Thinkpad Docking Station Sound/USB Issue

[hyde]

Hi Everyone,
I am using the docking station with USB Printer and Audio out to my speakers, but ever since I got my new dock, it doesn't work properly.
It doesn't recognize the printer, and the audio keeps coming out of the thinkpad instead of external speakers.

I ran the utility and it says no update needed, any suggestions?
I am on T490 with Type 40AJ docking station.

ThinkPad Ultra Docking Station FW Utility v3.3.1
Package including (Audio:0012,USB Hub:5033/5034,DP Hub:5.04.000,PD Control:D5.0.10.7)
========================================================================================
Date:Fri 10/16/2020
Time:06:19 PM

Checking current Dock FW version.
USB Audio: 0012
USB Hub: 5033/5034
DP Hub: 5.04.000
PD Control: D5.0.10.7

Current Dock FW is newer, no need to update.

Return Code:0

[dr_st]

There is a USB Audio driver for these docks, although I don't know how it can affect the printer issue:
https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/DS502228

[hyde]

Thank you dr_st.

When I ran the configuration, the USB driver matched the existing one.
I ran the windows update while connected and rebooted everything including printer. I reconnected and printer was finally recognized.
The sound was not working but when I plugged it to laptop then unplug and plugged into dock, now windows finally gave me option to change the output to Dock USB and it's also working now.

[dr_st]

Glad it all works now.

It's interesting to know that this generation of docks has its own USB audio and does not actually pass through the existing audio pins like older mechanical docks did. I guess because it's essentially a Thunderbolt dock in disguise? But then they do claim its "driverless" and I don't see the same drivers offered for it as for the cable-based Thunderbolt/USB-C docks. I wonder what a hybrid this is.

[RealBlackStuff]

If your router has USB, connect your printer to it, that way everyone has printer-access.

[hyde]

That's a good suggestion but sadly I tried that few times before, Netgear loves to break stuff with each firmware update on router, and that's what happened with mine and when I went from Win 8.1 to Win 10 on new laptop, netgear USB Control Center stopped working (that was at home). Luckily in the office I can plug my own printer directly.

Thanks again for the help everyone.

[Katonia]

Hi there, just wanted to say thanks to dr_st, I was having this issue too (T480) and the driver fixed it. Curiously, it was the dock firmware install that broke it!