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Yes. One keyboard and mouse can control two computers even when one runs Windows and the other runs macOS or Linux. The practical choices are Logitech Flow (Windows and macOS with compatible Logitech hardware), Deskflow (free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, Linux and some BSD-derived systems), and Synergy (a commercial cross-platform option). Microsoft Mouse Without Borders is different: it is designed for Windows PCs, so it is not the solution when the computers use different operating systems.
All of these approaches pass input over a local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. Each computer keeps its own monitor; the keyboard and mouse are being shared, not the video signal. Select an option by checking operating-system support first, then display-server permissions, clipboard/file-transfer needs, hardware requirements and security policy.
What actually happens when control moves between computers
A sharing application runs on both computers. One machine acts as the keyboard-and-mouse source, while the other receives the pointer and keystrokes through the local network. Moving the pointer to a configured screen edge, or using a switching shortcut, transfers control. The monitors remain independent, so you can work on both screens without buying a video switch.
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Clipboard synchronization is a separate feature. Some tools can copy text, images or files between systems; others only forward keyboard and mouse events. File transfer can also have size or folder restrictions. A reliable setup therefore requires more than a free USB port: both computers must be visible to each other on the same network, and the operating systems must grant the input-control permissions the software requests.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Which method fits your two computers?
| Approach | Operating-system coverage | What you need | Important limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Flow | Windows and macOS | Compatible Logitech mouse, Logi Options+ on both computers, mouse paired to each on separate channels, shared Wi-Fi or Ethernet | Requires supported Logitech hardware; Flow-supported keyboard follows the mouse |
| Deskflow | Windows, macOS, Linux and Unix-like BSD-derived systems | Deskflow installed on each computer and the required operating-system libraries and permissions | Some Wayland features may be unavailable or broken |
| Synergy 3 | Current Windows, macOS and Linux versions, subject to release-specific requirements | Network visibility, one display per computer and version-appropriate installation | Synergy 3 Wayland support is experimental; distribution, architecture and display-server support vary |
| Mouse Without Borders | Windows computers | PowerToys on each PC, a generated security key and the other computer’s name | Controls up to four computers; file transfers are limited to 100 MB and have multi-file and folder restrictions |
There is no independent reliability benchmark establishing one choice as universally best. Compatibility and permissions are more decisive than brand preference.
Use Logitech Flow between a Windows PC and a Mac
Flow is the most hardware-led route. Logitech documents pointer movement between Windows and macOS computers and says a Flow-supported keyboard follows the mouse. It can also copy text, images and files between the paired machines.
Rank #2
- 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
Requirements
- A Logitech mouse model listed as Flow-compatible. The official device page currently features the MX Master 4 among supported devices; check the live compatibility list for the exact model before buying.
- Logi Options+ installed on both computers.
- The mouse paired to both computers through separate device channels.
- Both computers connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
Setup sequence
- Install Logi Options+ on the Windows computer and the Mac, then complete any requested operating-system permissions.
- Pair the mouse with the first computer and assign that connection to one channel.
- Pair the same mouse with the second computer using a different channel.
- In Flow’s computer arrangement, place the two screens in the same left-to-right or right-to-left order as your physical desks.
- Connect both machines to the same local network and enable Flow on each. Move the pointer across the configured screen edge to test the hand-off.
- Test a short text selection, an image and a small file if clipboard and file transfer are important to your workflow. These functions depend on Flow being active on both machines.
If the pointer does not cross, first confirm that both devices are on the same network and that the mouse is using the intended channel. A keyboard that is not listed as Flow-supported will not necessarily follow the mouse, even when the mouse itself switches correctly.
Use Deskflow when Linux is one of the computers
Deskflow is a free, open-source software approach for sharing a keyboard and mouse across Windows, macOS, Linux and Unix-like BSD-derived systems. It includes clipboard sharing. It is the broadest choice in this set when Linux, rather than only Windows and macOS, is part of the plan.
Rank #3
- 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
Supported versions and Linux prerequisites
- Windows 10 or newer.
- macOS 12 or newer.
- For the Linux graphical interface, libei 1.3 or newer, libportal 0.8 or newer and Qt 6.7 or newer.
- On Wayland, Deskflow uses libei and libportal. The project warns that some Wayland features may be unavailable or broken.
Installation and permission checklist
- Install Deskflow on both computers using packages appropriate to each operating system.
- Choose one computer as the server and the other as the client in Deskflow’s configuration. The server is the machine whose physical keyboard and mouse you will use.
- Arrange the client screen relative to the server screen so that the pointer crosses at the intended edge.
- Allow the two computers to communicate on the local network, then start the configured service on both sides.
- On macOS, grant Accessibility access to the Deskflow app and to its process. On macOS Sequoia, also grant Local Network permission if the system asks for it.
- On Linux, install the required libraries and review the project’s known Wayland issues before relying on features such as clipboard sharing.
- Move the pointer across the chosen edge and test keystrokes and clipboard content separately.
Deskflow failure points
- Pointer moves but clipboard does not: treat clipboard sharing as a separate capability and verify that both sessions permit it, especially under Wayland.
- macOS accepts no keystrokes: revisit Accessibility settings for both the application and its process, not just one entry.
- Computers cannot connect: check that they are on the same reachable network and that local firewall rules allow Deskflow traffic.
- Wayland behaves differently from X11: expect incomplete support; a feature can be unavailable even when pointer sharing works.
Choose Synergy for a documented commercial cross-platform setup
Synergy documents current Windows, macOS and Linux coverage, but its exact requirements depend on the release, Linux distribution, architecture and display server. Its documentation distinguishes Synergy 3 (version 3.7.2 in the cited documentation) from Synergy 1 (version 1.21.4); those version lines should not be treated as interchangeable installation instructions. The documentation was checked on October 4, 2026.
What every Synergy arrangement requires
- Both computers must be able to see each other over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
- Each computer needs its own display; Synergy forwards input and does not share video.
- The server/client screen arrangement must match the physical position of the monitors.
- Linux users must check the requirements for their distribution and display server. Synergy 3’s Wayland support is described as experimental.
A careful setup path
- Identify the exact Synergy release and read its operating-system requirements before installing.
- Install the matching release on both computers.
- Designate the computer with the physical keyboard and mouse as the server and add the second computer as the client.
- Enter the client name and screen position exactly as shown by the software, then start the connection on both machines.
- Test pointer movement, modifier keys and clipboard behavior independently; a successful connection does not guarantee every integration feature on every display server.
If a Linux client fails while Windows and macOS clients work, check the distribution-specific package and display-server notes before changing network settings. Experimental Wayland support should be treated as a compatibility variable, not as a guaranteed feature.
Rank #4
- Logitech MX Master 3S Bluetooth Edition is a Bluetooth only mouse, and does not come with any USB receiver / adapter or charging cable
- 8K DPI Any-surface tracking: Use MX Master 3S cordless computer mouse to work on any surface - even glass (1) - with an 8000 DPI sensor with customizable sensitivity
- Quiet Clicks: MX Master 3S Bluetooth mouse with Quiet Clicks - offering the same satisfying feel but with 90% less click noise (2)
- Magspeed scrolling: A computer mouse with remarkable speed, precision, and near silence - MagSpeed scrolling is 90% faster (3), 87% more precise (4), and ultra quiet.
- Ergonomic design: Work comfortably with a precision mouse featuring a silhouette crafted for a more natural wrist posture and optimally placed thumb controls
Why Mouse Without Borders is not the cross-OS answer
Mouse Without Borders is part of Microsoft’s PowerToys and is intended for Windows computers. Microsoft describes it as controlling up to four computers from one machine, with shared keyboard and mouse, clipboard sharing and file transfer. Because it is Windows-focused, it does not solve a Windows-plus-Mac or Windows-plus-Linux setup.
When it is useful
Use it when all of your computers run Windows and you want one keyboard and mouse for as many as four systems. On each PC, PowerToys generates or accepts a security key and identifies the computer by name. The machines must share a network, and firewall rules must permit the connection.
Best Value
- 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
Transfer and security limits
- A single file transfer is limited to 100 MB.
- Multi-file and folder transfers have additional limitations, so it is not a full replacement for network storage.
- Service mode can control elevated applications and lock screens, but Microsoft warns that enabling this mode adds security risk. Use it only when the administrative capability is necessary and the computers are trusted.
Network, permissions and security checks before troubleshooting
Confirm network visibility
Connect both computers to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and avoid guest-network isolation, which can prevent devices from seeing one another. If one computer is wired and the other is wireless, that is normally acceptable when both networks belong to the same local network. A VPN, corporate firewall or endpoint-security policy can still block the connection.
Grant only the permissions requested
macOS input-sharing tools need Accessibility permission because they must observe or generate keyboard and mouse events. Newer macOS releases can also ask for Local Network permission. Read each prompt and grant access to the intended application and process; do not assume that approving a similarly named helper automatically approves the main app.
Protect the shared channel
These tools can send keystrokes and clipboard data between computers. Use them on a trusted network, keep the software current, and remove a computer from the configuration when it is retired. Do not enable elevated service modes merely to make setup easier.
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- Check the simplest arrangement: verify that both computers are powered on, awake, connected to the same network and using their intended display positions.
- Confirm roles and names: make sure one machine is configured as the server or host and the other as the client, with no spelling mismatch in the computer name.
- Review permissions: on macOS, inspect Accessibility and Local Network settings; on Linux, confirm the libraries and display-server support required by the selected tool.
- Inspect firewall rules: allow the sharing application on the local network rather than disabling the firewall entirely.
- Test input before transfers: pointer and keystroke forwarding should be tested first, followed by clipboard text, images and files.
- Reduce the scope: temporarily disconnect VPNs or isolated guest Wi-Fi, then reconnect them one at a time to identify the blocker.
- Check version-specific notes: Synergy 3 and Synergy 1 have different documentation, and Wayland support is not equivalent to X11 support.
How to decide in five minutes
- Windows plus macOS, and you already use compatible Logitech devices: start with Flow.
- Windows, macOS or Linux with a preference for free and open source: evaluate Deskflow, paying close attention to Linux display-server requirements.
- You want a commercial product with documented support across the three major desktop systems: check the exact Synergy release and treat Wayland as experimental where stated.
- All computers are Windows: Mouse Without Borders is a suitable Windows-only option, including support for up to four PCs.
- You need to share video as well as input: none of these software tools does that; use a separate display-switching or capture solution.
The key distinction is between sharing control and sharing screens. One keyboard and mouse can reliably serve multiple operating systems when the software, permissions and local network line up, but each computer still renders its own desktop and remains an independent system.
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