Troubleshooting Thunderbolt™ Issues on Intel® NUC

Documentation

Troubleshooting

000030689

02/26/2024

If you see Thunderbolt™ related issues on your Intel® NUC, refer to the table below for troubleshooting tips and useful information.

What are you seeing? How to fix it.
Thunderbolt™ device isn't recognized when plugged into the Intel® NUC.

Install the latest Thunderbolt™ driver for your Intel NUC model from Download Center.

Update to the latest BIOS version on the Intel® NUC.

Check the Thunderbolt option in BIOS:
  1. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
  2. Go to Advanced > Devices > Onboard Devices.
  3. Check that the Thunderbolt Controller is enabled.
  4. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.
Use a certified Thunderbolt™ 3 cable. The length of the cable can also be a factor. Try one that's 60 cm or shorter.
No video when connecting the Intel NUC to a display via the Thunderbolt port. Update the Thunderbolt firmware on the Intel NUC.

Try a different Thunderbolt cable.

If you're using a Thunderbolt adapter (for example, to convert Thunderbolt from the Intel NUC to DisplayPort on a television):
  • Try a different adapter.
  • Instead of using an adapter, try a cable that provides the correct input/output for your display.
Display problem when using more than one display. Check BIOS Setup for primary and secondary display settings:
  1. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
  2. Go to Advanced > Devices > Video.
  3. Set IGD Primary Video Port to the device you want to be primary.
  4. Set IGD Secondary Video Port to the device you want to be secondary.
  5. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.

Additional steps:

  1. Connect one monitor using the second HDMI port on the NUC.
  2. Connect the other monitor to the Thunderbolt/DP to the NUC and simply use the DisplayPort input on the monitor.
Thunderbolt display randomly goes to black screen.

Change the Windows power management setting for the Thunderbolt controller:

  1. Press the Windows key and X.
  2. Select Device Manager.
  3. Expand the System devices section.
  4. Right-click the Thunderbolt(TM) Controller and select Properties.
  5. On the Power Management tab, uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Close Device Manager.
Related topics
Thunderbolt™ 3 Specifications on Intel® NUC Products
Firmware Update Instructions for Thunderbolt™ 3 on Intel NUC Products
Support Options for Thunderbolt™
Thunderbolt™ Technology for Developers