Lenovo ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Dock User Guide

Chapter 1. About the dock

Thank you for choosing the ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock, ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock, or ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock. These docks are enhanced universal compatible modules designed to expand your computer's capabilities with automated and silent updates. They allow you to connect your computer (Microsoft® Windows® 10 only) to a local area network (LAN) and various devices, including headsets, external displays, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices.

To view the list of compatible computers, visit Lenovo's support website and select the "ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, Ideapad and Ideacentre Option Compatibility Matrix", then follow the on-screen instructions.

In the box

ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock / ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock:

• ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock / ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock
• 135 W power adapter and power cord
• Thunderbolt 4 cable
• Documentation

Image Description: The image shows the contents of the box for the ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock / Smart Dock, including the dock unit, a 135W power adapter, a power cord, and a Thunderbolt 4 cable.

ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock:

• ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock
• 300 W power adapter and power cord
• ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock Split Cable
• Documentation

Image Description: The image shows the contents of the box for the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock, including the dock unit, a 300W power adapter, a power cord, and a split cable.

Note: If any item is missing or damaged, please contact your place of purchase. Retain your proof of purchase and packing material, as they may be required for warranty service.

Product overview

The docks offer a variety of ports and indicators:

Connectors:

• Power connector ?: Connect to AC power using the accompanying AC power adapter and power cord.
• Thunderbolt™ 4 connector (for connecting computer) ⚡️: Connect to your computer using the accompanying cable.
• Thunderbolt 4 connector ⚡️: Connect a compatible device for data transfer or charging (up to 5V and 3A). Can also connect an external display with a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable. Note: Do not connect your computer to this connector.
• DisplayPort® connectors [DisplayPort]: Connect to external displays using DisplayPort cables.
• USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 ?: Connect a compatible device for data transfer.
• Ethernet connector ?: Connect to a LAN with an Ethernet cable for 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps networks. The green indicator signifies a LAN connection, while a blinking yellow indicator shows data transmission.
• Always On USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 ?: Connect a compatible device for data transfer or charging (up to 5V and 2.4A).
• HDMI™ connector ?: Connect to an external display using a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable.

Indicators and Buttons:

• Cloud indication ☁️ (*For ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock only): Indicates the cloud connection status. Solid amber means disconnected, blinking amber means connecting, and solid green means connected.
• Power button ?: Press to turn the dock on or off.
• Security-lock slot ?: Supports cable locks conforming to Kensington / Lenovo NanoSaver or MicroSaver lock standards.
• VESA mount holes ?️: For mounting the dock to a wall or monitor stand using VESA mount screws (M4 x 10 mm x 2 pcs).
• Audio connector ?: Connect a headset or headphones with a 3.5 mm plug.

USB Transfer Rate:

Note: Actual transfer rates may vary based on system configuration, peripheral devices, and other factors.

ThinkPad logo Indication:

When the dock is connected to AC power:

• LED status: Red Dock status: Connected to AC power

Power button Indication:

When the dock is connected to AC power but not your computer:

• LED status: Amber Dock status: On
• LED status: Off Dock status: Off

When the dock is connected to both your computer and AC power:

• LED status: Solid white Computer status: On
• LED status: Blinking white slowly (1 second on/off) Computer status: In sleep mode
• LED status: Off Computer status: Off or in hibernation mode

When the dock is updating firmware:

• LED status: Blinking rapidly (0.5 second on/off) Firmware update status: Updating
• LED status: Off Firmware update status: Completed

Chapter 2. Set up the dock

Install the dock

Use the accompanying AC power adapter, power cord, and cable to install the dock. The dock supplies power to the computer when it is connected to AC power and your computer.

ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock / ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Smart Dock Setup Diagram:

Image Description: A diagram illustrating the setup for the ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock / Smart Dock. It shows connections from the power adapter to the dock, the dock to the computer via a Thunderbolt cable, and external devices connected to the dock's ports. Numbered labels (1-5) indicate connection points.

ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock Setup Diagram:

Image Description: A diagram illustrating the setup for the ThinkPad Thunderbolt 4 Workstation Dock. It shows connections from the power adapter to the dock, the dock to the computer via a Thunderbolt cable, and external devices connected to the dock's ports. Numbered labels (1-5) indicate connection points.

Update the dock driver and firmware

The dock driver and firmware are preinstalled on compatible computers and the dock is ready for use upon connection. It is recommended to update the driver and firmware when new versions are available to improve performance.

To update:

1. Visit Lenovo's support website for docks.
2. Select the appropriate dock entry and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the driver and firmware.

Note: Driver updates take effect after restarting your computer. Firmware updates take effect after reconnecting the dock to your computer.

Install Lenovo Dock Manager

Lenovo Dock Manager is a tool for silent firmware updates and device information queries. Download it from Lenovo's support website.

Chapter 3. Use the dock

Use the video output connectors

The dock supports up to four external displays via its video output connectors:

• One Thunderbolt 4 connector (supports DisplayPort 1.4 and Thunderbolt 4)
• Two DisplayPort connectors (supports DisplayPort 1.4)
• One HDMI connector (supports HDMI 2.1)

Supported resolutions:

Resolution support depends on the computer's USB-C or Thunderbolt connector:

• One video output connector: Up to 7680 x 4320 pixels / 30 Hz (HDMI only)
• Two video output connectors: Up to 7680 x 4320 pixels / 30 Hz (HDMI only) and 5120 x 2880 pixels / 60 Hz (Thunderbolt 4 only)
• Three video output connectors: Up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 60 Hz
• Four video output connectors: Up to 3840 x 2160 pixels / 60 Hz

For the maximum display matrix, visit Lenovo's support website and select the specific dock entry.

Configure the external displays

External displays connected to the dock can be configured for:

• Display mode: Extend, mirror, duplicate, or single display.
• Orientation, brightness, resolution, color, and other settings.

To configure displays:

1. Right-click a blank area on the desktop and select "Display settings".
2. Select the display you wish to configure.
3. Adjust display settings as preferred.

Refer to Windows help information for more details.

Use the Ethernet connector

Connect your computer to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps network using an Ethernet cable via the dock's Ethernet connector. The connector has two status indicators: green for connected to LAN, and blinking yellow for data transmission.

When connected to a LAN, your computer may support the following functions:

• Preboot eXecution Environment
• MAC address Pass Through
• Wake on LAN
• vPro

To view supported functions for your computer, visit Lenovo's support website, select "Network function support – Option Compatibility Matrix", and follow the instructions.

Chapter 4. Troubleshooting

General Issues

1. The dock does not work after connecting to my computer.

Ensure the following:

• You are using the accompanying AC power adapter, power cord, and cable.
• The dock is powered by its adapter; it requires the adapter for operation.
• The dock driver is installed on your computer.
• Your computer's USB-C or Thunderbolt connector is functioning correctly.

2. Wireless keyboard or mouse (2.4 GHz) function is interrupted; mouse pointer lags or doesn't move; characters are lost during keyboard input.

Connect the wireless device receiver to one of the following dock connectors:

• USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 on the front panel.
• Right-most USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 on the rear panel.

3. Mouse and keyboard cannot wake up my computer when connected to the Always On USB 3.2 connector Gen 2.

Connect the mouse or keyboard to a different USB connector on the dock.

4. Slow charging speed for devices (e.g., smartphone).

Connect your device to an Always On USB 3.2 connector Gen 2 on the dock.

5. My computer cannot be charged by the dock.

Ensure you are using the accompanying AC power adapter, power cord, and cable to set up the dock.

Video Output Issues

1. The external display is blank.

Ensure:

• The external display is connected to AC power and turned on.
• Your computer is running correctly and not in standby or hibernation mode (external monitors are blank in these states).
• The dock is securely connected to AC power, the computer, and the external display.
• The dock driver is installed on your computer.

If the problem persists, disconnect all cables from the dock, uninstall the dock driver, reinstall it, and reconnect all cables. Refer to Chapter 2, "Set up the dock," on page 7.

2. The external DisplayPort or HDMI display has no display after connecting a Thunderbolt display.

Follow these steps:

1. Disconnect all external displays from the dock.
2. Connect the DisplayPort or HDMI display to the dock.
3. Connect the Thunderbolt display.

3. Images on the external display flutter.

Ensure the display cable is securely connected to the dock. Disconnect and reconnect the display cable.

4. Playback stops when dragging a window to the external display and maximizing it.

Update your Adobe Flash Player program to the latest version.

Audio Output Issues

Sound does not come from the headset after connecting to the dock.

Ensure the dock is set as the default audio device:

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows notification area and select "Playback devices." The Sound window will appear.
2. On the "Playback" tab, select the dock and click "Set Default."
3. Click the "Recording" tab, select the dock, and click "Set Default."
4. Click "OK."

Note: You may need to restart the application using the audio device for changes to take effect.

Appendix A. Accessibility information

Lenovo provides electronic documentation in accessible formats, such as properly tagged PDF files or HyperText Markup Language (HTML) files. This documentation is developed to ensure that visually impaired users can read it using a screen reader. Each image in the documentation includes adequate alternative text to explain the image for users relying on screen readers.

To open and view PDF files, your computer must have the Adobe Reader program installed. The Adobe Reader program is available for download at: http://www.adobe.com.

Appendix B. Trademarks

LENOVO, the LENOVO logo, THINKPAD®, and the THINKPAD logo are trademarks of Lenovo.

Thunderbolt is a trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

DisplayPort and VESA are trademarks of the Video Electronics Standards Association.

The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

USB-C is a trademark of USB Implementers Forum.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2021 Lenovo.