DELL Technologies SD25TB5 Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock User Guide

Ensure that your computer meets the following conditions:
- The minimum Thunderbolt driver version is installed (applicable
  to Thunderbolt supported computers only).
- The computer has more than 10% charge or is connected to AC
  power.
To install Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock SD25TB5 driver and
firmware updates, go to Dell Support Site.

Steps:

Windows operating system:
1. Connect the docking station to your computer.
2. Open the Dell Firmware Update (DFU) tool as administrator.
3. Update and Exit buttons are displayed in the bottom-right
  corner. Click the Update button to initiate the updates.
Figure 1: Initiate the update in the SD25TB5
DFU tool

Wait for all the component firmware updates to complete. A
progress bar is displayed at the bottom.

Figure 2: Wait for the update to complete in
the SD25TB5 DFU tool

The update status is displayed above the payload
information.

Figure 3: The update status is displayed in the
SD25TB5 DFU tool
Linux operating system:
1. Download the SD25TB5 Linux update tool
  (DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin).
2. Open a terminal application.
3. Modify the permissions on the binary to make it executable.
```
# sudo chmod +x DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin
```

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which computers are supported by Dell Docking stations?

A: Dell Docking stations are supported with select Dell
computers. Refer to the Dell Commercial Docking Compatibility Guide
for the list of supported computers and recommended docking
stations.

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Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock SD25TB5
Administrator’s Guide
Regulatory Model: K23A Regulatory Type: K23A003 July 2025 Rev. A00

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Copyright © 2025 Dell Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dell Technologies, Dell, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Chapter 2: Dell docking station firmware update………………………………………………………………… 5 Updating the firmware……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Update on Disconnect (UoD)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 Approximate firmware update duration…………………………………………………………………………………………………………10 Smart update…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Logging……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 Error handling…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 Error handling conditions………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Setting Package Version……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12 Commands for Automation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
Chapter 3: Remotely manage with Dell Device Management Console……………………………………..14
Chapter 4: Using Dell Command Update……………………………………………………………………………15
Chapter 5: Dock Asset Management……………………………………………………………………………….. 16 Managing inventory of Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 dock and Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock using Dell Command Monitor locally…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16 Remote inventory management of Dell Pro Thunderbolt Dock and Dell Pro Thunderbolt Smart dock using Dell Command…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell………………………………………………………………………18
Chapter 7: Revision history……………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Contents

1
Introduction
This guide is for IT professionals and engineers to get more information about the following technical topics: Step-by-step stand-alone Dock Firmware Update (DFU) and driver update utilities. Using Dell Command | Update (DCU) for driver download. Dock asset management locally and remotely through Dell Command | Monitor (DCM) and System Center Configuration
Manager (SCCM).

Introduction

2
Dell docking station firmware update
About this task NOTE: Dell Docking stations are supported with select Dell computers. See the Dell Commercial Docking Compatibility Guide for the list of supported computers and recommended docking.
Updating the firmware
Prerequisites 1. Ensure that your computer meets the following conditions:
The minimum Thunderbolt driver version is installed (applicable to Thunderbolt supported computers only). The computer has more than 10% charge or is connected to AC power. 2. To install Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock SD25TB5 driver and firmware updates, go to Dell Support Site.
Steps 1. Windows operating system:
a. Connect the docking station to your computer. b. Open the Dell Firmware Update (DFU) tool as administrator. c. Update and Exit buttons are displayed in the bottom-right corner. Click the Update button to initiate the updates.

Figure 1. Initiate the update in the SD25TB5 DFU tool d. Wait for all the component firmware update to complete. A progress bar is displayed in the bottom.

Dell docking station firmware update

Figure 2. Wait for the update to complete in the SD25TB5 DFU tool e. The update status is displayed above the payload information.

Figure 3. The update status is displayed in the SD25TB5 DFU tool

Dell docking station firmware update

Table 1. Command-Line Options Command lines /? or /h /s /l=<filename> /uod /verflashexe /componentsvers

Function Usage Silent Log file Initiate Update on Disconnect Display utility version Display current version of all dock firmware components

2. Linux operating system: The firmware update has both the update tool and binary assembled in a single package. a. Download the SD25TB5 Linux update tool (DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin). b. Open a terminal application. c. Modify the permissions on the binary to make it executable. # sudo chmod +x DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin
d. Run the binary with the install argument to install updated firmware. # sudo ./DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin install. *Resolve any kernel dependency packages as needed.
e. Unplug the USB type-C cable and plug it back to the computer after one minute. f. Check that the SD25TB5 firmware has been upgraded properly.
# sudo ./DellDockFirmwarePackage_WD25_SD25_Series_XX.YY.ZZ.bin get-devices
3. Chrome operating system: a. The firmware update is distributed with the latest Chromebook operating system release. b. Check the firmware version at System Info in the browser.

Update on Disconnect (UoD)
Download the Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock SD25TB5 driver and firmware update from Dell Support Site. Connect the dock to the computer and open the tool as administrator. 1. Click the Settings icon which is displayed on the upper right corner. Enter /uod command and click Ok.

Dell docking station firmware update

Figure 4. Update and exit in the SD25TB5 DFU tool 2. Update and Exit buttons are displayed in the upper-right corner. Click the Update button to initiate the updates.

Figure 5. Wait for all the component firmware update in the SD25TB5 DFU tool
3. Wait for all the component firmware update to complete. A progress bar is displayed in the bottom. The MST/USB Gen1/USB Gen2 firmware is updated.

Dell docking station firmware update

Figure 6. The update status is displayed in the SD25TB5 DFU tool

Figure 7. The update status is displayed in the SD25TB5 DFU tool
4. Disconnect the dock from the computer. The EC starts the updating process, and the process is completed in around a minute. The power button LED of the docking station flashes three times to indicate the update is completed.
5. Connect the dock to the computer, and start the tool in administrative mode. The Dell Firmware Update Utility is completed.

Dell docking station firmware update

Figure 8. Wait for all the component firmware update in the SD25TB5 DFU tool

Approximate firmware update duration

About this task
The firmware update time duration in the following table is from a measurement running Dock Firmware Utility A07 on a computer with Windows operating system. These numbers are for reference only and can vary depending on multiple factors including existing firmware and/or devices attached.

Table 2. Approximate firmware update duration Firmware MST

Update duration (in seconds) 15

Gen2 Hub2

Gen1 Hub

Gen2 Hub1

Dock NVM TBT5

Dell Dock Retimer

Dell Dock RMM

156

Dell Dock EC

Dell Dock PD

Dell docking station firmware update

Smart update
About this task EC, USB Gen1/2, MST, Retimer, LAN, PD, and Intel BR NVM are updated only if the incoming version is new.
Logging
About this task Dock utility logs to the default file (/s command-line option).
Default log file is at CurrentDrive: DellUpdatePackageLogexename.txt Optional logging can be done in any mode using /l=logfilename.txt Log message is useful for:
Debugging Service Component version information
Error handling

Error handling conditions

About this task

Table 3. Error handling conditions

Error Condition

Symptom/Scenario

Message

CLI options

Power Check

If there is no AC adapter or battery that is connected on the laptop.

The AC adapter and battery must be plugged in before the dock Firmware can be updated. Press OK when they are both plugged in or CANCEL to quit.

/forceit, power check is skipped.
/s, error message is not displayed and log will have proper error messages.

If the battery level is less than 10% on the laptop.

The battery must be charged above 10% before the Dock Firmware can be updated. Press OK when the battery is charged or CANCEL to quit.

Dock Detection

The dock is not connected or detected.

No dock attached. This firmware update utility only works with a single dock attached.

/s, error message is not displayed, and the log has proper error messages.

Multiple docks that are connected to the computer.

Too many docks are attached. This update utility only works when a single dock is attached. Only connect a single dock and restart the update utility to download the latest version and update the driver. Then, rerun this utility.

TBT driver not detected (applicable for Thunderbolt supported computers only)

The utility returns fail. It also displays the following error message in nonsilent mode.

The Dock Driver must be installed or updated before the dock firmware can be updated. Go to the Dell website for more information.

/s, error message is not displayed, and log has proper error messages.

Dell docking station firmware update

Table 3. Error handling conditions (continued)

Error Condition

Symptom/Scenario

Message

Firmware update fails

When one firmware component update fails,

Firmware update failed

the error message shows

in the “Progress Details”

field for this component.

The utility continues to update other firmware.

After complete firmware update for all components,

show the error mess.

CLI options
/s, error message is not displayed, and the log has proper error messages.

Automatic dock reboot after firmware update
About this task The dock automatically reboots when one or more of the components are updated.
NOTE: Dock reboots as part of the EC update or the tool sends a reboot command when EC is not updated and at least one of the components is updated.

Setting Package Version

About this task
Package version is a 32-bit BCD format (the device saves them in reverse byte order). The tool reverses the bytes for the display purpose. The display format is WW.XX.YY.ZZ. Major, minor, and maintenance versions are represented as WW.XX.YY. The LSB in ZZ (or the MSB in 32-bit raw data) represents the status of the dock update. 01 – All components are updated and have a valid version. 00 – Some of the components are not updated.
The package version is set before any of the components are updated. If the update fails on any of the components, the device reports 0 for LSB (invalid package version).

Table 4. Dell Flash Update Utility Exit code and meaning

Exit code

DUP spec description

Success

General failure

Reboot required

Soft dependency Error

Hard dependency error

Hard qualification error

Rebooting the computer

Password validation error

Downgrade is not allowed

Update pending

Unspecified error

Dell docking station firmware update

Commands for Automation
About this task
Run the tool with administrative privileges with the command-line options /s (silent) /l=filename.txt. The update is run in silent mode without GUI or use command-line options: /uod /l=filename.txt. The update runs and only completes when the dock Type-C cable is unplugged from the computer. Automation environment can capture the return code (DUP compliant) from the tool for verifying pass or fail status. The logfile (filename.txt) can be used for parsing the dock data and individual component update information.
After the update, tool can run with /componentsvers /s /l=verfilename.txt. The command is run in the silent mode. Return code can be captured for pass or fail status (DUP compliant). Verfilename.txt contains the current component information.

Dell docking station firmware update

3
Remotely manage with Dell Device Management Console
Overview
The Dell Device Management Console is a comprehensive, cloud-based tool that is designed to remotely manage Dell Pro docks, enhancing IT efficiency. It is hosted on a secure cloud infrastructure and provides IT administrators the ability to oversee and configure various Dell docking stations and related peripherals. To use the Dell Device Management Console, users must enable the management of Dell docking stations through offer entitlement. For detailed information about the Dell Device Management Console, see the DDMC Administrator’s Guide on Dell Support Site.
Features
Key features of the Dell Device Management Console include centralized management of Dell Pro docks and other peripherals. Users can benefit from functionalities such as: Fleet summary
Get an overview of all connected devices. Peripheral inventory
Track all peripherals that are connected to the docking stations. Firmware updates
Update the firmware of connected devices. Setting configurations
Configure settings for docking stations and peripherals.
Resources
For tutorials and instructional videos of the Dell Device Management Console that is related to Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock SD25TB5, see Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock SD25TB5 Videos.

Remotely manage with Dell Device Management Console

4
Using Dell Command Update
Dell Docking Station drivers (Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver and Intel i226 PCIe Ethernet Controller Driver for vPro Dock support platforms) are required to be installed before using the docking station for full functionality. Dell Technologies recommends updating the system BIOS, graphics driver, Thunderbolt driver, and Thunderbolt firmware to the latest version before using the docking station. Older BIOS versions and drivers could result in the docking station not being recognized by your computer or not functioning optimally. Dell Technologies highly recommends the Dell Command Update to automate the installation of BIOS, firmware, driver, and critical updates specific to your computer and docking station. For more information about Dell Command Update, see Dell Command | Update.

Using Dell Command Update

5
Dock Asset Management
NOTE: You can manage dock inventory either directly through the Dell Device Management Console or through the computer using Dell Command Monitor.
Managing inventory of Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 dock and Dell Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart dock using Dell Command Monitor locally
Prerequisites 1. Follow the steps in the firmware update and retrieve dock information by using Dell command monitor locally.
Steps 1. Install Dell Command Monitor XX.X or later. For detailed install instructions, follow the Dell command monitor Installation
Guide. 2. Run the commands given below:
a. For computers with Windows operating system, using PowerShell: Get-CimInstance -Namespace rootdcimsysman -ClassName DCIM_Chassis NOTE: DCIM_Chassis can have multiple instances. For Dock Details, see instance where CreationClassName = DCIM_DockingStation
3. Screenshot of output:

Dock Asset Management

4. Key dock properties mapping with cim properties: Table 5. Key dock Dock data Dock service tag Dock FW package version Dock module type Dock marketing name Dock module serial

Dell command | Monitor mapping DCIM_Chassis::Tag DCIM_Chassis::Version DCIM_Chassis::Model DCIM_Chassis::Name DCIM_Chassis::SerialNumber

Remote inventory management of Dell Pro Thunderbolt Dock and Dell Pro Thunderbolt Smart dock using Dell Command
About this task For more information, see Dell Command Monitor User guide.

Dock Asset Management

Getting help and contacting Dell

Self-help resources

You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:

Table 6. Self-help resources Self-help resources Information about Dell products and services Contact Support
Online help for operating system

Resource location Dell Site In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Windows Support Site Linux Support Site

Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and learn more about your computer through videos, manuals, and documents.

Your Dell docking station is uniquely identified using a Service Tag or Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for your Dell docking station, enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code at Dell Support Site.

For more information about how to find the Service Tag for your Dell device, see Locate the Service Tag.

Dell knowledge base articles

1. Go to Dell Support Site.
2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select Support > Support Library.
3. In the Search field on the Support Library page, type the keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the search icon to view the related articles.

Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see Contact Support at Dell Support Site. NOTE: Availability of the services may vary depending on the country or region, and product.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Getting help and contacting Dell

Revision history

Tracks all updates that are made to the document. It typically includes the date of change, version number, and a brief description of the modification. This log helps maintain transparency, accountability, and a clear timeline of progress.

Table 7. Revision history Revision A00

Date 07-17-2025

Description Original publish date

Revision history

Documents / Resources

DELL Technologies SD25TB5 Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock [pdf] User Guide
SD25TB5, K23A003, SD25TB5 Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock, Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock, 5 Smart Dock, Smart Dock

References

User Manual

DELL Technologies SD25TB5 Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock User Guide

SD25TB5 Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock

Product Information

Specifications:

Product Usage Instructions

Dell Docking Station Firmware Update

About this task:

Prerequisites:

Steps:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which computers are supported by Dell Docking stations?

Documents / Resources

References

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