DirectConnectThe other computer doesn’t show up
Most often the cable or port doesn’t support Thunderbolt or USB4, or DirectConnect isn’t open on the other computer. The status line in DirectConnect’s main window tells you which.
The main window says “Waiting for a cable…”
Your computer doesn’t see a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection. Check:
- The port. Use a port marked with a lightning bolt, “USB4”, “40Gbps” or “20Gbps”. Many computers have USB-C ports that only do USB. How to tell if your laptop has Thunderbolt or USB4 covers each operating system.
- The cable. Charging cables and USB 2.0 cables don’t carry the connection. Try a Thunderbolt or USB4 cable. See which USB-C cable you need.
- Hubs and docks. Plug the cable straight into both computers.
- The plug. Unplug both ends, wait a few seconds, and plug them back in.
The main window says “Cable connected. Waiting for DirectConnect on the other computer…”
The cable works. Install DirectConnect on the other computer and open it. If it’s already installed, quit it and open it again.
DirectConnect says the versions are incompatible
Install the latest version of DirectConnect on both computers, then unplug and reconnect the cable. See Install, update and remove.
A Mac doesn’t connect
macOS treats the cable as a local network, so DirectConnect needs Local Network access. Open System Settings, choose Privacy & Security, then Local Network, and turn on DirectConnect.
A Windows PC doesn’t connect
If Intel Thunderbolt Share is installed on the PC, uninstall it. DirectConnect doesn’t work while it’s installed. See Known issues on Windows.
Linux doesn’t see the connection
Check that Linux has created a network connection for the cable. In a terminal, run:
ls /sys/bus/thunderbolt/devices/*/device_nameIf nothing is listed, Linux hasn’t detected the other computer on the cable. Try another port or cable. If the computers connect but transfers are slow, see Known issues on Linux.
Still not working
Contact us with both computers’ makes and models, their operating system versions, your cable, and what DirectConnect’s main window shows on each.