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Yes. One keyboard and mouse can control two computers running different operating systems, provided both machines are connected to the same local network or the mouse uses a hardware method designed for multiple hosts. Logitech Flow is the straightforward Windows–macOS option; Deskflow and Synergy support broader combinations that include Linux. Microsoft Mouse Without Borders is limited to Windows computers.
What “control two computers” actually means
Cross-platform input sharing moves your pointer and keystrokes from one computer to the other, usually when the cursor reaches the edge of a screen. Each computer still runs its own operating system, applications and display. You are not combining the machines into one system, and these tools do not send one computer’s video output to the other’s monitor.
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Most software solutions use a local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. One machine acts as the server (the computer whose keyboard and mouse are physically attached); the other acts as a client. The software sends pointer and keyboard events over the network and may also provide a shared clipboard. Both computers need to remain powered on, logged in enough for the input service to run, and visible to each other on the network.
A hardware route uses a multi-device mouse and keyboard. The devices maintain separate wireless or Bluetooth pairings and switch between hosts with a button or channel selector. This avoids network software, but it depends on buying compatible hardware and does not automatically provide clipboard or file transfer.
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Compare the cross-platform options
| Approach | Operating-system coverage | What you need | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Flow | Windows and macOS | Compatible Logitech mouse and keyboard, Logi Options+ installed on both computers, separate mouse pairings, and one shared Wi-Fi or Ethernet network | Requires Flow-compatible hardware; the documented cross-platform use is Windows with macOS |
| Deskflow | Windows, macOS, Linux and Unix-like BSD-derived systems | Deskflow on every computer, network visibility, and operating-system permissions; native Linux GUI requires libei 1.3 or newer, libportal 0.8 or newer and Qt 6.7 or newer | Some Linux Wayland features may be unavailable or broken |
| Synergy 3 | Windows, macOS and Linux, with support depending on the exact release and distribution | Synergy on each computer, a shared Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, and one display per computer | Synergy 3 Wayland support is experimental; Synergy does not share video |
| Mouse Without Borders | Windows computers | Microsoft PowerToys on each machine, a generated security key, the correct computer name and firewall/network access | Controls up to four computers; file transfers are limited to 100 MB and multi-file or folder transfers have restrictions |
No independent reliability study establishes a universal winner. Choose by operating-system support first, then by Linux display protocol, permission requirements, clipboard needs, network policy and whether compatible hardware is acceptable.
Windows and Mac: set up Logitech Flow
Flow is designed for a Windows–macOS pair when you already use compatible Logitech devices. Logitech describes the experience as moving control between computers as the pointer reaches a screen edge. Its Flow-supported keyboard follows the mouse, so keyboard focus changes with the active computer.
- Install Logi Options+ on both computers. Use the current installer for Windows on the PC and macOS on the Mac. The software must be running on both machines for Flow to operate.
- Pair the mouse to each computer on a separate channel. Use the mouse’s device selector to create one pairing for the Windows computer and another for the Mac. Do not overwrite the first pairing when adding the second.
- Connect both computers to the same local network. A shared Wi-Fi or Ethernet network is required so Options+ can discover the other computer. Guest networks or client-isolated wireless networks can prevent discovery.
- Enable Flow in Logi Options+. Select the mouse, open the Flow settings and arrange the on-screen computer positions to match your desk. If the Mac is physically to the left of the PC, place it on the left in the layout.
- Test edge switching. Move the pointer through the configured screen edge. The pointer should appear on the other computer, and typing should follow it. If the direction feels reversed, correct the screen arrangement rather than changing operating-system display settings.
What Flow can move between the computers
Logitech documents copying text, images and files between the connected computers. The keyboard follows the mouse, allowing you to begin typing immediately after the pointer crosses to the other display.
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- Precision you can feel with the Haptic Sense Panel; customizable (1) haptic feedback on specific actions, shortcuts, notifications enhancing productivity on this wireless Bluetooth mouse
- Effortlessly access favorite tools with Actions Ring (2) on this MX Series mouse—a dynamic, customizable overlay adapts to each app, placing most used filters, adjustments, and shortcuts at your cursor
- Scroll 1,000 lines per second and stop on a pixel with the MagSpeed scroll wheel—Logitech’s fastest (3), quietest, and most precise (4) scrolling experience
- Enjoy 2X more powerful connectivity (7) with a USB-C dongle, advanced radio chip, and optimized antenna for faster, stronger, reliable performance—or use Bluetooth for more versatility
- Ergonomic mouse designed for comfort, MX Master 4 keeps you in flow with a natural tilt, intuitive buttons, and a thumb scroll wheel that reduces hand stress for fluid navigation
What Flow does not solve
Flow is not a Linux solution. It also depends on the current compatibility list for Logitech hardware, so verify that your exact mouse and keyboard model are supported before buying or configuring a setup. The official Flow page features the MX Master 4 among supported devices, but that listing is not an independent performance comparison.
Linux or mixed Linux, Windows and macOS: use Deskflow
Deskflow is free and open source software for sharing a keyboard and mouse across Windows, macOS, Linux and Unix-like BSD-derived systems. It also supports clipboard sharing. Because Linux can use different display servers, Deskflow’s behavior depends on whether the session runs X11 or Wayland.
Check the requirements
- Windows 10 or newer.
- macOS 12 or newer.
- On Linux, the native GUI requires libei 1.3 or newer, libportal 0.8 or newer and Qt 6.7 or newer.
- For Wayland input integration, Deskflow uses libei and libportal. The project warns that some Wayland features may be unavailable or broken.
Basic Deskflow procedure
- Install Deskflow on every computer. Select builds appropriate to each operating system and keep the versions compatible.
- Choose the server computer. The server is normally the machine where the keyboard and mouse are plugged in. Start Deskflow there and create a screen entry for the client computer.
- Configure the client. On the second computer, enter the server’s network address or name and start the client connection. Both machines must be able to reach each other on the local network.
- Arrange the screens. Place the client screen to the correct side of the server in Deskflow’s layout. Edge switching follows this arrangement.
- Grant permissions before testing. On macOS, grant Accessibility access to both the Deskflow app and its process. macOS Sequoia may also require Local Network permission. On Linux, approve the portals or input permissions requested by the desktop environment.
- Test keyboard, pointer and clipboard separately. First verify that the pointer crosses screens, then type in a text field on each computer, and finally test a small clipboard item. This isolates permission problems from network problems.
Wayland caveat
Wayland intentionally restricts applications that synthesize input and inspect other windows. Deskflow’s Wayland support therefore relies on additional Linux libraries and does not guarantee feature parity with X11. If pointer switching works but clipboard or screen-edge behavior does not, check Deskflow’s known Wayland issues and your desktop environment’s portal permissions rather than assuming the network is at fault.
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- Precision you can feel with the Haptic Sense Panel; customizable (1) haptic feedback on specific actions, shortcuts, notifications enhancing productivity on this wireless Bluetooth mouse
- Effortlessly access favorite tools with Actions Ring (2) on this MX Series mouse—a dynamic, customizable overlay adapts to each app, placing most used filters, adjustments, and shortcuts at your cursor
- Scroll 1,000 lines per second and stop on a pixel with the MagSpeed scroll wheel—Logitech’s fastest (3), quietest, and most precise (4) scrolling experience
- Ergonomic mouse designed for comfort, MX Master 4 for Mac keeps you in flow with a natural tilt, intuitive buttons, and a thumb scroll wheel that reduces hand stress for fluid navigation
Another documented cross-platform choice: Synergy
Synergy’s support documentation covers current Windows, macOS and Linux configurations, but the exact supported distributions, processor architectures, operating-system releases and display servers vary by version. The documentation distinguishes Synergy 3 (listed at version 3.7.2) from Synergy 1 (listed at version 1.21.4); confirm the requirements for the release you intend to install.
- Install the same Synergy generation on both computers and designate one as the server and the other as the client.
- Ensure both machines can see each other over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Firewall rules must allow the Synergy connection.
- Give each computer a screen entry and arrange the relative positions in the Synergy configuration.
- Start the server first, then connect the client and test pointer and keyboard movement.
Each computer needs its own display. Synergy transfers input; it does not transmit video or turn two screens into one extended desktop. Synergy 3’s Wayland support is documented as experimental, so Linux users on Wayland should expect possible limitations and check the release-specific notes.
Why Mouse Without Borders is not the answer for mixed operating systems
Microsoft Mouse Without Borders is a Windows utility included in PowerToys. Microsoft says it can control up to four computers from one machine, share a clipboard and transfer files, but every computer in the arrangement must be running Windows. It therefore cannot directly connect a Windows PC to a Mac or Linux computer.
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Windows-only setup outline
- Install PowerToys on each Windows computer and open Mouse Without Borders.
- On the first machine, generate the security key and note the computer name.
- Enter that key and name on the other machines, then accept the pairing.
- Verify that all machines share a network and that Windows Firewall permits the connection.
- Arrange the computer order and test pointer movement, keyboard focus and clipboard sharing.
File transfer has a 100 MB limit. Multi-file and folder transfers have additional limitations, so use a separate approved file-sharing method for larger or more complex transfers.
Service mode and security
Mouse Without Borders service mode can control elevated applications and lock screens, but Microsoft warns that enabling it adds security risk. Use it only when the administrative behavior is necessary, restrict network access and protect the generated key as you would any other authentication secret.
Network and security checks before troubleshooting
- Put both computers on the same trusted home or office network, not an isolated guest network.
- Record each computer’s host name and local address before configuring the client.
- Allow the selected software through the operating system’s firewall only on the intended private network.
- Keep the software and operating systems updated, especially when using Linux Wayland or a newly released macOS version.
- Do not expose an input-sharing service directly to the public internet.
- Lock or disconnect the client when you leave the desk; a connected keyboard and mouse can operate the second computer without a separate login interaction.
Troubleshoot the common failure modes
The computers cannot find each other
Confirm that both are on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and that the network profile allows device discovery. Temporarily check firewall rules, then create a narrow allow rule for the input-sharing application instead of disabling the firewall permanently. Recheck the server name or local address for typos.
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- Mastered for Mac: With matching Apple finishes, Logi Options+ functions for macOS (1), USB-C charging while you work (cable not included), MX Master 4 for Mac makes for a perfect fit with your Apple setup
- Precision you can feel with the Haptic Sense Panel; customizable (1) haptic feedback on specific actions, shortcuts, notifications enhancing productivity on this wireless Bluetooth mouse
- Effortlessly access favorite tools with Actions Ring (2) on this MX Series mouse—a dynamic, customizable overlay adapts to each app, placing most used filters, adjustments, and shortcuts at your cursor
- Scroll 1,000 lines per second and stop on a pixel with the MagSpeed scroll wheel—Logitech’s fastest (3), quietest, and most precise (4) scrolling experience
- Ergonomic mouse designed for comfort, MX Master 4 for Mac keeps you in flow with a natural tilt, intuitive buttons, and a thumb scroll wheel that reduces hand stress for fluid navigation
The pointer crosses in the wrong direction
Correct the screen arrangement inside Flow, Deskflow or Synergy. The software’s layout must match the physical left-to-right or top-to-bottom placement of the displays.
The pointer moves but typing does not
On macOS, verify Accessibility permission for both the application and its background process. On Linux Wayland, confirm libei, libportal and desktop portal permissions. Restart the input service after changing permissions.
Clipboard sharing fails while input works
Test with plain text first. Wayland restrictions, desktop portal settings or a version mismatch can affect clipboard support independently of pointer movement. For large files, use a dedicated file-transfer method; Mouse Without Borders, for example, enforces a 100 MB limit.
A corporate network blocks the connection
Ask the network administrator whether client isolation, endpoint firewall policy or blocked local ports is preventing peer-to-peer traffic. If policy forbids software input sharing, a hardware multi-device keyboard and mouse may be the only permitted approach.
Quick Recap
Which approach fits your setup?
- Windows plus Mac: Choose Logitech Flow if you already own compatible Logitech hardware and want pointer, keyboard and clipboard/file movement in one integrated setup.
- Windows plus Linux, or Mac plus Linux: Start with Deskflow when free open-source software is a priority. Check Linux library requirements and Wayland limitations before deployment.
- Mixed systems in a managed environment: Evaluate Synergy against your organization’s approved software list and the exact Synergy release’s OS and display-server support.
- Several Windows PCs: Mouse Without Borders is the Microsoft-supported choice when all machines are Windows and the 100 MB transfer ceiling is acceptable.
- No network software allowed: Use hardware with multiple host channels, accepting that clipboard and file sharing will not come from the keyboard and mouse alone.
Checklist before you install or buy
- Write down the operating system and version on every computer.
- Identify whether Linux uses X11 or Wayland.
- Decide whether clipboard, image and file transfer are required or whether input switching alone is enough.
- Confirm that both computers can share a trusted Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, or select multi-host hardware.
- Check firewall, Accessibility, Local Network and Linux portal permissions before diagnosing hardware.
- For a hardware purchase, verify the exact model in the manufacturer’s current compatibility list; support can change as operating systems and device software are updated.
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