Turning off monitor disables USB wifi


  1. Posts : 6
    Win7x64 Ult.
       #1

    Turning off monitor disables USB wifi


    I have a desktop PC running W7x64 for which I rely on my Alfa AWUS036H wireless USB adapter for an internet connection.

    W7 has a feature that seems to detect whether I turn off my monitor or not (for one reason, I know this because it makes a noise when I turn it on or off). When I turn my monitor off, my internet is disabled for some reason. I would like it to stay enabled so that I can download files and keep other active connections while the monitor is switched off.

    I can verify that the indicator light on the USB adapter turns off when the monitor turns off and that the wireless utility that controls the device senses no device is present (i can see this using my secondary monitor, behavior only occurs when primary monitor is turned off).

    Does anyone know how to disable this from happening? I have tried both turning off "Selective USB Suspend" and unchecking the "Allow computer to turn this device off" in the properties of the wireless adapter in device manager.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,466
    Windows 10 Education 64 bit
       #2

    Is it pluged into a USB port on your monitor?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,996
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #3

    alphanumeric said:
    Is it plugged into a USB port on your monitor?
    Alpha hits it right on the head.

    Many Dell monitors have a built in USB hub. The hub is powered by running a USB cable to the PC. If you unplug the USB cable from the PC or turn off your Dell monitor, the power to the USB ports on the Dell monitor will be lost.

    So if you have the Alfa AWUS036H wireless USB adapter plugged into the monitor and you turn off the monitor, the wireless adapter will stop working.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    p5bdkw said:
    alphanumeric said:
    Is it plugged into a USB port on your monitor?
    Alpha hits it right on the head.

    Many Dell monitors have a built in USB hub. The hub is powered by running a USB cable to the PC. If you unplug the USB cable from the PC or turn off your Dell monitor, the power to the USB ports on the Dell monitor will be lost.

    So if you have the Alfa AWUS036H wireless USB adapter plugged into the monitor and you turn off the monitor, the wireless adapter will stop working.
    Agreed.

    The best thing to do is to move the adapter to the PC itself. If you're worrying about obstructions you can get a USB extension cable and have the adapter sit on the table/desk.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6
    Win7x64 Ult.
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Haha, I feel so stupid. Of course. Thanks all.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #6

    Glad we were able to help.

    Peace
      My Computer


 

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