Displays not recognized through docking station after installing nvidia drivers

Graphics / Linux Linux
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1

Hello everyone,

I have recently started to migrate away from Windows to Linux on my private PC and I am facing some issues with my displays not being recognized when connected through my docking station. The issue seems to be related to the Nvidia drivers, hence why I am seeking help here. The reason why I am using a docking station is because I want to easily switch between my working laptop and my private PC when necessary.

Software:

  • Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS
  • Nvidia driver 560

Hardware:

  • Dell WD19TBS Thunderbolt 3 docking station
  • RTX 2070 with USB-C port
  • 2 monitors with DisplayPort connection

Setup:
The DisplayPort monitors are connected to the docking station and the docking station is connected to the 2070’s USB-C port. This setup worked on my PC while I had Windows and it also works on Ubuntu as long as I do not install an Nvidia driver.

Problem:
After installing an Nvidia driver (535/550/560) on Ubuntu, my displays are no longer recognized. The current workarounds are either to connect and disconnect the monitors from the docking station until the displays are suddenly recognized, or to connect the displays directly to the GPU.

What I have tried so far:

  • Different Nvidia driver versions (535/550/560)
  • Installing Synaptics DisplayLink driver
  • Updating the firmware of my docking station
  • Reinstalling Ubuntu

Additional notes: although I do not fully understand it, I am aware that Thunderbolt 3 docking stations have some compatibility issues with Linux systems and that probably all of this could be avoided if I would upgrade to a Thunderbolt 4 docking station. I will probably do that if I am not able to find a solution here, since I have already invested a lot of time in trying to fix this issue myself.

I am very thankful for any help!

Kind regards
Pop

EDIT: One thing that I have just noticed is that the displays do get recognized if I start the PC and leave it idle for a while.

2

UPDATE:

I have updated to a newer Nvidia driver version (570), a newer Ubuntu version (25.04) and have also switched from the Dell WD19TBS (Thunderbolt 3) to the Dell WD22TB4 (Thunderbolt 4) docking station. The issue is mostly gone, but sometimes one of the displays still blacks out and needs re-plugging. The other issue that could be connected to the display issue is that my mouse and keyboard inputs at some point are not recognized anymore until I re-plug them (just like with the displays). This has now become the far more annoying issue (since the display issue has been mostly fixed). I would like to keep this post open - I am very thankful for any input. I also tried my luck on the Ubuntu forum: Periphery (monitor, mouse and keyboard) keeps randomly disconnecting - Support and Help - Ubuntu Community Hub.