How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (2024)

How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (1)

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Getting Started with your Dell Universal Dock D6000S Dell Universal Dock D6000S Setup, Specifications and Service Manual Frequently asked questions

Dell Universal Dock D6000S links all your electronic devices to your laptop computer using a single cable that supports both Thunderbolt ™ 3 (USB Type-C) or USB 3.0. When you connect the laptop to the docking station, you can gain access to all your peripherals such as the mouse, keyboard, stereo speakers, external hard drive, and large-screen displays without having to plug each one into the laptop.

Dell Universal Dock D6000S works with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple displays, audio, ethernet and other USB peripherals to be connected to coomputers through USB.

For help with specifications, setup, connecting an external monitor, troubleshooting common issues, etc. refer to an expanding section below.

Docking Station Specifications

Dell D6000S docking station technical specifications
PC Connectivity
  • USB 3 .0 Type-A (Via USB Type-C to USB Type-A converter)
  • USB Type-C (supports Power Delivery up to 65W)
Video ports
  • 1 x HDMI 2.0
  • 2 x DisplayPort 1.2

NOTE: Dell Universal Dock D6000S supports up to 3 displays when connected to your PC using the Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C cable and up to 2 displays using the USB 3.0 cable.

Audio ports
( D6000S only)
  • 1 x audio line-out (rear)
  • 1 x headphone or microphone combo (front)

NOTE: Audio pass-through is not supported on the D6000S series Dock.

Network ports
  • 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45)
USB ports
  • 3 x USB 3.0 Type A (1 front and 2 rear)
  • 1 x USB 3.0 port (front) with PowerShare
  • 1 x USB Type-C (front) data only and PowerShare

NOTE: This dock supports USB 3.1 Gen 1. In this article USB 3.1 Gen 1 and USB 3.0 are synonymous.

System Requirements

Dell D6000S docking station minimum system requirements
Minimum System Requirements for Productivity & Web Usage
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 2+GHz, Intel Core M, AMD Trinity, or better
  • Memory (RAM): 4GB
  • Video Card: Intel HD 4000, ATI Radeon HD7xxx, NVidia GeForce 5xxM or better, with drivers released specifically for the Windows version.
  • USB: USB 3.0 recommended (USB 2.0 compatible with limited functionality)
Minimum Requirements for Full-Screen Video Playback
  • Processor: Intel SkyLake i3 or Intel Core i7 2+GHz, AMD Richland A10-575x, AMD Kaveri A10-7400P, or better
  • Memory (RAM): 8GB
  • Video Card: Intel HD 4000, ATI Radeon HD 8650, NVidia GeForce 7xxM or better, with drivers released specifically for the Windows version. If playing UHD content (4K), the PC must be capable of decoding 4K video in the GPU.
  • USB: USB 3.0
  • Hard Disk: 7200RPM or SSD
Operating system
  • Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 (8.1), and Windows 7
  • Ubuntu OS 14.04.2 or greater
  • Chrome OS Build 58 onwards

Ports and Features

How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (2)
Figure 1: Dell Universal Dock ( D6000S) Ports

Installing drivers

Dell Universal Dock D6000S works with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple displays, audio, ethernet and other USB peripherals to be connected to computers through USB.

NOTE: For optimal performance, Dell recommends updating the BIOS and Chipset driver on your computer before installing the DisplayLink driver for the docking station. You will need Admin Rights on your computer to install the DisplayLink driver.

  1. Download and install the latest DisplayLink driver from Dell page
  2. Follow the screen instructions until the installation is complete
  3. Restart the computer
  4. Connect all the external devices to the docking station
  5. Connect the docking station to your computer

NOTE: Latest DisplayLink driers for supported Operating systems including Corporate installers can also be found at displaylink.com/downloads How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (3)

Setting up an external monitor

Microsoft Windows operating system includes the VGA graphics drivers only. Therefore, for optimum graphics performance, it is recommended that Dell graphics drivers applicable for your computer be installed from Dell website under the "Video" section.

Connect the monitor to the docking station using the HDMI and/or DisplayPort cable provided with the monitor. Dell Universal Dock D6000S supports up to 3 displays when connected to your computer using the Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C cable and up to 2 displays using the USB 3.0 cable. Refer to the Display Resolution Table below for more details about the supported resolution when connecting multiple monitors to the docking station.

To learn more about setting up and troubleshooting issues with multiple monitor setup, refer to these Dell knowledge-base articles How to Setup Multiple Monitors or How to Troubleshoot Multiple Monitor Issues

Display resolution table

Dell D6000S docking station display resolution support using USB-C connection
Docking station connected to PC using USB Type-C
Input Output
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI DP 1 DP 2 HDMI
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 30Hz
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 5K @ 60Hz 4K @ 30Hz
DP 1 DP 2 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 4K @ 60Hz
HDMI 4K @ 60Hz
Dell D6000S docking station display resolution support using USB 3.0 Type-A connection
Docking station connected to PC using USB 3.0 Type-A
Input Output
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI DP 1 DP 2 HDMI
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz N.A.**
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 5K @ 60Hz N.A.**
DP 1 DP 2 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 4K @ 60Hz
HDMI 4K @ 60Hz

**: No Alt-mode support.

Troubleshooting

Dell D6000S docking station troubleshooting guide for common issues
Symptom Possible Solution
There is no video on the monitor attached to the dock

NOTE: Video is not available outside the operating system or in a pre-boot environment such as the BIOS.

  • Check the video connection cables
  • Unplug the power, wait 10 seconds, and then reconnect
The video on the attached monitor is distorted or corrupted
  • Check video connection cables
  • Check the video resolution under Control Panel > Display > Change Display Setting
The video on the attached monitor is not displaying in extended mode
  • Press Windows logo + P key.
  • Toggle the display mode.
The audio jacks are not functioning
( D6000S on;y)
  • Right-click the Sound icon on the System Tray
  • Select Playback devices
  • Right-click and check both Show Disconnected Devices and Show Disabled Devices
  • Right-click USB Audio device and select Set as default
USB ports are not functioning on the dock
  • Unplug from the power, wait 10 seconds, and then reconnect
  • Download and install the latest USB 3.0 host controller from Dell page
HDCP content is not able to display on the attached monitor
  • HDCP content support is currently not available
DisplayLink Driver is not able to install You can download the latest DisplayLink driver from:
  • Dell
    or
  • displaylink.com/downloads How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (4)
    or
  • Run Windows Update with the dock connected to the computer (by using the Wi-Fi or Ethernet of your laptop computer)
Laptop failed to boot with dock connected
  • Remove all USB devices connected to the dock
  • Power on the laptop
Some unqualified boot devices may cause a lockup during boot
First time Internet access causing error message
  • Download the driver from an Internet connected computer and copy the driver over USB flash drive, and run the setup
Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service This can occur when entering extend mode with low system resources. The computer does not have enough memory to start an extend display
  • Close down any unused applications. The situation may also be improved by rebooting the computer
Incompatible Display Driver This message will appear if the primary graphics card drivers installed are not WDDM compatible. Windows 7 onwards is not designed to operate without WDDM drivers.
  • Download and install the latest graphics drivers for your primary graphics card
Laptop failed to wake up from Ethernet port
  • Check the settings under BIOS Items to make sure laptop supports wake-up-from-Ethernet port function
Laptop fail to power charge when the dock is connected to your computer
  • Make sure the dock is connected properly to its own power adapter
  • Make sure the LED of your dock is ON (White LED). Disconnect and re-connect the dock cable to your computer
  • Make sure the notebook’s USB-C port accept power charging
  • Check with your notebook manufacturer to confirm power charging compatibility with the dock
No video on the monitors attached to High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), or DisplayPort (DP) port on the dock
  • If your monitor is connected to the dock, the video output on your computer may be disabled. You can enable the video output under Control Panel\Display\Change Display Setting
  • Check the resolution settings on your computer. Your monitor may support higher resolutions than what the dock is able to support. Refer to the Display Resolution Table in the User Guide of your dock for more information on maximum resolution capacity
  • Make sure the video cable (HDMI or DisplayPort) is connected properly to the monitor and the dock. Ensure to select the correct video source on your monitor (refer to your monitors documentation for more information about changing the video source)
  • If only one monitor is shown and the other monitor is not. Download the latest driver from the DisplayLink website to install or Connect to Windows Update with dock (by using Wi-Fi or Ethernet port of the laptop)
  • Try with a different monitor and Laptop computer that is known to be good, if possible

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find Dell Universal Dock D6000S drivers for Microsoft Windows and Ubuntu?

You can download the latest DisplayLink driver from:

  • Dell
    or
  • displaylink.com/downloads How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (5)
    or
  • Run Windows Update with the dock connected to the PC (by using Wi-Fi or Ethernet of your laptop computer)

Is the Dell Universal Dock D6000S USB cable replaceable?

No. Dell Universal Dock D6000S USB cable is attached to the dock and not replaceable. However, Dell provides a 1-year standard warranty which will cover the Dock and cable (if purchased as a tied laptop accessory, the Dell Universal Dock D6000S will share the system warranty).

What Dell PCs are compatible with the Dell Universal Dock D6000S?

Dell Universal Dock D6000S works with any PC equipped with USB 3.0 Type-A, USB Type-C, or Thunderbolt 3. However, bandwidth is capped at USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gbps).

Is the Dell Universal Dock D6000S compatible with Dell Precision Mobile Workstations?

The DisplayLink solution offered with the Dell Universal Dock D6000S is a "USB Graphic" solution which involves software compression. The compression is utilizing the CPU process power but not using the discrete GFx card power for video processing. Also, the DisplayLink solution does not support UMA-GFx card switching resulting in not being able to take advantage of GFx hardware acceleration. For Precision users, the work performed typically requires real-time rendering, Dell's Thunderbolt Dock TB16 or WD15 docking solutions may offer a better experience.

If my Dell laptop model is not listed in the compatibility list, will the Dell Universal Dock D6000S still work?

Dell Universal Dock D6000S uses DisplayLink technology, and should work with most PCs equipped with USB 3.0 Type-A, USB Type-C, or Thunderbolt 3. However, bandwidth is capped at USB3.1 Gen1 (5Gbps). The drivers on older computers may need to be updated to ensure compatibility with the DisplayLink driver.

Can you use Dell Universal Dock D6000S with non-Dell products?

Yes, however certain Dell features of the Dell Universal Dock D6000S might not function on third-party computers including power charging over 60W and management features. Also, due to certain computer manufacturer’s designs, there may be limited or no functionality for video, USB, and so on.

Is the Dell Universal Dock D6000S compatible with Thunderbolt PCs?

Yes, any Dell computer that supports Display Port over USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 can connect to the Dell Dock with the USB Type-C non-Thunderbolt cable (ships with the Dell dock).

Why is there a Power Error Message when I connect the Dell Universal Dock D6000S to my Dell Precision mobile workstation?

Some Dell Precision models may require more than the 65W that the Dell Universal Dock D6000S can deliver to charge the laptop. You can still use the D6000S series dock to charge the laptop, but it may take a longer time to fully charge versus using the copmuters power adapter.

To remove the error message, one way is to either boot with the power adapter connected to the computer in addition to the dock connected via USB Type-C, or disable the warning in BIOS. Once the computer has booted you can disconnect power and the computer will work fine while powering from USB Type-C.

Does the Dell Universal Dock D6000S have enterprise features like PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN (WOL), MAC-address-Pass-Through (MAPT). etc?

The D6000S series does not support business-class features such as PXE boot or Wake-on-LAN. For docks using DisplayLink, like the D6000S series, not all functions will work outside of the operating system or BIOS. For customers that require enterprise features like PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN (WOL), and other business-class features for deployment in large enterprises, Dell offers WD15 and TB16 docking solutions which have the full suite of enterprise features. The Dell Universal Dock D6000S does offer MAC-address-pass-through (MAPT).

For more information on MAPT, refer to the Dell knowledge-base article What is MAC Address pass through? Latitude, Mobile Precision Workstation, XPS, USB Type-C.

Does the Dell Universal Dock D6000S have its own MAC ID address and what does it mean?

Yes, the Dell Universal Dock D6000S has a media access control (MAC) identifier that can be passed through for network identification. Each dock typically has its own MAC address, but with a Dell computer, a system-unique MAC address is passed through from the computer to the dock to make it unique to assist IT.

How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock D6000S (6)

What is the difference between PowerShare and Power Delivery?

PowerShare allows you to charge your phone or tablet without the notebook being turned on. Power Delivery is used with the USB PD charging spec for USB Type-C devices. Power Delivery means a product (AC adapter or docking station) has the ability to provide enough charging power to charge the device with up to 65W.

Can the Dell Universal Dock D6000S charge my USB Type-C laptop?

Yes, if the laptop manufacturer enabled charging capability via USB Type-C.
*Industry standard USB PD rev 2.0 v1.1 Power Delivery at 15W (5V@3A) and 60W (19.5V@3A). USB Power Delivery exceeding 60W* for Dell connected devices.

NOTE: Not all USB Type-C connections offer the same functionality. Some USB Type-C connections may deliver only data, for instance.

Can the Dell Universal Dock D6000S provide charging to the laptop through the USB Type-A connection?

The USB Type-A adapter on the end of the cable does not deliver power to the notebook when in use. This adapter will never deliver power as USB Type-A plugs and receptacles do not have Power Delivery capability.

Does the Dell Universal Dock D6000S support Dell-on-Dell features, such as Dell Command Update?

As the Dell Universal Dock D6000S is originally designed for use with any laptops that support industry standard USB Type-C, and for use in a hoteling/hot-desk environment, Dell-on-Dell features are not currently offered.

The manual for the Dell Universal Dock D6000S states the maximum operating temperature is 40 degree C. What does this refer to?

This is referring to the maximum recommended surrounding temperature where the Dell Universal Dock D6000S will operate normally.

Can we extend the Dell Universal Dock D6000S cable with adapters?

No, this is not recommended as charging and USB features may not work with third-party add-on adapters.

When docked to the Dell Universal Dock D6000S, will my laptop switch to wired LAN (assuming the dock is connected via LAN cable to a LAN outlet), and turn off wireless LAN?

Windows will determine whether to toggle between wired LAN or wireless depending on the strength of the signal, and according to its priority list. You can change this behavior within the Settings of your Wireless Network Card. Refer to the Dell knowledge-base article How to configure Intel PROSet to disable Intel Wireless when PC is connected Via Ethernet network connection for Intel Cards.

How do I switch off the laptop wireless LAN after I dock with the Dell Universal Dock D6000S which has a LAN cable connected?

The decision to switch to wired LAN or WiFi when docked is managed by the Window operating system according to priority list. You can change how Windows detects the wireless connection when docked to a LAN connection using the instructions in the Dell knowledge-base article How to disable a wireless network connection when a wired connection is detected .

How many external monitors does the Dell Universal Dock D6000S support?

  • Up to 3 displays via USB Type-C connection: 1 x 5K; 2 x 4K; 3 x 4K.
  • Up to 2 displays via USB Type-A connection.
  • 5120 x 2880 @60Hz (2 DP cables required to be plugged in) / 3840 x 2160 @60Hz (single DP/HDMI cable required)
  • Three display out only available via USB Type-C connection. Maximum two display out for USB 3.0 Type-A connection.

What are the maximum resolutions the Dell Universal Dock D6000S can support?

Display resolution table

Dell D6000S docking station display resolution support using USB-C connection
Docking station connected to PC using USB Type-C
Input Output
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI DP 1 DP 2 HDMI
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 30Hz
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 5K @ 60Hz 4K @ 30Hz
DP 1 DP 2 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 4K @ 60Hz
HDMI 4K @ 60Hz
Dell D6000S docking station display resolution support using USB 3.0 Type-A connection
Docking station connected to PC using USB 3.0 Type-A
Input Output
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI DP 1 DP 2 HDMI
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 DP 2 HDMI 5K @ 60Hz
DP 1 DP 2 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 HDMI 4K @ 60Hz 4K @ 60Hz
DP 1 4K @ 60Hz
DP 2 4K @ 60Hz
HDMI 4K @ 60Hz

Can the Dell Universal Dock D6000S support daisy-chain of monitors using Multi-Stream-Transport (MST)?

Dell Universal Dock D6000S, using the DisplayLink solution, DOES NOT support MST Daisy Chain. There is NO MST chipset in the Dell Universal Dock D6000S. If the Dell Universal Dock D6000S is connected via DP to a MST monitor, the second MST monitor in the Daisy Chain loop will show a DUPLICATE of first monitor. In this scenario, the second monitor behavior is not controlled by the Dell Universal Dock D6000S, it just duplicates the video signal from the first display.

How to Use and Troubleshoot Dell Universal Dock  D6000S (2024)
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