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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteHP ZCentral Remote Boost lets you use applications on a remote workstation from another computer. A Sender runs on the workstation you want to access; a Receiver runs on the computer you use to connect. The exact operating systems, hardware, and license requirements depend on the release and the Sender’s device.
What ZCentral Remote Boost does
Remote Boost is HP workstation-remoting software aimed at graphics-intensive work, such as engineering, CAD, 3D design, media, and visualization. Rather than moving your applications and their workload to the endpoint, it provides a way to access applications running on the remote workstation. HP’s older user guide describes support for software using OpenGL or DirectX, but notes that features vary by operating system. See HP’s product support specifications and current HP Z Remote Graphics Software page.
It is designed for workstation-class use; that does not establish that it will improve every remote desktop task or deliver a particular image quality, frame rate, or latency. Those outcomes depend on the deployment and are not guaranteed by the general product description.
How the Sender and Receiver work together
The two components have distinct roles: the Sender is installed on the remote host, and the Receiver is installed on the local endpoint. HP calls these the remote and local computers in its support documentation and user guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Set up the remote workstation: Install and configure the Sender on the computer whose applications and resources you need.
- Prepare your endpoint: Install the Receiver on a supported local computer.
- Check connectivity and entitlements: Ensure the computers have network access and that the software release, operating systems, hardware, and license fit your deployment.
- Connect: Use the Receiver to access the remote workstation.
Network access is required. Features and peripheral support can vary by configuration; for example, HP says remote USB is not supported on a Linux Sender. Do not assume every USB device, graphics-acceleration path, or operating-system feature will work in every setup. HP’s support specifications and user guide describe these qualifications.
Operating systems and hardware requirements
Compatibility depends on the release and on whether a computer is acting as Sender or Receiver. HP QuickSpecs version 5, dated December 2025, lists the following operating systems. Treat these as that document’s versioned requirements, not as a timeless compatibility promise; check the documentation for the exact release you plan to deploy.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Operating system | Sender | Receiver |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 and 11 | Listed | Listed |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8 and 9 | Listed | Listed |
| Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04 | Listed | Listed |
| macOS 10.14 or newer | Not listed | Listed |
| HP ThinPro 7, 8, and 9 | Not listed | Listed |
HP QuickSpecs version 5 also says Linux requires an X11 desktop session. The operating-system list and this qualification are from HP’s December 2025 QuickSpecs.
Minimum hardware in HP QuickSpecs version 5
| Component | CPU | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sender | x86_64 Intel or AMD; four or more cores | 8 GB minimum | 150 MB |
| Receiver | x86_64; four cores minimum | 4 GB minimum; 8 GB or more recommended | 100 MB |
These are minimum requirements, not recommended specifications for every workload. HP notes that more cores can benefit multiple high-resolution displays and that higher-end graphics can help a Receiver handling multiple high-resolution displays. GPU acceleration depends on the hardware and operating-system configuration. These details come from HP QuickSpecs version 5, December 2025.
The Tool Desk
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Licensing: the Sender’s device matters
HP’s product-support page says ZCentral Remote Boost is not preinstalled on Z Workstations, but can be downloaded and run on HP Z desktop and laptop workstations without purchasing a license. For non-Z Sender devices, that page describes a perpetual individual or floating license per simultaneously executing version. This is the licensing information on HP’s product support page; check HP for the terms applicable to your release and location.
HP QuickSpecs version 5, dated December 2025, gives a different, release-specific licensing context: it says the Sender requires a license, while the Receiver does not. It also says HP Anyware Pro licenses can be used with Anyware Pro and/or ZCentral Remote Boost, with licensing for a specified number of concurrent connections and cloud-hosted or local license-server options. These statements should not be collapsed into a single universal entitlement rule. Confirm the terms for the product version, Sender hardware, and concurrent sessions you intend to use in HP’s QuickSpecs and support information.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How ZCentral relates to HP’s current remoting software
HP’s current HP Z Remote Graphics Software page says HP Anyware is at end of life and describes RGS as its recommended path forward for workstation-class HP Anyware and PCoIP customers. That is current product context, not a reason to rename or reclassify every existing ZCentral Remote Boost installation.
The same page advertises a 30-day trial and an offer for a one-year license with qualifying HP Z Workstation and ZBook purchases starting in 2026. Eligibility and availability can depend on the region and purchase conditions, so check the current page before relying on the offer.
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What to check before deploying it
- Confirm the Sender and Receiver operating systems against documentation for the exact release; macOS and ThinPro are Receiver-only in QuickSpecs version 5.
- Check the Sender’s hardware, the endpoint’s hardware, and any graphics-acceleration requirements for your display setup.
- Verify network access and whether the peripherals you need are supported in your particular Sender and Receiver configuration.
- Determine which license applies to the Sender and how many concurrent connections your deployment needs.
- Distinguish an existing ZCentral Remote Boost setup from HP’s current RGS product direction before planning a new deployment.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
