Mouse Without Borders Ctrl + Alt + Del Not Working? Here's the Fix

The Mouse Without Borders Ctrl + Alt + Del problem happens because Windows blocks it for security. This guide shows easy ways to fix it and suggests using AnyViewer if you need full remote control.

Ellie

By Ellie / Updated on July 9, 2025

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Ctrl + Alt + Del not working via Mouse Without Borders?

Mouse Without Borders is a powerful utility from Microsoft Garage that allows users to control multiple Windows PCs using a single keyboard and mouse. It's incredibly convenient for multitasking across machines, but one common issue users face is that the Mouse Without Borders keyboard shortcuts, Ctrl + Alt + Del command, doesn't work on remote PCs through the software.

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Why Ctrl + Alt + Del doesn't work with Mouse Without Borders

This key combination is considered a secure attention sequence (SAS) in Windows. For security reasons, Windows restricts this command to only work when entered directly on the physical machine. Since Mouse Without Borders transmits keyboard and mouse inputs via software, it can't emulate this secure sequence natively.

Other common reasons that cause Ctrl + Alt + Del doesn't work with Mouse Without Bordersare:

  • Outdated version of Mouse Without Borders lacking support or bug fixes
  • Incorrect configuration or unstable network connectivity between devices
  • Firewall or antivirus software blocking communication
  • User Account Control (UAC) settings interfering with remote input

Troubleshooting Mouse Without BordersCtrl + Alt + Del not working

If you're banging your head against the keyboard because Ctrl + Alt + Del still isn't working across systems, don't worry—you're not alone. This is one of the most common pain points for users of Mouse Without Borders.

Quick fixes you should try first

Before diving into advanced solutions, try these quick and easy fixes that often solve the problem.

  • Update Mouse Without Borders: Make sure both PCs are running the latest version.
  • Disable Antivirus Interference: Temporarily turn off third-party firewalls to check if they're causing a block.
  • Restart All Devices: Yes, the oldest trick in the book—but it often works.
  • Ensure Administrator Access: Run Mouse Without Borders as an administrator on all machines.
  • Sync and Re-pair Devices: Sometimes, unpairing and repairing the devices resolves input forwarding issues.

Checking network permissions and sync

Mouse Without Borders depends on seamless local network communication. So if your Ctrl + Alt + Del workaround isn't responding, your PCs might not be properly connected on the same subnet. Here's how to ensure everything is syncing properly:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status on both machines and confirm they're on the same Private network.

Step 2. Use the IP address test by pinging the remote PC from the main PC.

Step 3. Open the Mouse Without Borders dashboard and re-enter the Security Key to manually sync.

Also, double-check the "Enable drag and drop" and "Share Clipboard" features. If they're failing, that could mean input syncing is also compromised.

Updating or reinstalling the application

A clean reinstall often fixes lingering issues. Here's a simple process:

Step 1. Uninstall Mouse Without Borders from both PCs.

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Step 2. Delete any residual folders in C:\Program Files\Mouse Without Borders.

Step 3. Download the latest version from Microsoft Garage.

Step 4. Reinstall and re-pair the devices.

Be sure to run the installer as an administrator. Post-installation, reboot both systems to apply changes fully.

Consider an alternative: Try AnyViewer for more control

If you're still frustrated with the limitations of Mouse Without Borders—especially when it comes to executing commands like Ctrl + Alt + Del—it might be time to consider a more robust solution. AnyViewer is a powerful remote desktop software that overcomes many of these hurdles.

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Unlike Mouse Without Borders, which is limited to keyboard and mouse sharing over LAN, AnyViewer enables full remote desktop control over both local and wide-area networks. That means you can securely send Ctrl + Alt + Del and other privileged commands without needing to be physically present at the machine.

Why choose AnyViewer?

  • Ctrl + Alt + Del Support: Seamlessly send secure attention sequences without workarounds.
  • Stable Remote Access: Works over the internet, not just LAN, with high responsiveness.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy to set up—even for non-technical users.
  • Cross-Device Support: Control your PCs from Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.
  • Advanced Management Tools: Organize devices into groups, assign roles, and manage access permissions easily.

AnyViewer also offers features like file transfer, screen sharing, multi-session support, and unattended remote access, making it a top-tier alternative for users who need more than just mouse and keyboard input sharing.

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Conclusion

Mouse Without Borders Ctrl + Alt + Del command often doesn't work due to Windows security restrictions, although it is a handy tool. You can try simple fixes like updating the app, checking your network, or reinstalling it to fix most issues. However, if you want full remote control with easy access to all key commands, AnyViewer is a great Mouse Without Borders alternative that offers better support and more features for smooth remote access.