Is there a tool like Synergy for unified mouse and keyboard across multiple machines that does not require installing software on every machine? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 13 hours ago by yo_scottie_oh@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I currently have a hardware KVM switch so that I can switch between controlling my personal laptop and my work laptop with one mouse and keyboard. Instead of only controlling one or the other at a time, is there a tool that would enable me to "switch" between my personal and work laptops without having to hit a physical switch? Ideally I'd like to be able to just move my mouse pointer from one screen to the other, click to bring a window into focus on either machine, and start typing in that window.

I'm aware of tools like Synergy, the only problem I have w/ that tool is I cannot install any software on my work laptop. I'm open to hardware or software solutions. Thank you!

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[-] funkajunk@lemmy.world 2 points 7 hours ago

Assuming the laptops both run Windows?

You can run Barrier (fork of Synergy) on your personal laptop, where it would be installed as the server, and then on the work laptop you can just run it as a regular user, as long as the firewall allows it (no install needed)

[-] buckykat@hexbear.net 2 points 12 hours ago

How would a device know the position of the mouse cursor on the screen in order to know when it reaches the edge without running on the host computer?

[-] yo_scottie_oh@lemmy.ml 3 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

This was my thought as well, but I figured I'd put it out there anyway just in case there's some kinda workaround/magic that I hadn't heard about yet.

[-] buckykat@hexbear.net 1 points 12 hours ago

Many KVM switches allow you to use a keyboard shortcut to switch. Still a hardware button, but at least it's where your hand already is, maybe.

[-] Anarch157a@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 12 hours ago

A networked KVM woukd work, like PiKVM. It's like a KVM, only instead of having the kb, mouse and display connected to the box, you access it over the network.

[-] yo_scottie_oh@lemmy.ml 1 points 12 hours ago

I'll have to look into these. Thanks for the tip!

this post was submitted on 24 Feb 2026

8 points (90.0% liked)

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