DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) is a feature that allows devices with USB Type-C ports to transmit video and audio signals over a USB connection, enabling you to use your USB-C port to connect to external monitors, projectors, or other display devices. This functionality is especially useful for laptops and PCs with USB-C ports that don’t have dedicated DisplayPort or HDMI outputs.
If your system supports DP Alt Mode and you want to enable it on your Windows 10 device, this guide will help you through the process. We’ll walk you through the necessary steps to check compatibility, update drivers, and enable DP Alt Mode for your USB-C port.
1. Check for Compatibility
Before you can enable DP Alt Mode, it’s essential to verify that both your hardware and operating system support it. Here’s how to check:
Step 1: Verify USB-C Port and Device Compatibility
- USB-C Port: Not all USB-C ports support DP Alt Mode. To check if your laptop or PC supports it, consult your device’s user manual or specifications on the manufacturer’s website. Look for any mention of DisplayPort over USB-C or DP Alt Mode.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure that the device you’re connecting to (e.g., a monitor, TV, or projector) supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode as well. The display device should support USB-C to DisplayPort, or the monitor should accept a USB-C video input.
Step 2: Check for DisplayPort Support on Your Graphics Card
Your system’s graphics card (GPU) needs to support DisplayPort Alt Mode through USB-C. You can check this in the system’s specifications or the GPU manufacturer’s website. Most modern integrated and dedicated graphics cards support this feature, but it’s always good to double-check.
2. Update Windows 10 and Drivers
For optimal performance and compatibility with DP Alt Mode, ensure that both Windows 10 and your device drivers are up to date.
Step 1: Update Windows 10
- Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Update & Security: Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update.
- Check for Updates: Click on Check for Updates. Install any pending updates, especially those related to Display Drivers or USB drivers.
Step 2: Update USB and Graphics Drivers
- Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Update Graphics Drivers: Expand the Display Adapters section, right-click on your GPU, and select Update Driver.
- Update USB Drivers: Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section, right-click on the USB drivers related to your system (e.g., USB Root Hub or USB-C driver), and select Update Driver.
Make sure to check for updates directly from the GPU and motherboard manufacturers’ websites for the most recent drivers, as Windows Update may not always have the latest ones.
3. Enable DP Alt Mode in BIOS/UEFI
Some systems may have a setting in the BIOS/UEFI that controls whether DP Alt Mode is enabled or disabled. Here’s how to check and enable it:
Step 1: Access BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 2: Find the USB Configuration Settings
- Once inside the BIOS/UEFI settings, look for a tab or category labeled Advanced, Peripheral Settings, USB Configuration, or Integrated Peripherals.
- Look for a setting related to DisplayPort Alternate Mode or USB-C DisplayPort and ensure it is enabled. This option may also be labeled as USB-C Video Output or DP Alt Mode.
- If available, enable the feature and save the changes before exiting BIOS/UEFI. This will enable DP Alt Mode for your USB-C port.
4. Connect a Compatible Display
Now that you’ve confirmed compatibility and enabled the necessary settings, it’s time to connect your device to a compatible display:
Step 1: Connect the USB-C Cable
- Use a USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI cable, depending on the display input your monitor or projector uses.
- Plug the USB-C end into your device’s USB-C port that supports DP Alt Mode and the other end into your monitor or display.
Step 2: Configure Display Settings (Optional)
- Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings to adjust the display layout, resolution, or orientation.
- Under the Multiple displays section, select how you want the external display to function, either as an extended display or as a duplicate display.
5. Troubleshooting DP Alt Mode Issues
If you encounter any issues with DP Alt Mode, here are some common troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem:
Step 1: Check the Cable and Port
- Ensure that the USB-C cable is rated for DisplayPort Alt Mode. Not all USB-C cables support video output.
- Make sure the USB-C port on your device and the display device’s port are clean and undamaged.
Step 2: Restart Your Device
Sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor connection issues between your device and the external display.
Step 3: Check Display Settings and Resolution
- Ensure that the external display is set to the correct input (DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.).
- If the resolution or display is not functioning correctly, adjust the settings in Display Settings on Windows 10 to match the supported resolution of the external monitor.
Step 4: Try a Different Monitor or Cable
- If you’re still experiencing issues, test the setup with another monitor or a different USB-C cable that is compatible with DP Alt Mode.
Conclusion
Enabling DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) in Windows 10 is a straightforward process if your device supports the feature. By ensuring compatibility, updating necessary drivers, and enabling the feature through BIOS/UEFI or settings, you can easily use your USB-C port to transmit video and audio to external monitors or projectors. If you run into any issues, following troubleshooting steps will help ensure a smooth experience.