The Alternate Mode feature must be supported on the PC's hardware and software, and the connected device or dongle. You might also need a specific USB-C cable. Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, a DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter should be connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. One of the HDMI ports and the DisplayPort support 4K at 60Hz (Mac and Windows) and the second HDMI can push up to 8K at 30Hz in Windows and up to 4K at 60Hz with a Mac. The HDMI 2.1 port can hit 60Hz at under 8K, for example, 4K, 5K or 6K. Although USB-C is a reversible, and somewhat universal connection in that it’s compatible with any other USB-C connection — including USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 and 4 — not all USB-C ports and not all USB-C chargers are created equally. Laptops with multiple USB-C ports will tend to have one that is designed for charging. Plug your USB-C power cable into that port to charge your laptop.

The pass-through charging is impressive at 92W, and you have the option of using the laptop’s bus power if you don’t have a wall charger to hand or access to an outlet. This HP Spectre laptop has a dedicated charging port (center) and two USB-C ports not used for charging. (Credit: Molly Flores) Looking for other home-office gizmos and gadgets? We've got a number of guides that can help, like our Best Work-From-Home Gear, Best USB Flash Drive, and Best Portable External Storage Drives roundups. It comes with its own USB-C cable, and can rotate, so the ports you need closest are where you want them.

The new Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4 is perfect for those looking for a desktop solution capable of charging all of your devices, including the iPad Pro. There are two USB-C ports with Power Delivery, capable of providing up to 100W of power with the correct cable. The two additional USB-A ports take advantage of Anker's PowerIQ technology to ensure the best charging speeds for other devices. The specific supported wattage of each USB-C cable, charger, and supporting device, varies. You’ll need to look at their specifications before buying to confirm, but depending on the connection in question, they should fall within these ranges.

The device or dongle you connected to has new features for USB-C that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support. Your PC is providing power to other devices, so it has temporarily limited the power it provides to the device you just connected to. The USB device might have limited functionality when connected to this port. Plug the USB device into a different USB port on your PC. Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the features of the device or dongle. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt device, make sure it’s connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports Thunderbolt.

Yes, it doesn’t have its own power supply, but you can connect it to your laptop’s charger (or another) for passthrough charging at up to an impressive 85W.