Symptoms

A message appears during POST if a Dell Thunderbolt docking station is connected to a non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C port (See Figure.1) on any commercial Dell laptop. (WD19TB, WD19TBS, or WD22TB4.) Pressing the F1 key allows the laptop to boot normally. (See figure.2) Note: The Dell Thunderbolt Docking Station (WD19TB, WD19TBS, or WD22TB4) functions on devices with a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C or Thunderbolt. When connected to a DisplayPort over USB Type-C port, the Thunderbolt dock functions as a WD19 or WD19S dock. Verify that your computer supports DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4. (Figure.1 Non-Thunderbolt USB Type-C port) (Figure.2 Error Message The Docking Station you have connected cannot provide full functionality while connected to the current port. If you have a Thunderbolt port, attach the docking station to that port for full functionality.) The error message informs you that you should not expect Thunderbolt 3 connectivity from the dock. This is because it is not attached to a Thunderbolt port on the computer which it is attached to. Thunderbolt Platforms LatitudePrecisionXPS5280352093655480552093605580752095607280772095757380353095707480753093607285753093705289 2-in-177309000 2-in-17389 2-in-15530 2-in-193807290553073907390754073007490774093007390 2-in-155409310549175509315559177509315 2-in-15290 2-in-15550932053007560 54007760 55005560 73007670 74007770 7400 2-in-15570 5401 5501 5310 5410 5510 5411 5511 7310 7410 5320 5420 5520 5421 5521 7320 7320 Detachable 7420 5330 5430 5530 7330 7330 rugged 7430 5431 5531 Non-Thunderbolt Platforms LatitudePrecisionXPS52803520957554803530 55805530 2-in-1 7280 7380 7480 5285 2-in-1 5290 5490 5590 7290 7390 7490 7390 2-in-1 5491 5591 3490 3590 5290 2-in-1 5300 5400 5500 3410 3510 3420 3520 For more general information on the Docks mentioned please see: How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Thunderbolt Docking Station WD19TB or WD19TBSHow to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station WD22TB4Some Systems with USB Type-C Port Lack a Thunderbolt 3 Controller

Cause

A BIOS update resolves this.

Resolution

Updating the latest BIOS version on the computer helps to resolve the issue. To download and install the latest BIOS: Warning: Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting any external devices like external hard disk drives, printers, scanners before updating the BIOS. Warning: Dell laptops must have the battery installed and charged to at least 10% before you begin the BIOS update. Dell Technologies recommends connecting the laptop to AC power before proceeding with the update process. Note: To learn more about updating the BIOS on a Dell computer, see the Dell Knowledge Base article: Dell BIOS Updates Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads Product Support Drivers Page Ensure that your computer model type is correct Select the Operating System Under Category, select BIOS Locate the latest System BIOS Click Download and save the file to your computer Open File Explorer and browse to the location where the downloaded file is saved Double-click the BIOS setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process You can skip this message by pressing the F7 key or by disabling USB-C Dock warning messages in the BIOS. However, a second message is showing in Dell SupportAssist. It can only be adjusted with the setting continue on Warnings and Errors, but the error is shown on the next boot. (See figure.3) (Figure.3 Disabling the Thunderbolt boot message in the BIOS.)

Support Cases