Auto-Reconnect

Zero downtime KVM — the connection recovers itself automatically

If the server goes to sleep or the network hiccups, the client reconnects automatically. Zero manual intervention.

KVM connections are meant to be always-on. Losing the connection because a machine went to sleep or the Wi-Fi dropped for a second should never require you to manually reconnect. HelloControlDesk's auto-reconnect system monitors the connection state continuously and re-establishes the session as soon as the server is reachable again.

The reconnect logic uses an exponential backoff strategy: it retries quickly at first, then progressively increases the wait time to avoid hammering the network. Once the server comes back online — whether from sleep, a restart, or a brief network outage — the client reconnects within seconds, completely transparently.

This is especially useful in mixed-OS environments where machines have different sleep schedules, or in office setups where the server machine might be shut down and restarted regularly. You never need to open the app and click 'Connect' again — the persistent connection is a first-class design goal of HelloControlDesk.

How it works

1
The client keeps track of its connection to the server while the session is open.
2
When the server goes to sleep, restarts, or the Wi-Fi or Ethernet link drops, the client notices the loss and starts trying to reach the server again.
3
As soon as the server is reachable again on the local network, the session is re-established with your licence token, without you re-entering anything.
4
Keyboard, mouse and shared clipboard are available again; your screen layout and positions are unchanged.

When it is useful

A laptop that sleeps when you step away

Your work laptop closes its lid or goes to sleep at lunch. When it wakes, the link to your other machine comes back on its own.

Wi-Fi that drops for a moment

A short interruption on the home or office network no longer means opening the application and connecting again.

A main machine restarted after updates

If the server machine reboots to install updates, the clients reconnect once it is back on the local network, without any action on your side.

Limits and requirements

Reconnection happens on the local network: both machines must be back on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network for the session to resume.
Automatic reconnection restores the session between machines that are already switched on and running the application.
Available on macOS and Windows, server and client, and included in both the monthly and the annual plan.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when the server goes to sleep?

The client reconnects automatically when the server wakes up. You do not need to restart the application or re-enter anything.

Does it also cover network drops?

Yes. After a Wi-Fi or Ethernet interruption, the connection is re-established on its own as soon as the machines can reach each other again on the local network.

Is auto-reconnect included in every plan?

Yes. Both the monthly and the annual plan include the same product: automatic reconnection, TLS encryption, token authentication, shared clipboard and multi-monitor support.

Do I have to re-enter my token after a reconnection?

No. The token stays in the application on each machine, and the session is authenticated again with it when the connection comes back.

Does reconnection work over the internet?

No. HelloControlDesk works only between machines on the same local network, and reconnection follows the same rule.

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