NOTE - This is an archived article featuring some of our products that have gone through revision, and some that are out of production and no longer available for sale through our official channels.

Please note that we may be unable provide full solutions for products that are out of production. Please reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com for more information or support.

Thank you

USB is ever evolving with new hardware and software that create new compatibility considerations. Plugable is committed to staying on the cutting edge and improving our product functionality and compatibility. For the best user experience we recommend to install the latest available firmware update to your hub or docking station.

If you are experiencing problems with your hub, please reach out to us directly at: support@plugable.com.

Issues where certain ports are not working are not firmware related and flashing the firmware will not resolve the issue.

We have made the following table to help you find out if there is a firmware update available for your hub/dock. The update process only works on Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, & 10) over USB 3.0/3.1. If you do not see your hub/dock listed, there is no firmware update available at this time. 

VIA Labs, Inc. (one of the largest manufacturers of USB 3.0 hub chipsets on the market) does not make an update program for Apple Mac OS X or Linux/Unix. We apologize for this inconvenience. If you are a Mac OS X or Linux/Unix user, or a Windows user with USB 2.0 only, please contact our support for additional assistance, we’re more than happy to help!

Click here to skip to the chart below for instructions how to identify your current chipset and firmware version

To update your hub you must have only the hub itself connected directly to a USB 3.0 port (2.0/1.1 ports are not supported for the update process) on your Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, or 10 based computer with no other USB 3.0 hubs or docking stations attached.

Important Notes

• For Windows XP, Vista, and 7 users we recommend to install the latest USB 3.0 host controller drivers before attempting update. Please note that Windows Update does not usually download these drivers. Users should consult their computer or motherboard manufacturer for the latest drivers, or contact our support for help.
• Updating through a virtual machine like Parallels, VMware, VirtualBox, etc is not supported as USB pass-through mode is not available for hubs.
• Mac users may update through a Boot Camp installation. (older Mac Pro systems with PCI-e USB 3.0 add-on cards may not supported because of limitations in their driver support for USB 3.0 hubs)
• Computers that are equipped with older Texas Instruments, Fresco Logic, Etron, or Wistron USB 3.0 host controllers may be unstable with USB 3.0 hubs even with the latest driver updates.

After opening the firmware update utility, if the hub is not initially detected, unplug the hub from the USB 3.0 port on your computer and plug it back in and click the "Scan Device" button.  If your hub is still not detected, please contact our support for additional assistance, we're more than happy to help! 

How to manually check chipset and firmware versions

Windows

To launch the Windows Device Manager, hit the Windows + R hot-key combination and type devmgmt.msc and then click "OK".

1. Find your hub under “Universal Serial Bus controllers.” The device will typically be listed as a “Generic SuperSpeed USB Hub”, although it may appear as a “Renesas USB 3.0 Hub”, “AMD USB 3.0 Hub”, or other entry depending on your system’s USB 3.0 host controller chipset and driver. (Pictured below on the left, highlighted in a red box.)
2. Right click on the device and choose “Properties”. (Not pictured.)
3. From the properties window that comes up, select “Details.” After doing so the window will update to show information . (Similar to what is pictured on the right below.)
4. From the device’s details page, select “Hardware IDs.” (As pictured on the right below.)

The firmware version can now be seen under the “Details” tab and “Hardware Ids” as pictured below. (Highlighted in blue on the bottom right.) Below is an example in the Windows Device Manager for the older VL812 model USB3-HUB7-81X hub. Shown are two hubs connected, one with firmware version v8564 and one with firmware version v8571.

The "VID_2109" means it is a VIA based hub, "PID_0812" means it is a VL812 generation chipset, "REV_8571” means the hub has firmware version 8571.

Mac

To launch Apple’s system profile, from the left your menu bar, click the Apple Logo, hold down the alt/option key, and click “System Information.” Depending on the model of hub it will show up differently, however you’ll know you found the right device when you find one with the following details: Below is an example in the OS X System Profiler for the older VL812 model USB3-HUB7-81X hub. Shown are two hubs connected, one with firmware version v8564 and one with firmware version v8571.

The "Vendor ID: 0x2109 (Via Labs, Inc)" means it is a VIA based hub, "Product ID: 0x0812" means it is a VL812 generation chipset, "Version: 8564” means the hub has firmware version 8564.

We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com, if you have any further questions or concerns.