Control 2 computers with one mouse/keyboard

double_dutchy

I have an Asus A3402 all in in one computer. I can connect another PC to it using an HDMI cable and use the "mode" button to switch between the two......but I would like to use only one mouse and keyboard.

Currently I'm using the wireless mouse/keyboard that came with the Asus PC

I've read that you can get some software to do this but does anybody have any experience of doing similar? Could I do that with the existing mouse/keyboard? Are there any alternative approaches?

Any and all suggestions appreciated, thanks

Grumpy_chap

I am not aware that you can achieve the desired outcome using software.  That does not mean it is impossible - just that I am not aware.

You could plug the wireless dongle between the two PC's.  The ease of that will depend on how accessible the wireless dongle is.  Will be awkward if the ports are on the rear of the all-in-one.

I also had exactly the question you asked a few years back and I purchased one of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0919JSWTM?
It was very easy to set up and worked straight out the box and has been trouble free ever since.
I have three computers connected permanently plus one spare port ready to connect any temporary devices.
Absolutely a cinch to use.
Looking back in my Amazon orders, I purchased this in August 2021 (doesn't time fly!) and paid £56.  The price has gone up now, but I would buy the same again.

I actually had a thread where various options and solutions were discussed.  The OP may find it offers them something that works for them better than the "magic box" (I think it is called a KVM Switch) that I went with:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6288530/multiple-laptop-set-up/p1

Emmia

I have a Lenovo thinkpad Bluetooth mouse that will pair with two devices and a Logitech K780 Bluetooth keyboard that will pair with three devices.

Would this work for your purposes?

Ergates

If they're USB connected then you can get a KVM switch - they're for precisely this purpose (KVM means Keyboard, Video and Mouse)

The Best KVM Switches | PCMag
That's a couple of years old and I have no idea what it's recommending, but it'll give you a starting point to search from.

jshm2

You can do it with hardware or software. 

Hardware is easy - you can do it with with a KVM switch. Software you can use Synergy or alternative apps depending on the level of functionality needed. 

prowla

I use a KVM switch daily, switching between several computers using just one keyboard/mouse/monitor.

Mine is a TESmart brand and has USB & HDMI ports; they're available on Amazon, etc.

My monitor is 3840x2160, but it's only at 30 Hz; that's fine for office/web use, but not for gaming (if that's your thing).

double_dutchy

Thanks for all the replies, every one is appreciated

As I said I can already switch between the two computers with my current setup, so the KVM approach may be more than I need (don't need V!)

@Grumpy_chap Doh! I didn't even think about simply switching the dongle from one PC to the other. It's a little clunky, obviously, but may work for me as I don't expect to switch very often.

@Emmia If you pair the keyboard or mouse with multiple devices.....does that mean simultaneously? What's the process of actually switching?

@jshm2 Thanks for the software suggestion. With Synergy or similar, do you know if that will work with my existing keyboard/mouse or do I need a specific type/product?

Grumpy_chap

double_dutchy said:

I didn't even think about simply switching the dongle from one PC to the other. It's a little clunky, obviously, but may work for me as I don't expect to switch very often.

If you do go for this option, and the port is not easily accessible / not within comfortable reach, you can buy simple extension leads which can plug in and then put the dongle where is convenient.
Here is one example, plenty of other choices are available:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-Metal-EXTENSION-Socket-metres/dp/B09WBTXLZ2?th=1

If you think simply swapping the dongle would work for you, then try that.  If it becomes too burdensome, you can also still consider the alternative choices.

Emmia

double_dutchy said:

Thanks for all the replies, every one is appreciated

@Emmia If you pair the keyboard or mouse with multiple devices.....does that mean simultaneously? What's the process of actually switching?

The keyboard has three buttons, essentially you pair one device per button and you press those to switch between the devices. 

My mouse has a slider so you move it up to select one device,  down to select the other device and putting the slider in the middle switches it off.

GDB2222

Windows has software for this purpose, called Remote Desktop. You run it on both PCs, and you sit at one and control the other - the screen looks very much as if you were sitting at the other PC. You can switch back and forth between the machines. They just need to be on the same network. You don't need any special hardware.

KVMs work very well. In fact, I have one, but the software solution is great, and it costs nothing.

 

facade

Stardock - who produce the excellent Start 11 were pushing a "software KVM switch" called multiplicity. I have no idea how it works, or if it is just a front end for remote desktop.

https://www.stardock.com/products/multiplicity/

I'm fairly sure there is a discount if you have Start 11 already.

(Start 11 allows you to replace the useless ad-ridden Win 11 start menu with infinitely better ones, well worth the money IMHO)