hp-elitebook-850-g3 model:7815302 Product number: L3D22AV

[M980]

Running Windows 7 64 bit as up to date as MS will allow. Latest HP Bios available is installed.

I want to connect 2 x 27 inch HP monitors.  

Solutions I have researched is using the USB C Dock G5 (with latest BIOS) indicate that the two should connect and at least allow the monitors to work. Drivers for the Dock begin with Windows 10 so nothing for Windows 7. .

Nothing I have read is definitive on the issue, of using this HP Elite 850 G3 with HP C Dock G5 with Windows 7.  The monitors are not "discover-able."  

However, when I connect one monitor is blank, the other is pale blue and otherwise dead to the world. 

I suspect the absence of a Windows 7 Driver is the problem. 

How can I solve this problem and successfully use two HP monitors? 

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@M980,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

I am no stranger hanging on to a Windows 7 (Ultimate) 64-bit OS system -an HP ProBook 6560b to be precise, for sentimental and some other, let's say, well-defined technical reasons -but I digress.

In any regards, the issue you’re facing is most likely due to driver compatibility. The HP USB-C Dock G5 (5TW10UT#ABA) does not support Windows 7. HP only provides drivers starting with Windows 10, and that is because:

• Microsoft ended mainstream and extended support for Windows 7, and

• HP did not validate or release drivers for this dock on Windows 7 systems.

This would explain why your monitors are not being properly recognized: the dock relies on modern drivers (video passthrough, USB-C/DisplayPort alt-mode, and network support) that simply don't exist for Windows 7.

What you can do:

1. If you must stay on Windows 7, your best option is to bypass the dock and connect your monitors directly to the EliteBook 850 G3 using its available video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA via adapter).

2. If you want dual-monitor support through the dock, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 (or later) so you can install the official HP drivers for the USB-C Dock G5.

3. For legacy support, a third-party USB display adapter (that does have Windows 7 drivers) could be used, but that would be more of a workaround than a clean solution. A common technology used in such adapters is DisplayLink, which still provides legacy drivers for Windows 7 (though newer versions focus on more recent OS versions), see link: https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/windows. Click on the "Legacy Drivers" "+" symbol and scroll all the way down.

4. Here is a StarTech example with W7 support (https://www.startech.com/en-eu/faq/usb-video-adapters-displaylink-install-windows-v78?srsltid=AfmBOo...), as offered for sale here: https://www.cdw.com/product/startech.com-usb-3.0-to-hdmi-adapter-usb-to-hdmi-monitor-for-windows-no-....

Unfortunately, as far as I was able to ascertain, there is no HP-provided Windows 7 driver for your dock. Without it, the monitors won’t function properly through the G5.

Hope this was remotely (pun intended) helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@M980,

My bad, sometimes I get ahead of myself, and the StarTech example I referenced is of course not a dock, but just a single-function USB video adapter.

To make things right, so to speak, here is a W7 compatible StarTech dock purchase example: StarTech USB 3.0 Laptop Docking Station (USB3SDOCKHD), with the associated OS support info: Laptop Docking Stations DisplayLink Install - Windows V/7/8/10 | StarTech.com | Europe.

But wait, there is more.  Here is StarTech’s support page include guidance for “Intel Install – Windows 7/8” for docking stations: Laptop Docking Stations Intel Install - Windows 7/8 | StarTech.com | Europe.

If you decide to try this model (or another similar legacy StarTech dock), here are a few tips to increase your chances of success on Windows 7:

• Download and install the latest DisplayLink drivers for Windows 7 before connecting the dock.

• Make sure the dock firmware (if applicable) is updated.

• Use USB 3.0 ports (not USB 2.0) on your host system for better compatibility. And again, as far as I was able to ascertain, your HP EliteBook 850 G3 is equipped with no less than 2 × USB 3.0 ports (one with charging capability!).

• Test with a single monitor first, then expand to dual displays to see if both work.

Warm Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Jupitero]

Hello.

The reason for the USB C Dock G5 not working with your laptop is not due to Windows 7 or (lack of) drivers, but due to incompatibility in the electronics level.

USB C Dock G5 requires USB-C Alt Mode DisplayPort, which is a feature your old laptop doesn't have.

Unless your 27" monitors are only FullHD and has HDMI and DVI connectors, I would advise NOT to buy the StarTech dock mentioned here because it is limited to "1920 x 1200p maximum resolution on two displays", and one of the display connectors is DVI which is obsolete and rather limited in resolutions. The StarTech dock uses a software driven DisplayLink technology - which works with Windows 7 - but the display update speed would be slow when using both displays on that resolution, and not fit for video or games, and the slowness would be evident even when scrolling web pages.

Your options without a dock would be to use built-in Displayport 1.2 port (max resolution 4096 x 2160 @60 Hz), and the VGA port (1920x1200 @60hz) - should your displays have a VGA port, that is.

The best option for your 850 G3 is the HP 2013 Ultraslim Dock (D9Y32AA) for which your laptop has a dedicated port on the right side. These are available second hand for very little money because it is an obsolete model - along with your laptop. It doesn't require any drivers.

[M980]

Thank you! Your thorough and detailed response is amazing and uber helpful to me and I am sure others.  Mega Cudos!

[NonSequitur777]

@M980,

Thank you kindly for you vote of confidence!

I’m really glad to know the details were helpful to you.  By all means, please provide any follow-up feedback how things went -if you are so inclined!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777