Streaming issues with USB Selector Switch

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Level 1

8 points

Streaming issues with USB Selector Switch

Mac mini M2 with 8GB RAM running macOS 15.1.1. I use a USB 3.0 switch selector for my keyboard and mouse so I can switch between my work Windows computer and my personal Mac mini. When I stream anything in Safari on my Mac mini and switch my keyboard and mouse over to my Windows computer using the selector switch, my Mac mini stops streaming within seconds. The same result occurs in both Chrome and Safari, and on all the streaming sites I have tried. Any idea what is causing this?

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 08:22 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

88,960 points

Nov 27, 2024 08:47 AM in response to ThatDamnGuy

How would you react if someone abruptly cut off your arms and legs...?

All joking aside, sounds like you need to better isolate the Mac's USB from the PC's USB, even if it means unplugging/plugging or by using two separate sets of input devices.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

88,960 points

Nov 27, 2024 10:33 AM in response to ThatDamnGuy

You can try that. However I'm still a little concerned about shorting or tripping the USB overloads, if the Mac and PC are somehow connecting to each other thru the switch.

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Answer 3

ThatDamnGuy Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 29, 2024 11:53 AM in response to den.thed

I don't think there is an overload or short happening. If I am streaming and just unplug the Mac from the selector switch it does the same thing. I think if Mac OS can't detect a keyboard or mouse it stops.

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Answer 4

ThatDamnGuy Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2024 10:12 AM in response to den.thed

lol, nice! The switch has a USBC cord for power, maybe try connecting it to the Mac. It's Connected to my Windows desktop at the moment.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

88,960 points

Nov 29, 2024 12:26 PM in response to ThatDamnGuy

Sounds like you need to have separate input devices for each computer and forget about trying to use the switch.

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