Unable to get XPS 9305 working with Apple Thunderbolt display

[SureshRamamoorthy]

I have an Apple Thunderbolt 2 display that works well when connected to an M1 MacBook Pro using the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter.

My Dell XPS 9305 has two Thunderbolt 4 certified ports, but I can't get it to work with the display.

I contacted Dell support but they don't seem to have a clue.

Any ideas, Intel? Thunderbolt is a standard, and any two certified devices should work successfully, shouldn't they?

Thanks!

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello @SureshRamamoorthy

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.

Thunderbolt 4 ports are compatible with many connection standards, including previous versions of Thunderbolt™, USB, DisplayPort, and PCle. Thunderbolt™ 3 devices and cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports. Older Thunderbolt devices may work too, but require an adapter. More information is available on this link: What Is Thunderbolt 4?

However, it is important to keep in mind that Intel® does not recommend using any kind of adapters and can not guarantee 3rd party products/adapters will work as expected.

Due to this, we always recommend checking first with your computer manufacturer (OEM) and using the driver software provided by them to avoid potential installation incompatibilities. Intel supplies generic versions of Graphics Drivers for general purposes. OEMs might have changed the features, incorporated customizations, or made other changes to the graphics driver software or software packaging.

You may try the suggestions available in this article to try to resolve the issue: Using Video Cable Adapters, Splitters and/or Docking Stations in Computers not Manufactured by Intel.

It is important to note that Thunderbolt™ is customized by each system manufacturer differently on their platforms. In addition, based on the Thunderbolt™ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), "The Apple Thunderbolt display was certified for Mac only and may not work properly when connected to Windows-based PCs."

If the issue persists after trying the suggestions in the article and if you are not able to test using a straight-through connection (e.g.: HDMI-to-HDMI) with a single cable, we recommend reviewing this further with the adapter manufacturer and with DELL* Support.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[AndrewG_Intel]

Hello SureshRamamoorthy

We have not heard back from you so we will proceed to close this thread now. If you need any additional information, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Andrew G.

Intel Customer Support Technician