The clever software I use to control two PCs with one keyboard and mouse — no hardware KVM required
No clunky KVM switches and extra peripherals. Here’s how to sling your cursor across multiple PCs like a digital lariat using free and low-cost software tools.
Controlling multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse is a smart way to boost productivity and save desk space. This is known as the KVM switch, which predates USB and has been used for decades. While hardware KVM switches exist, software solutions can also achieve this goal without requiring any extra hardware.
Mouse Without Borders is a software option from Microsoft Garage that works primarily on Windows. It allows users to connect up to four PCs and move the cursor freely between devices. The software also supports automatic Clipboard sharing between computers, making it convenient to copy and paste information. Synergy and DeskFlow are other software options that offer similar functionality and support multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
These programs use a grid interface to help users specify where the cursor should move when switching between computers. Synergy includes additional features such as file transfer and enhanced network detection, while DeskFlow offers more robust enterprise management features. Stardock Software's Multiplicity software provides even more functionality, including the ability to use another PC as an additional monitor and route audio between devices.
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