---
product_id: 29102120
title: "Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)"
brand: "startech"
price: "€ 61.83"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 10
category: "Star Tech"
url: https://www.desertcart.nl/products/29102120-thunderbolt-3-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter-non-reversible-tb3-laptop
store_origin: NL
region: Netherlands
---

# 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 speed Thunderbolt 3 certified compatibility 12W bus-powered convenience Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)

**Brand:** startech
**Price:** € 61.83
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ⚡ Future-proof your legacy gear with the ultimate Thunderbolt bridge!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP) by startech
- **How much does it cost?** € 61.83 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nl](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/29102120-thunderbolt-3-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter-non-reversible-tb3-laptop)

## Best For

- startech enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted startech brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Plug & Play Power:** Bus-powered with 12W output, powering your peripherals without extra cables or fuss.
- • **Blazing Data Transfer:** Experience up to 20Gbps transfer speeds—because your workflow deserves no lag.
- • **Display Revival Magic:** Breathe new life into your classic Apple Thunderbolt Displays and LG Ultrawide monitors.
- • **Seamless Legacy Connection:** Bridge your cutting-edge Thunderbolt 3 laptop to prized Thunderbolt 2 & 1 devices effortlessly.
- • **Universal Pro Compatibility:** Works flawlessly with MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook and more.

## Overview

The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter enables professionals to connect modern Thunderbolt 3 laptops to older Thunderbolt 2 and 1 peripherals at speeds up to 20Gbps. Bus-powered with 12W output, it supports key devices like Apple Thunderbolt Displays and external storage, ensuring seamless compatibility across Windows and macOS platforms. Ideal for managers and tech-savvy millennials who refuse to let legacy tech gather dust.

## Description

This Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter is a cost-effective solution for connecting older Thunderbolt peripherals such as external hard drives, Thunderbolt 2 displays to newer Thunderbolt 3 host devices (laptops or computers). You can connect to first-generation Thunderbolt devices at 10Gbps speed. With Thunderbolt 2 devices, you can connect at 20Gbps. The Thunderbolt 3 adapter will not work with non-Thunderbolt 3 USB-C laptops and only works with Thunderbolt 3 enabled ports (look for the Thunderbolt sign on your port).

Review: Apple Thunderbolt Display (Mini Displayport) to a Windows PC using a USB-C connector? This is the App for that. A+ - On a new PC build, using this motherboard: Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 2-Way SLI ATX DDR4 Motherboards GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 , I was itching to use my Thunderbolt display from Apple since about 2 years ago I spent over $1,000 at the Apple store for it (the one like this: Apple MC914LL/B 27-inch Thunderbolt Display ) - and well, it was meant to be more than just a pretty paperweight. Actually the newly-obsolete Apple Thunderbolt display itself is quite good. It's a shame that Apple didn't continue that business (for now). The downside is that it's a Thunderbolt 2 device that's - confusingly - a mini Display port. Even more confusingly, when I bought the motherboard and it came with a USB-C connector on the back. I thought "oh, I just need a cable.." not really. The motherboard is Thunderbolt 3 and the monitor is Thunderbolt 2. Fast forward to the end here: this product works GREAT to connect a PC/Laptop that has a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connector (Dell, HP, etc) to an Apple Thunderbolt Display. Beyond the basics of it working as a display, I haven't invested time to get the drivers to work for the camera, speakers, etc inside the display, but there are some sites out there that document how to do it by borrowing drivers from bootcamp. As other viewers noted though, an Apple MacBook with a USB-C connector doesn't use Thunderbolt 3 signalling, so for that purpose this adapter is unlikely to do anything. Make no mistake: this adapter is expensive. But to spend about $75-80 to make an already-owned good Apple monitor work on a new Windows PC to me was worth it.
Review: Works Perfectly for MacBook Pros - I got this for my Lacie external hard drive so I could use it with my MacBook Pro that only has usb-c ports and it worked perfectly with no issues.

## Features

- COMPATIBILITY NOTE: This Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter is NOT BIDIRECTIONAL and will not connect TB3 peripherals to computers with TB1/TB2 ports; This adapter is not compatible w/ Mini DisplayPort / DisplayPort monitors or Thunderbolt 4 computers
- THUNDERBOLT 3 TO THUNDERBOLT ADAPTER: Enables Thunderbolt 3 laptops to connect with older Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) and Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) peripherals; Connect TB1/TB2 devices like external storage drive bays, or Thunderbolt Displays to your TB3 laptop
- THUNDERBOLT 3 CERTIFIED: Compatible w/ TB3 certified laptops like MacBook Air & MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13 & 15, Latitude, Precision, Lenovo ThinkPad X1, P series, HP EliteBook; Requires TB3 host (laptop or desktop must be equipped with Thunderbolt 3 port)
- TECH SPECS: Bus-powered; Provides up to 12W of power for peripherals; Features a physical Mini DisplayPort connector but it is not capable of adapting to mini DisplayPort / DisplayPort signal; Only compatible w/ Thunderbolt peripherals; 8in built-in cable
- COMPATIBLE WITH THUNDERBOLT DISPLAYS: This TB3 to TB2/TB1 adapter enables use of older Thunderbolt monitors (27" Apple Thunderbolt Displays/LG Ultrawide TB2 display) w/ certified Thunderbolt 3 laptops; Windows and macOS compatible

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B019FPJDQ2 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #193 in DVI-HDMI Adapters #7,872 in Computer Cables & Interconnects |
| Customer Reviews | 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (878) |
| Date First Available | December 26, 2015 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Item model number | TBT3TBTADAP |
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Product Dimensions | 11 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches |

## Product Details

- **Color:** Black
- **Compatible Devices:** External Hard Drive, Hard Drive, Laptop, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Printer, Storage Drive
- **Connector Type:** Thunderbolt 2/Thunderbolt 3
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 11 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches
- **Specific Uses For Product:** personal

## Images

![Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jPAourVSL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How can I tell if I have a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port?**
A: Some USB-C ports don’t support TB3. USB-C peripherals will work with TB3 computers, but TB3 peripherals will not work with USB-C computers. To determine if your computer features TB3, look for the TB3 symbol or refer to your computer's documentation.

**Q: Does this device also convert in the opposite direction?**
A: No, this device has an intended source (Thunderbolt 3) and destination (Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2), and does not convert in the opposite direction.

**Q: My computer is not properly detecting my Thunderbolt 3 device. What do I do?**
A: Try the following: Update the TB software on your computer/Update the TB firmware on your computer/Update the TB drivers/Update your motherboard BIOS or UEFI. For more infor about how to complete these updates refer to the computer’s documentation.

**Q: Does this device work with DisplayPort displays, Mini DisplayPort displays, or MST hubs?**
A: No, this device doesn't work when connected directly to an MST hub, a DisplayPort display, or a Mini DisplayPort display.

**Q: My 27in Apple Thunderbolt display is not working on my Dell computer. How can I fix this?**
A: Make the following BIOS or UEFI settings change on your Dell system: Locate the setting "Thunderbolt Auto Switch" and uncheck "Auto Switch" Select "BIOS Assist Enumeration" Click Apply Save changes Setting may not be available on all Dell systems

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Apple Thunderbolt Display (Mini Displayport) to a Windows PC using a USB-C connector? This is the App for that. A+
*by J***Z on November 24, 2016*

On a new PC build, using this motherboard: Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 2-Way SLI ATX DDR4 Motherboards GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 , I was itching to use my Thunderbolt display from Apple since about 2 years ago I spent over $1,000 at the Apple store for it (the one like this: Apple MC914LL/B 27-inch Thunderbolt Display ) - and well, it was meant to be more than just a pretty paperweight. Actually the newly-obsolete Apple Thunderbolt display itself is quite good. It's a shame that Apple didn't continue that business (for now). The downside is that it's a Thunderbolt 2 device that's - confusingly - a mini Display port. Even more confusingly, when I bought the motherboard and it came with a USB-C connector on the back. I thought "oh, I just need a cable.." not really. The motherboard is Thunderbolt 3 and the monitor is Thunderbolt 2. Fast forward to the end here: this product works GREAT to connect a PC/Laptop that has a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connector (Dell, HP, etc) to an Apple Thunderbolt Display. Beyond the basics of it working as a display, I haven't invested time to get the drivers to work for the camera, speakers, etc inside the display, but there are some sites out there that document how to do it by borrowing drivers from bootcamp. As other viewers noted though, an Apple MacBook with a USB-C connector doesn't use Thunderbolt 3 signalling, so for that purpose this adapter is unlikely to do anything. Make no mistake: this adapter is expensive. But to spend about $75-80 to make an already-owned good Apple monitor work on a new Windows PC to me was worth it.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works Perfectly for MacBook Pros
*by F***N on October 12, 2025*

I got this for my Lacie external hard drive so I could use it with my MacBook Pro that only has usb-c ports and it worked perfectly with no issues.

### ⭐ Product didn't work for me
*by B***K on April 10, 2020*

I'm sharing this review with the hope that it can help others. The problem I tried to solve with the StarTech adapter was to connect my Apple thunderbolt display with a new Windows USB-C/Thunderbolt capable laptop. After a great deal of research, based on what is published by StarTech, I purchased this rather expensive adapter. I've tried this with two brand new Windows Laptops, a Lenovo C930 and a Dell XPS 13. The results were the same with both. The laptops recognize the Apple Thunderbolt display and ask for permission to connect. After selecting "Always connect", the laptops fail to recognize the Thunderbolt display and the screen remains dark. Going to display settings, there is no option to extend or mirror the display on the second monitor. As for StarTech support, let me save you some time and frustration. The consistent message is, you have to go back to your manufacturer and update the bios and any drivers, but no specific information is provided. I spent hours and did all of this with both machines and it didn't change the results. Startech's response was that this was still an issue with the laptops, bios or drivers, not their product. Bottom line: I don't agree. It does work with my daughter's new MacBook Air, as does the less expensive Apple USB-C to Thunderbolt adapter. But it is my opinion that the adapter will not work in the application for which I purchased it. Hope this helps others.

## Frequently Bought Together

- StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)
- chenyang Thunder-Bolt 2 Port to Thunder-Bolt 2 Male to Male Video Data Cable for Mac 2013 2014 2015 2.0M

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nl/products/29102120-thunderbolt-3-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter-non-reversible-tb3-laptop](https://www.desertcart.nl/products/29102120-thunderbolt-3-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter-non-reversible-tb3-laptop)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Netherlands*
*Store origin: NL*
*Last updated: 2026-02-21*