Using a Dell E-Port multi monitor setup with Zorin

Hardware Support
1

I would very much like to dump Windows and use the Zorin OS. I have been testing it on a backup system before I can actually commit to making the change. Both systems are Dell Precisions and I use a Dell E-Port dock to hook up several monitors. Through the docking station, Zorin only recognizes one monitor. I have seen a few posts online that say my docking station needs additional configuration. But those posts didn't say what to actually do. Any thoughts?

2

Hi and welcome.

I used Brave A.I. search engine via mojeek search engine and used Ubuntu 24.04 in my search criteria as Zorin 18 ulis a fork of it:

" Dell Docking Station Multi-Monitor Setup on Ubuntu 24.04

Configuring E-Ports (typically referring to DisplayPort or USB-C video outputs) on a Dell docking station for multi-monitor support in Ubuntu 24.04 often requires additional steps due to limited native driver support for many Dell docks.

  • Check Dock Compatibility : Ensure your Dell docking station is supported on Ubuntu 24.04. For example, the WD19S dock lists support only for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS , and newer docks like the D6000 may require DisplayLink drivers for full functionality. Verify compatibility via the Dell Docking Compatibility Guide.
  • Install DisplayLink Drivers (if required) : If your dock uses DisplayLink technology (e.g., D6000), install the official driver:
    • Download the latest DisplayLink driver for Ubuntu 24.04 from DisplayLink's official downloads.
    • Use the .sh script (not .deb ) for installation:
chmod +x ./displaylink-driver-*.run
sudo ./displaylink-driver-*.run
  • Reboot after installation.
  • Use X11 Instead of Wayland : Many DisplayLink docks fail to display video on Wayland . To fix this:
    • At the login screen, click the gear icon (:gear:) next to your username.
    • Select "Ubuntu on Xorg" (not "Ubuntu" or "Ubuntu on Wayland").
    • Log in. This resolves blank screens on external monitors.
  • Configure Displays :
    • After connecting monitors, open Settings > Displays .
    • Use the visual layout to arrange monitors as they are physically positioned.
    • Set resolution, scale, and primary display as needed.
    • Click Apply and confirm within 20 seconds.
  • Troubleshooting :
    • If monitors aren’t detected, try the Detect Displays button in Settings.
    • Ensure cables are securely connected and monitors are powered on.
    • For docks like the WD19S, Thunderbolt authorization is not required —it’s a USB-C dock, not Thunderbolt.
    • If using NVIDIA GPUs , ensure proprietary drivers are installed (nvidia-550 or later) and avoid nouveau drivers.

Note : Dell’s official drivers may not be updated for Ubuntu 24.04. Using DisplayLink drivers is the most reliable workaround for multi-monitor support.

AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts."

Where it says Ubuntu on xorg replace with Zorin on .xorg

3

Welcome to the Forum!

When You connect the Monitors without the Docking Station do they work?