Today, many households own multiple computers for personal and work-related tasks. While having a dedicated PC for what you need is necessary, separate monitors and other peripherals take up space. Fortunately, there are options available to multitask your computers and reduce additional hardware by managing your computers with a single monitor.
If you want to run two or more computers from one monitor, read on to find out what options are available. available and how to implement them.
How to use 2 computers within one monitor
The most common way to run multiple computers through one monitor is:
- Use a cable to connect your computers to HDMI or DisplayPort on your monitor.
- Use a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switch device to connect your computers, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Then press a switch to switch between computers.
- Use a remote desktop client to connect to another computer.
Option one: use multiple ports
Your monitor has multiple input ports, just like your smart TV. Most modern monitors have either two HDMI or DisplayPort inputs, and depending on the model, some may have a mix of HDMI, VGA, and DVI ports.
Pros and Cons
This is an easy way to quickly connect your computers through your existing monitor.
However, a separate keyboard and mouse are required to control each computer. You can switch your keyboard and mouse between computers when necessary. If you only use one computer occasionally, this method might work.
Also, keep in mind that displaying the full view of two computers simultaneously is often unique to modern ultrawide monitors. If you have one of these monitors, search online for model information to learn how to configure it to display both outputs permanently.
How to set up?
Once connected cables from your computer to your monitor, to access either computer, you’ll need to access the monitor’s internal menu to change the input.
Option two: Use a KVM switch device
A keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switcher is a device that allows connections from multiple computers for output to a single monitor and input from a set of devices. So there’s no need to constantly plug and unplug your keyboard and mouse or play multiple games.
Pros and Cons
Working with a KVM Switch it is space-friendly and quite easy to use. Depending on your usage and requirements, you can choose a basic two-device switch at an affordable price or a high-end switch to support multiple 4k connections.
The main disadvantages of using a KVM are the added expense and how close the computers need to sit to connect to the same switch. Usually there isn’t much spare cable. Also, KVM switches can take a few seconds to switch between computers, which could be inconvenient.
How to set up?
- Connect the power adapter to the KVM switch .
- Connect the HDMI cable from your monitor to the console’s HDMI port on the KVM switch.
- Turn on your monitor.
- Connect your mouse and keyboard to the PS/2 or USB ports on the KVM switch.
To switch between computers, use the button or turn on the computer. It takes a few seconds for your monitor to switch to the new computer.
Option Three: Use Remote Desktop
If the above options are not suitable for your requirements, another option is to use a remote desktop client. Remote Desktop (RDC) and a server application. A remote desktop is a client application that allows one computer (client) to connect to another computer from another location. Thus, the client allows access to and control of your other computers from one computer.
Remote desktop works by installing the client application on the computer you will physically use, and then running the server application in the computer. you want to access.
Pros and cons
This simple and free solution allows you to access your other computers from your main computer when using the same network.
No However, this method depends on a good network connection. When controlling another computer through a poor connection, there may be a delay in keystrokes and mouse movements. You can avoid these potential delays if your other computer is on your local network.
How to set up?
Microsoft’s RDC tool is built into Windows and can install Windows 10 Universal App to through the Microsoft store. Here’s how to set up a desktop connection:
- Log in to the computer you want to access remotely.
- To enable remote desktop on that computer:
- Select “Settings”, “System” and then “Remote Desktop”.
- Enable the switch next to ” Enable remote desktop”. Desktop”, then “Confirm”.
To connect to your second computer from your current computer:
- Go to the “Start” menu and choose the “Windows Accessories” folder to open the Remote Desktop Connection application.
- Select the “Remote Desktop Connection” entry.
- In the field From the computer in the RDC window, type the name or IP address of your second computer.
- Click the “Show Options” button, then enter the account credentials you will use to log in.
- Check “Allow me to save credentials” if desired, then “Connect”.
- If you get a message that says something like the identity of the computer cannot be verified check the “Do not ask me to connect to this computer again”, then “Yes”.
You will now have full access to your second computer.
Two for the price for one
When you need to use multiple computers, there are at least Some options are available to facilitate connections from a computer. If your computers are close to each other, you can simply connect both to the monitor using the monitor cable. Or you can connect all your hardware to a KVM switch device to switch between your computers. However, those two options require your peripherals to be close to each other.
A great option for when your computers are physically separated is to use a remote desktop connection. When the computer you’re trying to access is on and you’re accessing it through a good network connection, you can work from your other computer as if you were sitting in front of it.
How does connecting benefit you? your computers to a monitor? Let us know in the comments section below.
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