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Plugable DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (Active)
$14.95 USD
SKU: DPM-VGAFAmazon Rating : (38 Reviews)
Features
- DP to VGA Adapter—Seamlessly connect Display Port to VGA with Plugable's active adapter - compatible with any DisplayPort host device. Allows you to connect from a DisplayPort (DP) output on your laptop, desktop or to virtually any VGA-enabled display.
- Reliable Video Output—Supports up to 2048x1536 60Hz (1920x1200, 1920x1080, and lower also supported) with EDID pass-through for high-quality visuals. Active adapter compatible with both Single-mode and Dual-mode DisplayPort (DP++) outputs. High-quality video output to VGA projectors, monitors, and TVs. Works with docking stations for extended display setups.
- Driverless Installation—Hassle-free setup with plug-and-play functionality; latching DP and screw-locking VGA for secure connection - no software or drivers required. This DisplayPort to VGA converter offers a quick and dependable way to connect to legacy displays without hassle.
- Broad Compatibility—Active adapter is compatible with DisplayPort (DP) output ports on desktops, workstations, laptops, docking stations, and more. Not a bidirectional adapter - will not convert from VGA to DisplayPort. Fully compatible with Windows, Linux, and other major operating systems.
- Enhanced Productivity—Expand your workspace by connecting a legacy VGA monitor using this Display Port to VGA Adapter - perfect for home or office.
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Plugable's DisplayPort 1.2 to VGA active adapter allows you to connect from a DisplayPort (DP) output on your docking station, laptop, desktop, workstation, or small form-factor (SFF) computer to virtually any VGA-enabled display (monitor, TV, projector, etc.). The active adapter is compatible with both Single-mode and Dual-mode (DP++) DisplayPort outputs. The adapter supports EDID pass-through, and resolutions up to 2048x1536 @ 60Hz refresh rate. Lower resolutions such as 1080p, 720p, and 480p are also supported. This DisplayPort to VGA adapter is also compatible with any operating system, including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux, and more.
It offers a reliable and high-performance solution for connecting DisplayPort-enabled devices to legacy VGA monitors or projectors - perfect for offices, schools, and home workstations that still rely on VGA displays. The adapter features a latching DisplayPort connector and screw-locking VGA connector to ensure a secure connection on both ends. Using your system's built-in DisplayPort output, this plug-and-play adapter works out of the box with no additional driver installation required.
Tech Specs
| Compatibility | Compatible with laptops, desktops, or docking stations that have a DisplayPort output port to add a VGA-capable monitor, TV, or projector. Compliant with VESA DisplayPort 1.1. |
| Applications | Connect a VGA-equipped display device to a DisplayPort (DP) output from your computer using this VGA to DisplayPort adapter. Portable for traveling professionals to connect systems with DisplayPort to virtually any VGA display. |
| Non-compatible Setups | This adapter is not bi-directional and will not convert video in the other direction. |
| In the Box | Plugable DisplayPort to VGA Active Adapter. Please note that a VGA cable is not included. |
A: Yes, the Plugable DisplayPort to VGA Adapter is fully compatible with docking stations. It supports extended dual monitor setups, making it ideal for expanding workspaces.
A: No, this adapter does not require an external power source. It is a bus-powered, driverless solution that works via the DisplayPort connection.
A: DPM-VGAF uses a computer’s native graphics output and converts to VGA without any additional drivers needed. As a result, it’s compatible with any computer, with any operating system, equipped with a DisplayPort output.
A: No additional driver installation is required. This is a true plug-and-play DisplayPort to VGA converter, making installation simple and hassle-free across supported systems.
A: Both mirror and extended monitor setups are supported by DPM-VGAF. This can be configured in your computer’s Display Settings once the monitor has been connected through the adapter.
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 |
 |
 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
Output Port Type |
VGA |
HDMI |
HDMI |
VGA |
Adapter Type |
Active |
Passive |
Active |
Active |
Maximum Resolution Supported |
2048x1536 @ 60Hz |
3840x2160 @ 30Hz |
3840x2160 @ 60Hz |
1920x1200 @ 60Hz |
Connector Type |
Full-size DP |
Full-size DP |
Full-size DP |
Mini DisplayPort |
Use Case |
Legacy VGA monitors, projectors |
Modern HDMI monitors, TVs |
Modern HDMI monitors, TVs |
Legacy VGA monitors, projectors |
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What’s the Difference Between an Active and Passive DisplayPort Adapter?
DisplayPort to HDMI/DVI/VGA conversion is deceptively complex because the two standards use different electrical signaling. DisplayPort comes in two versions—"Dual Mode" DisplayPort (DP++), which allows the port to actually switch its electrical signaling to a different format, and "pure" DisplayPort (DP), which is intended for DisplayPort monitors without any conversion.
Passive adapters rely entirely upon DP++ functionality to produce the appropriate output signal. In other words, passive adapters do not work when connected to a regular DisplayPort port (only supported through a DP++ port).
Active adapters on the other hand contain extra components that perform the necessary signaling conversion on their own, so they do not have the same reliance on a DP++ port as a passive adapter would. In other words, active adapters are more flexible and can be used on either a pure DisplayPort output or a DP++ port. To hit the point home, passive adapters only work through DP++ ports.
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
How to Configure/Adjust Multiple Monitors Using a Windows System
We have a produced a series of short videos that introduce the general concepts of multi-monitor setups in Windows, how to make changes to the way things behave, as well as how to solve common problems.
Direct links to the introductory videos our customers have found the most useful are:
- Introduction to Multiple Displays in Windows
- Common Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation
- How To Make a Display the ‘Main’ Display in Windows
- Multi-Monitor Problem—Spatial Orientation Part Two
- Introduction to Display Scaling in Windows
We also maintain a playlist that contains all of the multiple monitor tutorial videos we have made .
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
How to Determine Your USB-C Port Video Capabilities
Understanding your laptop's video output capabilities is essential when connecting to external displays. This guide will help you identify what video technologies your laptop supports and how to find the relevant information.
Common Video Output Technologies
Modern laptops commonly use one or more of the following technologies to transmit video to external monitors:
1. Thunderbolt 3
- Supports video output using the DisplayPort protocol.
- Capable of driving up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 5K display at 60Hz.
- Uses a USB-C connector and features a lightning bolt symbol next to the port.
Note: An example of Thunderbolt 3 ports
2. Thunderbolt 4
- Provides improved performance over Thunderbolt 3.
- Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Uses a USB-C connector with the same lightning bolt symbol but may also include the number "4" for identification.
Note: Thunderbolt 4 has the same physical connection and “lightning” bolt icon as Thunderbolt 3
3. USB-C DisplayPort "Alt Mode"
- Allows video output directly through the USB-C port using DisplayPort technology.
- Commonly supports one 4K display at 60Hz, but capabilities may vary.
- Often marked with a DisplayPort ("DP") symbol, but this feature may also be specified in your system's documentation.
Note: An example of a USB-C port with DisplayPort capabilities
How to Identify Your Laptop's Video Capabilities
To determine what video technologies your laptop supports, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Laptop's User Manual:
- Locate your laptop's user manual (often available online from the manufacturer's support site).
- Search for keywords like "Thunderbolt," "DisplayPort Alt Mode," or "video output capabilities."
2. Visit the Manufacturer's Website:
- Go to the support page for your laptop model and find the technical specifications section.
- Look for details on Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities.
3. Inspect Your Laptop's Ports:
-
Check for identifying symbols next to USB-C ports:
- Thunderbolt 3/4 ports may have a lightning bolt symbol.
- DisplayPort Alt Mode may be marked with a "DP" icon.
“What if I do not have the above technologies?”: USB 3.0 (Type-A) and Display Expansion
While USB 3.0 (Type-A) ports do not support native video output, they can still be used to extend to two or more displays using software-based solutions like DisplayLink or Silicon Motion's InstantView. These technologies enable video through USB-A ports by utilizing dedicated drivers and software.
If your laptop lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C video capabilities, DisplayLink or InstantView may be a viable alternative for expanding your display setup. A few other things to consider:
- Not all USB-C ports support video output. Checking your laptop's documentation is crucial to confirm this capability.
- Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode but provide enhanced performance and flexibility.
If you have further questions about connecting your Plugable docking station or adapter to your laptop, please reach out to our support team for guidance.
