monitors have multiple input sources) and that the devices are showing up correctly in Device Manager. Also check your display settings (duplicate & extend, as shown in this video).
One other idea is to disconnect everything and reconnect one device at a time, testing to make sure each works. Then plug in the next piece of equipment, make sure it works, etc. If you have another laptop or dock you can test with also, that's another option. Will help you rule out whether your issues are with a software config or specific piece of hardware.
Worst case scenerio you could always try various adapters, like these:
USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter: www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB-HDMI-Adapter-External/dp/B00H91BQ7Y/
USB-C to HDMI adapter: www.amazon.com/Adapter-BENFEI-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B08KWG243P/
However as I mentioned above, I'm not a fan of adapters. Each one just increases the potential points of failure. You didn't state your specific model of laptop but I'm assuming it's some kind of reasonably-modern Dell Latitude business-class model. Most of those are generally able to support three screens (or more, if they have the upgraded graphics chip). I'd recommend ditching the legacy WD15 dock and picking up a new WD22TB4 dock, assuming the laptop has Thunderbolt. You can see more about that dock here:
www.amazon.com/Dell-WD22TB4-Thunderbolt-Dock-USB/dp/B0B13Y2QVW/
Last, I recommend this video which shows more about different types of docking stations:
th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps!
Mike, pretty complete. I have a Dell XPS with Dell K17A-001 Docking Station. Never set it up. I lost the manual at sometime. I Needed your video to go thru the Set up. My Dell Docking Station Model K17A-001 has 1 C Port out; 2 USB Ports, 3 SS Ports ((like USB), 1 ear phone Port; 1 HDMI Port; 1 IO Port; 1 Internet Port; 1 Com port. I did not see how you commected the Monitors. Currently I use HMDI out from Computer to Monitor. What is the difference of an USB and SS Port. Are you currently are using HDMI ports to connect the Monitors?
Hi Sam! Thanks for the comment. You've got quite a few different questions here, let me see if I can unwrap this.
First, USB and "SS" are both USB ports. USB is the older standard "USB 2.0" and has a maximum transfer speed of 480 Megabits per second. "SS" ports typically operate at "USB 3.0" speeds, with a maximum throughput of 4.8 Gigabits per second. In other words, SS ports are up to 10x faster than regular USB. This is good for devices such as flash drives, portable external hard drives, and other devices capable of transferring at these higher speeds.
Re: how the monitors are connected. In this video, the Dell WD19TB docking station is connected to the monitors via DisplayPort cables. You can see them at the 0:40 second mark in the video. The two gray cables. The monitors are also connected to the dock via two USB cables, this activates the USB ports on the monitors for connecting additional USB devices.
Re: your model number, K17A-001 is not an accurate model number. I've looked this up before and Dell labels are a little confusing, but you want to find the actual model number. This may be something like WD19, WD15, D6000, etc. That is your actual model number. In any case, it sounds like you don't have a very good dock. You didn't mention what model Dell XPS you have is, but assuming it is a fairly recent model with a USB-C Thunderbolt connector, I recommend getting a good docking station like the WD19TB and connecting it to your monitors via DisplayPort cables. Or if your monitors only have HDMI inputs, use DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables.
Docking station: www.amazon.com/WD19-180W-Delivery-DisplayPort-210-ARIQ/dp/B082T3CMLJ/
DisplayPort cables: www.amazon.com/ivanky-DisplayPort-Braided-Display-Compatible/dp/B078HVDMW2/
DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables (only use these if your monitor does not have DisplayPort inputs): www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Gold-Plated-Connectors-Display-Compatible/dp/B081GGNWCX/
Hope this helps!
Hi Sam! I was moving some equipment today and confirmed that your "K17A-001" is a Dell WD15 model docking station. These docks have three video out connectors: 1x Mini-DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, and 1x VGA. In terms of quality, the Mini-DP connection is the best, followed by HDMI, and last by VGA. Never use VGA unless you don't have any other choice.
If you're stuck with that dock and want to make it work, I'd use a Mini-DP to DisplayPort cable to connect to one DisplayPort external monitor (most Dell P-series and U-series monitors have a regular DisplayPort input).
www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook-Surface/dp/B07NW9XKGL/
Then I'd hook the HDMI-out port on the dock into an HDMI input on your second monitor. So you'll have one monitor connected via DisplayPort, and one connected via HDMI. This is the best way to do it so you're not having to use anything like DP-to-HDMI cables.
Last, I'd strongly recommend updating the firmware on that dock. WD15's were notoriously flaky when they first came out. Firmware updates should fix most of those issues, however. You can download the firmware update tool and drivers from Dell's support website:
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/dell-dock-wd15/drivers
Thanks for the video, super helpful. I was just wondering though, if i were to close my laptop would the monitors still function? or does the laptop have to be open for the extended screens to work?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. That depends on the model docking station you have and how your laptop is configured. Some of the better docking stations, such as the Dell WD19TB (for laptops that connect via USB-C) or the Dell PRO2X E-Port Plus (for laptops that have the E-Port connector) have power buttons on them so you can turn your laptop on and off without even opening the lid. These models definitely support using the laptop with the screen open or closed.
Other models, it varies. Also it depends on how your laptop is configured - for example, you may need to change the Windows or BIOS setting that tells the laptop to "go to sleep" when you close the lid.
Personally I like to keep the laptop screen open and use it as an additional monitor to take notes on (with something like Notepad or Notepad++). Other people I know prefer to keep the laptop closed so they can slide it underneath a shelf. Depends on how big your desk is.
So in general the answer is yes, but it depends. 😄
@@CompTechMike Thanks for the info! I haven't purchased a docking station yet, but I'm definitely going to keep the Dell WD19TB in mind since my laptop (Samsung Notebook) does have a type c slot
How do you make the taskbars work independently in each monitor?
When I click on an icon on an extended display(not Main) the window opens on the main monitor.
Thanks
Hi! The settings you are looking for are:
Combine taskbar buttons --> When taskbar is full
Multiple displays --> Show taskbar on all displays --> Toggle On
Show taskbar buttons on --> Taskbar where window is open
and
Combine buttons on other taskbars --> When taskbar is full
I show those settings briefly starting around the 7:10 minute mark.
Great video thanks
Have any trouble with that docking station model?
I am ordering 4 soon.
Thanks
Hi! Thanks for the comment. WD19-series docks have been great performers for us. We've got a few dozen of them now (WD19, WD19TB, WD19TBS). No major issues. Just download all the firmware updates and drivers from Dell's support site. Hope they work well for you!
Thank you for this video sir ! I wonder how I'm supposed to connect a docking station since my PC doesn't support Thunderbolt ? Will I have to buy an extra power cable for the docking station ?
Hi! What is the exact model of laptop? Does it have USB-C? E-Port? USB 3.0?
Generally if a docking station requires a power adapter, it will come with it. I usually just charge my laptop through the dock. Almost never use a separate AC adapter (unless I'm traveling).
@@CompTechMike My laptop is an HP Pavilion Model 15-cs0013nf. It has got 1x USB-C port which apparantly doesn't support Thunderbolt (no lightning strike logo) as well as 2x USB 3.0 (or 3.1 not sure). I ordered a docking station which is the HP dock G5 to avoid any driver incompatibility. It will arrive in a week or so. Thank you for your help
@@quovadis642 hi! Great! I looked up the specs for that laptop and the USB-C port appears to support DisplayPort. The dock also supports DisplayPort connectivity, so you should be good to go. 👍👍
When adding the monitors to the dock. Should you use the same connector - display connector? I only received one with my order so trying to see if there is a work around to use hdmi or other type monitor connection or if I need to order anther display connector.
Hi Trelynda! Thanks for checking out my video. Personally I always recommend using high quality DisplayPort cables for any connection between a docking station, desktop PC, or monitors. I've found them to produce the highest quality picture with least amount of issues.
Here's a link to the cables we're using currently:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVJZJ2P/
You can, of course, use other types of cable. I use HDMI when connecting to a TV, and DVI or VGA when connecting to legacy devices that don't support newer standards. But my recommendation is to always use high quality DisplayPort cables whenever possible (unless your devices support an even newer standard, such as the forthcoming USB-C monitors).
Here's the sketch of the wiring diagram for reference:
imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
Hope this helps!
Very informative, thank you!
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
Thanks Mike! This helped me fix my issue! :)
You're welcome! 😀
😍😍😍thanks so much , was able to fix the settings on my screen.
Awesome! Glad to hear. ☺👍👍
great vid... just about to buy 2 screens with new laptop... so, If I dont want to use the laptop screen, (just the two larger monitors) , what settings do I need to do?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. First you'll need a docking station that supports this (not all of the cheaper ones do). I recommend look for a docking station that has an external power button (for turning the laptop on and off with the screen closed) such as the Dell WD19TB model shown in this video. Power button looks like this:
imgur.com/a/yE21UCj
(picture posted on imgur)
Then you'll need to adjust your power settings to the laptop doesn't go to sleep or hibernate when you close the lid. Power settings look like this:
imgur.com/a/TCKxPdL
Hope this helps!
@@CompTechMike thanks mate!!
My personal laptop only has a HDMI port and I have this same docking station I use for my work laptop at home. Is there an adapter you know of that can plug the type c cord from docking station to it and then plug into my laptops HDMI port to work with the docking station for my dual monitors??
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm not entirely sure I understand your question. Just to confirm, are you saying your laptop does not have any USB-C ports at all? What is the exact make & model number of the laptop? If you can provide the exact model number I may be able to recommend a docking station or adapter that might work with it.
very helpful, thanks for the help Patton Oswalt!
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊😆
Quick question. What if the docking station doesn't have an HDMI cable port but the laptop does? So I am connecting the hdmi cable to the laptop, thats in the docking station. Connecting the dp cable to the docking station. But it only shows either the hdmi or the dp. But not both.
Hi! Thanks for the comment. It depends on the laptop, but that should be a supported configuration on most laptops. Have you tried checking in Device Manager and Display Settings if both devices are visible on either of those pages?
Your better option may be to get a docking station that has both DisplayPort and HDMI connections. There are several models available that have both, such as the Dell WD19TB and Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Dock Gen 2:
www.amazon.com/Dell-Thunderbolt-Docking-Station-Delivery/dp/B07V867LW4/
www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Thunderbolt-40AN0135US-Capability/dp/B07M6S81CM/
Question, can I connect 2 monitors with USB only? So USB from the dock to monitor 1, then USB from monitor one to monitor two?? If not, what are the cables needed for this dock station because its what my wife has and it didn't come with any cables
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm not entirely sure I understand your question. What you're talking about (daisy-chaining monitors) is only supported with specific DisplayPort style monitors and hardware. If your laptop ONLY has USB-A ports (not USB-C), you can try using a docking station specifically for USB-A laptop. These are sometimes marked "USB 3.0" or "USB 3.1" docking stations, and typically connect with a USB-A (regular style) USB port on one side, and a USB-B connector on the other end. An example of this type of dock would be the Dell D3100:
www.amazon.com/Dell-Display-Docking-Station-D3100/dp/B00O0M46KO/
An alternative would be if your laptop ONLY has USB-A / USB 3 ports, you could try using a pair of USB 3.0 to HDMI adapters. An example of that type of adapter would be the StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI adapter:
www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB-HDMI-Adapter-External/dp/B00H91BQ7Y/
Obviously these links are just examples and not specific recommendations. As an IT professional my recommendation is to always use high quality Thunderbolt or USB-C docking station hardware with DisplayPort cables for best compatibility and performance, however sometimes not all laptops support these type of connections.
For reference, here is a diagram of the docking station shown in this video:
imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
(image hosted on Imgur).
I also recommend these follow-up videos if you have additional questions:
th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/-r84fIaxae4/w-d-xo.html
If you have older model Dell hardware this video may be helpful, as well: th-cam.com/video/hIEobv1rhyA/w-d-xo.html
If you'd like to comment back with the specific make & model number of your laptop, docking station, and monitors I may have additional suggestions. Good luck!
Hey Mike. What about the screen resolutions for both monitors. More specifically the hertz . Is it possible to run one monitor at 120hz ? The other at 60? Thank you.
Hi TJ! Thanks for checking out my dual monitor training video. Regarding your question, the docking stations we buy here are primarily for business use and only support 60Hz. 120Hz is more typically a game setting, so not really something we look for here. However there are many different models of monitor, dock, and laptops, that do support this. So the best answer I can give you is "it depends". You'd have to read the tech specs. If your laptop, docking station, and monitor all support this, then you should be able to do what you are suggesting. Good luck!
If you're asking a question please include the exact make and model number of your laptop, docking station, and monitors. Often this information is needed to provide a specific recommendation. Thanks!
Hey Mike! Thanks for the video. It was exactly what I needed. Question though...is your company hiring? I assume you were showing a new employee how to set up the equipment. I am currently working remotely, but it's only temporary, I need something permanent.
Hi Heather! Thanks for commenting on my video, I'm glad it was helpful. Re: hiring, I work IT support for a variety of local area businesses, some are hiring, some are not, but since I'm just "the IT guy" I don't really have much say in that... lol.
What is your skill set? I see a lot of roles like software developer being able to be full-time remote. Also some customer service / call center type jobs. A lot of companies are trying to get employees to come back into the office and employees are resigning rather than coming back. I jokingly told one person that if they make them come back that they should sabotage things in the office... "I can't work in the office because someone dumped two pots of coffee into the printer", LOL. Joking! But good luck, depending on your skill set there may be many employers still hiring for full-time remote positions. Hope you find something!
Very good step by step video. This is exactly what I was looking for. Can I do this with a usb c to dual hdmi adapter instead of the docking station?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. It depends on the capabilities of the adapter. In general, no. Most of those are just "splitters" (display the same image on both screens). If you have a link to a specific product, feel free to post it and I can look at the specs to see if it might be able to do what you want. Otherwise I recommend using a full docking station, such as those manufactured by Dell or Plugable (brand).
Thanks Mike Smith that helped a lot
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
Hi Mike, not sure if you'll get my question, but I'll try anyway. I've just bought the Samsung Odyssey G9 Neo monitor. I've connected it to my MacBook Pro 13" M1 through a CalDigit ST4 dock. I bought the CalDigit dock before I found out the MacBook Pro M1 doesn't support two screens. The CalD only has one "monitor out" USB-3 output, although it has ample outputs altogether. In my online seminars using MS Teams, I need to see my participants whilst sharing my screen. I opted for the ultra wide because I didn't want to buy two 27" screens. So, here my question: Is it possible to use two powered docks connected together? I am currently looking at one of the Dell docks which has ample display-port/HDMI outputs. I don't want to lose the CalD hence my question regarding the link up. Would really appreciate your input here. Thank you 🙏
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with any of the hardware you listed. We don't use any Macs at any of my offices and I've never used a CalDigit dock before.
If I understand your question correctly, you're trying to connect two screens to your MacBook Pro M1. And since Apple doesn't include external monitor ports or multiple USB-C, you've connected it to one dock, and are then trying to daisy-chain that dock to another, correct?
In my opinion, that's not very likely to work. Somebody did bring a Mac into our office once and we were able to get it to work sort of, but I think that was connected to a Dell WD19TB docking station. And I can't recall if it supported two screens, even with that. It's possible that it might have but us (not being Mac people) couldn't figure out how to get to the "display settings" to make any sort of adjustments. Just googling the specs of that monitor (it's a 49" monitor!?) I wonder if a laptop would even have the graphics horsepower to drive multiple of them?
Honestly all I can suggest is you try asking this question on a Mac-specific forum. There must be plenty of professional Mac users out there who've figured out a supported way to connect dual screens to their MacBooks. Unfortunately we're not one of them. We're all pretty much just standard Windows business PC users here. Without having access to that specific hardware I can't really tinker around with it for you. 😥 Good luck! If you figure it out, let me know. 🙂
@@CompTechMike Thanks anyway Mike 🙏
Great video thank you
You're welcome!
thanks, that has solved my issue helpful.
Awesome! Glad the video was helpful. 😊👍👍
Kindly if you could show us how you connect the regular keyboard with the laptop and monitor?
Hi! The USB receiver for the wireless keyboard and mouse just plugs into any available USB port. In this particular setup you can see the receiver plugged into one of the front ports on the dock at 0:45 seconds into into the video. You could also plug it into one of the USB ports on the back of the monitor or on the sides of the laptop.
Personally I recommend plugging it into the dock so that it's always there with the rest of the equipment.
For reference here is the wireless keyboard & mouse combo shown in the video. It's just a standard Logitech MK345 combo, which is a basic $35 set. Of course there are thousands of different models of wireless keyboards & mice available, this is one we've found works well for our basic business needs. 😊
www.amazon.com/Logitech-MK345-Wireless-Combo-Right-Handed/dp/B00QXT5T3U/
You were a great help to me thank you
You're welcome! 😊
Mike, I have a Hp laptop that I would like to connect dual monitors to be able to work from home. I have someone that is selling a multiscreen docking port for a dell laptop. Can I use this on a HP laptop?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. As you can probably imagine, not all Dell computers are created the same. Just like not all HP computers are created the same. Even in the same brand there are changes - a Dell docking station manufactured in 2012 would not be compatible with a Dell laptop manufactured in 2022, for example. Manufacturers are moving toward more "universal compatibility" but we're not there yet. So without more information, I can't tell you if your Dell dock will work with an HP laptop.
If you'd like to comment back with the *exact model number* of the Dell dock and the *exact model number* of the HP laptop you're trying to get it to work with, I may be able to look at the specs for both items and give you an "educated guess". 😄
Does this work only with integrated graphics on cpu or will it work without integrated graphics?
Hi! It depends on the capabilities of the laptop. Most laptops manufactured in the last 10 years are able to support at least two external monitors, provided you use a compatible docking station. What is your exact model of laptop?
I’ve tried plugging in a monitor into the usb-c using a hdmi to usb-c cable but this didn’t work. I’ve been told this is because my is -c port does support graphics????
Using the docking station you have used will this support two monitors if what I’ve been told about my usb-c port is correct.
Thanks
Hi! Thanks for the comment. You are correct - some USB-C ports, especially on lower end or "bargain" laptops do not support connecting monitors. In this case, it is unlikely that any docking station would work. What is the exact make & model of the laptop you have?
I have the dock but it's pointless since my laptop doesn't have USC-C Port. I want to have dual monitor setup (2 external monitors) but I only have 1 HDMI Port.
Is HDMI Splitter my only option?
Hi! Thanks for commenting on my video. What is the exact make & model of your laptop? There may be other options. An HDMI splitter is not going to work for you -- that will only give you the same picture on two monitors. If you have USB 3.0 ports ports you may be able to use something like one of these:
www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB-HDMI-Adapter-External/dp/B00H91BQ7Y/
@@CompTechMike Thank you for your prompt response.
I have a Dell Inspiron 15 7559.
Thank you for product recommendation, I have actually looked into these, correct me If I'm wrong - Don't they limit Hz?
Thank you for your time
@@zohebmakani4844 Hi! So I googled that model laptop and literally the first thing that came up was a review saying "This is the worst laptop I've ever owned"... LOL. 🤷♂️ Well, since you are stuck with it, it doesn't look like it has any other video output ports. I was hoping you might at least have a DisplayPort port, but nope. Looks like your only option is going to be one of those USB 3.0 adapters. They make them with HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA outputs (although I would avoid VGA because it is garbage, if possible).
It does look like most of them have limits on resolution and refresh rate, but I'm assuming you're using this for business productivity or school and not gaming, so that shouldn't be a big deal. I'd look for one that offers 1920x1080 at 60Hz output, which is a pretty standard display rate. Good luck!
Thank you so much it really helped.
You're welcome! 👍👍
Thank you for the video. Once it's set up. Can the laptop be closed?
Hi Jose! Thanks for checking out my dual monitor training video. Regarding being able to close the lid, this is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is, "it depends". Not all laptops support this. And not all docking stations support this. It also depends on your Windows settings.
To test if this will work with yours I recommend going to the Windows Control Panel --> Power Options --> Change what closing the lid does --> and change the dropdown so that it says "When I close the lid: Do nothing". By default it may be set to go to sleep when you close the lid.
I've posted a screenshot of the settings at this link:
imgur.com/a/LdbfVVm
(image hosted on Imgur)
Some laptops require adjusting BIOS settings as well, but I'd try this setting in Windows first. Also, some docking stations (like the Dell WD-series model shown in this video) have a separate power button so you can turn the laptop on or off without even opening the lid.
Hope this helps!
Also can you provide model of usb- c dock available on Amazon?
Hi! We purchase a variety of docking stations. If your laptop supports Thunderbolt (has a little lightning bolt by the USB-C connector) one of the best docks is the Dell WD19TB. Here is a link to that dock on Amazon, and its support page on Dell (where you can download drivers and firmware updates):
www.amazon.com/Dell-Thunderbolt-Docking-Station-Delivery/dp/B07V867LW4/
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/dell-wd19tb-dock/drivers
If your laptop *does not* support Thunderbolt but *does* support DisplayPort-over-USB-C, you can save a little money and go with the non-TB model (WD19):
www.amazon.com/Dell-Docking-Station-Delivery-DisplayPort/dp/B07S3XHMP1/
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/dell-wd19-130w-dock/drivers
A less expensive model that we also use is this one from Plugable:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0779K9DG2/
We always try to use DisplayPort connectors for connecting our docks and monitors. If you have older monitors that do not support DisplayPort, here is a Plugable-brand dock that has two HDMI ports:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FKTZLBS/
Here is a link to some high quality DisplayPort cables (for any of the above three docks):
DisplayPort 1.4 (8K): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVJZJ2P/
DisplayPort 1.2 (4K): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0894G192T/
Last, here is a link to a video that shows a lot of different types of docking stations and how to hook them up. Docks are in pretty high demand right now due to the chip shortage and supply chain issues. Hope this helps!
th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
I connect HDMI to the monitor directly but the display is the same I can’t change it (the display setting can’t be changed from a remote session) please assist if you know, thank you
Hello! You are correct, display settings cannot be changed from within a remote session. You will need to exit out of the remote session and change the display settings prior to starting/entering into the remote session. Hope this helps!
@@CompTechMike Hi, Mike it works like you said, Many thanks.
Thank you so much sir
Appreciate for your help this helps us so much
Awesome! Glad to help. 😊👍👍
Hello i like your video, how do i use both screens to do different things?
Hi! Thanks for the comment. If you watch the entire video you will see how to set the screens to show different images. For example, a web browser on one screen and a word processor on the other. Or a database on one screen and a spreadsheet on the other.
At my jobs everyone uses multiple screens. Some "power users" have as many as five, including a wall-mounted TV used as a screen. Great for presentations! 😊
Thank You this wast extremely helpful
You're welcome! Glad to help. 😊
This is help full video thank u dude
You're welcome! 😄
Hi Mike, I have done the setup but my external monitor is entering power saver mode when system is locked or power on and it is not accessible , please help on this how to remove from power saver mode.
Hi! If the monitor says it is "asleep" and not waking up, it is usually because the monitor is not being detected by the computer. What is your exact hardware and how do you have it connected? I'd go back and double check all of your physical connections. Make sure everything is tight, and the cables are okay. Also, if your monitor has multiple inputs (for example: DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA, DVI) make sure that the correct input is selected (by pushing the buttons on the front of the monitor).
I have a Dell Inspiron 15 3000. I bought a J5 Create mod JCD543 docking station and 2 Scepter HDMI 165 HZ monitors. By watching your video, I have the laptop and the 1 screen working. The second says "No Video Input." It is connected. When I go into settings it only shows 2 monitors. Also, if I close my laptop, it goes into sleep mode and I have not been able to find how to stop that. What I really want is to just use the 2 monitors most of the time and keep the laptop closed and out of the way. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and ignore the trolls who gave negative comments. I appreciate the help.
Hi Thielen! Thanks for checking out my video. Personally my recommendation is to always use Dell-brand docking stations and monitors with Dell laptops. I'm not familiar with the "J5 Create mod JCD543 docking station", however from googling the specs it appears to have two HDMI outputs. Can you confirm the monitors are connected via HDMI cables? If I understand your comment correctly you have the laptop working with the dock and one external monitor, yes? Maybe try swapping the cables and monitors around and see if the other one comes on? This would help rule out a bad cable or monitor, or a loose connection on one of them.
That's where I would start - check for loose connections and faulty equipment. Maybe press the buttons on the monitors (assuming they have them) to see if the correct input is selected, or if it's getting a signal. You could also check in Device Manager to see if they're showing up. The Inspiron is a pretty low-end series of laptops but most laptops manufactured in the past 10 years should have the hardware capability to support at least two external monitors. Are you able to try yours with a Dell dock to see if it works any better?
Regarding the laptop going to sleep when closing the lid, that is a very common question. For Dell professional-series docking stations it should automatically detect the correct behavior. For non-Dell docking stations the easiest way to change the behavior is in the Windows Control Panel --> View by: Small icons --> Power Options --> Choose what closing the lid does --> and change the setting for "When I close the lid" to "Do nothing". See this screenshot for steps:
imgur.com/a/6EaPi6j
(image hosted on Imgur)
Hope this helps!
Very helpful. Thanks
You're welcome! 😊
Can you plz provide a link where you purchased this docking station ? Thx
Hi! We usually buy them directly from our Dell rep, but you can also buy them on Amazon or most other online electronics sites. Here's the link for Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Dell-Thunderbolt-Docking-Station-Delivery/dp/B07V867LW4/
Prices are up a lot right now because of the chip shortage and supply chain issues, but it looks like they still have them in stock. Good luck!
Very helpful thanks!
You're welcome! :)
hey I have a laptop with one hdmi port and one usb c port. I have two external displays I want to use as monitors and be able to extend the screen over those two laptops (and more than likely disable the laptops screen while doing so) Can a dock make this happen for me? now for the kicker, the two external monitors only have vga and dvi options. is there a dock or a set up i can do to make this dream a reality? can you recommend a dock that will do this? I'm willing to buy vga/dvi adapters
Hi there! Thanks for the comment. For reference, what is the exact make and model number of your laptop? While most laptops support docking station connections through their USB-C ports, not all do. You may want to verify compatibility with the exact specs of your hardware.
Yes, you can certainly cobble something together with various adapters. However my recommendation would be to use a proper docking station. Your monitors sound pretty old, so an older, lower-end model docking station may work well for you. Personally we've had pretty good success with "Plugable" brand docking stations.
I would recommend a dock that has DVI and HDMI outputs, since HDMI can easily be converted to DVI with a simple cable and doesn't need any potentially "more problematic" adapters. Hook one monitor up with a standard DVI-to-DVI cable, and the other with an HDMI-to-DVI. Ignore the HDMI 4K port on the dock, use the two ports on the left (DVI + HDMI).
Here is a link to the docking station I would recommend:
www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Support-Power-Delivery-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS
And here is a link to the HDMI-to-DVI cable:
www.amazon.com/BlueRigger-Speed-Adapter-Cable-Meters/dp/B004S4R5CK/ref
Hook everything up like this:
imgur.com/a/R4ll1xk
(image hosted on Imgur)
Here is a link to another video in this series that shows more about docking stations. I recommend watching this, as well:
th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps!
@@CompTechMike Hi! Thank you so much for the response! I am going to check out what you recommended. To answer your question about my computer it is a HP Pavilion Gaming laptop 15 w/ these specs :
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 4600H with Radeon Graphics 3.00 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.4 GB usable)
Device ID 32DEDEEA-25CE-4254-B5BC-A21896526C16
Product ID 00325-81913-35296-AAOEM
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display
@@CompTechMike once again thank you so much. i dont think ive ever gotten such a good and detalied response before by anyone. Is there by any chance a cheaper dock you can recommend?
@@_BRNBRK Hi again! Glad that information was helpful. AMD Ryzen 5 is kind of a lower-end processor, but should have the horsepower to drive multiple monitors. If you want to send me the exact model number of your laptop I can look up the full specs. Model number is usually printed on a sticker somewhere on the top or bottom of the unit.
This article might be helpful to locate that information:
www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-find-hp-laptop-model-number
Regarding the price of the docking station, it's kind of a challenging time to be buying them right now. Between the shift to work-from-home over the past two years, global pandemic, and also the worldwide supply chain issues and chip shortage, prices have gone up significantly. Some of the more higher-end Dell docks have increased in price over $200! That particular dock was $179 just a couple weeks ago. So in a couple of weeks it's increased in price by $50. That's pretty steep! In any case, I recommend shopping around. You may be able to find a less-expensive one on sites like eBay or Newegg. I recently saw used docks of that same model going for as little as $10 bucks.
You can, of course, pick up a different model. Search by reviews on sites like Newegg, Amazon, etc. I just recommend it because that's one of the models we use here so I'm familiar with its capabilities. You might also look on HP's website if they have a dock they recommend for your particular model laptop. Good luck!
What settings do I do to be able to close the laptop and just use the monitors?
Hi Ryan! Thanks for checking out my dual monitor training video. Regarding being able to close the lid, this is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is, "it depends". Not all laptops support this. And not all docking stations support this. It also depends on your Windows settings.
To test if this will work with yours I recommend going to the Windows Control Panel --> Power Options --> Change what closing the lid does --> and change the dropdown so that it says "When I close the lid: Do nothing". By default it may be set to go to sleep when you close the lid.
I've posted a screenshot of the settings at this link:
imgur.com/a/LdbfVVm
(image hosted on Imgur)
Some laptops require adjusting BIOS settings as well, but I'd try this setting in Windows first. Also, some docking stations (like the Dell WD-series model shown in this video) have a separate power button so you can turn the laptop on or off without even opening the lid.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for your help! Setting up my remote work station at home with docking station. Monitors are sometimes a tricky situation.
Awesome! Glad it helped! 😀
@@CompTechMike My docking station for work is the Dell WD19DC model.
@@VanderWeelPictures Nice! How do you like it? That one's not as fast as the WD19TB, but has massive power delivery for Precision laptops and high power requirement devices, I believe.
@9zero Mighty Hi! Thanks for your comment. Not sure I understand your comment exactly. Are you saying if you drag a window from one screen to the other it jumps back to the first screen again? Or is it that you can't arrange your screens in the right order? You may want to go back and watch the last 5 minutes or so of this video again to make sure your configuration is right. If you can give more details on your issue I might have more suggestions. Good luck!
What Dell Software or configuration do you have installed to get that prompt for the docking station? I have dozens of the WD-19 docking stations but I've never had a prompt like that when connecting to any of our various Dell Latitudes.
Great video for users.
Hi! Thanks for watching & commenting on my video. I recorded it for one guy years ago, never expected it to take off like it did. 😆
I believe the software you're referring to is called the Thunderbolt Control Center. On some machines it's pre-installed. On others it's a download from Dell's support website, or from the Microsoft store:
Here's links to a few sources:
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=tapof
www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=tbt14
apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/thunderbolt-control-center/9N6F0JV38PH1?hl=en-us&gl=us
I have it as part of our standard disk image when prepping workstations. I think the most recent version is the one in the Microsoft Store.
You're right, it doesn't always pop up. I believe it has something to do with different versions of BIOS/firmware and drivers. However I always instruct my users that if they do see it, to make sure they hit the dropdown and select "always connect". Otherwise the device won't work until you reopen the app and change the setting manually.
Here's a few other screenshots from the application:
imgur.com/a/VBxKdxQ
(images hosted on imgur)
Hope this helps!
@@CompTechMike I finally got around to testing this out on a Latitude 5500 and 5510. The Thunderbolt Controller software says it is not compatible and won't install. Bummer.
@@MarkTarquini interesting! I don't have any of those models so can't confirm, but they definitely have Thunderbolt? Little lightning bolt symbol next to the USB-C port, and all that? Something you need to enable in BIOS, maybe? Google tells me Thunderbolt was "optional" on those models. There may be a specific version on Dell's support website. Other than that, not the end of the world. It's not very useful software, LOL. 😆
Hey Mike, is there any option to stop charging from the docking station C charger? I don't want the system always in charging mode.
Hi! Thanks for the comment. This question is pretty variable. Most laptops will automatically charge over the docking station connector. Otherwise they'd just run off battery until they died. However, depending on the model, you may be able to change those settings in BIOS. For example, most Dell's have a variety of charging modes, such as "adaptive" or "express charge". Some you can set to charge more or less during peak hours. If you use the laptop primarily plugged in there's a setting for that (where it barely charges at all). So in short, generally yes. But it depends on the exact model of laptop and what its capabilities are.
Hello, just to follow up with you again. As I mentioned before, the feature you're asking about is specific to various laptop's BIOS settings. Not all models can do this, it depends on what settings they have. Here's a link to a few screenshots taken from several models of Dell Latitude. In these screenshots you can see they have options including "adaptive", "Standard", "ExpressCharge", "Primarily AC Use", various advanced battery charge configuration settings, and also the "custom charge start" and "custom charge stop" percentages. Using these you could, for example, tell the unit to stop charging the battery once it reaches 90% full capacity. I think this would achieve what you are asking for, assuming your particular model laptop supports this feature. Link to screenshots here:
imgur.com/a/5sWYkKg
(images hosted on Imgur)
Thanks Mike for the response. I will go through the Bios and see if that heps
@@bj76681 you're welcome. Good luck!
hey I couldn't set up my monitors with the ANKER dual monitor splitter, it did not detect that there was multiply displays how do I fix it
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm not familiar with that particular piece of hardware but just looked up it's specs real quick. From what I could see online it appears to be a pretty low end device, with limited product compatibility. What is your exact model of laptop? Do you know if it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode? (this is listed as a requirement on the Anker site)
Also, what is your exact model of monitors? Are you getting a mirrored image on the displays? Or no image at all?
Comment back with the exact specifics of your laptop and monitors and I'll try to help you. This Anker device may work in theory (assuming your laptop meets the requirements) but in my opinion you'll save yourself a lot of hassle by getting a docking station designed specifically for your model of laptop.
I need help. The display monitor is not detected & it is so hit or miss. Where is a good place to learn how? A phone call singer at or right here in comments. Thanks so much.
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble with your docking station setup. Unfortunately it's impossible for me to cover all of the possible models or potential issues/challenges in a TH-cam comment. However I can recommend a few things. First, go through and double-check that all of your connections are tight and that you are using good quality cables. I recommend DisplayPort cables, assuming all your hardware supports that type of connection. Second, make sure all of your software and drivers are up-to-date. That includes Windows, Intel drivers, any manufacturer-specific drivers (such as Dell or HP), and if your laptop has a video chip by NVIDIA or AMD, make sure you have the latest software from them installed, as well. Third, make sure your BIOS and firmware are all up-to-date. You can download firmware and drivers for most docks from your manufacturer's website.
Like I mentioned above, I recommend always using good quality hardware. Can't tell you how many problems I've seen because a person had a lower end dock or poor quality cables. Verify that your dock is compatible with your particular laptop. I.e., if you're using a Dell laptop use a recommended Dell dock, or if you're using a Lenovo laptop use a Lenovo dock. While the manufacturers have come a long way towards universal compatibility, we're not entirely there yet. Also, try not to use any adapters. Remember - every adapter is another potential source of failure.
You might want to go back and review the diagram (sketch) for the setup shown in this video. You can see that here: imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
(image hosted on Imgur)
If your monitors have multiple inputs, make sure you're using the right ones. Check for any device errors in Windows Device Manager. There's not really any one "secret" that will make this work 100% of the time. Mostly it's just a matter of using good quality equipment and setting it up right. If you'd like to comment back with your specific model of laptop, docking station, and monitors, I may have more suggestions for you. In the meantime I recommend re-watching this video, also some of the others in this series (links below) may be helpful. Good luck!
How to set up a laptop docking station: th-cam.com/video/4ytTXViarO8/w-d-xo.html
Dual and triple monitor docking station training video: th-cam.com/video/hIEobv1rhyA/w-d-xo.html
How to connect an ASUS ZenBook 14 to a docking station: th-cam.com/video/8HL0t2_P8fg/w-d-xo.html
How to set up dual laptops with a KVM switch: th-cam.com/video/-r84fIaxae4/w-d-xo.html
Review of Planar dual, triple, and quad monitor stands th-cam.com/video/R1UhEVdzwzU/w-d-xo.html
I’m trying to set up my home office as I’m going to be working remotely soon. I have the same dell docking station and two dell monitors. Do you just connect a display port cable from each monitor into the docking station?
Hi Alecia! Yes, that is correct. Each monitor will require a power cable, DisplayPort cable to dock (to provide video signal), and optionally you can also run a USB cable from the monitors to the dock, as well (if the monitors have built-in USB hubs).
This sketch of the wiring diagram might help you:
imgur.com/a/mPD14NL
Good luck, let us know if you run into any trouble!
@@CompTechMikehi! So I have two Dell E2221HN monitors and the docking station. Those monitors don’t have a place to plug in display port cables. So how would I connect them to the docking station?
@@aleciaroberge5837 Hi Alecia! I always recommend using DisplayPort cables for highest quality video and simple connections. Since your monitors are a little bit older, you might try some DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables like these:
Rankie DisplayPort (DP) to HDMI Cable, 4K Resolution Ready, 6 Feet a.co/d/czD2C9r
Hope this helps!
@@CompTechMike Thank you! And those will work even though the HDMI side of the cable would be going to the monitor, and the DisplayPort cable would be going to the docking station? Just want to make sure before I buy them!
@@aleciaroberge5837Hi! That is what they are for, yes. Cables with a DisplayPort connector on one end and an HDMI connector on the other. They are highly rated on amazon and I've used them successfully myself in the past, so while I can't "guarantee" they would work, in my opinion there's a pretty good chance that they will.
There are also other types of cables on Amazon you might want to check out, just search for things like "DisplayPort to HDMI", lots of options come up. 😊
Good luck, if you try them let us know how they work out for you!