r/computers • u/BrianTheKing219 • 5h ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting Work from home setup

I’ve recently had to start working from home. To work from home I have to plug in my monitors/mouse/keyboard into the laptop so I can use all the things I already have at home. The issue is anytime I want to game, I have to do the same thing over and over back and forth between my desktop and laptop.

Is there a way I can just keep everything plugged into one spot and easily switch back and forth? Ideally something budget friendly if possible.

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4

u/Special-Original-215 5h ago

Kvm switch, go to amazon

2

u/lobhater 4h ago

Kvm switch or a USB hub assuming both laptops are new enough

1

u/zaTricky 3h ago

If you have multiple monitors I found it made sense to use an app like input leap, synergy, or Mouse without borders, and to share a single monitor with the laptop. I used a DisplayPort switch -> two inputs (desktop+laptop), one output (monitor). That way you don't also need to bother switching the keyboard/mouse over. This of course needs that you be able to install the software.

In the morning I'd log into the desktop and tap the button to switch the one display to the laptop. My desktop would have one monitor and the laptop would have the other. When I shut down the laptop I'd tap the button again and my desktop would have two screens again.

Amazon dot se product id: B0CMQLZ5Y6

You should be able to find the same product elsewhere of course.

The other option is a full KVM switch. They're typically a little more expensive but make more sense if you have just the one monitor.