Thunderbolt 4 functionality

[Smax2]

Hello dear board members

I'm currently despairing of HP Support – but maybe there's something I don't understand... Perhaps you can help me here.
I recently bought an HP notebook (HP Spectre x360 Laptop 16-aa0799nz (9E329EA)) and an HP monitor (HP Series 7 Pro 27-inch 4K Thunderbolt 4 Monitor – 727pk) with an integrated docking station.

Both products are listed as Thunderbolt 4-compatible in the specifications.

This should make it possible to connect the notebook to the monitor via a Thunderbolt 4 cable (!) and then use it to transmit video signals, charge the notebook, and access the docking station, and thus my LAN, mouse, and external keyboard.

This works fine with a 5-year-old iPad Pro – except for the LAN connection, for which I would need an external Apple network card. It doesn't work with my Spectre – at least most of the time. So far, there have been two days when it worked for a short time.

I'm getting very strange feedback from support – for example, that the two devices are not compatible, that one is a “consumer product” and the other a “commercial product.” Today, they told me I would have to use a different adapter???

I didn't understand that at all. The adapter supplied (apparently they meant the power supply) is too weak at 140W, I would need a 200W adapter...

Have I misunderstood what Thunderbolt 4 technology means?
The answer regarding the adapter would come from the top technical department...

We went through everything a few weeks ago. We reset everything, without success. At the BIOS/UEFI level, the Thunderbolt service is also described as active and functional, but at the Windows level, I can't find anything about it anywhere—it's as if it doesn't exist. The UEFI is also almost impossible to configure.

Does anyone have any tips, ideas, or suggestions?

Many thanks in advance and warm regards from Switzerland,
Smax

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Smax2,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can feel the frustration and confusion you're experiencing, especially when you've invested in premium HP hardware like the Spectre x360 16-aa0799nz and the HP Series 7 Pro 27-inch 4K Thunderbolt 4 Monitor, expecting seamless integration. You're right to expect Thunderbolt 4 to "just work", and you're not alone in facing this issue.

Let’s break this down and clarify what’s happening, what’s misunderstood, and how you can move forward.

⚡ Thunderbolt 4: What It Should Do

Thunderbolt 4 is designed to:

• Transmit video, data, and power over a single cable.
• Support docking stations, external monitors, and charging.
• Be cross-compatible across certified devices.

Your setup, Spectre x360 + HP Series 7 Pro Monitor with integrated dock, should support:

• Display output
• Laptop charging
• Access to LAN, keyboard, and mouse via dock

And yes, it works with your iPad Pro, which confirms the monitor and dock are functioning.

Why It’s Not Working Reliably with Your Spectre

1. Thunderbolt Firmware or Driver Issue, 2. Embedded Controller Glitch, 3. Consumer vs Commercial Product Confusion, 4. Power Delivery Misunderstanding

Steps to Try Now

1. Reset Embedded Controller
   • Shut down the laptop.
   • Hold the power button for 5–10 seconds.
   • Restart and reconnect the monitor.
      
2. Update Thunderbolt Firmware and Drivers
   • Go to HP Spectre x360 Laptop 16-aa0799nz (9E329EA) | HP® Support. 
   • Install the latest BIOS, Thunderbolt firmware, and Intel chipset drivers.
      
3. Install Intel Thunderbolt Control Center
   • Download from the Microsoft Store.
   • Check if your monitor appears under connected devices.
      
4. Try the Alternate Thunderbolt Port
   • Some Spectre models have multiple Thunderbolt ports; try both.
      
5. Check BIOS Settings
   • Press Esc → F10 during boot.
   • Ensure Thunderbolt support is enabled.
   • If available, enable pre-boot Thunderbolt support.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Smax2,
 

I hope this helps. Please try and keep us posted on how it works.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Smax2]

Dear VikramTheGreat

Sorry I didn't manage to reply sooner. Thank you very much for your detailed and structured reply!

I've actually already carried out all the steps you recommended – but I'll do it again today – maybe miracles do happen 🙂

Unfortunately, the current Windows 11 version 25H2 is not offered on the HP support page – I'll now install all the updatable drivers directly from the Intel site and hope that this doesn't cause any conflicts with the HP setup.

Thunderbolt functionality is integrated into the ‘meteor lake’ processor and, to my knowledge, there is no longer a separate chipset that I could update.

Unfortunately, the MS Store does not offer me a Thunderbolt Control Centre either.

The Ami BIOS-UEFI is unfortunately ‘overlaid’ by HP and does not allow any more specific settings – there are no options for Thunderbolt there.

Nevertheless, the Thunderbolt functionality is reported as available and active on the UEFI basis – unfortunately, there is no trace of it at the Windows level.

The strangest thing about my problem is that I've had two episodes in the last few months where Thunderbolt worked intermittently...

I'm trying to reach someone at HP Support by telephone who has at least a little more technical insight, which is extremely difficult, time-consuming and annoying...

Otherwise, I may have to completely reinstall the computer in the

Many thanks and best regards

Smax2

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Smax2,

Thank you for getting back. I can understand your condition.

To get you further assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support