The online AW3821DW User's Guide (found under AW3821DW Documents) shows all that there is no, "automatic active Input Source detection".
A firmware update is only created to correct a systemic fault. What you are asking for would be an enhancement outside of the manufacturer specifications.
I recently purchased an Alienware AW3821DW monitor. I have 2 different PC's connected to it (Home and Work) and noticed it is not automatically switching to the active input source based on what PC I have turned on. I have to go into the monitors menu and select the input source manually each time.
You can buy a switch too. That is typically what is done when more than one PC is connected to the same monitor.
You are right, so I am asking for a feature add then. Firmware updates can also deliver feature enhancements to products as well as fix defects. This should be a standard feature for any monitor that has multiple input sources. In fact, I don't recall having owned a monitor in many years that lacked this feature. LG has it on their comparable 38" Model 38GL950G.
I recently purchased an Alienware AW3821DW monitor. I have 2 different PC's connected to it (Home and Work) and noticed it is not automatically switching to the active input source based on what PC I have turned on. I have to go into the monitors menu and select the input source manually each time.
You can buy a switch too. That is typically what is done when more than one PC is connected to the same monitor.
That defeats the purpose! And absolutely not... you are referring to a KVM switch!!! Which accommodates more than 2 PCs... so for a typical HOME USER... KVM switch is OVERKILL and extra $$ when there are usually 2 to 3 input ports on most Monitors! This auto detect feature/functionality has been on every single other monitor since I've dealt with flat monitors with multi input ports. KVMs date back to CRT monitors!!!
for a Monitor over $1K... it should absolutely have auto detect active input source!!! There is no REASON not to have that functionality on this monitor!!! Shame on Dell for this... as I am discovering!!!
Seems the workaround for this is changing/customizing the settings for actions the buttons perform.
The four buttons behind right side of screen are identified as follows:
Cancel Button
Shortcut Key 1
Shortcut Key 2
Shortcut Key 3
I reset them as:
Key 1 is Brightness
Key 2 is HDMI 1
Key 3 is HDMI 2
It's not perfect, but beats abusing that joystick for switching input every day!!! That's a lot of wear and tear on a button. More chances for it to break!
@Trezore69 it does not work well, it might work once.. cannot switch back and forth. In spite of the Shortcuts, still need to use the joystick to switch often
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
0
July 26th, 2021 11:00
The online AW3821DW User's Guide (found under AW3821DW Documents) shows all that there is no, "automatic active Input Source detection".
A firmware update is only created to correct a systemic fault. What you are asking for would be an enhancement outside of the manufacturer specifications.
r72019
6 Professor
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5.3K Posts
0
July 26th, 2021 11:00
You can buy a switch too. That is typically what is done when more than one PC is connected to the same monitor.
Indabox81
1 Rookie
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2 Posts
1
July 26th, 2021 14:00
You are right, so I am asking for a feature add then. Firmware updates can also deliver feature enhancements to products as well as fix defects. This should be a standard feature for any monitor that has multiple input sources. In fact, I don't recall having owned a monitor in many years that lacked this feature. LG has it on their comparable 38" Model 38GL950G.
Trezore69
3 Posts
0
November 30th, 2022 15:00
That defeats the purpose! And absolutely not... you are referring to a KVM switch!!! Which accommodates more than 2 PCs... so for a typical HOME USER... KVM switch is OVERKILL and extra $$ when there are usually 2 to 3 input ports on most Monitors! This auto detect feature/functionality has been on every single other monitor since I've dealt with flat monitors with multi input ports. KVMs date back to CRT monitors!!!
Trezore69
3 Posts
0
November 30th, 2022 15:00
for a Monitor over $1K... it should absolutely have auto detect active input source!!! There is no REASON not to have that functionality on this monitor!!! Shame on Dell for this... as I am discovering!!!
Trezore69
3 Posts
0
November 30th, 2022 16:00
Seems the workaround for this is changing/customizing the settings for actions the buttons perform.
The four buttons behind right side of screen are identified as follows:
I reset them as:
It's not perfect, but beats abusing that joystick for switching input every day!!! That's a lot of wear and tear on a button. More chances for it to break!
MrPi2
1 Rookie
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1 Message
0
May 2nd, 2024 20:25
@Trezore69 it does not work well, it might work once.. cannot switch back and forth. In spite of the Shortcuts, still need to use the joystick to switch often
user_5feed2
1 Rookie
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1 Message
0
November 21st, 2025 09:15
@Indabox81
Your absolutely right. It is unacceptable that a monitor with multiple input sources lacks such a basic feature. Shame on Dell!
(edited)