Local keyboard and mouse sharing
Software KVM for Windows and Mac
DeskJoin Control lets one keyboard and mouse control a Windows PC and Mac over your local network. It shares input between computers—it does not switch HDMI, DisplayPort, or Thunderbolt video signals.
Download DeskJoin ControlWhat software KVM means
Share input, not video.
KVM stands for keyboard, video, and mouse. A traditional hardware KVM routes those physical connections through a switch so several computers can share the same monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
A software KVM takes a different approach. Both computers remain connected to the local network and keep their own displays. The software sends keyboard and mouse input to whichever computer you are using.
DeskJoin Control follows this software approach for input. Move the pointer through a joined screen edge and your keyboard and mouse begin controlling the Windows PC or Mac beside you.
Choose the right tool
Software KVM, hardware KVM, or remote desktop?
| Approach | What moves | Displays | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeskJoin Control | Keyboard and mouse input over the local network | Each computer keeps its own display | Two computers beside each other on one desk |
| Hardware KVM | USB input and physical video signals | Computers can share one monitor | Switching one monitor and peripherals between computers |
| Remote desktop | Screen video and input | One computer's desktop appears on another device | Using a computer from another room or location |
How DeskJoin Control works
Cross the edge to switch computers.
- 01
Install it on both computers
Use the Windows version on the PC and the macOS version on the Apple silicon Mac.
- 02
Pair on the local network
Keep both computers on the same trusted Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and confirm the matching six-digit code.
- 03
Match the desk layout
Choose whether the other computer is on your left or right.
- 04
Move across
Push the pointer through the joined edge. Pointer movement, mouse buttons, scrolling, keyboard input, and modifier keys move to the other computer.
Clear boundaries
What DeskJoin Control does not replace.
It is not a video switch
DeskJoin Control does not change a monitor's HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt input. Use a hardware KVM or the monitor's input controls when several computers must share one physical display.
It is not an extended display
It does not turn another computer into extra desktop space. Use DeskJoin Screen to extend or mirror a compatible display.
It is not remote desktop
It does not stream the other computer's desktop. DeskJoin Control is designed for nearby computers whose screens are already visible on your desk.
Clipboard sharing is separate
Use DeskJoin Clipboard when you want to copy and paste text, images, files, and folders across devices.
When it fits
Built for two visible computers.
DeskJoin Control is useful when a Windows PC and Mac—or two computers on the same supported platform—sit beside each other with their own screens. Keep one keyboard and mouse in front of you and move naturally between both desktops.
No DeskJoin product account or brand-specific peripheral is required. Version 1.0 is free for supported Windows and macOS computers.
Use a trusted local network. Pairing and reliable control messages use mutual TLS 1.2. Low-latency pointer movement and scrolling use session-bound UDP that is validated but not encrypted.
Common questions
Software KVM FAQ
What is a software KVM?
A software KVM lets one keyboard and mouse control multiple networked computers. Unlike a hardware KVM, it normally does not route a monitor's video signal between them.
Does DeskJoin Control switch monitor signals?
No. Each computer continues to use its own display. DeskJoin Control does not switch HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt video signals.
Does it work between Windows and Mac?
Yes. Install DeskJoin Control on a supported Windows PC and Apple silicon Mac, connect both to the same trusted local network, and pair them.
Do I need a hardware KVM switch?
No. DeskJoin Control sends keyboard and mouse input over the local network, so a separate USB or video-switching KVM is not required.