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Productivity

Set Up Mouse Without Borders for Two PCs

One keyboard and one mouse across two Windows machines, with copy and paste between them. No KVM switch, no extra cable.

by@guidox updated:10/31/26 time:20 min level:Beginner tested on:Windows 11 24H2 works on:Windows 10, Windows 11 tools:PowerToys, Two PCs
TL;DR

Install **Mouse Without Borders** from PowerToys on both machines, pair them with the security code, then arrange the screens so the pointer crosses on the correct edge.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Two PCs on one network
  • PowerToys
  • Fifteen minutes
Step by step

Instructions

01

Put both machines on the same subnet

The tool talks over the local network. A guest VLAN or a client isolation setting on the router blocks it even when both machines see the internet.

02

Install and open the module

PowerToys ships the module disabled. Turn it on, then choose the option to connect to another computer on the same network to get the pairing code.

PowerToys > Mouse Without Borders
03

Enter the code on the second machine

The first machine shows a name and a security code. Type both on the second machine; the pairing is one-way and the code changes if you regenerate it.

⚠ warningAnyone with the code on your network can control the machine. Generate a new code after the pairing is done.
04

Arrange the screens

The layout tab decides which edge the pointer crosses. The position must match how the monitors physically stand, or the pointer leaves in the wrong direction.

tipTwo screens side by side need the second machine to the right in the layout, regardless of which monitor port is used.
05

Allow it through the firewall

The first connection usually triggers a firewall prompt. If it does not appear, add the rule manually; a blocked port looks like a wrong code.

06

Test copy, paste and drag

Text and files copy between the machines, and a file dragged across the edge transfers. Both depend on the connection, so test them before you rely on it.

Ctrl + C, then Ctrl + V on the other machine
Troubleshooting

Common issues

The machines do not find each other

Subnet, firewall or a VPN adapter taking the route. Disable the VPN during pairing.

The pointer jumps back

The layout order is wrong. Swap the machine positions in the layout tab.

Clipboard sync stops

A clipboard manager or a remote session holds the clipboard. Restart the module.

It works until sleep

The connection does not recover. Reconnect from the module's menu after wake.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does it work across Windows versions?

Yes, 10 and 11 mix fine as long as both run a current PowerToys.

Is there a Mac version?

Not in PowerToys. Use a different KVM-style tool for mixed platforms.

How to undo this

Disable the module in PowerToys on both machines. The pairing ends and each machine uses its own input devices again.

Changelog · 1 entry
  1. 2026-10-31
    First version
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