When configuring Windows for Thunderbolt, some aspects of the system may require close attention.
This article shows the necessary steps to configure your Thunderbolt Windows PC for use with UAD Thunderbolt devices.
- Check System Requirements
- Perform Windows Optimizations
- Disable Thunderbolt Power Management
- Disable USB4 Power Management
- Installing System Updates
- Optimize Settings in the BIOS/UEFI
- Check Device Permissions
Check System Requirements
Ensure your PC confidently meets the System Requirements of your UA device.
Note: Systems without Thunderbolt support are not compatible with UAD Thunderbolt devices.
How Can I Tell if My Windows PC Has Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt 2 devices are not compatible with Windows systems that have Thunderbolt 4, including with adapters. Rack-mount Apollos can be upgraded to support Thunderbolt 4 on Windows with a Thunderbolt 3 option card.
Perform Windows Optimizations
Perform all guidelines detailed in the Windows Optimization Guide for UA Devices.
Proper optimization of Windows settings is critical to maintaining a stable system with UA devices.
Disable Thunderbolt Power Management
If your PC uses a discrete Thunderbolt Controller, follow the steps below to disable power management.
Open Device Manager in Windows and expand System devices.
Double click Thunderbolt(TM) Controller and to go the Power Management tab.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK to save changes.
Repeat if there are multiple entries for Thunderbolt(TM) Controller.
Disable USB4 Power Management
Some Windows PCs will use USB4 for Thunderbolt support instead of a discrete Thunderbolt Controller.
If your PC uses USB4 for Thunderbolt support, follow the steps below to disable power management.
Open Device Manager and expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Locate USB4(TM) Host Router and USB4 Root Router.
Double click and go the Power Management tab.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Click OK to save changes.
Repeat for all other USB4 entries on this list.
Installing System Updates
Install Windows Updates to acquire general improvements and fixes to the operating system.
Notes: Running major Windows updates (ex. 24H2 to 25H2) may have an impact on any installed software, especially when performed early in the release cycle.
- Windows has a Go back feature in the event that issues are encountered after performing major operating system updates.
- The Windows release health page can also be used to track known issues with new versions of the operating system.
Visit the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website to get critical system updates. This includes:
- BIOS version
- Chipset drivers
- Thunderbolt drivers
- Firmware version
To find the correct updates on the web, first identify the system manufacturer and model.
This info can be found by opening System Information using the Start menu.
The System Summary section of the report will show manufacturer, model, and product information.
Updates can be found in the Drivers, Downloads, or Support section of the system manufacturer’s website.
Optimize Settings in the BIOS/UEFI
Visit the computer’s BIOS to ensure critical system settings are properly configured for Thunderbolt.
For info on accessing, updating, and configuring the BIOS, refer to the manufacturer’s product documentation. Contact the system manufacturer for additional qualified support with the BIOS.
Action may be required to enable Thunderbolt in the BIOS. This includes settings such as:
- Thunderbolt Support
- Thunderbolt Controller
- Thunderbolt Adapter
- PCIe Tunneling (USB4)
Connectivity and stability can be improved when BIOS settings related to reduced power states are disabled:
- ASPM (Active State Power Management)
- DTBT Go2SX
- RTD3 (Runtime D3)
Older generation systems may benefit from significantly improved WDM audio playback via Thunderbolt when certain CPU settings are disabled in BIOS.
- Intel Hyper-Threading
- Intel TurboBoost
- Intel SpeedStep
- CPU C-States
Connectivity with Thunderbolt devices may improve if BIOS settings related to PCIe and Thunderbolt security are disabled or set to lowest level:
- Kernel DMA Protection
- Thunderbolt Security
Notes: Disabling security is not advised for vulnerable systems. For example, a public work computer with sensitive information may want to leave security settings enabled.
BIOS settings listed above may be phrased differently across various system manufacturers. Some systems have limited BIOS options where certain settings may not be available. Check your system's documentation or contact the system manufacturer for more info.
Check Device Permissions
Some systems will use the Thunderbolt Control Center app to manage connected devices.
Connected Thunderbolt devices are typically approved automatically.
Action may otherwise be required to grant permission for connected Thunderbolt devices.
Search and open Thunderbolt Control Center using the Start menu.
Approve all Universal Audio devices by selecting Always connect.