Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 USB-C Hub Not Recognized Windows 11

Your USB-C hub does not work when connected to the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 – the USB ports on the hub have no power, connected devices do not appear in Device Manager, or only some ports on the hub work. The XPS 13 Plus 9320 has Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that can be particular about hub compatibility.

This guide covers Thunderbolt security settings, compatible hub requirements, and driver setup to get USB-C hubs working correctly on the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 in Windows 11.

“My cheap USB-C hub did not work at all on the XPS 13 Plus 9320. Bought a Thunderbolt 4 hub and it worked immediately. The XPS 13 Plus is very picky about USB-C hub quality.” – Ong, software engineer from Penang

Why USB-C Hub Does Not Work on Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320

The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports that double as USB4 Gen 3×2. The Thunderbolt controller has strict security defaults that may block non-Thunderbolt certified hubs. Additionally, basic USB-C to USB-A hubs that do not support DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt may fail to initialize correctly on Intel Thunderbolt 4 controllers.

• Thunderbolt Security Level set to Secure Connect blocking hub initialization
• USB-C hub uses non-Thunderbolt USB controller chip incompatible with Thunderbolt 4 Alt Mode requirements
• Hub requires more power than the XPS 13 Plus 9320 provides via USB bus power
• Intel Thunderbolt driver not installed – hub USB ports not enumerated

Fix 1 – Change Thunderbolt Security Level

Install Intel Thunderbolt Software from Dell Support. Open it from the system tray, go to Settings – Security Level and change to No Security or User Authorization. No Security allows all devices to connect without authorization prompts. User Authorization prompts once and remembers your choice. Both modes allow non-Thunderbolt certified USB-C hubs to connect via USB4 mode.

Fix 2 – Install Intel Thunderbolt Driver from Dell Support

Go to Dell Support, enter your XPS 13 Plus 9320 service tag, and under Chipset download the Intel Thunderbolt 4 Controller Driver and Intel Thunderbolt Software. Without the Thunderbolt driver, USB-C hub devices connected via Thunderbolt protocol are not enumerated and appear as disconnected even when physically connected.

Use a Powered USB-C Hub

The XPS 13 Plus 9320 provides 15W via each USB-C port for bus-powered accessories. Multi-port hubs with USB-A, HDMI, card readers, and Ethernet combined often require more power. Use a hub with its own power adapter (powered hub) or one with USB-C Power Delivery passthrough so the hub draws power from the wall adapter rather than the laptop port.

Fix 3 – Use a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 Certified Hub

For the most reliable experience with Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320, use a hub or dock with Thunderbolt 4 certification or USB4 Gen 3×2 certification. Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4 is fully compatible and officially supported. Third-party Thunderbolt 4 hubs from Caldigit, Anker, or OWC also work without Thunderbolt security issues. Budget USB-C hubs using older controllers frequently fail on Thunderbolt 4 laptops.

Fix 4 – Authorize Hub in Intel Thunderbolt Software

When a new Thunderbolt or USB4 hub connects, Intel Thunderbolt Software may show a notification to authorize the device. If you dismissed this, open Intel Thunderbolt Software, go to Connected Devices, find the hub listed as Not Authorized, and click Authorize. Select Always Connect for permanent authorization without future prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is USB-C hub not recognized on Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320?

Thunderbolt Security Level may be blocking the hub, or the hub is not Thunderbolt/USB4 compatible. Change security level and use a certified Thunderbolt 4 hub.

How do I fix USB-C hub not working on Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320?

Install Intel Thunderbolt driver from Dell Support, change security level to User Authorization, and use a powered Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 certified hub.

Does Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 have USB-A ports?

No – only two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. A USB-C hub or dock is required for USB-A peripherals.

What is the best USB-C hub for Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320?

A Thunderbolt 4 dock with Power Delivery passthrough provides the best compatibility. Dell WD22TB4 is officially supported. Caldigit TS4 and Anker 778 are popular alternatives.

Conclusion

USB-C hub not recognized on Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 in Windows 11 is resolved by installing Intel Thunderbolt driver and software from Dell Support, changing Thunderbolt security level to User Authorization, and using a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 certified powered hub. Basic budget hubs using older USB-C controller chips are frequently incompatible with Thunderbolt 4 laptops.