To install DisplayLink drivers on Windows 11 or Windows 10, download DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows from the Synaptics DisplayLink downloads page, run it, and then connect your dock, adapter or monitor.
This guide covers the Synaptics installer, the Windows Update route, monitor setup, how to confirm the driver version, a clean reinstall, and fixes for black or missing screens.
The fastest way to install DisplayLink drivers
Synaptics owns DisplayLink and publishes one Windows package that covers Windows 11 and Windows 10. The current release is 12.3, dated September 4, 2026.
- Open the Synaptics page at synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/downloads/windows.
- Under Latest Official Drivers, find DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows and select Download.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to the end.
- Restart the PC if the installer asks you to.
- Connect the DisplayLink dock, adapter or monitor to the PC, with the monitors already cabled to it.
- Open Settings > System > Display and confirm the extra monitors appear.
If the monitors appear and show your desktop, the job is done. The rest of this guide covers other install routes, checks and fixes.
Which install route should you use?
Synaptics offers a standard installer and corporate packages, and its download page notes that device makers and Windows Update can also supply the driver. Match your case to a row.
| Your situation | Use this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home or small-office PC, any dock or adapter with a DisplayLink chip | Synaptics DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows (EXE) | It is the latest official release and Synaptics recommends staying current for security, bug and performance fixes |
| You would rather not run an installer by hand | Windows Update optional driver updates | Windows lists driver updates for connected hardware under Optional updates when one is offered |
| Your dock maker ships its own software bundle | The manufacturer's download page | Synaptics notes OEM software for a specific dock, adapter or monitor can differ from the DisplayLink releases |
| PC in Windows 10 S | Windows Update or the OEM's preinstalled driver | Synaptics states Windows 10 S devices get DisplayLink drivers only from OEM pre-installation or Windows Update |
| IT team deploying to many PCs | Synaptics Corporate Installers for Windows (MSI or INF) | Built for managed deployment; a Hot Desking variant is also listed |
| The latest release broke something on your setup | A version under Legacy Drivers on the same Synaptics page | Older releases stay available there for a temporary rollback |
Check Compatibility and Prepare Your Windows PC
The 12.3 release notes list the exact Windows versions and chipsets the package supports. Check these before you download.
| Requirement | What Synaptics lists for release 12.3 |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | x64 and ARM64 editions: Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Pro Education, Education, Enterprise, IoT Enterprise (including N editions) |
| Windows 10 | x64 from version 1709 and ARM64 from version 2004 onward, same edition list as Windows 11 |
| ARM64 PCs | Supported by every package except the corporate MSI |
| Windows 10 S | No manual install; the driver comes from the device maker or Windows Update |
| Supported chipsets | DL-7400/7200, DL-6910/6350/6700/6950, DL-5500/5700/5900/5910, DL-4100, DL-3100/3500/3700/3900/3950, DL115/125/165/195 |
| Device firmware | The package contains a firmware image, and DL-1000 to DL-7000 devices update automatically when connected |
| Older Windows versions | Release 12.3 is for Windows 10 and 11 only; older releases sit under Legacy Drivers |
To confirm your dock uses DisplayLink at all, check its manual or the manufacturer's product page for DisplayLink or a DL-series chipset. Save open work first, because the install can end with a restart.
Download the Latest DisplayLink Driver
Get the driver only from Synaptics or from your dock maker. Microsoft's own driver guidance says to avoid downloading drivers from any site other than the manufacturer's.
- Go to the Synaptics DisplayLink downloads page and make sure the Windows tab is selected.
- Read the version line under DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows; it should say Windows 11, Windows 10 and show the release number and date.
- Select Release Notes if you want to check supported hardware and known issues first.
- Select Download next to the latest release to get the installer.
- Open Legacy Drivers only if you need an older release for a specific fix or rollback.
- Select Get Notifications under Find out first about new releases if you want an alert when the next version ships.
Install DisplayLink Drivers on Windows 11/10
Windows 11 and Windows 10 use the same installer, so the steps do not change between them. Close apps that are using external screens before you start.
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click the DisplayLink installer.
- Select Yes at the User Account Control prompt.
- Follow the on-screen prompts until setup finishes.
- Restart Windows if the installer asks you to.
- Plug the dock or adapter into the PC and wait while Windows sets up the device and any firmware update runs.
- Check that your external monitors light up and show the desktop.
Synaptics also offers DisplayLink Manager, a Microsoft Store app for display and audio settings. It is optional, and the driver works without it. If you are new to Store apps, see how to install apps on a Windows PC.
Install the DisplayLink driver through Windows Update
Windows Update can deliver hardware drivers, including display drivers, as optional updates. Connect the DisplayLink device first so Windows knows what to look for.
| Step | Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Open the page | Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options | Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options |
| 2. Allow extra updates | Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products | Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows |
| 3. Find drivers | Under Additional options, select Optional updates | Go back to Windows Update, select Check for updates, then View optional updates |
| 4. Install | Tick the DisplayLink driver, then select Download and install | Tick the DisplayLink driver, then select Download and install |
| 5. Finish | Restart the PC | Restart the PC |
If no DisplayLink entry is listed, Windows Update is not offering one for your device. Use the Synaptics installer instead.
Connect and Configure Your DisplayLink Device
DisplayLink screens are set up in the normal Windows display settings, the same as screens on a built-in port. For a full layout walkthrough, see how to set up multiple monitors on Windows 11.
- Connect each monitor to the dock or adapter, then connect the dock to the PC.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Display.
- Select Identify to see which number belongs to which screen.
- Drag the numbered screens to match their positions on your desk, then select Apply.
- Select each screen and set its Display resolution and scale.
- Press Windows key + P and choose Extend, Duplicate, PC screen only or Second screen only.
- Install DisplayLink Manager from the Microsoft Store if you want quick access to DisplayLink display and audio controls.
Under Multiple displays you can also choose whether Windows remembers window locations per monitor and minimises windows when you undock.
Verify the Driver Installation
Release 12.3 removed the old DisplayLink system tray icon, so do not look for it. Check Windows itself instead.
- Open Settings > System > Display and confirm every DisplayLink-connected monitor is listed.
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Find the DisplayLink device, right-click it and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab and read the driver version.
- Compare it with the release notes: release 12.3 installs DisplayLink Graphics Driver 12.3.5011.0.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and confirm a DisplayLink entry is present.
A matching version number and working screens mean the install is complete. A yellow warning icon on the device in Device Manager points to the troubleshooting section below.
Uninstall, roll back or clean reinstall the DisplayLink driver
A clean reinstall clears a damaged install. A rollback returns to the previous driver when a new version causes trouble.
- Unplug the DisplayLink dock or adapter from the PC.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find the DisplayLink entry, select More (the three dots) > Uninstall, and follow the prompts.
- If Settings will not remove it, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click the DisplayLink entry and select Uninstall.
- Restart the PC.
- Download the latest release, or a Legacy Drivers release, from the Synaptics page and install it.
- Reconnect the dock and check the screens.
- To roll back instead, open Device Manager, right-click the DisplayLink device, select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver, pick a reason and select Yes.
Troubleshoot Common DisplayLink Driver Issues
Several recent releases fixed blank, missing and wrong-resolution screens after sleep, so updating to the latest release is the first fix for most symptoms.
Display not detected or screen stays black
Windows has not picked up the screen, or an older driver has a known wake-from-sleep bug.
- Check the monitor's power and input source, and reseat the cable at the dock end.
- Open Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays and select Detect.
- Install release 12.3 or later; releases 12.2 M1 to 12.3 fixed monitors that stayed missing or blank after sleep on DL-6xxx and DL-7xxx docks.
- On a DL-6xxx dock with an MST-capable monitor, update to at least 12.2 M1, which fixed a screen that stayed black.
Driver installed but DisplayLink is not working
The install is damaged, or a different driver took over the device.
- Check Device Manager for a warning icon on the DisplayLink device.
- Right-click the device, select Uninstall device, confirm, and restart so Windows reinstalls it.
- If that fails, run the clean reinstall steps above with the latest Synaptics release.
- If your dock maker ships its own DisplayLink bundle, try that version instead.
Flickering, lag, low resolution, or poor image quality
A wrong display mode was applied, or a chipset bug fixed in a later release.
- Select the screen in Settings > System > Display and set the recommended Display resolution.
- Update to the latest release; 12.2 M0 stopped DL-7xxx docks applying modes the monitor does not support, and 12.2 M1 fixed distortion after resolution changes.
- On an ARM64 PC with a DL-4xxx device, install at least 12.2 M2, which fixed image distortion on some ARM64 systems.
After a Windows update, the dock stops working
The update replaced or conflicted with the installed DisplayLink driver.
- Open Windows Update > Optional updates and install any DisplayLink driver offered.
- Or reinstall the latest release from Synaptics.
- If the problem began with a new driver, use Roll Back Driver in Device Manager, or install the previous version from Legacy Drivers.
USB devices work, but external monitors do not
The dock's video output needs the DisplayLink graphics driver, even when its USB ports already work.
- Confirm the DisplayLink software is installed using the checks in the verify section.
- Install or reinstall the latest Synaptics release, then restart.
- Reconnect the dock and select Detect in display settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bing autocomplete returns one real question for this topic. The rest come from the questions the ranking pages answer.
How do I install the DisplayLink driver for Windows?
Download DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows from the Synaptics DisplayLink downloads page, run the installer, restart if asked, and connect your dock. The same package covers Windows 11 and Windows 10, on both x64 and ARM64 PCs.
Is there a DisplayLink driver for Windows 11?
Yes. Synaptics lists DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows as supporting Windows 11 and Windows 10. Release 12.3 supports x64 and ARM64 editions of Windows 11, including Home, Pro, Education and Enterprise.
Do I need DisplayLink drivers for every USB-C dock or adapter?
No. Only docks, adapters and monitors built on a DisplayLink USB graphics chipset need the software. A dock without a DisplayLink chip does not use it, so check the manual or product page before installing.
How do I know if my docking station uses DisplayLink?
Check the dock's manual, box or product page for DisplayLink or a DL-series chipset such as DL-6950 or DL-7400. The Synaptics release notes list every supported chipset, and the dock maker's support page usually states it too.
Should I download DisplayLink drivers from Windows Update or the DisplayLink website?
Use the Synaptics site for the newest release, because Synaptics recommends the latest driver for security and bug fixes. Windows Update is a fine hands-off option when it offers a DisplayLink driver, and it is the only route on Windows 10 S.
What should I do if my external monitor is detected but shows a black screen?
Update to the latest DisplayLink release first, because recent versions fixed blank screens after sleep and on MST monitors. Then check the monitor's input source and reseat the cable. A clean reinstall is the next step if the screen stays black.
Can I use DisplayLink with multiple monitors on Windows 11 or Windows 10?
Yes. Each monitor on a DisplayLink dock appears in Settings > System > Display, where you arrange them, set resolution, and choose Extend or Duplicate. The number of screens depends on the dock and its chipset.
What is DisplayLink Manager?
DisplayLink Manager is a Microsoft Store app from Synaptics that gives quick access to display and audio settings for DisplayLink devices. It is optional; the driver package runs the screens without it.
Bottom Line
Install the latest DisplayLink USB Graphics Software for Windows from Synaptics, then confirm the driver version in Device Manager. Recent releases fixed the most common black, missing and wrong-resolution screen bugs, and Windows Update or an OEM bundle can lag behind the Synaptics release.
