Control Multiple PCs with PowerToys: A Guide

This tutorial explains controlling up to 4 machines with one keyboard and mouse using PowerToys “Mouse Without Borders” feature in Windows 11.

In a standard setup, a single keyboard and mouse connect to a Windows machine. With additional configuration, it is possible to control multiple computers using one keyboard and mouse through an external method.

However, Windows users can install PowerToys to control up to 4 computers from the same machine. No additional hardware is required.

PowerToys “Mouse without borders” allows users to control multiple machines using the same keyboard/mouse, transfer files, and use the clipboard between machines.

Share keyboard and mouse between multiple machines using PowerToys Mouse without borders

As mentioned above, the PowerToys feature “Mouse without borders” allows one to share a keyboard and mouse with up to four machines and allows them to share file and clipboard content.

Here’s how to use PowerToys Mouse without border feature in Windows 11.

First, install the PowerToys on Windows.

Once PowerToys is installed, open Mouse Without Borders in PowerToys Settings to configure your connections.

Under Activation, toggle the switch to enable Mouse Without Borders. Do this on all the machines you want to control.

On the first computer, select New Key to generate a security key for connecting.

On the second computer, enter the Security Key generated on the first computer and the name of the first computer. Then select Connect.

Once the computers connect, you can switch between them by moving your mouse cursor beyond the edge of the screen, transitioning between computers.

Please do the same to the third and fourth computers and connect to them.

While your machines are connected, you will notice a Device layout section. You can use the layout settings to drag and re-arrange the screen orders to match the physical location of the monitors.

That should do it!

Reference:

PowrToys Peek utility for Windows

Conclusion:

• The PowerToys Mouse Without Boarders feature in Windows 11 facilitates seamless control over multiple machines using a single keyboard and mouse.
• With the ability to share files and clipboard content, this feature enhances productivity and convenience for users operating multiple computers.
• Configuring connections and switching between computers is simple through intuitive setup and convenient device layout customization.
• By following the steps outlined above, users can efficiently harness the potential of the PowerToys Mouse Without Boarders feature to optimize their multitasking capabilities.