MacBook Pro not connecting to external displays via docking station

My new MacBook Pro is connecting to docking station (keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) but NOT external displays. Tried all troubleshooting steps. I have used the Option key to detect displays but it will not recognize them. Using new cables and everything hooked up correctly. Have been using same docking station and connection setup with previous MacBook for while. Please help!



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MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 9:42 PM

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Posted on Feb 4, 2025 1:21 PM

That docking station is a “stunt box” that uses the DisplayLink workaround for one or both of its video outputs. The mention of USB-A was a dead giveaway that some sort of workaround was involved, even before I looked at the description on the Kensington site.


You probably haven’t installed any DisplayLink drivers on your new Mac. You could do that, and see if that fixes it, but a better solution would be to get a dock that makes use of your Mac’s first-class, hardware-accelerated video output without need for any drivers.

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Feb 4, 2025 1:21 PM in response to jokeefe10

That docking station is a “stunt box” that uses the DisplayLink workaround for one or both of its video outputs. The mention of USB-A was a dead giveaway that some sort of workaround was involved, even before I looked at the description on the Kensington site.


You probably haven’t installed any DisplayLink drivers on your new Mac. You could do that, and see if that fixes it, but a better solution would be to get a dock that makes use of your Mac’s first-class, hardware-accelerated video output without need for any drivers.

Feb 4, 2025 10:16 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

what make & model display(s)?


Dell P2419H


what make & model EXACTLY is your Dock?


Kensington SD4750P USB-C & USB 3.0 Dual 4K Docking Station

P/N: K39105

M/N: M01486


what cables are you using dock to display?


Kensington USB-C 3.2 Gen2


what Model-year Mac, and what Processor {(plain) PRO, MAX, ULTRA }


2024 MacBook Pro

Apple M4 Max


This same set up w/ same equipment works with my old MacBook Pro and it also works using a different monitor. Seems like it's something with the new MacBook and dell monitors being incompatible. Also, the docking station recognizes and connects everything else, so I am able to use external keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc. but it will not recognize monitors no matter what. Tried everything.


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MacBook Pro not connecting to external displays via docking station

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