How to connect one monitor to two computers correctly

If you have to work regularly with several computers or the power of your personal PC is not enough to implement the tasks, there are many options that can facilitate your life. Today we will talk about how to connect one monitor to 2 computers and vice versa.

Mechanical method

Depending on your goals and desires, there are a variety of methods for working with multiple computers from one monitor. If you lack the performance of your PC or need a separate workstation to perform long calculations while you are doing another job, then to connect 2 computers to 1 monitor, you will need a special device - a KVM switch.

KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) is a special adapter designed just for this purpose. It allows you to divide one monitor into two computers without installing additional software and "dancing with a tambourine."

This device in its simplest form has one input for the mouse, monitor (projector) and keyboard. Also, it has two outputs for each of the above devices. That is, we just put two system units side by side, we connect to them, like the usual equipment, a KVM switch, and then we connect one set of external devices to it. That's all.

Now you can press the power button on both system units. They will both start up and start working. In order to switch between workstations, simply press a certain button on this device.

The only drawback of this method is the need to create a local network. Of course, there are switches that play the role of routers, but they are also much more expensive.

TeamViewer

This way how to connect one monitor to 2 computers, like those who need the two stations are separated by a large distance and no "switch" will not reach them with wires. To do this, you need the program TeamViewer.

But for its use there are several nuances. This utility is free only for a personal computer. If you use it for the organization, then it can start "harmful" and work for a maximum of five minutes with breaks in minutes 2-3. In addition, it requires an Internet connection, and the sooner the better.

In order to split 2 computers into one monitor connected, you will need to install TeamViewer on both stations and remember their identifiers and passwords. After that, at your workplace, you must start the program and connect to the second system unit, even if you do not have a separate monitor connected to it.

Radmin

Another utility that can be attributed to the "software method." In fact, it is no different from the above TeamViewer and only extends the answer to the question of how to divide one monitor into two computers. If you are not going to buy a switch, then it will be easier for you to download both programs and to check in practice which one is more convenient.

What features can be noted in the software way of how to connect one monitor to two computers?

1. A ready private network between two PCs. You can transfer data between them without an unnecessary headache, watching movies and so on.
2. Range is not limited. The main thing is that on both PCs there is Internet.

Of the minuses, you can only distinguish a headache with an autorun setting and scripts, so that the program itself was launched and configured to receive when the PC was started.

On the contrary

And now let's discuss, not how to connect one monitor to 2 computers, but quite the reverse situation. Often the workspace of one screen may not be enough to accommodate all information. Folders, table files - all layered on each other and interferes with viewing.

In order to cope with this problem, you need to know how to create a computer with 2 monitors. However, this is not such a big problem. It all depends on your requests.

1. If you want to connect a TV or projector to the PC, first check the connectors on the back of the computer. You may need either an ordinary HDMI cable, or the exact same wire that you connect the monitor.
2. To connect a second monitor, it's enough to make sure that the video card has an additional connector for connecting, and the cable is suitable for the form. In extreme cases, you will have to purchase an adapter that costs about 200 rubles.

That's all, nothing complicated. Next, we'll talk about setting up a connected monitor.

System

After you connect the second monitor to the computer, you must decide what type of connection you want to use. By default, the TV, the projector or the second monitor will display the same as the main screen of the personal computer. To change this "injustice", you must press the Win + P key combination.

Before you will be a window with options for placing monitors. Choose "Expand". Now your desktop will be divided into several screens at the same time. It should also be noted that if the picture does not appear, then the problem can be covered in the settings of the second screen. For example, the TV will have to find and turn on the necessary input, from which a signal from the computer is sent.

DisplayFusion

In addition to system built-in utilities, you can use special programs to split and expand the screen, for example DisplayFusion. This software allows not only manage windows and monitors, but also customize each desktop on a separate screen to your liking: change screensavers and wallpapers. By the way, with the help of the operating system this can not be done. A nice bonus is also the fact that the program is able to automatically change the desktop wallpaper. From you only need to specify the folder from which it will draw pictures.

Among the shortcomings is worth noting the cost of this program. The price, let's say frankly, is not such a useful utility - $ 25. At the current ruble exchange rate it is almost 2000. Agree, it is a bit too much for a program that duplicates the function of the operating system and changes the picture on the second screen.