Determine USB C and USB Versions on HP Pavilion x360 to Enable Extending Display to 2 Monitors

[Mitch-42]

I'm trying to determine which USB C and USB versions are on my HP Pavilion x360 so that I can extend my display to 2 monitors. I have one monitor connected to the HDMI output, and want to connect a 2nd to either the USB C or regular USB outputs. Devices supporting this specify what version of USB C or USB they are compatible with, but I have been unsuccessful locating this information on the HP site searching by Product name: HP Pavilion x360 Convertible 14-ba2xx, Product Number: 4YN63UA#ABA,[personal information removed] or Processor Name: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-8265U CPU@1.60GHz. All searches have only stated my product warranty has expired, and offer no helpful data. Same thing when searching for the Users Manual. I can only locate the manual for an earlier version of the laptop with a slower processor and slightly different ports. Very frustrating to be unable to chat or speak with a person, and I've spent hours trying to locate what should be simple to provide info. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!!! Thanks very much, and have a Blessed day!!!

[erico · Accepted solution]

I use an enthusiast utility named HWInfo to get detailed information such as that which you are looking for.

https://www.hwinfo.com/download/

[Mitch-42]

Hi Erico,

Thanks very much for the information and link to HWInfo. That's a very useful utility, and helped me determine the type of port I have. I also discovered a magic decoder ring for the various symbols marked next to USB-C ports. It's on Kensington's site: https://www.kensington.com/news/docking-connectivity-blog/usb-c-demystified/ . Mine has an SS trident symbol, indicating it's USB 3.1 capable of 5Gb/s data transfer. Hopefully that will support extension to a 2nd monitor with the Microsoft USB-C® Travel Hub I just ordered.

Thanks again very much for the help!!!

[NashuaDataSolut]

I would be curious of how your travel hub works via USB-c

I have two new Pavilions to replace my older Probook G5's  The travel hub I have requires "USB-C Alt Mode" but neither new laptop supports video over usb-c.  i can get them to work with USB-A but obviously we need that to use the ALT mode.  

very curious if that works for yours

[Mitch-42]

Hi NashuaDataSolut,

Thanks very much for the info on your experience! My Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub arrived yesterday, and so far I've been unsuccessful getting a display to operate through it. The hub has HDMI & VGA ports, and I tried both to no avail. Under settings, when I attempt to detect displays, it does not detect the monitor connected through the USB hub. I've found a few tips suggesting driver updates and such which I have yet to attempt, but the initial prognosis appears guarded at best.

You mentioned neither of your new laptops support video over USB-C. Will you please tell me how you were able to determine that? I've really struggled trying to determine the capabilities of my laptop, as I can't locate the specific manual for my model on HP's site. Thanks!!!

[Mitch-42]

Hi NashuaDataSolut,

I just found this helpful info on the HP Forum regarding the USB 3.1 Type-C™ Gen 1 (Data Transfer up to 5 Gb/s) port our laptops have. https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Video-Display-and-Touch/USB-3-1-Type-C-Gen-1-Data-Transfer-up...

It indicates we may need a hub with an external graphics card (typically DisplayLink chip) integrated in the external device with an HDMI port.

Hopefully this is the answer. Thanks!!!