Setting up your Lenovo Dock

Overview

This guide covers the basics for setting up Lenovo docking stations at a user's desk, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C Gen 2, and Thunderbolt 4 docks. If you run into issues, please submit a ticket to receive support from your Technology Solutions Partner (TSP) team.

Sections:

• Setting up your Lenovo Dock
• Example Setup
• Common Troubleshooting Steps
• Submit a Ticket

Setting up your Lenovo Dock

1) Connecting Power: Connect the power adapter and power cord, and then connect it to your dock in the proper port. Then connect the power adapter to an outlet.

2) Thunderbolt cable: Connect your Thunderbolt cable to the laptop's Thunderbolt port. It should also have a two-prong plug icon next to it.

Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 cable port (laptop) ports outlined below. It has a bolt & laptop icons above it.*

Use a Thunderbolt cable that matches your dock model—either Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4. You need to use the Thunderbolt port with the computer icon to connect the cable to your computer. If you do not, the dock will not work, and your devices connected to it will not function as if connected to your laptop.

3) Connecting Monitors: Connect the corresponding cable to the ports on the back of the monitor and dock. 

Lenovo docks will either have DisplayPort (DP) cable port(s) and an HDMI port on the back panel where you can connect your monitors. The newer Thunderbolt 4 docks also may have a Thunderbolt port (not for laptop connection) which supports monitors.

✅ Tip: When using DP cables, make sure to press down on the button on the connector before pulling the cable out to not damage the cable or port.

Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 display ports outlined below. They are similar in the T3 models as well*

4) Connecting Devices: Connect all devices to the remaining corresponding ports on your dock. This typically means wired USB devices (mice, keyboards, headphones, speakers), USB receivers for wireless devices, or USB port kept open for charging cables and storage devices. Refer to the icon legend below for reference for port labels.

Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 symbol legend outlined below. This is similar in the T3 models.*

It is a good idea to prioritize the "Always on" ports for devices or cables require a charging function. Charging may be slower on a separate device while your laptop is connected to the dock.

✅ Tip: For troubleshooting common issues with wired devices, please refer to this linked knowledge article: Troubleshooting Wired Devices. 

Example Dock Setup

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some of the more common issues the TSP team sees with Lenovo docking stations and a few troubleshooting suggestions to try for each problem. If you continue to see issues beyond the solutions provide here, please reach out to the TSP team via the support portal so we can assist in getting your docking station up and running.

The monitor(s) display is blank

1. Make sure power cords and display cables are plugged in firmly
2. Turn monitors off and on again
3. Unplug Thunderbolt cable from laptop and plug in again to re-establish connection to dock
4. Make sure the Thunderbolt cable is plugged into the Thunderbolt port with the computer icon on the Lenovo dock
5. If that doesn't work, type Display Settings into search on the taskbar and make sure "Extend these displays" is selected for all monitors instead of "Disconnect displays"

The display keeps turning off

1. Check Sleep Mode/Closed Lid setting
   1. Type Control Panel into search on the taskbar
   2. From the Control Panel, go to the search at the top right and type "lid"
   3. Change the setting for "Plugged In" and "When I close the lid" at the bottom right to "Do nothing"
2. Change Power plan
   1. From search in the taskbar type "Power Plan"
   2. Set "Turn off display" to a longer interval and set "Put computer to Sleep" to a higher interval
   3. Click "Save changes"

The second monitor won't display

1. Check that the display cables of both monitors are fully seated
2. Turn the monitor off and on again.
3. Try another cable type on the second monitor. If using a DisplayPort on the monitor, try using an HDMi cable to see if the connection supports the display through the dock.

A USB device isn't charging

1. Look at the USB port, and plug into a USB port with a battery symbol indicating it can charge devices.
2. Try another USB charging port

A USB device isn't being recognized

1. Try another USB port
2. Plug in to a USB port on your laptop or monitor (if setup for it)

The dock, laptop, monitors and devices are all setup, and nothing is working

1. Check the power button on the top of the dock. If it is off then turn on the power.
2. If the light is amber, turn the power off, disconnect the laptop, display cables and other devices from the dock, and unplug the power supply. 
3. After waiting around 30 seconds, reconnect the cables and devices and test the setup again to see if the issue resolves.

Submit a Ticket

If you require further assistance, please create a ticket via the support portal at this link: OIT Support Portal. Use the yellow "Request a Service" button if you need assistance setting up your Lenovo dock or other devices.