HP Spectre x360 - Compatibility well dock SD25TB4

[cbrain311]

I have an HP Spectre x360 laptop and my set up includes two dell monitors and an SD25TB4 dell docking station. I have updated my HP, Intel, and windows drivers/BIOS and for still cannot get the docking station to work with my computer. I had an older style dell dock that worked fine until it met it's demise. The newer styles appear to have issues connecting, but I have to stick with dell due to my work. Does anyone know if there is a way to update the current Thunderbolt 3 port to be compatible with the Thunderbolt 4 that Dell has switched to?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @cbrain311 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for updating your HP, Intel, and Windows components — that’s a strong foundation. Let’s now focus on the connection path and compatibility layers to help your Spectre x360 work smoothly with the Dell SD25TB4 dock.

Thunderbolt 3 ports on your HP Spectre x360 are not upgradable to Thunderbolt 4 via software or firmware. However, Thunderbolt 4 docks like the Dell SD25TB4 should be backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3 if all firmware, BIOS, and drivers are correctly aligned. Let's walk through key checks to restore functionality.

Actionable Steps to Restore Dock Functionality

1. Use the Correct Thunderbolt Cable

• Ensure you are using a certified Thunderbolt 4 cable (not just USB-C or passive Thunderbolt 3).
• Avoid third-party cables unless explicitly rated for Thunderbolt 4.

2. Confirm Thunderbolt Security Settings

• Restart your Spectre x360 and press F10 to enter BIOS Setup.
• Navigate to Advanced → Thunderbolt Configuration.
• Set Security Level to No Security or User Authorization.
• Enable Pre-boot ACL and Thunderbolt Boot Support if available.
• Save and exit BIOS.

3. Reinstall Thunderbolt Software

• Download and install the latest Thunderbolt Control Center from Microsoft Store.
• Also install the Intel Thunderbolt driver from HP’s support page for your Spectre x360:
  HP Spectre x360 Drivers and Downloads

4. Power Cycle the Dock

• Disconnect the dock from power and laptop.
• Wait 60 seconds.
• Reconnect power to dock first, then connect to laptop using Thunderbolt cable.

5. Check Device Manager

• Open Device Manager → System Devices.
• Look for Thunderbolt(TM) Controller and PCI Express Root Port entries.
• If missing, reinstall Intel chipset and Thunderbolt drivers.

6. Test with Minimal Setup

• Disconnect all peripherals from the dock.
• Connect only the dock and one monitor.
• Gradually add devices to isolate any that may be interfering.

These steps should help your Spectre x360 recognize and work with the Dell SD25TB4 dock. While Thunderbolt 3 can’t be upgraded to 4, the protocol is designed to be cross-compatible when the right cable, BIOS settings, and drivers are in place.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye