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Plugable USB-C to VGA Adapter
$14.95 USD
SKU: USBC-TVGAAmazon Rating : (76 Reviews)
Features
- Expand your Workspace—With this USB-C to VGA Adapter add a VGA port to connect an external monitor, projector, or TV to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 systems that support video output
- High Performance—VGA to USB C Adapter supports resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz. Other popular supported resolutions include 1920x1080, 1366x768, 1600x900. External display can be configured in extended or mirrored mode
- Flat Cable Flexibility—Small, lightweight Thunderbolt 3 to VGA adapter is perfect for travel and constructed with cutting edge materials including a flat, flexible printed circuit cable, providing durability while accommodating any workspace
- Compatibility—Compatible with USB-C Windows, Chromebooks, 2018+ iPad Pro, MacBook, iMac, Dell XPS, Lenovo Thinkpad, HP Spectre x360 systems with Thunderbolt 3 ports, and systems which support USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this USB C to VGA adapter, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
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Mirror or extend your display with VGA at 1920x1200 resolution
The Plugable USB-C to VGA Adapter (USBC-TVGA) is for users who want to add a VGA connected monitor, projector, or TV to their USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 compatible computer.
This compact adapter is under 2 inches in size, making it perfect for travel and taking on the go. Featuring a unique flat cable design, you can forget about messy cables and take advantage of the tight bend radius, which allows the adapter to fit in confined and compact spaces. The adapter enables a VGA output at resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz from systems which support “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” (Alt Mode) via USB-C.
Plug and Play
Alt Mode adapters allow you to add an additional display output easily and inexpensively on supported systems without needing to install additional software.
DisplayPort Alternate Mode provides a direct pipeline to the host graphics processor (GPU) in your system, the connected display will function with the same uncompromising performance of a natively attached display.
Video and photo editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks are possible assuming that the system's GPU capabilities are sufficient for the application being used.
High Performance
Connect your VGA equipped monitor, projector, or TV to your laptop and achieve resolutions up to 1920x1200 at 60Hz.
Other popular supported resolutions include 1920x1080, 1600x400, 1024x768 and lower.
Note: This adapter will not work with HDMI or DisplayPort monitors.
Flexible Flat Cable
The adapter is equipped with a flat, printed circuit cable that allows for a small footprint and flexibility. This means the cable itself is more sturdy and less prone to breakage from everyday use like traditional, round, copper cables.
The compact and easy to use flat profile enables the adapter to hug surfaces and take advantage of tight spaces. This flexibility saves space and eliminates clutter so that you don’t have to deal with the cable mess.
Compact and Portable
Measuring in at 1.8in x 1in x .5in (4.6cm x 2.3cm x 1.3cm), the small, compact size is great for travel and small desk spaces.
Lighter than a pencil, this adapter makes for a great spare and is easy to take from your desk to the conference room. Throw it in your bag and you’ll forget it’s there until you need it.
Compatibility
| Compatible Systems | Plug and Play installation on any Chromebook / Windows / Mac / Linux hosts which supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) video output functionality. Adapter has been fully tested for functionality on the 2018+ iPad Pro (mirroring only) / MacBook Air / iMac and iMac Pro / MacBook and MacBook Pro / Google Pixelbook / Dell XPS 13 & XPS 15 / Lenovo Thinkpad / HP Spectre x360 / Samsung DeX capable devices / Other systems which support USB-C DP Alt Mode. |
| - | Adapter has been fully tested for functionality on the 2018+ iPad Pro (mirroring only), MacBook Air / iMac and iMac Pro / MacBook and MacBook Pro / Google Pixelbook / Dell XPS 13 and XPS 15 / Lenovo Thinkpad / HP Spectre x360 / Samsung DeX capable devices / Other systems which support USB-C DP Alt Mode. |
| Incompatible Systems | Most current phones and tablets with USB-C ports do not support Alt Mode video output., ASMedia USB 3.1 controllers do not support Alt Mode video output. |
| - | Most motherboards with dual USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports are limited to a single Alt Mode output; only one Alt Mode adapter supported per system. |
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|---|---|---|---|
Output Port |
VGA |
DisplayPort |
HDMI |
Max Resolution |
1920x1200 @ 60Hz |
4K @ 60Hz |
4K @ 30Hz |
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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 )
My System Has Multiple USB-C and/or Thunderbolt 3 Ports. Can I Add Multiple Alt Mode Adapters for Multiple Displays?
If your system supports multiple Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C Alt Mode outputs, then you will be able to use multiple adapters on one system. However, there are some Thunderbolt 3/USB-C Alt Mode systems that limit the video output to one port.
Can I use an Alt Mode video adapter with my Mac?
Most modern MacBooks with USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt 3/4 ports support Alt Mode-based video adapters, making them compatible with Plugable Alt Mode video adapters. This includes:
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
- MacBook Air (2018 and later)
- Mac Mini (2018 and later)
- iMac (2017 and later)
- Mac Studio
Important Note:
M1, M2, M3, and newer MacBooks support only one external display via Alt Mode (with exceptions for the MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch with M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Pro/Max). If you need multiple external displays for a Mac with a base M1, M2, or M3 chip, consider Plugable’s USB Graphics Adapters instead.
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.
