Keyboard/Mouse through KVM switch has stopped functioning when idle.
Keyboard/Mouse through KVM switch has stopped functioning when idle.
As mentioned in the title, I often face problems where my keyboard and mouse stop working after sitting for a while. It doesn’t happen every time, but when it does, I need to restart the whole system. I’ve tried connecting the devices directly to the PC without using the KVM switch, but they still don’t respond. Even when I use a second mouse that’s completely separate from the Logitech ones, it doesn’t work either.
The keyboard is still operational, so the computer isn’t frozen. However, once the second mouse is connected after the PC has been on, the issue disappears and everything functions normally until I stop using it. This is especially important for me because I use both a personal computer and a work laptop at the same time, often switching between them. The KVM setup with just one keyboard and one mouse is essential for my workflow.
This problem started about four days ago after I reinstalled Windows. Before that, it worked fine on both Windows 11 versions, and the Logitech app was installed. I’ve checked forums and discussions, and I’ve configured all USB devices to stay on during idle. Power settings are set to prevent shutdowns, and in Device Manager, everything under HID is configured not to turn off the PC. Despite this, the issue persists, and I’m unsure why.
All updates have been applied. Drivers are installed. This is my first post, so please let me know if I missed anything important or if there are specific details you should know.
The need for two mice is generally to support using one keyboard and one mouse across either two or more computers. Wireless mice are also an option to consider.
Having the second mouse linked is mainly to prevent the computer from losing track of the keyboard or mouse connected to the KVM switch. If the second mouse is connected before this event, I can still use it and restart the computer properly. If I don’t have it connected and try to connect it afterward, no peripherals will function or be recognized. This issue goes beyond the switch and likely affects all USB ports.
Because my monitor is an OLED, I set it to shut off after 5 minutes to reduce the risk of burn-in. The KVM switch is not connected to the monitor’s USB ports; they are directly linked to the motherboard. The unusual occurrence happens occasionally, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Right now, I only have one USB-connected device on the monitor—my wireless headset via a Game DAC. This device has also been causing problems lately, which led to a Windows reinstall. I plan to reroute it directly to the PC. Turning off the monitor completely is a bit frustrating, though I hope it won’t be necessary for testing, and it could be adjusted if other solutions aren’t available.
Draw a simple diagram showing all your devices and their connections, including ports, plugs, cables, and different types. Label each device and note power connections, power strips, and surge protectors. Check for any loops—such as Device A connected to Device B, which connects to Device C, and then back to Device A. I’m focusing on finding the main issue, not worrying about temporary monitor disconnection.
Also, review more about burn-in for extra insight.
Reference links provided: https://www.pcworld.com/article/261...-b...sults.html
After not encountering the problem for a few days, it resurfaced today. It wasn't related to an inactive condition. I toggled the KVM switch repeatedly, thinking something needed fixing on another machine, but it kept freezing. Trying to connect other devices didn't help. It emitted a sound suggesting a new device was connected, yet I couldn't move the mouse on the screen. The computer remained operational, but it stopped accepting keyboard or mouse input in any way—wireless, via unplugging/replugging, or otherwise. The KVM switch is physically linked directly to the motherboard at the back of the machine, with no intermediate connections.
It is a good idea to review the Reliability History/Monitor and Event Viewer for any error codes, warnings, or informational events that were recorded, disappeared during a few days, and have now reappeared. Also, verify the Device Manager for any warning symbols. Examine the Device Properties Event tab for any entries that have recently started or changed.
Here are some questions and ideas you might consider:
- Does the problem occur no matter which computer is used?
- When it happens, can you switch the KVM to another computer? Are the devices still not functioning then?
- Could the issue be due to a failing KVM or its power supply?
- Should I perform a USB Live installation for Linux and let it boot from there? Does the same problem persist?
- When reinstalling Windows, did you disconnect or reconnect any hardware or move devices?
- While experiencing the issue, can you adjust the Caps Lock or Num Lock lights on the keyboard?
- Is the second mouse connected to the KVM or directly to the PC?
It occurred to me during this attempt to deliberately skip the additional Alienware software for my monitor, believing it might be causing problems through the USB ports. I bypassed those ports and connected my Gamedac directly to the PC via the wireless headset. Problems still arose, but I paid closer attention this time. The computer remained active. A few minutes went by while I used the KVM. I observed the events in the event viewer (only one note: the devices are functioning perfectly on the other machine).
Warning - Smart Guard
Game process ID 17832 ended unexpectedly after 8825 seconds. Exit Code: 0xc0000409
Error - Service Control Manager
The SmartGuard Service service stopped abruptly. This has happened once before.
Warning - Kernel-PnP
The driver Driver\vhf failed to load for the device USB\VID_046D&PID_C539\a&8d1c4a1&0&1.
Warning - Kernel-PNP
The driver Driver\vhf failed to load for the device USB\VID_046D&PID_C547\a&8d1c4a1&0&2.
Edit 1: It appears Smart Guard might be connected to a game software. Now that I was specifically searching, I noticed "Warning - Kernel-PNP" events consistently linked to smart guard issues.
Edit 2: The game or program I was using wasn’t a fresh install after I reinstalled Windows. I removed everything related to it and reinstalled again to check if the situation improved.