How to Connect Laptop to a USB-C Dock

[SimonSaysHuh]

Hello,

I have the hp 15-ef2126wm laptop and need to connect it to the ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock.

The dock uses a USB-C connection to connect to PCs, however the USB-C port on this laptop is not capable of handling that connection.  I have tried a basic USB-C to USB 3 (I think) converter into the other USB ports on the laptop, however that does not work.

Is it possible to utilize another method? Like the HDMI port? or do I need another dock?

I would like to avoid purchasing another dock if possible.

Thank you!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Your laptop has data only USB-C ports so the Thunderbolt dock will only partially work as you have seen. You will get no video from the dock, for example. Yes, you need a dock with DisplayLink capability. 

https://www.amazon.com/Docking-Quadruple-Monitors-Displaylink-Compatible/dp/B09XJYC5BL/ref=sr_1_1_ss...

Single example above but many more similar options

[SimonSaysHuh]

Hello, thank you for the response but that doesn't quite answer all my questions. I would also like to know if I can alternatively route the dock's male USB C connection through a different female port in the laptop; for example, the HDMI.

[Huffer]

Not sure what you think would be accomplished by that but the answer is no. The USB-C cable plugs into a USB-C port. USB-C is a general purpose allowing all types of peripherals to be connected. HDMI is only for video out to a monitor. The problem is your dock is not designed to work fully with the specific type of USB-C port found on your laptop. Don't ask me why but USB-C is not a standard thing. Comes in many levels of usefulness and functionality which the industry does a very poor job of explaining to consumers.