Thunderbolt malfunctioning

S

Skittluier

New member
Joined
Dec 1, 2025
Messages
6
Hi all!
So, since approx. 2 weeks ago, the Thunderbolt connection on my MSI Stealth GS66 12UH has suddenly stopped working, and I suspect a software update somewhere is the culprit.
The reason why I suspect it's not hardware-related is that right after an EC Reset, the Thunderbolt device I'm connecting suddenly works again for that one small moment... until the laptop starts again. Then it doesn't connect anymore.
So I've contacted MSI about it, and they're not blaming their BIOS, because in their environment and internal tests, it's going fine.
So now I'm here, making a post on the MSI forums, asking you guys what could be the cause of this sudden behaviour of my laptop's Thunderbolt port and hoping someone knows how to troubleshoot this.

Some necessary information
  • - I've the latest BIOS version from MSI for my laptop.
  • - The Thunderbolt devices I'm testing with are the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) and the Dell Universal Dock. (UD22 Dockingstation)
  • - I have fully updated Windows 11.
  • - I've completely wiped my laptop to the MSI factory settings.
  • - I've used the Intel Automatic Driver Updater to check if I'm having any Thunderbolt updates.
Thank you!
 
There could be some power waste while charging through the dock, make sure the devices provide 100W or more.
The laptop might need at least 100W to access PD charging function.
Otherwise, try to update the ME FW to check if the problem can be improved.

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Hi Eric!

Thanks for your reply. I have always used these 2 devices as my Thunderbolt devices for years and now they both decided to not be read anymore by my laptop, unless I do an EC Reset. Then it's OK again for 1 second.
 
Then...it could be a hardware problem. Send it to the service center directly.
 
Edric said:
Then...it could be a hardware problem. Send it to the service center directly.
Click to expand...
But if it's a hardware problem, how is it possible that the Thunderbolt port consistently responds to my power bank every time after an EC reset? (for ~1 sec)
I don't really understand that point.
 
So I've got something interesting. I opened the laptop to check which Thunderbolt device I should order so I can replace it myself, but when I wanted to do that... I was thinking of performing a little test.
So I disconnected my laptop battery from my motherboard and tried to connect my Thunderbolt device (the power bank) to it. And it worked perfectly fine!

So... there is something wrong with the combination of the battery and the power bank software-wise, but I can't place it yet. I have MSI Center set up now with the "Extreme Performance" program to make sure battery protection is turned off, but that didn't help me.

Anyone who got a clue what this could be?
 
Skittluier said:
So I've got something interesting. I opened the laptop to check which Thunderbolt device I should order so I can replace it myself, but when I wanted to do that... I was thinking of performing a little test.
So I disconnected my laptop battery from my motherboard and tried to connect my Thunderbolt device (the power bank) to it. And it worked perfectly fine!

So... there is something wrong with the combination of the battery and the power bank software-wise, but I can't place it yet. I have MSI Center set up now with the "Extreme Performance" program to make sure battery protection is turned off, but that didn't help me.

Anyone who got a clue what this could be?
Click to expand...
Did you have any luck after? I could never get the left usb-c port to work with PD charging. In fact, after going via MSI support, they've change the spec sheet and sneakily removed PD Charging. Recently my port has stopped working all together. Tried a memory stick but no joy. In fact, it blew it and after plugging in a diagnostic tester, the port had a constant output of 16V with AC adaptor plugged in, 12V on battery. So i suspect the CMOS chip which drives the VBUS line of th port has shorted or something else has damaged it. Interesting you got it working from removing battery?
 
joh126002a0 said:
Did you have any luck after? I could never get the left usb-c port to work with PD charging. In fact, after going via MSI support, they've change the spec sheet and sneakily removed PD Charging. Recently my port has stopped working all together. Tried a memory stick but no joy. In fact, it blew it and after plugging in a diagnostic tester, the port had a constant output of 16V with AC adaptor plugged in, 12V on battery. So i suspect the CMOS chip which drives the VBUS line of th port has shorted or something else has damaged it. Interesting you got it working from removing battery?
Click to expand...
I thought so too, but to make a very long story short. In the end, it is my hardware that is malfunctioning. I first suspected the BIOS, but that wasn't it.
So I need to send it for repairs, which I'm not going to do, because I can't miss this laptop. 😂
 
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