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HP Docking Station Drivers 2026 — Download & Troubleshooting Guide

Adrian Cel By Adrian Cel

Overview: HP Docking Station Drivers

HP offers docking stations ranging from the premium HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 to budget USB-C hubs. Depending on the dock technology, you may need specific drivers, firmware updates, or both.

Thunderbolt docks (HP Thunderbolt Dock G4, HP Thunderbolt Dock G2, HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2) work natively without display drivers. Thunderbolt protocols handle video, data, and charging through a single cable. You should still apply firmware updates.

USB-C DisplayLink docks (HP USB-C Dock G5, HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2) require a DisplayLink driver for multi-display output. Without it, external monitors will not work.

USB-C DP Alt Mode docks (HP USB-C Dock G4) pass video natively over USB-C for a single display. No drivers needed, but firmware updates are recommended.

This guide covers downloads, installation, and troubleshooting for the most common HP docking stations.

HP Thunderbolt Dock G4

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 is HP’s flagship docking station. It supports dual 4K@60Hz displays natively, delivers up to 100W of power, and includes HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, and audio ports.

What You Need

No display driver is required. However, HP recommends:

  1. HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 firmware package: keeps the dock’s internal firmware current
  2. Intel Thunderbolt controller driver: ensures proper communication between your laptop and the dock
  3. Laptop BIOS update: fixes compatibility issues with Thunderbolt devices

Windows Installation Steps

  1. Visit support.hp.com and search for “HP Thunderbolt Dock G4”
  2. Select your Windows version and download the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 Firmware Update Package
  3. Connect the dock to your laptop using the included Thunderbolt cable and ensure it has AC power
  4. Close all open applications
  5. Run the downloaded firmware update. It will detect your dock and display current vs. available firmware versions
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update
  7. Restart your laptop when the update finishes
  8. Open HP Support Assistant and check for any additional Thunderbolt controller or BIOS updates

Alternatively, you can streamline this process using HP Support Assistant:

  1. Install HP Support Assistant if not already on your laptop
  2. Connect your dock and open HP Support Assistant
  3. Click Check for updates and messages
  4. Install all available dock and Thunderbolt updates
  5. Restart when prompted

macOS Installation Steps

HP Thunderbolt docks work natively on macOS without driver installation. macOS includes built-in Thunderbolt support.

  1. Update your Mac to the latest macOS version (System Settings > General > Software Update)
  2. Connect the dock via the Thunderbolt cable
  3. External displays should appear automatically. If not, go to System Settings > Displays and click “Detect Displays”
  4. For audio, select the dock’s audio output in System Settings > Sound

Note: HP’s firmware update tool is Windows-only. You will need a Windows machine to apply dock firmware updates.

For a detailed review, read our HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 review.

Several HP USB-C docking stations use DisplayLink technology for multi-display support. These include the HP USB-C Dock G5, HP USB-C/A Universal Dock G2, and similar models. DisplayLink requires a driver on both Windows and macOS.

Windows Installation Steps

  1. Download the latest DisplayLink driver from displaylink.com or HP Support
  2. Run the installer and follow the prompts
  3. Restart your computer when prompted
  4. Connect the HP dock to any USB-C port (or USB-A with the included adapter, if applicable)
  5. Windows should detect the external displays. Arrange them in Settings > System > Display
  6. Confirm the driver installed by checking Device Manager > Display Adapters for a “DisplayLink” entry

macOS Installation Steps

  1. Download the DisplayLink Manager app from displaylink.com
  2. Install the app and drag it to your Applications folder
  3. Launch DisplayLink Manager (it appears in the menu bar)
  4. Grant Screen Recording permission when prompted: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording > enable DisplayLink Manager
  5. Restart your Mac if the permission does not take effect immediately
  6. Connect the dock. Displays should now be detected

The screen recording permission is mandatory on macOS. DisplayLink captures screen content to render on external monitors. Without it, external displays will remain blank.

HP Support Assistant

HP Support Assistant is a free Windows utility that automatically detects your connected HP hardware and offers driver and firmware updates. It is the easiest way to keep your HP dock up to date.

How to Use It

  1. Download from support.hp.com/hp-support-assistant or install from the Microsoft Store
  2. Open the application and sign in (optional but recommended)
  3. Connect your HP dock
  4. Click Check for updates and messages
  5. The tool will list available updates for your laptop and connected dock
  6. Install all recommended updates and restart when prompted

HP Support Assistant also runs scheduled background checks, so you will be notified when new dock firmware is available.

Note: HP Support Assistant is only available for Windows. macOS users must download firmware and driver packages manually from HP Support.

Common Issues and Fixes

Dock Not Detected

Symptoms: Laptop does not recognize the HP dock. No displays, USB, or network.

Fixes:

  • Check the cable: Use the original cable. Thunderbolt docks require a Thunderbolt-rated cable. Regular USB-C cables will not work properly.
  • Try a different port: Use another USB-C or Thunderbolt port on your laptop.
  • Power cycle the dock: Unplug the dock’s AC power, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, then reconnect to your laptop.
  • Update BIOS: Download the latest BIOS from HP Support. BIOS updates frequently fix Thunderbolt detection issues.
  • Check Thunderbolt Security settings: On some HP laptops, the BIOS has a Thunderbolt security setting that blocks new devices. Enter BIOS (press F10 at startup) and set Thunderbolt security to “No Security” or “User Authorization.”
  • Run HP Support Assistant: It may detect and resolve the issue automatically.

External Displays Not Working

Symptoms: Dock is detected (USB and network work) but monitors show “No Signal.”

Fixes:

  • DisplayLink docks: Confirm the DisplayLink driver is installed. Check Device Manager > Display Adapters.
  • Thunderbolt docks: Try a different display cable (HDMI or DisplayPort). Swap cables between known-working and non-working monitors to isolate the issue.
  • Monitor input: Make sure your monitor is set to the correct input source (HDMI 1, DisplayPort, etc.).
  • Detect Displays: On Windows, press Win+P and select “Extend.” On macOS, go to System Settings > Displays and click “Detect Displays.”
  • GPU driver: Update your Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA graphics driver to the latest version.

Dock Disconnects When Laptop Sleeps

Symptoms: After waking from sleep, the dock does not reconnect. You must unplug and replug the cable.

Fixes:

  • Disable USB selective suspend: In Windows, go to Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend > Disabled.
  • Update Thunderbolt firmware: This is a known issue that HP has fixed in multiple firmware updates.
  • Disable Modern Standby (if applicable): Some HP laptops use Modern Standby (S0ix) instead of S3 sleep, which can cause dock reconnection issues. Search “How to disable Modern Standby” for your specific HP laptop model.
  • Check power settings: Ensure your laptop is set to “Do nothing” when closing the lid (if used in clamshell mode).

Ethernet Intermittent or Slow

Symptoms: Wired Ethernet through the dock drops out or runs significantly slower than expected.

Fixes:

  • Install the Ethernet driver: HP docks use Realtek or Intel Ethernet controllers. Download the correct driver from HP Support or the chip manufacturer’s website.
  • Disable Energy Efficient Ethernet: In Device Manager, open the Ethernet adapter properties > Advanced tab > find “Energy Efficient Ethernet” and set it to Disabled.
  • Try a different cable: Cat5e or Cat6 cables are recommended for gigabit speeds.
  • Check Windows network settings: Run the built-in network troubleshooter (Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network troubleshooter).

USB Peripherals Not Working

Symptoms: Keyboard, mouse, or USB drives connected to the dock are not recognized.

Fixes:

  • Check dock power: Ensure the dock has its AC adapter connected. Without external power, USB ports may not have enough power to drive peripherals.
  • Try different USB ports: Some dock ports are USB 2.0 and others are USB 3.0. High-speed devices may not work in USB 2.0 ports.
  • Update dock firmware: Download the latest firmware from HP Support.
  • Check USB hub driver: In Device Manager, expand “Universal Serial Bus controllers.” If any entries have error codes, right-click and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device” and restart.

HP Thunderbolt Dock G4: Our Pick

The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 is HP’s best docking station. Dual 4K@60Hz native display support, 100W Power Delivery, and a comprehensive port selection make it a top choice for HP laptop users and anyone with a Thunderbolt-equipped machine. No display drivers needed. Just connect and work.

Read our full HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 review

Looking for More Options?

If you are not set on HP, check our docking station buying guide for a broader comparison. You can also browse all docking stations with live pricing on our homepage.

Other Brand Driver Guides

We have driver and troubleshooting guides for other dock manufacturers:

Recommended Docking Stations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 need drivers?
The HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 does not need display drivers because Thunderbolt 4 handles video natively. However, HP recommends installing the HP Thunderbolt Dock G4 firmware update and keeping your laptop's Thunderbolt controller driver up to date. Use HP Support Assistant or download the firmware package manually from HP Support to ensure optimal performance.
Where do I download HP docking station drivers?
Go to HP Support (support.hp.com) and search for your dock model (e.g., 'HP Thunderbolt Dock G4'). Select your operating system and download the available drivers and firmware. Alternatively, install HP Support Assistant on your Windows laptop. It will automatically detect connected HP docks and offer relevant updates. For DisplayLink-based HP USB-C docks, download the driver from displaylink.com/downloads.
Why is my HP dock not detected after a Windows update?
Major Windows updates sometimes reset or overwrite Thunderbolt controller drivers. To fix this: (1) Open HP Support Assistant and check for Thunderbolt firmware updates, (2) Go to Device Manager and check for devices with error codes under 'Universal Serial Bus controllers', (3) Uninstall and reinstall the Thunderbolt controller driver, and (4) Check that your laptop BIOS is up to date via HP Support.
Can I use an HP dock with a non-HP laptop?
Yes. HP Thunderbolt docks use the standard Thunderbolt 4 protocol and work with any laptop that has a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, regardless of brand. HP USB-C docks work with any USB-C laptop. The only HP-specific feature you lose is HP Support Assistant integration. All drivers and firmware updates can still be downloaded manually from HP Support.
How do I use HP Support Assistant to update dock drivers?
Install HP Support Assistant from support.hp.com or from the Microsoft Store. Open it and click 'Check for updates and messages.' If your HP dock is connected, the tool will list available firmware updates and driver packages. Click 'Download and install' for each update. Restart your laptop if prompted. HP Support Assistant checks for updates automatically on a weekly schedule.