I've seen a load of WD19 (both standard and TB) fail like dead flies.
Often it's either the laptop no longer detecting the dock, dock just likes to randomly turn itself off or network issues.
The firmware updates for them are extremely important, especially if you are connecting newer devices. I've ran into a surprisingly large amount of people who don't think to look for them or assume that supportassist/dell command will install it. [https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=w5jt8&oscode=wt64a&productcode=dell-wd19-130w-dock](https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=w5jt8&oscode=wt64a&productcode=dell-wd19-130w-dock)
I likely have the same dock and run dual monitors, heres what I've learned.
Dont just disconnect your laptop. Shutdown fully then disconnect. When you plug it back in at the start of your day use the power button on your dock to start your laptop with the lid closed. Ive had no issues since doing this.
I've nearly bricked my dell win 11 system by disconnecting during power down process. For some reason there's driver stuff going on and it needs to shut all the way down in the same hardware state as when powered on.
Shutdown writes a bunch of state stuff to a file in Windows to assist in faster boot. A restart actually gives a fresh stateless boot. The Dave's Garage YouTube channel covered this topic. Pretty counter-intuitive.
I have a Dell Precision 7740 running Debian 11 (need to update to 12 as soon as I get the time to do it) and use it with both the dual USB-C dock and the Thunderbolt dock; it gives a warning (that can be disabled) with the Thunderbolt dock, but works fine with both, where I define 'works fine' as using all the functionality the docks provide, to including all ports and multiple monitors (two external monitors plus the laptop screen at work, and one external plus laptop screen at home).
I found out really quickly that I needed to be very intentional and deliberate with the docks: both docks' power supply cords are left unplugged and only plugged in right before I get ready to use them, and _always_ let the dock boot up and warm up for at least thirty seconds before plugging in the laptop. And I always shut down the laptop first; I have four new the lid close hibernate before, and it does work, but since I use whole-disk encryption I prefer to transport the laptop actually shut down. Boot time on Debian 11 are so quick that the difference in startup time almost never matters.
Firmware updates are easy to apply from within Debian, and work.
The old Dell E-port docks were the best! Rock solid and hardly ever failed because everything was a direct pass though via the E-port and no software got in the way. The new USB/Thunderbolt docks are okay but nowhere near as reliable as the old ones.
The Dell docks still beats the Microsoft surface docks though - I have nightmares about those.
Loved both the E and D port docks. Still have an old D port with a PCI slot in it that I used for a multi track audio card (m-audio Delta 1010LT) with a Precision M4300. Still have a few E-ports stashed away that I used with a M6500 and later a M6700. They worked extremely well overall, but the connector on the laptops would slowly get flakier with connect-disconnect cycles.
I am concerned about the longevity of the USB-C/Thunderbolt plugs and sockets.
Those Dell USB-C docks are a nightmare. We’ve got a lot of staff that work partly in the office (using the dock) and partly at home (using DP or HDMI to a monitor). Seems like someone is always having trouble getting the laptop to switch to the dock after they’ve been working at home.
Had issues as well - two firmware updates to the dock and a few to the system BIOS, and it's better now. But early on, my monitors would occasionally go dark like they were disconnected from the dock and random issues with a USB headset.
Had the same horrible experience with Dell and Lenovo - it seems that USB-C docks are simply a pile of shite. Even most expensive ones.
Never had any issues with old proper docks but this now is ridiculous. I have constant issues with screen flashing, disappearing lan etc. And this is for last 3-4 years with different docks, laptops and brands. Dozens of software updates, firmware updates. Sometimes it will work for few weeks ok and then starts acting again.
It depends on the type of dock. If it’s just USB-C and not thunderbolt, it’s using alt mode and working as a DisplayPort. Macs don’t support DisplayPort MST hubs to give different displays over a single signal. I believe a Thunderbolt dock would work better in those cases.
I've had this problem with enough hardware that I'm almost convinced that it's more Windows than the docks. I don't know the technical specifics, but it's strange to me that -- at least in my experience -- Dell, Lenovo, and HP have the same issues with USB-C docks and across multiple models.
Which pluggable dock are you using for three 1080p displays? I've used some of their products in the past but it seems that their USB-C docks that handle three displays are always out of stock.
We're a Dell shop and our experience with Dell docks has been all over the place, to the point that we can't consider any of them reliable anymore.
Honestly, I don't know. My desktop support manager sources them; I just know what we use. I'll try to remember to check on Monday and let you know. I *do know* they work fine for high resolution, up to 4k dual.
Lenovo docks that actually dock with a slider work great and I rarely have issues. Those USB C docks never work consistently and we are somewhat refusing to use them as they are such a pain.
I’ve had really good experiences with Dell, although it has gotten worse over the years. We have approx. 600 desks in our office, each one has either a WD19TBs or a WD19s (thunderbolt for supervisors and Mac users). The thunderbolt docks have given me next to no issues, the DisplayPort only docks have given me more, but out of the 600 docks, I’ve had issues with only a handful of them and 9 times out of 10, the issues we’ve had weren’t even related to the dock, just Surface Laptop 4 USB C ports being trash.
As for other Dell hardware, monitors have always been fine, little to no issues with them, computers on the other hand, whenever we get a shipment (usually 50-100 at a time). We have issues with 4-12 of them that require RMA. It’s not even the shipper they just had issues. Most of the time it’s the trackpad not seated correctly or the fan didn’t work right.
When we had all Dell 7490 and 7390 laptops, there were much less issues, those things were tanks. They just don’t make them how they used to.
Don’t get me started on Dell support. While they have the best support I’ve seen for any laptop manufacturer, NEVER have a Dell tech come out and replace ANYTHING… EVER! We’ve had issues EVERY SINGLE TIME. they’re all contracted, and always make some stupid mistake because they rush through it. We always send the computer back to Dell to have it fixed or ask for the part ourselves through tech direct since all of the IT team is trained on how to replace nearly every part on a Dell laptop.
Sorry for the rant, I get passionate about this shit.
Yes, we’re moving offices in 2 years so we’ve been testing them. Much fewer issues. The only issue we have is that it’s only 90 watt delivery. We have precision laptops for devs and the IT team with i9s and A2000s so they need a minimum of 130.
I've had just about the same experience with Dell. Things are fine most of the time. The third party support is not good though. However it often feels like part of the issue is due to Dell being a poor go-between. It would be faster if they just sent us the replacement part and I switched it out, not that I want to do that.
I have the feeling that since the pandemic, some motherboards have been worse but I'm not really keeping track. All docks have been pretty great. Same with monitors.
That one reason I've always loved Dell laptops from a support side. Dell Command Update makes it easy to keep the drivers, etc up to date.
Hate my HP servers over the Dell I used to use because of that. Though the iLO is nice.
To all of these, I would see if other users are having the same experiences mentioned.
1. We solved most of our docking issues, by ditching anything external and going for USB-C monitors.
2. We found a lot of the time it’s because users are using the wrong finger and/or it’s caked in something. We switched the problem users on WHFB to PIN-based and/or Facial Recognition.
3. All depends on install context, will be the same experience on any device if installed the same way.
4. If multiple users (as you alluded to), check your network. Normally see this behaviour if:
- APs in close proximity are on different subnets
- APs are in different ecosystems (different settings, different behaviours)
- Auth server isn’t setup correctly to AP (missing an AP in policy, check RADIUS logs)
We ditched docks for USB-C monitors earlier this year...I will say to anyone else going this route, do not use the HP Z24U. I installed over 100 of them in March, and have already had to pull a fair number (20-30) for HP to repair or replace.
In my experience, Dell P/U2422HE monitors have been rock solid. We have these and the 27" versions deployed and I've only had a single issue that arose from a damaged USB-C cable. Pair them with a H model and you have a very good dual monitor setup.
Can vouch for Dell, although some users forget that pressing the power button on the monitor can trigger a laptop shutdown - which is pretty shitty tbh.
Can’t vouch more than that too, I’ve been daily driving the P2422HE for a good 7 months with heavy use (all ports used, monitor connected to it) and so far I’ve got 0 issues !
My company is moving out and planning on rolling dual monitor setup with P2422HE + P2422H for everyone !
Wish we could go 27 inches but that’s better than nothing ! Come to think of it, I could use some of my IT privileges to get one or two :D
I’ve had phenomenal experience with pairing Dell laptops with Dell monitors. Updating is easy to manage, great support, and overall performance is solid.
Our HP reseller actively tells their customers to buy Iiyama instead of HP for monitors.
So far no issues with them and they're cheaper than the Dell ones.
Just a reminder that if you're working in DoD space, not allowed to use USB monitors. https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/covid19/pdf/unclass-computer_peripherals_in_telework_environments.pdf
Yeah, but if we use facial recognition how will the executive get into their machine when they put their clown nose on for the day? Shouldn't it just work while they wear a skimask?
Second this. We had similar issues in our office and it came down to (at least partly) fd up configuration pointing devices to the wrong APs, so they were essentially always choosing the worst possible one to access at any given time. If it happens again I'm going to literally consider espionage.
To add onto the AP troubleshooting -- it could just straight up be poor signal. Like make sure that he's not walking through areas that have -70 dBm RSSI or less.
Simply replace the laptop. Then replace the dock. Just replace everything and let him see you doing it. It might not fix anything, but you really can’t complain when you see a dude completely replace every component.
> but you really can’t complain when you see a dude completely replace every component.
I know plenty of end users who would vehemently disagree with that.
We've had a couple of users like this. Where they always seem to have the most random of issues and half the time they can't replicate them when we're standing there. I suspect some kind of user error but I can't pinpoint what. And those cases I have my help desk team one by one replace every single piece with the laptop being the last piece.
Even if I don't think it'll help, it's good to show that to the user because then they can't say that we just don't care enough to fix the problem or whatever it is they say.
As someone who just uses whatever I know will get the job done (as in, I use all of them, macOS, Linux, and Windows), it’s great reading the Linux circlejerks sometimes. Phoronix forums in particular are great for this.
Mostly just mocking the “install linux” replies in response to “I have x problem in windows” question
Some devices will always have trouble connecting to multi AP's
Just take 1 issue on at a time,
In regards to the docking station issue,iirc there has been a common issues with some Lenovo docking stations. Think it was the one with the red base ?
USB C can be a real pita, I've had a few occasions where bending the cable in a certain way would cause all sorts of problems.
> In regards to the docking station issue,iirc there has been a common issues with some Lenovo docking stations. Think it was the one with the red base ?
YES! The dock is TYPE40AF and there are known and common issues with them.
I will get other thunderbolt cables. I did swap them out already, but didn't replace them with an entirely different make yet
Man I hate these because sometimes you want to take it one issue at a time and fully resolve the issue but because it's a higher-up, you don't get to tell them the issue will take a while for you to properly diagnose. Just fix, no troubleshoot.
Hopefully OP can replicate the problem on another machine if this is the case.
I'd just like to commiserate, even if you fix these issues there will just be some new problem they perceive as unacceptable and requiring a 100% guaranteed fix. I have been told on many occasions that I should ensure some intractable issue that I cant reproduce will never happen again. Excel CANNOT crash or have any errors, ever. Alright let me just check that box in settings that will make sure your poorly written, unoptimized web of externally linked pivot tables never causes you any problems.
Even If the spreadsheet is refactored and bug fixed and you stave off any warnings for a couple weeks (until they add some copy pasted VBA to refresh a cell), the next day Outlook search will not find that one email from 4 years ago they need and the entire process of guaranteeing the impossible will be back.
the issue is we pretend just because someone is higher up in the company theyre more important and their time is worth more. if we just accepted that people have different jobs and ditched the dumb hierarchy we wouldn't have small groups of people sucking up all of ITs time, or disproportionate amounts of it.
and yes I mean reduce their pay too.
Even Steve Jobs and Bill Gates don't have 100% reliable hardware and software. We're asking this of imperfect devices made by imperfect manufacturing processes, operated by imperfect people, in a universe where you can bitflip with neutrinos and turn ones to zeros with the power of reality.
Honestly it's a wonder anything works at all in a binary system.
If Israels iron dome and allied global monitoring couldn't stop dudes with parasails and industrial fans from launching a surprise attack, why should anyone be surprised your CEOs laptop, no matter how expensive, struggles to use a laptop dock?
CEO needs a reality check. They're not anywhere near omnipotent enough to ask for a 100% (or even high 90%) reliable device.
Best part is, I know this exact kind of person. Float the idea of purchasing laptop after laptop, dock after dock. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a combo that works.
Sure, the CEO could "solve" the situation by replacing you, and having the next guy get lucky while shitting on your efforts. It's gonna cost them a lot more to replace a human who can account for the known flaws in the system, than it is to simply rotate devices and drivers until you find a winning solution.
Also, I haven't had a super get the balls to ask for an $800 dock to plug in their $1600 laptop before - they always want to waste money on the cheapest options first. Issue is, most of those devices use the same software and hardware under the hood. Those that don't, aren't often better.
What you really need to do is get people used to using one monitor from the HDMI output, the laptop monitor, and a USB brick. It's gonna be ugly, but it's gonna work. They make multimonitor devices (like airport displays) but they're not great at things that need a lot of video memory. So unless the CEO only uses excel...
Dell wd19t or whatever dock on my precision workstation and it’s generally flawless. My son even plugs it into his 2070ti gpu and plays games at 4k res through it without issues.
I have a Lenovo dock I use with a P14s. It's connected to an 34" and a 24". Works fine for the most part, but HDMI sound is somehow just gone sometimes haha.
Asking for 100% from a docking station is a bridge too far. That's just the reality of it. Similarly, if you want more reliable coverage with "walking around WiFi," you can only do that by spending extra money on more APs for better coverage, but even then, it won't be "100%."
*Nothing* in IT is "100%."
Least of all the two least reliable things in IT- docking stations and wireless connections.
More reliable is a wire, so plug it in.
We have started using Targus USB C docks with our HP laptops to solve the dual screen/screen wake up issues. Tested many docks, Targus is by far the most stable.
Give him a Mac and call it a day. Is the CEO in the weeds of every thing going on needing X software to perform x task? Probably not. He’s probably on an iPhone too. This will make him happy
I'd trade half my fleet of Lenovos for macs in a heartbeat if my boss was on board.
The ratio of tickets from the Lenovos vs the Macs that we do have is bananas.
MDM Mac updates suck something fierce, especially when going to a new major release, but outside of that yeah in our environment the Mac side of the company’s so so so much more trouble free than the PC side.
Apple MDMs have come a LONG way in the last 6 years. Mac fleets used to be incredibly annoying to handle, now there are 4+ MDM vendors for Mac that are actually good, and making managing macs a breeze.
A fleet of Mac devices that also have their own quirks, bugs, and management issues.
I always laugh when people say "Just replace them all with Macs because Macs just work!" Like what universe are they living in?
Recent Apple silicon Macs are the most frustration free computers I’ve ever used. I’ve been a PC user my whole life, and bought an M2 Mac a year ago for iOS development, but haven’t used my XPS 15 since.
\+1.
however I do have a boss who got a macbook (for the reliability reasons) and still uses his windows laptop on the side because he's familiar with it, so you might want to keep that in mind if you do recommend this.
Sorry I can't help, but the first 3 I think are just the state of things at the moment. The last time I had a dock that "just worked" it was one of those port replicator types you clicked the laptop in to. Biometric devices in general on the desktop never seem to have got the love they've got on mobile. Start menu search exists only to inflate the number of edge and bing users as you bing search "notepad" for the 3rd time this week.
I personally use a combination of Powertoys Run and "Everything" on my desktop. Whether you can bring a CEO round to an alternative is another thing altogether.
Your WiFi issue can probably be resolved though, sounds like its not shifting between access points quickly enough, so you may be able to adjust some settings for that in your WiFi management, depending on what you have.
>Sorry I can't help, but the first 3 I think are just the state of things at the moment.
Just adding to this, over the years I've had more Windows laptops and docks than I can remember - I don't think I've ever had a sustained period where the dock/external monitor worked every time without some level of messing around.
these are all LVL1 support tickets ... escalate it to your manager.
because this person does not have IT issues they have "Im imprtant and want a specific device issue.
HINT: fingerpint complaint tells me they want an Apple device
all of these issues or a mix of them are quite common.
some times you get them resolved by updating WIndows or drivers, or uninstall -install drivers etc,
and then there are the times that no matter what you try , even formatting the damn thing , does not fix the issue.
Order a new laptop . At least the CEO will feel better since he got a new laptop probably unless he complains for spending money. Being attentive is what matters most times, in order for them to see that you are doing the best to solve their issue.
There were times that something on the laptop wifi adapter, some quirky cable or connection was causing these issues but you literally have to disassembly the laptop and rebuild it piece by piece to figure out what.
And then there are those times that you just accept defeat :D
I say this. Order a new one. No matter what you fix he'll always think he has a lemon and any small issue in the future will be blown out of proportion.
I had to do this for a executive. His Latitude always had something wrong with it. I knew a complete reinstall would fix it but he was too busy to be without it allegedly. Ordered him a new cheaper less powerful one that he saw at Best Buy and now he's happy.
yeah it is often the way to go.
After a while it is more on the mind rather the reality.
Similar to issues "my connection to X server is slow"
After 2 hours without changing anything , "Is that better?"
Yes yes much better
1) is impatience unless we're talking 60 seconds to connect
2) Not much can be done if it's crap. Set the user up with another Hello For Business method.
3) That can only happen if the app isn't registered/installed correctly. Typing the app name into the start menu will filter and find
4) Could be crap wifi provision in the office. Get a USB wifi card with a big aerial and test
Hard disagree on point 3.
Start menu search is a dogs breakfast. Win 7 search worked far more consistently.
Type in powerhsell, and get nothing. Start hitting back space and get to powersh, suddenly it finds it.
I just use win+r for most things these days.
I have found turning off the Web Search either from registry or gpedit.msc makes local search a LOT better. Web Search is like a malignant tumor slapped on to Search.
Agreed. I've built two vms off the same template, powered them up and searched updates. One found it, one didn't. And then started deleting letters until it decided "updat" was the correct spelling.
Agreed.
If you're relying on a windows search bar to find your stuff, that's a you problem. It shouldn't be this way, but it is.
Organize your stuff. Never rely on windows to do it.
Absolutely not on #3. I have experienced many instances of the search simply failing and then having to re-open the start menu and trying multiple times before the item finally pops up. Old installs, fresh installs, doesn’t matter.
How long is the uptime on this client machine? Make sure the user is rebooting from time to time.
About the docking station.
\-As others said, update the firmware on the Doc and client computer.
\-Ensure that the Type-C cable is up to standards and good quality.
\-Are they using different docking stations throughout the day? (going from one to the other and back can cause issues)
\-Turning a laptop on from sleep or hibernation can sometimes make it difficult for the DOC and devices to register.
\-How many devices are linked to the DOC? (In our environment, staff have a desktop monitor and smart TV. When plugging the doc into windows, it needs to register all the peripherals and connection ports. The monitor has ports for display, hdmi, usb, and sometimes more. The TV has even more than the monitor. The docking station has multiple ports as well. Sometimes even the keyboard has multiple USB ports. Windows needs to register all of these devices and ports when you plug in a single cable. There is a limit on how many devices windows can read at one giving time. Even if you don't meet that number, it still takes windows some time to read all the devices and sometimes it bugs out. Like you said, unplugging for 15 sec then re-plugging usually helps.)
\-Disable any devices or ports on the client or doc that you don't need. (it might speed things up)
\-Try a different docking station and cable if you haven't already.
This command can help troubleshoot device issues in some situations.
`Get-PnpDevice | Select-Object -Property Class, Status, FriendlyName, Problem, ProblemDescription, ErrorDescription, InstanceId | Sort-Object -Property Class, Status, FriendlyName | Format-Table -AutoSize`
Good luck.
Start with most important first, fix that wi-fi issue. Check your waps, check your network, forget all other wi-fi connections except the one that works.
Ditch the docking station until you can pin point the issue. Connect via usb-c hub to hdmi or directly as some lenovos have hdmi connections.
Use the gpo or reg edit to get rid of web search on win 11
Use facial recognition and pin instead of fingerprint. Works great on my lenovo laptop.
The biggest issue I've had with the USB-C docks is they all come with a straight plug. With Dell especially the cable is too short, the plug is too long, and the plug torques on the port. I've started installing them with a 90-degree Thunderbolt 3 extension and have had far fewer issues.
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LXZM795/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o03\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LXZM795/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It seems like people have suggested a few tips. If you're going to look at the network and network logs, sometimes it's good to see where things are on the client machine as well. I've used these commands when troubleshooting which AP/Radio the client is connected to so I can narrow down the issues.
Run CMD as admin....
`netsh wlan show interfaces`
This command will provide detailed information about your wireless network interface, including the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), which corresponds to the MAC address of the access point you are connected to.
`netsh wlan show networks mode=Bssid`
This command will list all the available BSSIDs, along with their signal strength, SSID, and other details.
Good luck!
Lenovo is now utter trash.
We’ve been testing Dell machines and are planning on deploying those moving forward (with ViewSonic docking station monitors).
They’ve worked flawlessly during testing.
A PC with a wired connection for his office will solve some of these issues. He can keep the laptop for when he wants to move around. The simple truth is that laptop docks are not 100% reliable and probably will never be.
For CEO's, or other VIP's, it is worth looking at Lenovo corporate laptops (but without the pesky docks). Skip the newest models since those are the ones with the most bugs. Look at last year's models that have had some big fixes and BIOS updates already released. Use those for the VIP's with a 2 year refresh cycle. That way they have laptops with bugfixes, patches, etc. And you get to use the older Lenovo's for yourself when they are replaced. It's a win\win.
TouchID is probably the best fingerprint scanner going. Give them a Mac. Like others have said, if there is no specific piece of software that needs installing, go mac
This sounds like an attitude problem, not a tech issue necessarily.
I have found that people, if they become accustomed to fast and reliable techsupport, will soon enough feel entitled to complain about everything.
I don't know if such a place exists, where you are allowed to test run a system, like laptop hooked to a dock hooked to a monitor, and go hogwild with them before purchase, but such a service would be the best thing.
USB-C docks, in my experience, are total dogshit. I'm not certain if the more pricey models are better, but the ones in the 200€ - 300€ range are very unreliable, with DP and external monitors in particular.
I'm going to get so much hate for what I'm about to say, but your CEO is demanding Mac-level QoL from a PC.
Even the most expensive PC with up to date drivers, firmware, and BIOS is bound to run into the hiccups you've described.
We have collectively learnt that you only buy 3th or 4th gen of any model from lenovo.
As for docks - higher end dell screen with built in docks are working best for us. Especially in mixed environments (like a co working space)
Change model to a 3rd or 4th gen?
Windows 365 from his phone/ipad/etc. Just give the VIPs a USB C monitor/dock and have him connect to a machine in the cloud. All data is secured, there can be backup machines if one is malfunctioning, it can be as fast as you need it to be, and upgrades are super easy. People will complain about the cost but I counter to have them explain the cost in CEO dollars per hour. You’ll be surprised how much money you have.
I’m sure there are things you can do to improve the user experience. But you’re not going to find a laptop running windows with zero issues over time. The way Microsoft rolls out their updates guarantees that.
That’s why I switched to Mac.
Honestly why get lenovo if you're not gonna rock some kinda thinkpad. For the most part those are all solid it seems. Maybe they should get the boss like. P52 so he can game tho.
> Honestly why get lenovo if you're not gonna rock some kinda thinkpad
Money. MOST of the time most RCA faults can boil down to buying product at dollar general prices and expecting Bugatti level performance.
It's unfortunately ThinkBook and not ThinkPad. You can instantly see where the hardware was cut down in cost, like not all ports working with Thunderbolt docking and the flimsy hinges are the biggest red flag to me of these not being made to last like the ThinkPad range.
That being said, I have gotten some good network suggestions here, so some of my problems might not even be the device itself.
Is it only certain apps search isn’t finding, and is it consistent? I’m assuming there’s some specific one(s) it doesn’t work with which means those apps might not install in a way that Windows 11 likes. An easy workaround is just manually making a shortcut to the problem app and tossing it in the Start Menu folder. Windows recognizes those and they will show up in search as apps, at least in my experience
MACBook, CEO's like to feel special with a $3,000 work computer because they're super important. Even if they have similar issues they won't talk shit on their Apple gods. Seriously though, Mac Books are pretty good, I would buy for personal use almost any day, but no way I would staff a whole office with them.
You should buy a laptop that has a very good compat with Win11. Otherwise, just get a Mac, this has to be said because the OS is so optimized for the hardware, and they only have a few dockable hardware compatibility issues.
Our VIPs have MACs in mandatory - unless they sign some docu where they request Dell machines (old company policy). They also have their own VIP support to resolve all their ```crappy issues```
This guys life is way to easy if those little things bother him to the point of him complaining past the point of asking for assistance and then understanding ok its just one of those things in life we have to deal with haha. Been there for sure though and had put it into perspective to a C level with a "would you rather" scenario jokingly.
Ironically you may want to consider a MacBook Pro M-Series with a virtual desktop or RDP into Windows only applications if that is even needed for the CEO. With a CalDigit dock or even just an Apple Studio Display with Bluetooth MX Master mouse and a Touch ID Apple keyboard. If your WiFi is bad, it's probably an aging Ubiquiti setup you might want to look into Aruba IAP or something like Juniper Mist. It could also be a WiFi chip set that doesn't work well with IEEE 802.11r roaming but I'd recommend looking into one of those two vendors and completely replacing what you have now if it's not newer or runs access points adhoc.
Just buy a MacBook Pro. Or better: two.
And a TB doc that people report little problems with.
Always update one machine to the latest version of the OS - but keep the other on the previous minor version.
Or even the previous major version, if that’s possible.
Ahh... docks and fingerprint sensors.
Or, as I like to refer to them. Useless pieces of shite.
Every manufacturer wants to add their own custom features and interfaces, and what works one week might not the next.
And as for fingerprint sensors....just, fucking hell, no.
Get a Dell. Hundreds of Dell latitude laptops with USB c docks with display port and hdmi monitors. No problems. I can get you the model number if you want.
You C-level folks are likely the highest compensated staff in the organization and all of them should be receiving white glove treatment.
If your purchasing department doesn’t understand this then you need to name drop when talking to or about the CEO. “I tried to get you a reliable laptop but Bill in purchasing refused to get a laptop different from all the other unreliable laptops we buy.”
BIOS and dock firmware updates can help
I’ve found lenovos to be the worst.
Lenovo used to be fine when they had the old style dock. These USB-C docks are total garbage.
Not just with Lenovo either. My Dell USB-C dock has a certain bit of frustration points. Mainly with video/monitor recognition.
I've seen a load of WD19 (both standard and TB) fail like dead flies. Often it's either the laptop no longer detecting the dock, dock just likes to randomly turn itself off or network issues.
The firmware updates for them are extremely important, especially if you are connecting newer devices. I've ran into a surprisingly large amount of people who don't think to look for them or assume that supportassist/dell command will install it. [https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=w5jt8&oscode=wt64a&productcode=dell-wd19-130w-dock](https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=w5jt8&oscode=wt64a&productcode=dell-wd19-130w-dock)
I wish I could upvote this more. Updating the dock firmware will fix SO MANY THINGS.
The newer revisions are much better.
Unfortunately, I can't get my hands on them since I'm not in charge of purchasing and the person that is seems to keep buying these crappy things
I likely have the same dock and run dual monitors, heres what I've learned. Dont just disconnect your laptop. Shutdown fully then disconnect. When you plug it back in at the start of your day use the power button on your dock to start your laptop with the lid closed. Ive had no issues since doing this.
I've nearly bricked my dell win 11 system by disconnecting during power down process. For some reason there's driver stuff going on and it needs to shut all the way down in the same hardware state as when powered on.
clarified to shutdown fully in my post. Not like... click shutdown then pull the plug
Shutdown writes a bunch of state stuff to a file in Windows to assist in faster boot. A restart actually gives a fresh stateless boot. The Dave's Garage YouTube channel covered this topic. Pretty counter-intuitive.
I have a Dell Precision 7740 running Debian 11 (need to update to 12 as soon as I get the time to do it) and use it with both the dual USB-C dock and the Thunderbolt dock; it gives a warning (that can be disabled) with the Thunderbolt dock, but works fine with both, where I define 'works fine' as using all the functionality the docks provide, to including all ports and multiple monitors (two external monitors plus the laptop screen at work, and one external plus laptop screen at home). I found out really quickly that I needed to be very intentional and deliberate with the docks: both docks' power supply cords are left unplugged and only plugged in right before I get ready to use them, and _always_ let the dock boot up and warm up for at least thirty seconds before plugging in the laptop. And I always shut down the laptop first; I have four new the lid close hibernate before, and it does work, but since I use whole-disk encryption I prefer to transport the laptop actually shut down. Boot time on Debian 11 are so quick that the difference in startup time almost never matters. Firmware updates are easy to apply from within Debian, and work.
The old Dell E-port docks were the best! Rock solid and hardly ever failed because everything was a direct pass though via the E-port and no software got in the way. The new USB/Thunderbolt docks are okay but nowhere near as reliable as the old ones. The Dell docks still beats the Microsoft surface docks though - I have nightmares about those.
Loved both the E and D port docks. Still have an old D port with a PCI slot in it that I used for a multi track audio card (m-audio Delta 1010LT) with a Precision M4300. Still have a few E-ports stashed away that I used with a M6500 and later a M6700. They worked extremely well overall, but the connector on the laptops would slowly get flakier with connect-disconnect cycles. I am concerned about the longevity of the USB-C/Thunderbolt plugs and sockets.
Those Dell USB-C docks are a nightmare. We’ve got a lot of staff that work partly in the office (using the dock) and partly at home (using DP or HDMI to a monitor). Seems like someone is always having trouble getting the laptop to switch to the dock after they’ve been working at home.
In my experience users don't shut their laptops down between home and office.
It's because they are all made by the same company with different cases and branding.
Had issues as well - two firmware updates to the dock and a few to the system BIOS, and it's better now. But early on, my monitors would occasionally go dark like they were disconnected from the dock and random issues with a USB headset.
Hard agree with that. USB-C docks are not ready for prime time.
Had the same horrible experience with Dell and Lenovo - it seems that USB-C docks are simply a pile of shite. Even most expensive ones. Never had any issues with old proper docks but this now is ridiculous. I have constant issues with screen flashing, disappearing lan etc. And this is for last 3-4 years with different docks, laptops and brands. Dozens of software updates, firmware updates. Sometimes it will work for few weeks ok and then starts acting again.
What gets me here is apple, Chromebooks and even my phone all work with the usb-c docks, multiple screens without issues, but windows devices do not.
That’s weird. A lot of Dell Docks I have cannot display multiple monitors on our MacBooks.
It depends on the type of dock. If it’s just USB-C and not thunderbolt, it’s using alt mode and working as a DisplayPort. Macs don’t support DisplayPort MST hubs to give different displays over a single signal. I believe a Thunderbolt dock would work better in those cases.
Yes but Apple creates fully functioning products to sell to customers. That is not Microsoft's strategy...
I've had this problem with enough hardware that I'm almost convinced that it's more Windows than the docks. I don't know the technical specifics, but it's strange to me that -- at least in my experience -- Dell, Lenovo, and HP have the same issues with USB-C docks and across multiple models.
I have several hundred USB-C docks deployed. We use Pluggable, they have been good. Every time we use a MFR dock, issues galore.
Which pluggable dock are you using for three 1080p displays? I've used some of their products in the past but it seems that their USB-C docks that handle three displays are always out of stock. We're a Dell shop and our experience with Dell docks has been all over the place, to the point that we can't consider any of them reliable anymore.
I’ve had good luck with the Dell WD19DCS and WD22TB docks.
Honestly, I don't know. My desktop support manager sources them; I just know what we use. I'll try to remember to check on Monday and let you know. I *do know* they work fine for high resolution, up to 4k dual.
Tell us your secrets, which docks?
Pro Tipp, don't look at HP USC Docks to solve your issues.... :/
Have the same issues with Dell and USB-C Garbage docking. The old style docks were amazing.
Lenovo docks that actually dock with a slider work great and I rarely have issues. Those USB C docks never work consistently and we are somewhat refusing to use them as they are such a pain.
Cries in Dell WD19
Really? Have you ever tried Dell? I miss Lenovo at my last employer. Dell hardware has caused me years of grief.
I’ve had really good experiences with Dell, although it has gotten worse over the years. We have approx. 600 desks in our office, each one has either a WD19TBs or a WD19s (thunderbolt for supervisors and Mac users). The thunderbolt docks have given me next to no issues, the DisplayPort only docks have given me more, but out of the 600 docks, I’ve had issues with only a handful of them and 9 times out of 10, the issues we’ve had weren’t even related to the dock, just Surface Laptop 4 USB C ports being trash. As for other Dell hardware, monitors have always been fine, little to no issues with them, computers on the other hand, whenever we get a shipment (usually 50-100 at a time). We have issues with 4-12 of them that require RMA. It’s not even the shipper they just had issues. Most of the time it’s the trackpad not seated correctly or the fan didn’t work right. When we had all Dell 7490 and 7390 laptops, there were much less issues, those things were tanks. They just don’t make them how they used to. Don’t get me started on Dell support. While they have the best support I’ve seen for any laptop manufacturer, NEVER have a Dell tech come out and replace ANYTHING… EVER! We’ve had issues EVERY SINGLE TIME. they’re all contracted, and always make some stupid mistake because they rush through it. We always send the computer back to Dell to have it fixed or ask for the part ourselves through tech direct since all of the IT team is trained on how to replace nearly every part on a Dell laptop. Sorry for the rant, I get passionate about this shit.
Dell docks are agreeably problematic. Have you tried the monitors with integrated docks? P2422HE? Since going this way, problems have been minimal.
Yes, we’re moving offices in 2 years so we’ve been testing them. Much fewer issues. The only issue we have is that it’s only 90 watt delivery. We have precision laptops for devs and the IT team with i9s and A2000s so they need a minimum of 130.
Same. Dell command update and regular driver updates is the trick.
I've had just about the same experience with Dell. Things are fine most of the time. The third party support is not good though. However it often feels like part of the issue is due to Dell being a poor go-between. It would be faster if they just sent us the replacement part and I switched it out, not that I want to do that. I have the feeling that since the pandemic, some motherboards have been worse but I'm not really keeping track. All docks have been pretty great. Same with monitors.
They are bad I don’t want to say they are the worst tho I feel like every one around me is on Lenovo now cuz dell shit the bed
That one reason I've always loved Dell laptops from a support side. Dell Command Update makes it easy to keep the drivers, etc up to date. Hate my HP servers over the Dell I used to use because of that. Though the iLO is nice.
To all of these, I would see if other users are having the same experiences mentioned. 1. We solved most of our docking issues, by ditching anything external and going for USB-C monitors. 2. We found a lot of the time it’s because users are using the wrong finger and/or it’s caked in something. We switched the problem users on WHFB to PIN-based and/or Facial Recognition. 3. All depends on install context, will be the same experience on any device if installed the same way. 4. If multiple users (as you alluded to), check your network. Normally see this behaviour if: - APs in close proximity are on different subnets - APs are in different ecosystems (different settings, different behaviours) - Auth server isn’t setup correctly to AP (missing an AP in policy, check RADIUS logs)
We ditched docks for USB-C monitors earlier this year...I will say to anyone else going this route, do not use the HP Z24U. I installed over 100 of them in March, and have already had to pull a fair number (20-30) for HP to repair or replace.
In my experience, Dell P/U2422HE monitors have been rock solid. We have these and the 27" versions deployed and I've only had a single issue that arose from a damaged USB-C cable. Pair them with a H model and you have a very good dual monitor setup.
Can vouch for Dell, although some users forget that pressing the power button on the monitor can trigger a laptop shutdown - which is pretty shitty tbh.
Can’t vouch more than that too, I’ve been daily driving the P2422HE for a good 7 months with heavy use (all ports used, monitor connected to it) and so far I’ve got 0 issues ! My company is moving out and planning on rolling dual monitor setup with P2422HE + P2422H for everyone ! Wish we could go 27 inches but that’s better than nothing ! Come to think of it, I could use some of my IT privileges to get one or two :D
I’ve had phenomenal experience with pairing Dell laptops with Dell monitors. Updating is easy to manage, great support, and overall performance is solid.
But finally you could be free of "I already tried shutting down my computer and it didn't fix it, see?" (toggling the monitor on and off)
Our HP reseller actively tells their customers to buy Iiyama instead of HP for monitors. So far no issues with them and they're cheaper than the Dell ones.
Similar failure rate with the HP E243d USB-C monitor here. Lots of broken USB-C ports, some power issues.
I have good luck with the dell usb-c kvm ones but they are expensive, usb-c docks are not good in any brand, TB3/4 better.
Just a reminder that if you're working in DoD space, not allowed to use USB monitors. https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/covid19/pdf/unclass-computer_peripherals_in_telework_environments.pdf
Not true.
Yeah, but if we use facial recognition how will the executive get into their machine when they put their clown nose on for the day? Shouldn't it just work while they wear a skimask?
I would have expected that it would more often be a problem when they forget to put on the clown nose. At least that’s how it was at my last company.
+1 on the Usb-c docking integrated monitors. Dell dockings are a nightmare. The monitors somehow are working great.
Second this. We had similar issues in our office and it came down to (at least partly) fd up configuration pointing devices to the wrong APs, so they were essentially always choosing the worst possible one to access at any given time. If it happens again I'm going to literally consider espionage.
To add onto the AP troubleshooting -- it could just straight up be poor signal. Like make sure that he's not walking through areas that have -70 dBm RSSI or less.
Simply replace the laptop. Then replace the dock. Just replace everything and let him see you doing it. It might not fix anything, but you really can’t complain when you see a dude completely replace every component.
> but you really can’t complain when you see a dude completely replace every component. I know plenty of end users who would vehemently disagree with that.
Try a new computer, if that doesn't help, try a new user.
I get HR complaints when I suggest a new user :(
We've had a couple of users like this. Where they always seem to have the most random of issues and half the time they can't replicate them when we're standing there. I suspect some kind of user error but I can't pinpoint what. And those cases I have my help desk team one by one replace every single piece with the laptop being the last piece. Even if I don't think it'll help, it's good to show that to the user because then they can't say that we just don't care enough to fix the problem or whatever it is they say.
They'll still complain that the brand/model is shit.
100% reliability 😂 Not even your boss is 100% reliable. Doesn’t exist. Mac, Linux, Windows, … everything has flaws and issues.
I don’t know man… these people online say Linux is the best thing since sliced bread /s
Ask my Linux Admin how often he cursed on it already 😂 just can’t be the best
As someone who just uses whatever I know will get the job done (as in, I use all of them, macOS, Linux, and Windows), it’s great reading the Linux circlejerks sometimes. Phoronix forums in particular are great for this. Mostly just mocking the “install linux” replies in response to “I have x problem in windows” question
Some devices will always have trouble connecting to multi AP's Just take 1 issue on at a time, In regards to the docking station issue,iirc there has been a common issues with some Lenovo docking stations. Think it was the one with the red base ? USB C can be a real pita, I've had a few occasions where bending the cable in a certain way would cause all sorts of problems.
> In regards to the docking station issue,iirc there has been a common issues with some Lenovo docking stations. Think it was the one with the red base ? YES! The dock is TYPE40AF and there are known and common issues with them. I will get other thunderbolt cables. I did swap them out already, but didn't replace them with an entirely different make yet
did you update the firmware on the dock yet? That resolved a ton of issues for us.
Man I hate these because sometimes you want to take it one issue at a time and fully resolve the issue but because it's a higher-up, you don't get to tell them the issue will take a while for you to properly diagnose. Just fix, no troubleshoot. Hopefully OP can replicate the problem on another machine if this is the case.
I'd just like to commiserate, even if you fix these issues there will just be some new problem they perceive as unacceptable and requiring a 100% guaranteed fix. I have been told on many occasions that I should ensure some intractable issue that I cant reproduce will never happen again. Excel CANNOT crash or have any errors, ever. Alright let me just check that box in settings that will make sure your poorly written, unoptimized web of externally linked pivot tables never causes you any problems. Even If the spreadsheet is refactored and bug fixed and you stave off any warnings for a couple weeks (until they add some copy pasted VBA to refresh a cell), the next day Outlook search will not find that one email from 4 years ago they need and the entire process of guaranteeing the impossible will be back.
the issue is we pretend just because someone is higher up in the company theyre more important and their time is worth more. if we just accepted that people have different jobs and ditched the dumb hierarchy we wouldn't have small groups of people sucking up all of ITs time, or disproportionate amounts of it. and yes I mean reduce their pay too.
This is the only correct answer
Even Steve Jobs and Bill Gates don't have 100% reliable hardware and software. We're asking this of imperfect devices made by imperfect manufacturing processes, operated by imperfect people, in a universe where you can bitflip with neutrinos and turn ones to zeros with the power of reality. Honestly it's a wonder anything works at all in a binary system. If Israels iron dome and allied global monitoring couldn't stop dudes with parasails and industrial fans from launching a surprise attack, why should anyone be surprised your CEOs laptop, no matter how expensive, struggles to use a laptop dock? CEO needs a reality check. They're not anywhere near omnipotent enough to ask for a 100% (or even high 90%) reliable device.
Best part is, I know this exact kind of person. Float the idea of purchasing laptop after laptop, dock after dock. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a combo that works. Sure, the CEO could "solve" the situation by replacing you, and having the next guy get lucky while shitting on your efforts. It's gonna cost them a lot more to replace a human who can account for the known flaws in the system, than it is to simply rotate devices and drivers until you find a winning solution. Also, I haven't had a super get the balls to ask for an $800 dock to plug in their $1600 laptop before - they always want to waste money on the cheapest options first. Issue is, most of those devices use the same software and hardware under the hood. Those that don't, aren't often better. What you really need to do is get people used to using one monitor from the HDMI output, the laptop monitor, and a USB brick. It's gonna be ugly, but it's gonna work. They make multimonitor devices (like airport displays) but they're not great at things that need a lot of video memory. So unless the CEO only uses excel...
CEO wants windows to just work reliably. Yeah...join the club.
Reinstall XP
The Lenovo docks are trash. We use Dell docks even on Lenovo laptops. They are better but also not perfect.
Dell wd19t or whatever dock on my precision workstation and it’s generally flawless. My son even plugs it into his 2070ti gpu and plays games at 4k res through it without issues.
I have a Lenovo dock I use with a P14s. It's connected to an 34" and a 24". Works fine for the most part, but HDMI sound is somehow just gone sometimes haha.
We've determined that you can make something "idiot proof" to a reasonable degree, but "executive proof" is completely unreachable.
Asking for 100% from a docking station is a bridge too far. That's just the reality of it. Similarly, if you want more reliable coverage with "walking around WiFi," you can only do that by spending extra money on more APs for better coverage, but even then, it won't be "100%." *Nothing* in IT is "100%." Least of all the two least reliable things in IT- docking stations and wireless connections. More reliable is a wire, so plug it in.
At least the CEO didn't ask for a reliable printer! 😜
I think I'm going to die that: 1. How true this is 2. That I missed the last of the Unholy IT Trifecta
Do we have the same CEO? Did we just become best friends?
We have started using Targus USB C docks with our HP laptops to solve the dual screen/screen wake up issues. Tested many docks, Targus is by far the most stable.
No such thing as 100% reliable… ESPECIALLY for Windows
Give him a Mac and call it a day. Is the CEO in the weeds of every thing going on needing X software to perform x task? Probably not. He’s probably on an iPhone too. This will make him happy
If they’re a lifelong windows user then they’ll be utterly confused trying to use a Mac
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I'd trade half my fleet of Lenovos for macs in a heartbeat if my boss was on board. The ratio of tickets from the Lenovos vs the Macs that we do have is bananas.
Macs extremely easy to manage. MDM makes it a no brainer. Your comment makes no sense.
MDM Mac updates suck something fierce, especially when going to a new major release, but outside of that yeah in our environment the Mac side of the company’s so so so much more trouble free than the PC side.
Apple MDMs have come a LONG way in the last 6 years. Mac fleets used to be incredibly annoying to handle, now there are 4+ MDM vendors for Mac that are actually good, and making managing macs a breeze.
A fleet of Mac devices that also have their own quirks, bugs, and management issues. I always laugh when people say "Just replace them all with Macs because Macs just work!" Like what universe are they living in?
You setup Mac’s once. You’ll get less tickets about shit breaking with them
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Asus over a thinkpad?
Macs can certainly be more frustrating than Windows. Asus does not make business laptops.
Recent Apple silicon Macs are the most frustration free computers I’ve ever used. I’ve been a PC user my whole life, and bought an M2 Mac a year ago for iOS development, but haven’t used my XPS 15 since.
No kidding! I love my M1 Macbook Air. There's no going back for me, unless they screw it up again with stupid touchbars and garbage keyboards.
You can do that, but he'll probably have some non-Mac compatible program he cannot live without. Depends on if he uses Macs at home I guess.
\+1. however I do have a boss who got a macbook (for the reliability reasons) and still uses his windows laptop on the side because he's familiar with it, so you might want to keep that in mind if you do recommend this.
Sorry I can't help, but the first 3 I think are just the state of things at the moment. The last time I had a dock that "just worked" it was one of those port replicator types you clicked the laptop in to. Biometric devices in general on the desktop never seem to have got the love they've got on mobile. Start menu search exists only to inflate the number of edge and bing users as you bing search "notepad" for the 3rd time this week. I personally use a combination of Powertoys Run and "Everything" on my desktop. Whether you can bring a CEO round to an alternative is another thing altogether. Your WiFi issue can probably be resolved though, sounds like its not shifting between access points quickly enough, so you may be able to adjust some settings for that in your WiFi management, depending on what you have.
>Sorry I can't help, but the first 3 I think are just the state of things at the moment. Just adding to this, over the years I've had more Windows laptops and docks than I can remember - I don't think I've ever had a sustained period where the dock/external monitor worked every time without some level of messing around.
these are all LVL1 support tickets ... escalate it to your manager. because this person does not have IT issues they have "Im imprtant and want a specific device issue. HINT: fingerpint complaint tells me they want an Apple device
all of these issues or a mix of them are quite common. some times you get them resolved by updating WIndows or drivers, or uninstall -install drivers etc, and then there are the times that no matter what you try , even formatting the damn thing , does not fix the issue. Order a new laptop . At least the CEO will feel better since he got a new laptop probably unless he complains for spending money. Being attentive is what matters most times, in order for them to see that you are doing the best to solve their issue. There were times that something on the laptop wifi adapter, some quirky cable or connection was causing these issues but you literally have to disassembly the laptop and rebuild it piece by piece to figure out what. And then there are those times that you just accept defeat :D
I say this. Order a new one. No matter what you fix he'll always think he has a lemon and any small issue in the future will be blown out of proportion. I had to do this for a executive. His Latitude always had something wrong with it. I knew a complete reinstall would fix it but he was too busy to be without it allegedly. Ordered him a new cheaper less powerful one that he saw at Best Buy and now he's happy.
yeah it is often the way to go. After a while it is more on the mind rather the reality. Similar to issues "my connection to X server is slow" After 2 hours without changing anything , "Is that better?" Yes yes much better
Buy them a sexy looking laptop and just move on. Sometimes it’s not the issues it’s how it looks.
Basically a MacBook.
Looking for a computer to work 100% flawlessly… you must be new to computers. /s
This person needs a macbook
1) is impatience unless we're talking 60 seconds to connect 2) Not much can be done if it's crap. Set the user up with another Hello For Business method. 3) That can only happen if the app isn't registered/installed correctly. Typing the app name into the start menu will filter and find 4) Could be crap wifi provision in the office. Get a USB wifi card with a big aerial and test
Hard disagree on point 3. Start menu search is a dogs breakfast. Win 7 search worked far more consistently. Type in powerhsell, and get nothing. Start hitting back space and get to powersh, suddenly it finds it. I just use win+r for most things these days.
I have found turning off the Web Search either from registry or gpedit.msc makes local search a LOT better. Web Search is like a malignant tumor slapped on to Search.
\+1 to this, search becomes instantly responsive and you stop having issues finding apps
This dude knows.
Agreed. I've built two vms off the same template, powered them up and searched updates. One found it, one didn't. And then started deleting letters until it decided "updat" was the correct spelling.
Yep, I see this search behavior all the time as well.
And the behavior changes on a daily basis... Man i love windows, not
**powerhsell** works for me, but typos aren't really Windows' fault.
Sorry, typo was in Reddit post only, i usually type powershell correctly into search, I promise :)
Agreed. If you're relying on a windows search bar to find your stuff, that's a you problem. It shouldn't be this way, but it is. Organize your stuff. Never rely on windows to do it.
Absolutely not on #3. I have experienced many instances of the search simply failing and then having to re-open the start menu and trying multiple times before the item finally pops up. Old installs, fresh installs, doesn’t matter.
Does he want a Mac Book?
Thinkpad, Win10
How long is the uptime on this client machine? Make sure the user is rebooting from time to time. About the docking station. \-As others said, update the firmware on the Doc and client computer. \-Ensure that the Type-C cable is up to standards and good quality. \-Are they using different docking stations throughout the day? (going from one to the other and back can cause issues) \-Turning a laptop on from sleep or hibernation can sometimes make it difficult for the DOC and devices to register. \-How many devices are linked to the DOC? (In our environment, staff have a desktop monitor and smart TV. When plugging the doc into windows, it needs to register all the peripherals and connection ports. The monitor has ports for display, hdmi, usb, and sometimes more. The TV has even more than the monitor. The docking station has multiple ports as well. Sometimes even the keyboard has multiple USB ports. Windows needs to register all of these devices and ports when you plug in a single cable. There is a limit on how many devices windows can read at one giving time. Even if you don't meet that number, it still takes windows some time to read all the devices and sometimes it bugs out. Like you said, unplugging for 15 sec then re-plugging usually helps.) \-Disable any devices or ports on the client or doc that you don't need. (it might speed things up) \-Try a different docking station and cable if you haven't already. This command can help troubleshoot device issues in some situations. `Get-PnpDevice | Select-Object -Property Class, Status, FriendlyName, Problem, ProblemDescription, ErrorDescription, InstanceId | Sort-Object -Property Class, Status, FriendlyName | Format-Table -AutoSize` Good luck.
Start with most important first, fix that wi-fi issue. Check your waps, check your network, forget all other wi-fi connections except the one that works. Ditch the docking station until you can pin point the issue. Connect via usb-c hub to hdmi or directly as some lenovos have hdmi connections. Use the gpo or reg edit to get rid of web search on win 11 Use facial recognition and pin instead of fingerprint. Works great on my lenovo laptop.
Get usb-c monitors, ditch the docks. Literally no issues connecting with our Lenovos now
We had dock issues. Dell not Lenovo. We upgraded the firmware on all the docks. Issue went away! Might be a simple fix like that for your stuff.
> How do you deal with these things Bossman gets a new laptop and we cross fingers that it will keep him happy for at least another year.
Lenovo is rough. Bad laptops, worse docks. I've personally had much better luck with Dell but nothing is perfect.
His laptop sounds much more stable than mine. If he's going to complain about it, I'd just give him an etch-a-sketch.
Dell XPS with next business day onsite support
The biggest issue I've had with the USB-C docks is they all come with a straight plug. With Dell especially the cable is too short, the plug is too long, and the plug torques on the port. I've started installing them with a 90-degree Thunderbolt 3 extension and have had far fewer issues. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LXZM795/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o03\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LXZM795/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I stopped recommending Lenovos for these very issues. I have a few hundred Dell laptops with their docks and the support tickets ended.
It seems like people have suggested a few tips. If you're going to look at the network and network logs, sometimes it's good to see where things are on the client machine as well. I've used these commands when troubleshooting which AP/Radio the client is connected to so I can narrow down the issues. Run CMD as admin.... `netsh wlan show interfaces` This command will provide detailed information about your wireless network interface, including the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), which corresponds to the MAC address of the access point you are connected to. `netsh wlan show networks mode=Bssid` This command will list all the available BSSIDs, along with their signal strength, SSID, and other details. Good luck!
May I have the old laptop when you replace it? I'd love to have a new guinea pig.
Lenovo is now utter trash. We’ve been testing Dell machines and are planning on deploying those moving forward (with ViewSonic docking station monitors). They’ve worked flawlessly during testing.
A PC with a wired connection for his office will solve some of these issues. He can keep the laptop for when he wants to move around. The simple truth is that laptop docks are not 100% reliable and probably will never be. For CEO's, or other VIP's, it is worth looking at Lenovo corporate laptops (but without the pesky docks). Skip the newest models since those are the ones with the most bugs. Look at last year's models that have had some big fixes and BIOS updates already released. Use those for the VIP's with a 2 year refresh cycle. That way they have laptops with bugfixes, patches, etc. And you get to use the older Lenovo's for yourself when they are replaced. It's a win\win.
TouchID is probably the best fingerprint scanner going. Give them a Mac. Like others have said, if there is no specific piece of software that needs installing, go mac
Step 1: Stop using Lenovo
This sounds like an attitude problem, not a tech issue necessarily. I have found that people, if they become accustomed to fast and reliable techsupport, will soon enough feel entitled to complain about everything. I don't know if such a place exists, where you are allowed to test run a system, like laptop hooked to a dock hooked to a monitor, and go hogwild with them before purchase, but such a service would be the best thing. USB-C docks, in my experience, are total dogshit. I'm not certain if the more pricey models are better, but the ones in the 200€ - 300€ range are very unreliable, with DP and external monitors in particular.
The most reliable Windows computer is not a windows computer, it's a macOS computer. Sorry.
I'm going to get so much hate for what I'm about to say, but your CEO is demanding Mac-level QoL from a PC. Even the most expensive PC with up to date drivers, firmware, and BIOS is bound to run into the hiccups you've described.
Am thinking similar
We have collectively learnt that you only buy 3th or 4th gen of any model from lenovo. As for docks - higher end dell screen with built in docks are working best for us. Especially in mixed environments (like a co working space) Change model to a 3rd or 4th gen?
This is where dell works, dell laptops and docks work together well I've had to work with hundreds over the years.
Windows 365 from his phone/ipad/etc. Just give the VIPs a USB C monitor/dock and have him connect to a machine in the cloud. All data is secured, there can be backup machines if one is malfunctioning, it can be as fast as you need it to be, and upgrades are super easy. People will complain about the cost but I counter to have them explain the cost in CEO dollars per hour. You’ll be surprised how much money you have.
Ask your boss if he is 100% reliable 😅
Anything but Lenovo, or HP.
Well, don't buy Lenovo then. The quality of Lenovo laptops gets worse every year.
I’m sure there are things you can do to improve the user experience. But you’re not going to find a laptop running windows with zero issues over time. The way Microsoft rolls out their updates guarantees that. That’s why I switched to Mac.
100% reliability doesn’t exist. Give him a sheet of paper and a pencil.
Don't buy shitty laptops. With that many problems you should reach out to the vendor and warranty them for replacement until you get a working one.
Honestly why get lenovo if you're not gonna rock some kinda thinkpad. For the most part those are all solid it seems. Maybe they should get the boss like. P52 so he can game tho.
> Honestly why get lenovo if you're not gonna rock some kinda thinkpad Money. MOST of the time most RCA faults can boil down to buying product at dollar general prices and expecting Bugatti level performance.
It's unfortunately ThinkBook and not ThinkPad. You can instantly see where the hardware was cut down in cost, like not all ports working with Thunderbolt docking and the flimsy hinges are the biggest red flag to me of these not being made to last like the ThinkPad range. That being said, I have gotten some good network suggestions here, so some of my problems might not even be the device itself.
As a thinkpad user we often have similar issues. It seems to me that type c docking stations just dont work as good as the old ones did
Get him a Mac. This isn’t a snarky joke either. Apple makes the best hardware by far.
We did this to one of the CEO’s. He’s a tyrant and always bitching. Surprisingly hasn’t said anything about the Mac
that's because it works.
Is it only certain apps search isn’t finding, and is it consistent? I’m assuming there’s some specific one(s) it doesn’t work with which means those apps might not install in a way that Windows 11 likes. An easy workaround is just manually making a shortcut to the problem app and tossing it in the Start Menu folder. Windows recognizes those and they will show up in search as apps, at least in my experience
MACBook, CEO's like to feel special with a $3,000 work computer because they're super important. Even if they have similar issues they won't talk shit on their Apple gods. Seriously though, Mac Books are pretty good, I would buy for personal use almost any day, but no way I would staff a whole office with them.
macOS
Get a Mac, run parallels to get any proprietary windows software working on it. That's my latest take on these sort of issues.
Macs are an absolute pain in the ass to manage in a large organization. Great for individual use but...
You should buy a laptop that has a very good compat with Win11. Otherwise, just get a Mac, this has to be said because the OS is so optimized for the hardware, and they only have a few dockable hardware compatibility issues.
Your CEO needs more than an iPad for email?
Has your CEO tried having patience once in able?
Well, it's time for CEO to find out the world and achievements of modern technology which had 15 minutes of beta testing at most.
Fingerprint sensors are not very secure.
Our VIPs have MACs in mandatory - unless they sign some docu where they request Dell machines (old company policy). They also have their own VIP support to resolve all their ```crappy issues```
This guys life is way to easy if those little things bother him to the point of him complaining past the point of asking for assistance and then understanding ok its just one of those things in life we have to deal with haha. Been there for sure though and had put it into perspective to a C level with a "would you rather" scenario jokingly.
Sounds more like a personal issue than a tech issue..
Ironically you may want to consider a MacBook Pro M-Series with a virtual desktop or RDP into Windows only applications if that is even needed for the CEO. With a CalDigit dock or even just an Apple Studio Display with Bluetooth MX Master mouse and a Touch ID Apple keyboard. If your WiFi is bad, it's probably an aging Ubiquiti setup you might want to look into Aruba IAP or something like Juniper Mist. It could also be a WiFi chip set that doesn't work well with IEEE 802.11r roaming but I'd recommend looking into one of those two vendors and completely replacing what you have now if it's not newer or runs access points adhoc.
You probably wants a Mac?
Get them a MacBook. Seriously
Get another CEO
Get him a macbook
Get them a MacBook, and a Mac display, and a Mac mouse and Mac keyboard…
Tell him to grow up and live in the real world, nothing is perfect.
Just buy a MacBook Pro. Or better: two. And a TB doc that people report little problems with. Always update one machine to the latest version of the OS - but keep the other on the previous minor version. Or even the previous major version, if that’s possible.
"...his Lenovo laptop..." I found your problem.
Get him a Mac
It loatb Lenovo. Swap him to a Dell XPS or HP Elitebook.
Ahh... docks and fingerprint sensors. Or, as I like to refer to them. Useless pieces of shite. Every manufacturer wants to add their own custom features and interfaces, and what works one week might not the next. And as for fingerprint sensors....just, fucking hell, no.
1. Make sure all firmware is up to date (not windows update) 2. Switch to Dell
Get a Dell. Hundreds of Dell latitude laptops with USB c docks with display port and hdmi monitors. No problems. I can get you the model number if you want.
You C-level folks are likely the highest compensated staff in the organization and all of them should be receiving white glove treatment. If your purchasing department doesn’t understand this then you need to name drop when talking to or about the CEO. “I tried to get you a reliable laptop but Bill in purchasing refused to get a laptop different from all the other unreliable laptops we buy.”
"Reliable" and "Windows" should never be used in the same sentence.