Refreshing your organization's laptops is a major milestone—but the hardware is only half the story. 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. Here are six essential accessories that should be part of every successful laptop refresh — along with real-world examples to help you select and standardize on the right accessories. 1. Docking Stations: The Productivity Powerhouse A docking station is the cornerstone of any modern workspace. Docking stations enhance any laptop they’re connected to, increasing the number of available ports, enabling multi-monitor functionality, high-performance peripheral connections, and network cables with a single cable. 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 three USB-A and 2 USB-C ports, and includes an SD card reader. 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. Multiport Adapters: Compact Versatility for Mobile Users Not every user needs a full docking station. For mobile-first employees or those in hot-desking environments, a multiport adapter is a compact, 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 gigabyte 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. Display Adapters: Multi-Monitor Productivity Multi-monitor setups are proven to increase productivity, but not all devices have built in functionality. That’s where the small but mighty display adapters come in. 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. USB-C / Thunderbolt Cables: The Backbone of Connectivity Cables might not be glamorous, but 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, 40Gbps 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. Privacy Filters: Safeguard Data Without Sacrificing Usability Data privacy isn’t just the 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. Laptop Locks: Physical Security Still Matters While cybersecurity gets most of the attention, physical security is just as critical—especially in shared or public environments. Our Universal Laptop Lock (UNIVK-LAPTOP-LOCK) offers a strong, flexible solution compatible with most laptops. It’s a must-have for offices, libraries, and conference rooms. Why it matters: Physical locks deter theft, protects assets, and gives users peace of mind. 1. Docking Stations: The Productivity Powerhouse A docking station is the cornerstone of any modern workspace. Docking stations enhance any laptop they’re connected to, increasing the number of available ports, enabling multi-monitor functionality, high-performance peripheral connections, and network cables with a single cable. 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 three USB-A and 2 USB-C ports, and includes an SD card reader. 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. Multiport Adapters: Compact Versatility for Mobile Users Not every user needs a full docking station. For mobile-first employees or those in hot-desking environments, a multiport adapter is a compact, 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 gigabyte 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. 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.