How to Share a Keyboard and Mouse Between Two Computers

Quick answer

The simplest way to share a keyboard and mouse between two computers is a USB switch: plug both peripherals into the switch, connect its two USB cables to the computers, and press the button to move control. Choose a KVM instead if you also need to share monitors and want one button to switch everything. For laptop-plus-desktop setups, a USB-C docking station with a built-in switch can reduce cable clutter.

Pick your sharing method: USB switch or KVM

A USB switch is a small box with two or more upstream ports and several downstream USB ports. Your keyboard and mouse plug into the downstream ports, and a cable runs from each upstream port to a different computer. Press the physical button and the peripherals move to the other machine. Nothing is installed, and each computer sees the keyboard and mouse as if they were plugged in directly.

A KVM switch does the same for USB peripherals but also switches video. If you already have two monitors and want one keyboard, one mouse, and both screens to follow you between a work laptop and a personal desktop, a KVM is the cleaner single-button solution. If your monitors stay on separate inputs and you only need to move input devices, a USB switch is smaller and usually cheaper.

Connect the switch and peripherals correctly

Plug the keyboard and mouse into the switch's downstream ports, then connect the switch's upstream cable to each computer. Use the cables that came with the switch; cheap charge-only USB-C cables often lack the data wires needed for peripherals. If your keyboard has a built-in USB hub, connect the keyboard directly to the switch and plug other devices into the keyboard only if the switch's power budget allows it.

For a laptop with limited ports, a docking station can act as the upstream connection. For example, the Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station (product 2616129) provides 60W host charging, gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports, so your keyboard and mouse can stay plugged into the dock while you switch the dock's upstream cable between computers. Check that your switch or dock supplies enough power for your devices; bus-powered hard drives may need their own power.

Test and troubleshoot the switch

After connecting everything, press the switch button and confirm that the keyboard and mouse respond on the active computer. If they do not, try a different USB port on the computer, especially a port directly on the motherboard rather than a front-panel hub. On Windows, open Device Manager and check for unknown devices; on macOS, use System Information > USB to see whether the switch appears.

If the switch works on one computer but not the other, the problem is usually the upstream cable or the port. Swap the cables between computers to isolate the fault. If your monitor goes blank when you switch, you are using a KVM with video switching; give the display a few seconds to re-detect the signal. For keyboard and mouse only, a USB switch avoids video renegotiation entirely.

When a docking station or graphics adapter makes more sense

If you are sharing a keyboard and mouse between a laptop and a desktop but also want to use the laptop's screen alongside your main monitors, a USB-C docking station with dual display outputs can replace both a switch and a port expander. The Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station (product 2616129) supports two displays up to 4K 60Hz and includes 60W charging, so you can leave peripherals attached and move one cable.

For setups that need more than two monitors, a USB graphics adapter can add displays without replacing the computer. The Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Graphics Adapter (product 2616072) connects up to four independent HDMI displays at up to 4K 60Hz through a single USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt port, using the DisplayLink DL7400 chipset. That is useful when one computer drives multiple screens and you still want a single keyboard and mouse across two systems via a separate USB switch.

Step-by-step: share keyboard and mouse between two computers

1. Choose USB switch or KVM: Decide whether you need to switch only keyboard and mouse (USB switch) or also monitors (KVM). Check how many USB devices you will connect and whether the switch is bus-powered or needs an adapter. Common mistake: buying a KVM when you only need to move input devices; you pay for video switching you will not use.
2. Connect peripherals to the switch: Plug the keyboard and mouse into the switch's downstream USB ports. If you use a wireless keyboard or mouse, plug its USB receiver into the switch, not into the computer. Checkpoint: the switch should have enough ports for all peripherals you want to share, plus one spare for a USB drive.
3. Connect upstream cables to each computer: Run one upstream cable from the switch to each computer. Use data-capable USB cables; charge-only cables will not carry keyboard and mouse signals. Common mistake: using a USB-C cable that only supports charging, which makes the switch appear dead on one computer.
4. Power the switch if required: If your switch includes a power adapter, plug it in. Bus-powered switches may not supply enough current for keyboards with backlights or passthrough ports. Checkpoint: if devices disconnect randomly, add the optional power adapter or move the switch to a powered USB hub.
5. Test switching and set expectations: Press the switch button and confirm the keyboard and mouse respond on each computer. Some switches take a second to re-enumerate; wait before typing. If you use a KVM, allow the monitor to re-sync. Common mistake: pressing the button repeatedly when the first press is still being processed, which can confuse the switch or the computer.
6. Troubleshoot with cable and port swaps: If one computer does not see the switch, swap the upstream cables between computers. If the problem follows the cable, replace it. If it follows the computer, try a different USB port, preferably one directly on the motherboard. Next step: for laptops with limited ports, use a docking station like the Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station (product 2616129) as the upstream connection to reduce plugging and unplugging.

Products that help with sharing peripherals

• Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station, Certified Works with Chromebook, 60W Charging: Plugable USB-C Dual Monitor Docking Station, Certified Works with Chromebook, 60W Charging Provides 60W host charging, gigabit Ethernet, and multiple USB ports, so a keyboard and mouse can stay connected to the dock while you move one cable between computers.
• Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Graphics Adapter With up to 100W USB-C PD Pass-through Charging: Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Graphics Adapter With up to 100W USB-C PD Pass-through Charging Adds up to four independent HDMI displays at 4K 60Hz via DisplayLink, useful when one computer needs more screens and you still want to share input devices with a USB switch.
• Plugable USB-C Multiport Adapter (Prior Version): Plugable USB-C Multiport Adapter (Prior Version) A compact USB-C mini dock that adds an external monitor, USB peripheral, and USB-C power pass-through, helpful for laptop users who need a stable port for a keyboard and mouse switch.