The Product Key is a 16-character alphanumeric code and is unique to each order. Since 12/01/2017, Product Keys are printed on a tag and are physically tied to our Plugable Transfer Cables like this:

Our Product Keys:

• Use letters A-F only
• Use the number zero 0, and not the letter O.
• Do not expire
• Can be used to register as many computers as you need

If you purchased your Transfer Cable before 12/01/2017, you should have received an email containing the Product Key. Please reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with your Amazon order number for help with your Product Key, or if you have any questions.

Applicable To

• Bravura Easy Computer Sync software
• USB-EASY-TRAN, USB3-TRAN, USBC-TRAN
• Windows computers

After Easy Computer Sync is installed and opened on both computers, one or both computers remain on “Waiting for Connection.”

This usually happens because the computers are running different or outdated software versions, Windows is blocking the application, or the transfer cable isn't establishing a connection.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the transfer cable from both computers.
2. Download and install the latest version of Easy Computer Sync on both computers. Use the downloaded installer instead of the older version that may be included on the installation disc. 
   • Download: https://plugable.s3.amazonaws.com/bin/Bravura/EasySyncSetup_v3.0.0.3.exe 
3. Restart both computers.
4. Open Easy Computer Sync on both computers, then reconnect the transfer cable.
5. If the connection is not detected, connect the cable to different USB ports on both computers. Avoid USB hubs, docking stations, and adapters while troubleshooting.
6. Disconnect the cable, reverse its ends, and reconnect it.
7. Close Easy Computer Sync on both computers. Right-click the application and select Run as administrator, then test the connection again.
8. If the computers still do not connect, check whether antivirus, firewall, or other security software is blocking Easy Computer Sync. Temporarily pause the relevant protection only while testing, or add Easy Computer Sync as an allowed application. Re-enable all protection immediately after the test.

Expected Result

Easy Computer Sync detects the other computer and advances beyond “Waiting for Connection,” allowing you to select and transfer files.

If the Issue Persists

If you still need help with the connection or have any questions, please reach out directly at support@plugable.com. 

What is the Transfer to New Computer Mode?

The Transfer Data to New Computer mode is one of the three main Transfer Modes available in Easy Computer Sync. This mode is designed for one-way transfers, and files should transfer between folders with the same name. For example, if we pick the Pictures folder on the first computer the files transfer to the Pictures folder on the second computer. Let's look at the steps:

1. Click the Transfer Data to New Computer button on the main menu after you've made the connection
   
   
   
2. We can pick which computer we're transferring from, and which computer you're transferring to. Typically this is mode is used to transfer from an older machine to a newer one, which is what we're doing here. So, we'll click This is my old computer
   
   
   
3. In the top-left corner of the page we'll see the main folders where files are kept in Windows. We can click the boxes to pick folders. Please note,  clicking these boxes will select all content in the folder. At this point we could:
   
   
   • Click Next to start transferring
   • Click Add Folder, to look for specific folders to transfer
   
   In this example, we're going to look for specific folders transfer, so let's click Add Folder
   
   
   
4. Now, we see a screen with the first computer we're using on the left, and the second computer on the right. As a precaution, folders such as Users, Program Files, Documents, Pictures and more aren't available when the software is started. Click the box in the bottom-left of the screen that says Show Protected Folders, and we can get further access to files and folders
   
   
   
5. A message will pop up with information about viewing Protected Files. Click Yes to begin
   
   
   
6. We can click the arrows here that are next to drives and folders to expand them out, and see the content inside. Once we've found the folders needed, click OK
   
   
   
7. Now, we have the folders we've selected ready, and can click Next, to start the transfer 
   
   
   
8. We see the folder ready for transfer. Click Next to begin
   
   
   
9. The progress bar will fill up green as files are transferred
   
   
   
10. Finished, great! At the end we'll get information about the number of files sent, and the amount of data transferred. We can click View Log, to see a log with further information, and click Exit, when finished
    

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns.

What is the Drag & Drop Mode?

The Drag & Drop mode is one of the three main Transfer Modes available in Easy Computer Sync. This is great for accessing specific files and folders, and let's us manually drag and drop files and folders between our computers.

1. Click the Drag & Drop button on the main menu after you've made the connection
   
   
   
2. A screen will pop up with some further information about the Drag & Drop Mode. Click OK to begin
   
   
   
3. Now, we get to the main screen of the Drag & Drop mode. Here, we can see the computer we're currently using in the top of the screen and the connected computer below. We can also see any additional hard drives automatically, like this Second Drive. Some folders aren't accessible right away, and we may need to click the Show System Folders button to get access to certain items
   
   
   
4. We can click the arrows  that are next to drives and folders to expand them out, and see the content inside. Now, we can see into the folders and get the content we need. Simply click, and drag files between computers to drop them to start a transfer
   
   
   
5. A green progress bar will fill up a files transfer
   
   
   
6. Great! Now we have all of the items on the top computer
   
   
   

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns.

What is the Sync Files Mode?

The Sync Files mode is one of the three main Transfer Modes available in Easy Computer Sync. Let's say we have photos from 2021 on the first computer, and photos from 2020 on the second computer. We want to sync the computers up, and get all of the photos on both computers. That's where the Sync Files mode comes into play, and here's what we need to do:

1. Click the Sync Files Button on the main menu after we've made the connection
   
   
   
2. In the top-left corner of the page we'll see the main folders where files are kept in Windows. We can click the boxes to pick folders. Please note,  clicking these boxes will select all content in the folder. At this point we could:
   
   
   • Click Next, to start syncing
   • Click Add Folder, to look for specific folders to sync up
   
   In this example, we're going to look for specific folders to sync up, so let's click Add Folder
   
   
3. Now, we see a screen with the first computer we're using on the left, and the second computer on the right. As a precaution, folders such as Users, Program Files, Documents, Pictures and more aren't available when the software is started. Click the box in the bottom-left of the screen that says Show Protected Folders, and we can get further access to files and folders
   
   
   
4. A screen will pop up with some information about accessing files. Click Yes, when ready to move on 
   
   
5. We can click the arrows here that are next to drives and folders to expand them out, and see the content inside. Once we've found the folders needed, click OK
   
   
   
6. Now, we can see that the folders we've selected are ready to be synchronized. Click Next, to begin 
   
   
7. The Progress bar will fill up green as files are synced up
   
   
   
8. Finished! At the end, we can see the number of files sent and received and the amount of data transferred. We can click View Log, to see a log with further information, and click Exit, when finished
   
   

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns.

What is the 'Control Other Computer' Mode?

We've talked before about the different Transfer Modes available for use between computers using Easy Computer Sync, but, did you know the software is capable of remotely controlling another computer?

With the ability to reach speeds up to 10gbps, our TBT-TRAN Easy Transfer Cable is the perfect fit for the Control Other Computer mode, which allows us to remotely control one computer from another.

This is a valuable tool to have in your belt whether you're maintaining computers at the office, home, or really anywhere because of the direct Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt connection!

The TBT-TRAN is Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, and systems must have at least one free Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 port to plug the cable into. See the quick steps below to get started:

1. Using the computer you want connect from, click the Control Other Computer button on the main menu after you've made the connection to start the mode.    
   
      
    
2. Now, we'll see a remote image of the connected host computer's desktop. The icons here are just as they are on the host system, which can make software a breeze. This can be particularly useful for systems that are kept offline to restrict access, like this one we're using for this example. (Please note, the background is meant to be blank for minimal resource usage.)    
   
     
    
3. We can navigate folders and access files just as we would on the machine itself. This network disconnected system is now a great local resource for shared files and tools!   
   
     
    
4. We can open files using programs installed on the host computer. Here, we have a Word Processing document open    
   
     
    
5. Once you've finished, it's easy to close the Remote Connection! Click File > Exit to finish, or Back To Tools, if you have other tasks to do   
   
    

There we have it. This is another great tool included with Easy Computer Sync software that can make the task of setting up a remote connection easy!

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns!

No. 

Programs and games must be installed using the original discs, installation files, or installed from the original service platforms like Steam, and Adobe for example.

Our Transfer Cables and Bravura Easy Computer Sync software are designed for use with two monitors (one monitor, mouse, and keyboard for each computer which is the most convenient) but, we realize this isn't always possible.

You can set up the transfer with one monitor, but you will need to either physically unplug and plug in each monitor, or switch over to a different input if your monitor supports this. Here's a basic summary of the steps you'll need to take to set up and perform transfers:

1. Plug the Transfer Cable in between both computers.
2. Connect one computer to the monitor, start the Easy Computer Sync software, and get the software to the point where it is waiting for the connection from the other computer.
3. Unplug the current computer from the monitor, and plug the other one in. (Or, switch inputs over if your monitor supports it).
4. Start the software on the other computer, and complete the connection.
5. Once the connection is made between the computers you can control the transfer process from one computer.

We hope this was helpful. Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com, if you have any further questions or concerns.

Thank you!

No. Computers must be in full working order to both install, and run the Bravura Easy Computer Sync software to perform transfers. We would suggest finding a local and trusted technician to see about data recovery if your computer cannot turn on.

My laptop turns on, but the screen is broken and I can't see anything. Can I still transfer?
Possibly. Are you able to to connect the laptop to an external monitor or TV with an HDMI or other compatible video cable and see your computer screen? If you can, it should be possible to transfer. Ultimately, it may be your best bet to take the computer to a trusted technician for further help, especially if this doesn't work.

Feel free to reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com with any questions or concerns, and we'll be glad to help you!

No. Our Transfer Cables are not compatible with any macOS version, Linux, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, or any other operating systems. Our Transfer Cables are compatible with:

• Windows 11 and 10 - (Please note, this is not compatible with Windows S mode. Please see this official FAQ from Microsoft for more information: Official S mode FAQ)
• Windows 8.x
• Windows 7
• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

Please note: Thunderbolt transfer cables are only compatible with Windows 10 and newer. For macOS systems, any of our Thunderbolt cables will work with Apple's macOS Migration Assistant without additional software.

We hope this was helpful! Please reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com if you have any questions or concerns.

If you happen to see a red X after transferring files using the Bravura Easy Computer Sync software, this means that Windows is detecting a syncing issue exists with its file related to its OneDrive cloud storage service. 

That usually means Windows thinks those files aren’t available on the not synced to their online storage service, it is not a problem with the cable itself. 

Generally this can be resolved by giving OneDrive some time to upload those newly transferred files or restarting the OneDrive from closing it from the Windows taskbar then restarting it can resolve upload issues and it should also remove the red X from these files.

Yes!

With our Plugable Transfer Cables you have the power to:

• Transfer more than once
• Transfer whenever you want, and transfer as much data as your want
• Install the Bravura Easy Computer Sync software on as many computers as you need
• Register the software on those computers with your unique Product Key

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com, and you can find our other support resources by clicking here.

Yes. Plugable Transfer Cables and the Bravura Easy Computer Sync software are compatible with Windows 11.

How Does Windows 11 Compatibility Vary by Transfer Cable?

Plugable Transfer Cables are not compatible with Windows 11 running in S Mode because the Bravura Easy Computer Sync software and required drivers cannot be installed while S Mode is enabled.

For more information about Windows S Mode:

https://kb.plugable.com/en_US/are-plugable-transfer-cables-compatible-with-windows-s-mode

Applicable To

• USB-EASY-TRAN, USB3-TRAN, USBC-TRAN, TBT-TRAN
• Bravura Easy Computer Sync

The Bravura Easy Computer Sync software comes bundled with a software update tool in its programs folder. If you ever find yourself stuck on a “waiting for connection” screen on both your PCs it may be time to update the software so we can be sure they are on the same version.

For Windows 10 to check for updates, go to: 

The Windows Start Menu > Programs > Easy Computer Sync > Get Updates

If an update is available the following download window will appear

At this point close Easy Computer Sync on both PCs and open again to establish a connection.

For Windows 11 to check for updates the navigation is slightly different. Go to: The Windows Start Menu > All Apps > 

Navigate to Easy Computer Sync > Get Updates

At this point close Easy Computer Sync on both PCs and open again to establish a connection.

Also, assuming the “Automatically check for updates” option was selected during the installation, Easy computer Sync will periodically check for updates each time it launches, and notify you if one is available at the Welcome Screen.

While USB-C and Thunderbolt share the same physical rounded rectangle connector they operate in fundamentally different ways.

The Main Differences Aren't Physical

USB 3 at 5Gbps and 10Gbps with Type-C - often simplified to USB-C - is both the hardware connector standard, and the included data types: USB 5Gbps or 10Gbps data rates, as well as optionally DisplayPort Alternate Mode video and USB Power Delivery for powering and charging both host computers, and downstream devices.

Thunderbolt, specifically Thunderbolt 3 and newer and USB4 use the same physical USB Type-C port, and support a backwards compatibility with USB-C devices, however the signaling and data structure is completely different. Both Thunderbolt and USB4 operate at between four to sixteen times the speed of USB 3. While USB offers optional display and charging, these are mandatory for Thunderbolt hosts. The way display data is transmitted is also different.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode for USB 3 occupies two or four of the physical data lanes in the USB Type-C connector and cable. Tunneled DisplayPort video in Thunderbolt (and USB4) packetizes the DisplayPort video data and transmits it within Thunderbolt/USB4 data packets. Tunneled DisplayPort allows for more native DisplayPort streams enabling multiple external displays at higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Power Delivery is the USB Type-C (as in the port) charging and power standard - this allows a power source and device to negotiate a voltage and maximum amperage both devices can support. For example a phone might negotiate a 9V 3A charge rate which is close to optimal for a phone size battery, while a notebook computer is more likely to negotiate 20V 5A both for improved battery charging and to power the system under moderate to heavy workloads.

Why USB-C and Thunderbolt Capabilities Differ

USB Type-C is a connector standard where features such as video output (DisplayPort Alt Mode) and USB Power Delivery (PD) are optional and depend on the host device manufacturer. In contrast, Thunderbolt sets mandatory performance and hardware requirements across data, video, and power protocols.

• USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1: Up to 5Gbps data transfer speed.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2: Up to 10Gbps data transfer speed.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: Up to 20Gbps data transfer speed. This is very rarely implemented and most computers do not support it.
• Thunderbolt 3: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports dual DisplayPort 1.2 enabling two 4K or a single 5K displays, USB, DisplayPort, PCIe over a single cable, and up to 100W Power Delivery.
• USB4: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports DisplayPort 1.4 either one or two external displays, PCIe, and optional Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps, and Power Delivery.
• Thunderbolt 4: Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed, supports dual 4K or single 8K displays, USB4 compatibility, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps, and Power Delivery.
• Thunderbolt 5: Up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth (DisplayPort up to 120Gbps using Bandwidth Boost), supports dual 6K or single high-refresh-rate 8K displays, PCIe, and backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps.

Effectively each tier from this list supports all of the features of the tier above as well as some new features. Thunderbolt 4 is Intel's implementation of USB4 with all optional features enabled.

How to Identify Ports and Ensure Compatibility

• Port Identification: Thunderbolt ports are usually marked with a lightning bolt symbol with a downward pointing triangle at the bottom point, this should be next to the port, while USB-C ports may be unmarked or feature symbols indicating power delivery (a simple lightning bolt is common) or DisplayPort capabilities ("DP" logo is often used). Always refer to device technical specifications for confirmation.
• Connecting Thunderbolt Devices to USB-C Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5 devices connected to standard USB-C ports typically operate at reduced capabilities, such as lower speeds or fewer display outputs.
• Connecting USB-C Devices to Thunderbolt Ports: USB-C devices connected to Thunderbolt ports function normally, but cannot take advantage of full Thunderbolt features.

Applicable To

• Plugable docking stations, hubs, and video adapters
• USB-C standards (USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen 1, 3.2 Gen 2, 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB4)
• Thunderbolt standards (Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 5)

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!

Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only - not standard USB-C peripherals.

While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.

If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.

In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.

Short answer: No. Plugable Transfer Cables are not compatible with Windows running in S Mode.

This is a limitation of Windows S Mode, not a defect with the cable.

What Is Windows S Mode?

Windows S Mode is a restricted version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 designed for improved security and performance.

When a system is in S Mode:

• Only apps from the Microsoft Store can be installed
• Traditional desktop applications (.exe, .msi) are blocked
• Kernel-level drivers and background services are restricted

S Mode is commonly found on entry-level laptops, education devices, and systems focused on security or manageability.

Why Plugable Transfer Cables Are Not Compatible

Plugable Transfer Cables require installing the desktop application, Bravura Easy Computer Sync, and a device driver to function correctly.

These components are required to:

• Establish a direct PC to PC data connection
• Manage file system access between both systems
• Enable high-speed data transfer over USB

Because Windows S Mode blocks:

• Installation of non-store desktop applications
• Installation of third-party drivers

The Bravura Easy Computer Sync software cannot be installed or executed while S Mode is enabled.

How Can I Circumvent This Limitation?

Option 1: Switch Out of Windows S Mode

You can permanently switch your system out of S Mode to enable full Windows functionality. More information regarding this process can be found on Microsoft's official Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ.

Important notes:

• Switching out of S Mode is free
• The change is permanent and cannot be reversed
• No data is lost during the switch

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System, Activation
3. Under Switch out of S Mode, select Go to the Store
4. Click Get to disable S Mode

Once S Mode is disabled, you can install Bravura Easy Computer Sync and use the Plugable Transfer Cable.

Option 2: Use an Alternative Transfer Method

If you must remain in S Mode, consider one of these alternatives:

• Cloud storage services such as OneDrive or Google Drive
• External USB storage devices like flash drives or external SSDs
• Network-based file transfer over a local network

These options do not require third-party drivers or desktop installers.

Many of Plugable's products have LED indicators, some are common across many devices like Ethernet port LEDs, while others may be specific to an individual product.

Common LED behaviors

Ethernet port LEDs

Ethernet ports generally have two LEDs, one (generally green) indicates a "Link" while the other (generally amber) flashes off indicating network transfer or "Activity".

Power LEDs

Many of our products have a single power LED indicating the device is powered on or receiving power, however in some cases this LED may only illuminate when the device also has a data connection to the host computer.

More Details

For all of our products we are updating our Specifications page to include additional details. For example with the Plugable USB Type-C Triple HDMI Docking Station UD-3900PDZ under the "LEDs" section we provide the following details:

Additionally, any products with more advanced LED behavior will be documented in the Get Started tab.

Legacy Products

For many of our legacy products the LED behavior was documented in separate KB articles, we are in the process of updating these to link here to provide additional details and context, so even if you found this from a different product hopefully this will help to answer your questions about our products!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to help!