An HP® docking station instantly upgrades your workspace. With a docking station, you can simultaneously charge a laptop and view its windows on an external display. An HP docking station also lets you connect other devices, such as a wireless mouse and keyboard. If it suddenly stops working, it can totally disrupt your computing experience.
Asurion Experts know how painful tech problems can be—so we're here to help you fix them. Whether you're looking for guidance on how to update computer drivers or restart an HP laptop, we've got you covered. Here's how to resolve an HP docking station that's not working.
Common HP docking station problems
HP docking stations primarily act as connectors. They facilitate an attachment between a wall outlet, the laptop's power supply, and external devices. If something disrupts the connection, you'll experience problems with charging or using peripheral tools.
- Docking station not detecting monitors. Hardware malfunctions, outdated drivers, and device incompatibility can affect the connection between the docking station and an external monitor. You'll know there's a problem with the connection if the monitor doesn't display your screen like it normally does.
- Docking station not charging laptop. Power supply problems can lead to an HP laptop not charging on the docking station. Other potential causes of charging problems include an unsecured attachment, outdated firmware, and hardware damage.
- Docking station not turning on. A docking station that won't turn on may not be receiving power. There could be an issue with the wall socket or a disconnected cable. Another potential cause is hardware failure.
Ways to troubleshoot your HP docking station
Try these troubleshooting options to get your HP docking station working normally again.
Check connections and power supply
Docking stations rely on a working power supply and functioning cables to do their job. Take a look at your docking station setup to verify that it's securely connected to the wall outlet and all applicable devices. Make sure no cables are loose or show evidence of damage, such as fraying or overheating. Replace any damaged cables with new ones.
Also, test the power supply from the wall outlet using the plug from another electronic device. If that device works, the wall outlet is working normally. Try using the docking station with another wall outlet if the outlet you're using isn't operational.
Restart devices
A quick restart can eliminate temporary conflicts between the HP docking station and other devices. Turn off the laptop, the docking station, your external monitors, and any other connected items. Let at least 30 seconds pass before turning all of your devices back on.
Update drivers and firmware
HP occasionally releases driver updates for its docking stations. The updates may address security vulnerabilities or common compatibility problems between the docking station and other peripherals.
To see whether there are driver updates available for your device, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the HP Software and Drivers website.
- Click Other as the product type.
- Type the docking station's product name, number, or serial number.
- Click Download to locate any available drivers for the docking station.
- Double-click the driver files to install them on your laptop. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Also check for any available Windows™ updates for your laptop. There may be an update that resolves system conflicts between the docking station, laptop, and other devices:
- Click the Start Menu > Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for Windows updates.
- Click Download & install for any available updates.
Connect the docking station to another device
This option can help you determine whether there's an issue with the docking station or an external device. Find another external device that's similar to the one that's not working (such as a monitor) and plug it into the docking station. If the second device works, there's something wrong with the external device you normally use.
To fix the non-working external device, plug it back into the docking station. Confirm that you have a secure connection before turning it back on. If it fails to work, try these options.
Update the external device's drivers
Use your laptop's Device Manager to download any available driver updates for the device:
- Click the Start Menu button and type "Device Manager" in the text box. Click the Device Manager app to open it.
- Click the arrow on the left-hand side of the external component to display the available hardware. For example, if you want to update the driver for a monitor, click the arrow next to Monitors.
- Right-click the hardware that applies to the external device and click Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the prompts to download and install the driver updates.
Check for compatibility issues
If you're trying to connect a new external device to the docking station, it may be incompatible. Review the support documents for the docking station and external device to find out if there are any noted incompatibilities.
