By Ellie / Last Updated March 19, 2024

How do I monitor multiple computers on one screen?

 

I'm looking for a simple way to monitor and control several company computers on a single screen. What tools or methods do you recommend for achieving this? Thanks for any advice!”

- Question from Reddit

Multiple Computers

Nowadays, with businesses heavily relying on technology for their day-to-day operations, the need for effective monitoring of corporate PCs has become paramount. Monitoring corporate PCs helps ensure productivity by identifying and addressing any inefficiencies or bottlenecks in the system.

How to monitor all corporate PCs on one screen [3 ways]

There are several ways to monitor all corporate PCs on one screen at a time. This post lists the top three options for you.

Here's a quick comparison of these three methods:

  Remote desktop software for multi-session Mouse Without Borders for Windows KVM Switch
Control multiple computers simultaneously Yes Yes Yes
Ease of setup Easy Moderate Moderate
Cost Free Free Cost varies depending on the model and features
Hardware requirements None None KVM switch and appropriate cables
Ease of switching between computers Easy Easy Easy
Geographical limitations No No No
Management interface Graphical User Interface (GUI) GUI Physical toggle/keyboard shortcut
Performance Depends on network quality and software Depends on network quality N/A (Relies on hardware)

Way 1. Remote desktop software for multi-session

Monitoring all corporate PCs on a single screen for free can be achieved by utilizing a remote desktop client and server application that supports multiple sessions. With this method, you can remotely manage one or more computers from your primary device, regardless of geographical location.

One of the best remote desktop software solutions to monitor all corporate PCs on one screen to another is to use AnyViewer. It's a free remote desktop software that excels in multi-session support, providing speedy and reliable connections without any delay in keyboard and mouse responsiveness. With its Screen Wall feature, users can conveniently display and manage multiple computer screens in one window, significantly enhancing work efficiency. Moreover, AnyViewer ensures high image quality, guaranteeing clear and sharp screen visuals.

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on each desktop.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 2. Once installed, open AnyViewer on your main computer and log in with your account details.

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. Sign in to the same AnyViewer account on all the other desktops you wish to manage.

Free Editions

Step 4. On your main computer, navigate to the "Device" section, select your local device, and then choose "Screen wall."

Screen Wall

Step 5. Click on "Create screen wall."

Create Screen Wall

Step 6. Choose all the desktops you want to control simultaneously, and then click "Add."

Add Devices

Step 7. You can now monitor and manage all the added desktops from a single window.

My Screen Wall

Here's a tip
If you plan to create multiple screen walls, think about upgrading to an Enterprise plan for the best performance.

 

Way 2. Mouse Without Borders for Windows

Mouse Without Borders is a software developed by Microsoft Garage that allows users to control multiple computers with a single mouse and keyboard. It enables seamless interaction between multiple computers, facilitating tasks such as dragging and dropping files across screens, copying and pasting text, and sharing a clipboard between computers.

This tool is particularly useful for individuals who work with multiple devices simultaneously, such as software developers, designers, and professionals in various fields. Mouse Without Borders helps streamline workflow and improve productivity by eliminating the need to switch between different input devices for each computer.

Step 1. Download Mouse Without Borders.

Step 2. Install the downloaded file and follow the instructions.

Mouse Without Borders Install

Step 3. Once installed, you'll see the Settings dialog. You can also access this dialog by clicking the icon in the system tray on the taskbar.

Step 4. On the first computer where you've selected the mouse and keyboard as controllers, select "NO" at the beginning of the dialog.

Mouse Without Borders No

Step 5. Note the displayed security code and computer name, or keep the dialog open and move to another computer.

Mouse Without Borders Security Code

Step 6. On the other computer, repeat the installation steps 1-3. Then, select "YES" at the beginning of the dialog.

Mouse Without Borders Yes

Step 7. Enter the security code and computer name from step 5 when prompted. Then click the "LINK" button.

Mouse Without Borders Link

Step 8. Repeat steps 6-7 for each additional computer.

Step 9. Once connected, simply move the mouse cursor from one computer to another across the screen edges. Keyboard input will follow your mouse cursor to other computers.

Connected

Step 10. After configuring your computers, access the Settings form by clicking the system tray icon or using (Ctrl + Alt + M). Here, you can add more computers, reposition computer thumbnails by drag-and-drop, and adjust other settings.

Way 3. Use a KVM switch

With a KVM switch (short for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse), you can monitor all corporate PCs on one screen at a time using just one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Switching between computers is done either through a keyboard shortcut or a physical switch on the hardware that links the computers to the single monitor, keyboard, and mouse setup.

Compatibility is crucial for a KVM switch to function effectively within the system. For instance, if the computers use USB mice and keyboards, the KVM switch must support USB input or come with suitable adapters. Likewise, the monitor connection inputs must match the outputs available on the various computers or be paired with appropriate adapters.

Step 1. Power off all the computers and the monitor you want to connect.

Step 2. Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the KVM switch. The standard setup provides ports for each of these peripherals, along with cables that link them to individual computers.

KVM Switch

Step 3. Attach the cables from the KVM switch to the different computers. Ensure that the video, mouse, and keyboard connections on each cable are all plugged into the same computer.

Step 4. Turn on the monitor and all the computers. The computer connected to the first position on the switch will appear on the screen. To switch between computers, use the switch's toggle or, if supported, a keyboard shortcut. For instance, the Belkin KVM switch permits switching by pressing Scroll Lock twice followed by either the up or down arrow on the keyboard.

The bottom line

In conclusion, the quest to monitor all corporate PCs on one screen has been addressed through three effective methods: utilizing remote desktop software like AnyViewer, employing Microsoft's Mouse Without Borders for seamless interaction across multiple computers, and utilizing a KVM switch for streamlined control.

Each approach offers unique advantages catering to diverse user needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing multi-session support, unified input control, or hardware simplicity, these solutions ensure enhanced productivity and efficiency in managing corporate PC networks. By implementing these strategies, businesses can effectively monitor and optimize their computer systems, thereby fostering smoother operations and maximizing productivity.