Refreshing your organization's laptops is a major milestone — but the hardware is only half the story. A laptop refresh is the process of replacing aging devices across your organization, often driven by factors like Windows 10 end-of-life or the need to support new hardware platforms. To ensure a smooth transition and maximize productivity from day one, IT Pros must think beyond the laptop itself. Deploying the right accessories can make or break the user experience, reduce helpdesk tickets, and improve security and connectivity across the board. The six essential accessories for a successful laptop refresh are: docking stations, display adapters, multiport adapters, USB-C/Thunderbolt cables, privacy screens, and laptop locks. Here's a closer look at each — along with real-world examples to help you select and standardize on the right accessories. 1. Why Do You Need a Docking Station for a Laptop Refresh? A docking station is a device that expands your laptop's connectivity through a single cable connection, enabling multi-monitor setups, high-performance peripheral connections, and wired network access. Docking stations are the cornerstone of any modern workspace, transforming a portable laptop into a full desktop workstation. Take our Universal USB-C Docking Station (116N-USBC-DOCK) for example. By connecting to this dock, a device that may only have a single connection port now supports up to three 4K displays, access to 3 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. This kind of flexibility is critical for hybrid workers who need to transition seamlessly between home and office setups and for ensuring your teams have the functionality of a desktop workstation with the flexibility of a portable laptop. For demanding applications requiring performance video and connectivity options, performance docks like the Universal USB4 & Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station (132N-TB4USB4DOCK) are the ideal solution. These docks leverage the laptop GPU and offer easy driverless setup to simplify deployments and reduce support tickets. Why it matters: Docks boost productivity and standardize the connectivity of your device environment. 2. What Is a Multiport Adapter and Who Needs One? A multiport adapter is a compact, portable hub that adds multiple connection types to your laptop—ideal for users who need connectivity on the go without a full docking station. For mobile-first employees or those in hot-desking environments, a multiport adapter is a cost-effective alternative. The StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter (120B-USBC-MULTIPORT) offers dual HDMI, 2x USB-A ports, MicroSD and SD card readers, and Gigabit Ethernet — all in one portable device. It's perfect for travel or quick desk setups without sacrificing space or connectivity. Why it matters: Adapters ensure users stay connected and productive wherever they work, without needing a bag full of dongles or adapters. 3. How Do Display Adapters Enable Multi-Monitor Productivity? A display adapter converts your laptop's video output to connect additional monitors, unlocking multi-monitor productivity even on laptops with limited video ports. Multi-monitor setups are proven to increase productivity, and display adapters make this possible for any device. StarTech.com's USB-C to Dual HDMI MST Hub (MST14CD122HD) enables dual 4K displays from a single USB-C port using Multi-Stream Transport (MST). It's the perfect productivity tool for easy hoteling for power users like developers, analysts, and designers. Why it matters: Display adapters unlock the full potential of your display deployments, even on laptops with limited video outputs. 4. Why Are Quality USB-C and Thunderbolt Cables Essential? USB-C and Thunderbolt cables are the backbone of modern laptop connectivity, carrying power, data, and video over a single connection. Well-made cables are essential in avoiding downtime—poor-quality and incompatible cables can lead to performance issues, charging failures, or even damage connected hardware. Our Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C Cable (TBLT5MM1M240W) supports up to 240W of power delivery, 80Gbps data transfer, and 8K video—all in one cable. Their high-performance functionality and universal backward compatibility make them the best choice for any environment. Why it matters: Quality cables ensure reliable power and data transfer, reduce troubleshooting, and support next-gen and legacy devices. 5. How Do Privacy Screens Protect Sensitive Data? A privacy screen is a filter that attaches to your laptop display, limiting the viewing angle so only the user directly in front can see the content. Data privacy isn't just best practice—it's a necessity. Whether your users are working from a coffee shop, airport lounge, or open-plan office, privacy screens are a simple yet powerful way to protect sensitive information from visual eavesdropping. Our range of privacy screens offers more than just discretion. These filters: Limit viewing angles: +/- 30° viewing angle ensures only the user directly in front of the screen can see the content. Reduce glare and blue light: helping to minimize eye strain during long work sessions. Offer dual-sided use: choose between a matte or glossy finish depending on your preference. Install easily: with frameless, removable designs that fit seamlessly into any workflow. Use our Privacy Filter Finder to select a guaranteed compatible privacy screen for the specific models of laptops you are deploying. Why it matters: Privacy filters maintain compliance with privacy regulations, protect sensitive data in public or shared spaces, and enhance user comfort. 6. Why Does Physical Security Still Matter for Laptops? A laptop lock is a cable lock that physically secures your laptop to a desk or fixture, deterring theft in shared or public environments. While cybersecurity gets most of the attention, physical security is just as critical — especially in offices, libraries, classrooms, and conference rooms. Our Universal Laptop Lock (UNIVK-LAPTOP-LOCK) offers a strong, flexible solution compatible with most laptops and supports multiple lock slot standards including Kensington, Nano, and Wedge. Why it matters: Physical locks deter theft, protect assets, and give users peace of mind. Choosing the Right Accessory for Your Users Different users have different needs. Here's a quick guide to matching accessories to user types: Hybrid workers (home and office): Docking stations for seamless transitions between locations. Hot-desking employees: Multiport adapters for quick, flexible desk setups. Mobile-first travelers: Multiport adapters and quality cables for reliable connectivity on the go. Power users (developers, analysts, designers): Display adapters for multi-monitor productivity. Shared or public environments (offices, libraries, classrooms): Laptop locks and privacy screens for physical security and data protection. Final Thoughts A successful laptop refresh isn't just about the laptops — it's about the ecosystem that supports them. By equipping your users with the right accessories, you'll simplify the user experience, improve productivity, and extend the value of your investment. Need help planning your next deployment? Let's talk about how to standardize on tested and certified compatible accessories that ensure a worry-free rollout. Frequently Asked Questions Docking station vs. multiport adapter: which should you choose? A docking station is best for users who need a permanent or semi-permanent workstation setup with multiple displays and peripherals. A multiport adapter is ideal for mobile users who need portable connectivity without the bulk of a full dock. Which lock slot standards does a universal laptop lock support? Universal laptop locks like the UNIVK-LAPTOP-LOCK support multiple standards including Kensington, Nano, and Wedge slots, making them compatible with most modern laptops. Do all docking stations work with Snapdragon/CoPilot+ PCs? Compatibility varies by dock and laptop. USB-C docking stations with driverless setup, like those using DisplayLink or MST technology, generally offer the broadest compatibility. Always verify compatibility with your specific laptop models before deployment.