Surface Dock USB ports not working - Dock Updater repeatedly fails

Anonymous
2018-01-02T11:42:03+00:00

I have Surface book 13.5, and Surface Dock. USB ports on the dock are not working.

Running Surface Dock updater says I need to power cycle the dock, although I already did it several times.

Event viewer reports error code 12105, with message: "Failed to update USB hub firmware."

Surface | Accessories | Surface Dock

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

87 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-23T18:36:21+00:00

    I had the same thought to clean the contacts on both the computer and the docking station when I read that comment about reversing the docking cable.

    However I ended up using alcohol and a "q-tip".

    I powered down the computer and unplugged the dock. I then used some 99% iso-propyl with a special q-tip type cleaner.

    Seeing as I couldn't connect to any docking station around me, I think it was the contacts on the Surface Pro, not the docking station. 

    I guess it isn't that much of a surprise as it goes into and out of my backpack 2 to 3 times a day. Probably just some dust or other garbage got stuck on one of the many metal contacts in there.

    Good Luck!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-12-04T18:12:31+00:00

    work for me......

    Remove all cables from docking station and recycle the power docking station before running the updater.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-11-19T19:41:33+00:00

    I had the exact same issue with a user today. The fix was to clean the contacts with an eraser (good IT trick). 

    What was cleaned with the eraser

    Contacts on the Dock that connect to the laptop

    Contacts on the laptop that connect to the keyboard when you detach it.

    After cleaning these contacts with an eraser the issue appears to be resolved. I was led to this decision, when someone posted that they reversed the way the dock connects to the laptop for there issue which pointed me to dirty/oily contacts

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-10-22T09:53:09+00:00

    Same issues with all the others on this thread.  Discovered a possible fault.  My Surface Dock (and its USB Ports) will work perfectly when connected directly to the detached Screen/Clipboard.  By 2 Docks work perfectly with my SP4, but both have the same issue with no USB functionality when plugged into the Surface Book Keyboard. 

    So it seems to be a fault with the Surface Book Keyboard (which houses the Dock Connector Port and has its own USB Hub).  Possibly Hardware, but mine worked perfectly for a year until last months updates.  So likely a driver, firmware or other software issue with the Keyboard component of the Surface Book, not the Dock.

    I think blaming the Dock has been why this has not been solved.  MS, or someone, should look at the Keyboard.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2018-10-05T10:11:23+00:00

    100% agreed! The Surface is not usable without the dock, but taking into account the dock's quality, I won't be buying another Surface again.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments