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For example, Thunderbolt 3 docks and displays must still work when the dock or display is connected to a system that only supports DisplayPort over Type-C alternate mode.Īdditionally, Windows 10, version 1607 supports Indirect Display over USB, so any dock that supports Indirect Display over USB must also have a fallback to DisplayPort. Although we do allow docks and displays to use other USB Type-C alternate modes, these devices must be able to fall back to the DisplayPort over Type-C alternate mode to ensure interoperability. As more alternate modes are added, we will continue to reevaluate our USB Type-C recommendations.Ĭurrently, we are recommending that DisplayPort over Type-C be used as the alternate mode for docks and displays. USB Type-C introduced the concept of alternate modes (protocols other than USB over a symmetrical and reversible Type-C connector and cable), but because this technology is still “young,” we expect to see other alternate modes defined in the future. We expect the largest changes in the wired docking space to be around USB Type-C alternate modes, with minor changes coming with updates of graphics standards. The introduction of the USB Type-C connector allows us to truly reach a single-cable solution that supports docks, displays, data devices, and power for the majority of portable systems (phones, tablets, and laptops).
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The device-to-dock connection should be USB Type-C.
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Interoperability is the key goal of the docking recommendations included here. To enable fast, seamless connections between desktops and mobile devices to external equipment, Windows 10 supports single cable docking and wireless docking.
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