Super dumb question.
Why does my toy ESP8266 hang up and never recover when the windows PC does its usual thoughtless reboot because “reasons.”
Am I doing something dumb?
beyond using windows that is, I know that already ^^;
Maybe because your esp gets the power over usb and the usb ports do not deliver power reliable during reboot?
I agree with +Michael Gebetsroither … Try powering your project from 2xAA or a USB power bank
I shall try that. It’s powered by an externally powered hub and so tiny that it does not appear to have alternative power sources.
It is this one (I think!)
Although they used to say it has 4Mb flash.
Most (at least many) externally powered USB hubs usually turn off when they stop getting a signal from their host (the Pc).
A host reboot is definitely a reason for the hub to cut off supply for the USB clients.
Try powering the ESP from a phone charger or similar.
Good luck 