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Can You Connect 2 Laptops To 1 Monitor? (Yes, & Here’s How)

If you have multiple computers in your home, it can be annoying to switch between them every time you need to use your other computer. Thankfully, it is entirely possible to solve this problem. You just need to connect both of your computers to the same monitor.

To connect two laptops to the same monitor, check if the monitor has more than one input port. If it doesn’t, you can purchase either an HDMI splitter or a KVM switch to turn one input port into several. You can also set up a remote desktop to control one laptop from the other.

Thankfully there are multiple different ways that you can connect multiple computers to the same monitor. However, even after reading that, you may not know how to do any of those things. So let’s break this topic down in more detail to help you get your computers set up.

Can You Connect Two Laptops to One Monitor?

2 laptop and monitor

Yes, it is entirely possible to connect two laptops to one monitor. However, knowing that you can use more than one method to accomplish this is also helpful. So let’s quickly go through these methods.

Multiple Display Ports

The first method is by far the easiest. You must connect both laptops to the same display if your monitor has more than one port for display inputs.

KVM Switch

The second method is to use something known as a KVM switch. A KVM switch is a device that will allow you to connect multiple computers and then output that connection to a single monitor.

Using this device, you can use a single keyboard and mouse to control both computers.

KVM Software

The third method uses KVM software rather than a physical KVM switch. Rather than connecting all of your computers to the same monitor, KVM software allows you to control all of your computers using a single master computer.

This will enable you to manage your computers using the same monitor the master computer uses.

Remote Desktop Connection

The fourth and final method is to use a remote desktop connection. Like the KVM software method, this method will allow you to control another computer using your computer.

That was a good introduction to all four methods you can use to connect multiple computers to the same monitor, but what if you want to know how to do these methods? Let’s discuss these methods in more detail to help you connect your computers.

How to Connect Two Laptops Using Multiple Display Ports

As we mentioned, this is the easiest way to connect multiple laptops to the same monitor. If your monitor has multiple display ports, all you have to do is connect both of your laptops to the monitor at the same time.

Thankfully, it is extremely common for modern monitors to have at least two display ports. Although, some older models or some cheaper models may only have one.

You will want to check your monitor for multiple display ports. These will typically be located on the back of the monitor and usually come labeled.

Look at the back of your monitor for text that says, “HDMI Input,” “DVI Input,” or “VGA Input.” Monitors will use these three major input types for the connection. If your monitor does not have the ports on the back labeled, you may need to search for a picture of these different input ports to use as a reference.

If your monitor does have multiple display ports, then congratulations. However, from here, you must plug in both devices to the display ports using the proper cable.

Changing Displayed Computer

To change which computer is being displayed, you will need to change inputs on the monitor like you would on a TV. The method to do this will vary depending on the monitor you own.

Still, this information can usually be found by searching the internet for your specific monitor’s input selection instructions.

If your monitor only has one display port, it still isn’t the end of the world. You could also buy a device known as an HDMI splitter that allows you to plug multiple devices into the same HDMI port. For example, this Fosmon HDMI splitter (on Amazon) will enable you to plug three devices into the port.

How to Connect Two Laptops Using a Hardware KVM Switch Device

2 laptop

A KVM switch, or Keyboard, Video, and Mouse switch can connect multiple computers to the same monitor. Unlike the HDMI splitter discussed in the previous section, a KVM switch allows you to control your laptops using the same keyboard and mouse.

An HDMI splitter is likely a better device if you do not need keyboard and mouse functionality. In addition, HDMI splitters are typically cheaper than KVM switches because they have less functionality.

The KVM switch is another straightforward method to connect both of your laptops to the same monitor since all you have to do is plug them into the device.

Typically these devices will feature some switch on the device that you can use to switch between computers, although some higher-end models can even come with a remote you can use.

It is also worth noting that even though we referred to them as the more expensive option than HDMI splitters, KVM switches aren’t that expensive. For instance, here is an HDMI KVM switch (on Amazon) for just around $25.

How to Connect Two Laptops Using KVM Software

Despite the name, KVM software doesn’t do the same thing as the physical KVM switch. Rather than letting you control both of your laptops and being able to switch between them with the KVM switch, KVM software will let you control one of your laptops with the other.

Essentially, one of your laptops will be designated as the master laptop and be able to control the other.

However, like a KVM switch, KVM software lets you control your devices using the same mouse and keyboard. If this is something you want to be able to do and don’t want to wait for a physical device to arrive, this can be a good option.

There are multiple different KVM software out there, both free and paid. The most reputable of these is Mouse without Borders, a free KVM software developed by Microsoft.

To use this:

  1. Download and run the install program on both of your laptops.
  1. After the installation, a setup page should open on both devices.
  1. Simply follow the instructions on this setup page, and your KVM software should be successfully set up.

How to Connect Two Laptops Using Remote Desktop Connections

So far, we’ve gone through three different methods to connect two laptops to the same monitor.

Unfortunately, the first method might not work for people with only one display input, the second method won’t work for people who don’t have a KVM switch, and the third method may not work on every device.

So what are you supposed to do next?

The final solution is to use a remote desktop client. Essentially, this feature on your laptop will allow you to control one laptop using the other.

The most reputable remote desktop connection is Google Chrome Remote Desktop. This is free software developed by Google, so it’s okay to trust it.

To use this:

  1. Begin by opening the Chrome browser on your computer.
  1. Next, go to the remote desktop page and select Download.
  1. From here, all you have to do is follow the instructions on your screen, and you should be able to set up a remote desktop connection.