No Setup/BIOS via Dock

[msssm]

We have different Elitebooks and ZBooks and different docks.

• ZBook Power G8
• ZBook Power G9
• ZBook X G1i 16
• HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4 w/Combo Cable
• HP_Thunderboltdock_G2 120W

...and all have the same issue that I don't get the setup (BIOS) screen via the Dock. Same happens also for Windows Bitlocker Pin request which I always need to enter blindly.

For instance the combination ZBook X G1i 16 + HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4.

Which setup options do I need to set to get the early setup screen via dock?

All Docks have the screens connected via USB-C Alternate cable.

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @msssm,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for providing the detailed setup. For the HP ZBook X G1i 16-inch Mobile Workstation PC with the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4, there are a couple of BIOS/pre-boot settings worth checking before concluding that the dock cannot display the early startup screens.
 

Check these BIOS settings

1. Restart the ZBook and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Under Boot Options, make sure Fast Boot is disabled.
3. Save the change and restart.
4. For testing the external display during pre-boot, close the ZBook's internal display lid while the dock and external monitor are connected.

HP's Thunderbolt Dock G4 documentation identifies Fast Boot as relevant to pre-boot operation. HP BIOS documentation also specifically records fixes for situations where USB devices do not function at the BitLocker PIN screen when Fast Boot is enabled: HP March 2024 BIOS refresh (for 2022 notebook PCs) | HP® Support
 

Also ensure the ZBook BIOS and the Thunderbolt Dock firmware are current.
 

For the BitLocker PIN screen

The BitLocker PIN prompt occurs before Windows loads. If the external display remains blank after disabling Fast Boot and testing with the notebook display closed, the next thing to check is the Thunderbolt security configuration in the BIOS. The security level can affect pre-OS Thunderbolt functionality, so I would not recommend changing it blindly; it should be checked against your organization's security requirements.
 

Since you are seeing the same behavior with multiple ZBooks/EliteBooks and docks, the configuration of the pre-boot environment is more relevant than the Windows display settings.
 

For the ZBook X G1i + Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4, start with Fast Boot disabled and the internal display closed, then test whether F10 BIOS Setup and the BitLocker PIN screen appear on the external monitor.
 

Take care and have an amazing day!

[msssm]

Closing the lid solved it, so easy 🙂 I always had it opened for better cooling... Thank you so much.

Fastboot is still turned on while mouse, keyboard and displays are working now in the early setup via Dock.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @msssm,

You're very welcome! 😊
 

Glad to hear that closing the lid resolved the issue and that your mouse, keyboard, and displays are now working through the dock during the early setup.
 

It also sounds like Fast Boot being enabled is not causing any further problems with your current setup.
 

Thank you for coming back and sharing the solution; this could be helpful to others experiencing the same behavior. Happy computing! 👍

[msssm]

While having this solved by starting with closed lid,

I have another issue with failing displays at Windows Login, when lid is closed:
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Business-Notebooks/ZBook-X-G1i-on-Dock-G4-no-display-on-Win-11-startup...