How to Control Multiple Computers with One Keyboard and Mouse

How can I control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse?

Managing multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse can be a challenge, especially if you have both personal and work devices or a powerful gaming setup alongside a laptop. Rather than cluttering your desk with multiple keyboards, you can use software or hardware solutions to control two computers with one set of input devices.

While no tool is flawless when it comes to using one keyboard and mouse to control two computers simultaneously, each has its advantages and limitations. Remote desktop software like AnyViewer is among the most effective options, offering seamless control of multiple machines. Alternatives like Mouse Without Borders and Synergy also allow you to share a keyboard and mouse between different Windows systems. If software solutions aren't ideal, a KVM switch, a small piece of hardware, can also efficiently do the job.

How to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse [4 ways]

If you're wondering how to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse, here are four top tools to help you do just that.

AnyViewer: Free and cross-platform option

AnyViewer is a versatile, free remote access tool that allows you to use one mouse and keyboard to control two computers simultaneously. It works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, AnyViewer makes it incredibly easy to switch between devices seamlessly, all with minimal setup and configuration.

Getting Started with AnyViewer

Setting up AnyViewer is quick and intuitive. After downloading and installing the software on both your main device (the one you'll use to control the others) and the machines you want to access, just follow the on-screen prompts to create an AnyViewer account and log in on both devices. The entire process is hassle-free and can be completed in just a few steps.

Once AnyViewer is running on your primary computer, you'll see the remote devices listed. Simply select the one you wish to control and click "One-click control" to gain immediate access. This easy process establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your devices, allowing you to control them as though you're sitting right in front of them. You can also set up screen walls to monitor and control multiple computers more effectively.

Key Features of AnyViewer

• Unlimited Remote Sessions: AnyViewer allows you to control an unlimited number of computers with a single keyboard and mouse. Whether you're managing two or five devices, you can seamlessly switch between them without needing to adjust your input settings.
• Multi-Monitor Support: AnyViewer supports multi-monitor setups for those using multiple monitors across different machines. This enables you to manage several screens on various computers without hassle.
• Clipboard Sync: Effortlessly copy and paste text, images, and files between your controlled machines. AnyViewer syncs your clipboard, allowing you to move data across multiple computers with ease as you control them all from one keyboard and mouse.
• Game Mouse Support: When remotely controlling a gaming PC, AnyViewer's game mouse feature ensures smooth 3D rotations, letting you enjoy your local gaming experience.
• Custom Shortcut Keys: Save time by setting up custom shortcut keys for quick operations between your machines, giving you more control over your remote sessions with just one keyboard and mouse.
• Mouse Lock: Keep your mouse locked to the remote machine you're controlling, ensuring that you stay focused on your task without accidentally drifting between screens.
• Privacy Mode Access: Securely control your devices with privacy mode, keeping your actions and data secure while accessing several computers remotely.
• File Transfer: AnyViewer makes it easy to transfer files across multiple computers. You can drag and drop files between machines, streamlining document management while controlling them from a single input source.

Mouse Without Borders: Free and Easy for Windows

Mouse Without Borders, created by Microsoft developer Truong Do, is a free tool that allows you to seamlessly share a single mouse and keyboard across multiple Windows PCs. It's a great choice for beginners, thanks to its easy installation process.

Configuring Mouse Without Borders on your computers

To get started, install Mouse Without Borders on your primary computer—the one whose mouse and keyboard you want to use on all the other machines. Keep in mind that the software is officially supported only on Windows 10, so its performance may be unpredictable on Windows 11 devices. During setup, when asked if you've already installed it on other PCs, click "No" to receive a code. Then, install the software on the second PC and enter the code when prompted. The two computers will automatically connect without any extra configuration.

Arrange your computers

Once installed, the main Mouse Without Borders window allows you to drag and arrange computer icons to reflect their actual physical placement. For example, if your desktop is to the left of your laptop, align the icons accordingly. This ensures that your mouse cursor moves smoothly from one PC to the other when you drag it to the corresponding edge. You can also explore additional settings in this window to personalize the experience.

While Mouse Without Borders is a solid free option, it does have some occasional performance hiccups. At times, the cursor response on the secondary computer can be sluggish or momentarily freeze, which can hinder precision when clicking. When encountering Mouse Without Borders not working, try clearing NetBIOS caches or adjusting IP mappings to fix the issue. However, clipboard sharing worked flawlessly, and file drag-and-drop between the two PCs was seamless.

Synergy: Smooth yet pricey solution

Synergy is a well-known tool in the realm of controlling multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse. While it comes with a price tag of $30, it may be challenging to set up, especially since it has gone through a significant transition. Once configured, Synergy offers smooth, cross-platform performance. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility across different systems.

Synergy Setup Process

To begin using Synergy, install the program on all the computers you want to control. You may be prompted to restart during the setup process. The program will ask you to designate one computer as the Server (the machine with the keyboard and mouse) and others as Clients (the computers to be controlled).

For Synergy users, after installation, you'll need to activate your account by entering the license key from your Symless account. Once activated, you can configure your Server and Client machines. Synergy's basic tier supports up to three machines, while the premium Synergy Ultimate plan allows up to 15 devices.

Configuring the Server

On your Server machine, click Configure Server to begin the setup. A grid will appear on the screen. Drag the icon representing your Client machine onto the grid to align it with the Server. For example, if your client computer is a Mac mini sitting to the right of your main desktop, drag its icon one square to the right of your server's icon.

Next, double-click the new Client icon, and in the Screen Name field, type the name of your Client machine. You'll see this name appear in the Client's Synergy window. After entering the information, click OK and then Apply to save the settings.

Connecting the Machines

On the server computer, you'll see an IP address displayed at the top of the window (e.g., 192.168.1.11). This address represents the server's location on your network. You'll need to enter this IP address into the Server box on the Client's Synergy window.

Click Start on both machines to establish the connection. Once they're connected, you'll be able to use the server's keyboard and mouse to control both computers. Simply move the cursor to the edge of your primary computer's screen, and it will seamlessly jump over to the Client PC as if both machines were connected to the same device.

While text copying and pasting between computers works without issue, file transfers via drag-and-drop can sometimes be a bit unreliable. However, the program does provide an efficient way to control multiple systems from a single set of input devices.

KVM Switch: The hardware-based option

Before software solutions became mainstream, KVM switches were the go-to hardware devices for controlling multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. Basic KVM switches function like an A/B switch—press a button to toggle control between two PCs.

Higher-end models, such as those from TESmart and CKL, offer enhanced features like multi-monitor support, hotkey switching, and more advanced options. However, KVM switches can have unique quirks, so it's important to read reviews and experiment to find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

If you're wondering how to control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse, AnyViewer is the best solution. It offers a seamless, cross-platform remote desktop experience, allowing you to manage multiple devices effortlessly. With features like remote access, clipboard syncing, and file transfer, AnyViewer makes multitasking easier and more efficient. Whether you're working, gaming, or managing multiple systems, AnyViewer provides a secure and reliable way to control all your computers with just one keyboard and mouse.