Today, the need for gadgets to be able to do everything is a must; it’s why smartphones have become such a big hit for everyone. In the office, however, where brand new or used laptops are the norm for getting work done, it is imperative to ensure you are ready anytime, anywhere. One should basically be able to bring their office with them when needed. Good thing there is one nifty office accessory you can use to achieve this: a universal laptop docking station.
Laptop docking stations are portable devices intended to use in the office for maximum functionality of any laptop. Useful during conference meetings and other office gatherings, these tiny, powerful devices pack a punch and are great at cutting costs and time during such events because of the range of its capabilities.
One known downside of this efficient device is that most of the laptop docking stations are not capable of charging laptops. This can be very difficult if you left your laptop’s charger or if it got some charging issues, however, there are simple and easy ways that you can do to make charging a laptop without the charger possible with the use of a USB-C connector.
These docks come in a variety of connectivity options including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB 3.0, to name a few. This ensures fast bandwidth shared between the receiving and sending devices. Most docks also come with the capability of sharing in 4k display and can often be used wirelessly because of Bluetooth connectivity between devices. If you find yourself using docking stations in the office often, you may encounter a few sticky situations where you might need to do some troubleshooting. Do not fret though! Here are some quick troubleshooting solutions to common laptop docking station issues.
- Compatibility with the Device
These nifty gadgets will list down the models or types of laptops that can be used with it, so make sure this list is reviewed before using the dock. The issue with physically docking the device may be avoided for as long as the compatibility is checked before purchase. When connecting your device to the dock, make sure no other objects are in the way of the ports, which may be causing blockage. Clean out the ports and connectors before use just to make sure. These issues can be due to the mechanisms of the docking station used, so always double check!
- Black Screen Issues
If you encounter a black screen on your monitor when using a docking station, this may be a detection issue with the device. You can tell it’s not because the laptop is turned off since the monitor’s LED lights are turned on or by the sound cues the device makes. Double check the cables that are connected and ensure there are no faulty wires. If the cables and wires aren’t at fault, check the device itself by pressing the shortcut key Win+Ctrl+Shift+B, if using a Windows 10 device, to access the Display Settings and selecting Detect. Make sure the device is updated with its latest drivers as well.
- Audio Problems
Another common problem one’s laptop might face once docked is audio. Always do a physical check of the cables, the dock, and the laptop whenever any issue occurs. Double check in case there is another speaker connected and if the correct audio device is connected or enabled. Once this is done and the problem still persists, try to fix the audio using the troubleshooter of your specific device. Run this option and it will automatically check the audio hardware of your laptop. If this does not work, manually reset the audio hardware by disabling and reenabling it. Update the firmware, audio drivers, or even the operating system of your device if the problem still occurs. Computer Technicians mentions repairs could take longer if your HDD is faulty
- Charging Issues
In case of charging issues on the dock with the power brick that comes with it, check the cables and wires for any faulty or misshapen parts. Most devices will have a specific light that will signify it is charging, so make sure the appropriate lights are on and in the right color. Lastly, make sure the outlet used is working properly.
- Device Is Unrecognized
Once the peripherals are plugged in for the first time, make sure all necessary drivers are installed on the laptop. Perhaps the plugged device is an older model, so read up on the correct driver to use for it. A hard reset on the docking station may prove useful as well, and this can be done differently depending on the model of your dock.
These common problems may come up for any brand of docking stations, so make sure to check the manual for more in-depth explanations and how-tos, especially for more specific kinds of problems. Remember to always check the warranty of the product and when it is best to consult an expert in laptop repairs. If there are important files in your Apple computer, you may look for a shop that offers MacBook data retrieval services.