Microsoft HD-500 USBC Dock compatibility

Hi,

I've try to connect displays to my new macbook pro via the usbc port using the Microsoft Display Dock HD-500.

There are some reports of people that have made it work but no ones have write a how to.


The device is detected (I can see it in the system USB information) but the displays are not detected (HDMI or display port)

Have anyone made it work? I'll be fantastic as it is an affordable dock with a lot of options.


Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.1)

Posted on Dec 5, 2016 4:14 AM

Reply
6 replies

Mar 6, 2017 3:08 PM in response to wmayvis

Thanks very much for posting this. I too had read that this was supposed to work but had no success myself. You had been quite specific in confirming that it related to firmware, and I had initially been stuck on an older dock firmware when Microsoft had broken the Gadgets app on Windows 10 Mobile at around the time I bought my Lumia 950.


There is also the question of whether people had tested both DisplayPort and HDMI. I found that in my tests the LED on the HID-500 dock had always remained red for both types of connection, and I only got the charging chime when connecting.


Your post has spurred me to have another try, and what I noticed just now with my 2016 MacBook, is that it didn't work at all until I selected the correct input on the monitor *before* connecting the USB-C lead. I used DisplayPort first, and that did drive my Dell U2415 at 1920x1200 with audio, however after a couple of minutes the monitor would go into power save, disconnect, then immediately wake up again in a loop every few minutes.


After switching to HDMI I don't get this power save issue. It could be a Dell monitor firmware issue, or a HID-500 firmware issue. This same monitor certainly does not exhibit this issue when connected via DisplayPort to my older Mid-2011 13inch MacBook Air, so I think it's probably the HID-500 causing the issue. Anyhow HDMI is fine, at 1920x1200 with audio.


It would seem that the Mac seems to need the monitor to be set to the correct input for that all-important first detection which I'm guessing prompts Mac OS X to install some additional driver - because since then I get the white LED on the dock every time I connect it now, regardless of the active monitor input. The HID-500 charger is just able to power the Intel Core M MacBook, though it can only charge it very slowly.


I'm really pleased with the result. Now my home office desk is ready for me to dock either my MacBook, or my Lumia 950 with a single tiny cable. People have moaned about this USB-C connector, but I like it.

Mar 6, 2017 3:19 PM in response to hammi85

Unfortunately it can only be done via the Gadgets app on Windows 10 Mobile, via a Windows handset with USB-C. So I think that limits you to a Lumia 950, Lumia 950XL, HP Elite x3, Alcatel Idol S4.


You may be able to find one of the last two models in a store an ask to use it briefly. You will need the dock power adapter and the USB-C cable to carry out the update. After Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update, the Gadgets app itself was broken for a while, so a store handset may need the app updating via the Store if it doesn't detect the dock once connected. The other thing is that the handset you use will need Internet access in order to download the firmware update (might be a problem if using a store demo model).

Mar 27, 2017 11:40 AM in response to patters

Patters would you say the dock is worth it? I have a 2016 12" macbook and discovered this thread after my dock failed to do anything but charge my macbook slowly. I'm contemplating a trip to a microsoft store to beg an employee to use a lumia for the firmware upgrade. Could you please comment on the charging capability, HDMI steadiness (the 2/3 time it connects), etc. with that macbook model?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Microsoft HD-500 USBC Dock compatibility

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.