My Silicon Motion-based USB Docking Station or USB Video Adapter Is Not Working As Expected

Last Update: June 18th, 2025
Article ID: 1255592

If you're experiencing display issues or other problems with a Plugable device that uses Silicon Motion technology (such as certain USB video adapters or docking stations), performing a full uninstall and reinstall of the software often resolves the issue. Below are step-by-step instructions for both Windows and macOS systems.

For Windows Systems

  1. Disconnect the Dock or Adapter
    Unplug your Plugable USB video adapter or docking station. If the product you are using has an external power adapter (for example a USB docking station), please also disconnect the power adapter from the product so that the unit resets. Please keep everything disconnected until prompted.
  2. Uninstall the Software
    Open the Control Panel > Programs and Features, then locate and uninstall "Silicon Motion USB Display Driver." Note: Microsoft offers a quick guide on how to do this on both Windows 10 and 11 here

  3. Restart the Computer (even if unprompted)
    This helps ensure a clean state for reinstallation
  4. Reinstall the Software
    Download the latest version of the InstantView software for your version of Windows here.
  5. Reconnect the Dock or Adapter
    Plug the device back in and verify that displays or other peripherals are now working correctly.

For macOS Systems

  1. Disconnect the Dock or Adapter
    Unplug any Plugable device that uses Silicon Motion (e.g., USB video adapters or docking stations)
  2. .Open Finder
    Click on the Finder icon on your desktop.
  3. Navigate to the Applications Folder
    In the Finder sidebar, select Applications and look for an app named Silicon Motion InstantView (or similar).
  4. Run the Uninstaller (if available)
    If a Silicon Motion Uninstaller is listed, double-click it and follow the prompts to remove the software.
  5. If No Uninstaller Is Present: Delete Manually

  6. Drag Silicon Motion InstantView to the Trash

  7. Empty the Trash to finalize removal

  8. Reboot Your Mac
    Restart your system to ensure all Silicon Motion components are cleared.
  9. Reinstall the Software
    Based on your version of macOS, follow the appropriate guide for reinstalling:

  10. For macOS 10.15 to 11: Legacy macOS Installation Guide

  11. For macOS 12 and later: macOS 12+ Installation Guide

If, after having completed this process, your Plugable Silicon Motion device is still not working as expected, please reach out to us directly via support@plugable.com with the output of our PlugDebug diagnostic utility and we will be happy to help.