Mouse Without Borders lets one mouse and keyboard move between multiple Windows PCs on the same local network. It can feel like a multi-monitor setup, except each screen belongs to a different computer.
This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs connected to the same local network over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. No physical KVM switch is required.
Does This Affect You?
Use Mouse Without Borders if you keep two or more Windows computers on the same desk and want to control them without swapping keyboards. The keyboard follows the cursor, and the tool can also share clipboard content and copy files between linked PCs.
Set It Up in PowerToys
The PowerToys version is the best first choice because it is the version Microsoft actively maintains today.
- Install PowerToys on every PC you want to connect. Use the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s official PowerToys page.
- Open PowerToys, select Mouse Without Borders in the sidebar, and turn it on.
- On the main PC, generate a new security key.
- On the second PC, open the same settings and enter the security key plus the main PC name or IP address, then click Connect.
- Move the mouse to the edge of one screen. The pointer should cross to the other PC, and the keyboard will type on whichever PC currently has the pointer.
- Repeat the connection step for additional computers. Mouse Without Borders supports up to four linked machines.
Use the Standalone Microsoft Garage App
If you do not want to install the full PowerToys suite, the older standalone app works similarly as a small separate program.
- Download Mouse without Borders from Microsoft Garage or Microsoft’s official page.
- Install and open it on each PC.
- On the first PC, choose the option for first-time setup and note the security code shown by the app.
- On the second PC, choose the option to join an existing setup, then enter the security code and the first PC’s name.
- Finish the connection. Once linked, moving to the screen edge transfers control just like the PowerToys version.
Useful Mouse Without Borders Features
Copy Files Between PCs
Drag a file to the screen edge and drop it as the cursor crosses to the other computer. The file copies across the network. Settings may limit file size, commonly around 100 MB by default, so check the app settings if larger transfers fail.
Share Clipboard Content
Copy text or an image on one PC and paste it on another linked PC. Clipboard sharing is automatic when the feature is enabled.
Fix the Screen Layout
If the cursor moves to the wrong computer or wrong edge, open Mouse Without Borders settings and arrange the PC thumbnails to match the physical layout of your monitors and machines.
Use a Private Local Network
Both PCs need to reach each other on the same local network. If connection fails, make sure each Windows network profile is set to Private and that the firewall is not blocking Mouse Without Borders.
Lock All PCs Together
The option to lock all screens together locks every linked PC when you lock one. It is useful when stepping away from a desk with several connected computers.
Sources
- Microsoft Garage: Mouse without Borders
- Microsoft Learn: PowerToys Mouse Without Borders utility
- Microsoft PowerToys GitHub project