How to Connect Two Computers to One Monitor without KVM? We all have a single monitor by default, but what if you have more computers and you want them all to connect with one Monitor? Nice question.
KVM is really a great and simple way to connect two or more computers to a single monitor and keyboard. However, if you don’t want to spend money on purchasing a KVM switch and cables, that is no problem at all.
In this article, we are going to discuss how you can connect two computers to one Monitor without KVM.
How to Connect Two Computers to One Monitor without KVM?
You can connect two computers to one monitor, but only if you know how. The KVM switch is a type of hardware solution controlled by buttons or keys on your keyboard.
If you are looking forward to using KVM, then you have really good chances of using either DVI or HDMI cables for connecting two computers to one Monitor.
Just follow the steps and methods below, and soon you’ll be connected to one screen with two computers.
click here to see: “Optimizing Your Small Desk for 3 Monitors”
KVM: What is KVM, and why is it so important?
KVM stands for “Keyboard, Video, and Mouse”. It lets you use the same keyboard, video mouse, and monitor on multiple computers at once.
In other words, we can say KVM, also known as Virtual Machine Management Interface or Virtual Machine Control, is a feature of virtualization software. It allows multiple operating systems to run on one computer, switching between them at the push of a button.
Why is KVM so important?
As we already discussed, KVM is a method for sharing the keyboard, video and mouse between multiple computers. The KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
When using KVM, you can access local and external storage easily, improve your computer’s reliability by providing direct access to all hardware as well as increase performance efficiency by eliminating the need for dedicated drivers.
Pros of using KVM
Here are some of the benefits of using KVM
- It’s stable, and it doesn’t require you to reboot the system every time you want to switch between operating systems.
- If you’re using multiple machines, it can be difficult for each one to run its own operating system. KVM makes this process easy by allowing you to control all the computers from one central location.
- Reduced costs
- Enhanced security
- Ease of use
- Increased control
Cons of using KVM
- It requires a lot of hardware resources, which can be expensive if you don’t have a lot of spare hardware lying around.
- Finally, if you’re using older hardware, your CPU may not support VT-d or AMD-V, which means that it will not be able to support virtualization technologies like KVM.
- Virtualization adds extra layers of abstraction between your hardware and software, so it can be more complicated to troubleshoot problems.
Four Methods to Connect Two Computers to One Monitor without KVM?
Here are three methods with that you can easily connect your single screen to two computers.
- By Using Special Adaptor
To connect two computers to one Monitor using a special adapter, you will have to create a dual-head display on your computer. To connect both computers to one Monitor, you will need a VGA splitter and an Ethernet crossover cable. This is a useful way for many reasons, including saving money, avoiding the hassle of buying multiple monitors
- What is VGA Splitter?
A VGA splitter is a device that allows users to share one video source. Generally, users can plug the VGA splitter into their PC monitor and connect to another PC monitor or TV. As long as there are two monitors and a VGA splitter, it will allow two users to display the same picture simultaneously.
- What is Ethernet Crossover Cable?
A crossover Ethernet cable connects two computers or two devices to a network hub or switch. When two identical devices are connected with a straight-through Ethernet cable, they can communicate only as far as the maximum length allowed by the cable.
However, when two identical devices are connected with a crossover cable, they can transmit data faster than if they were connected with a regular straight-through Ethernet cable. This means that if you have two computers and one doesn’t have an internal network adapter built-in, you can still use it with your existing network.
- By using VGA cables
The VGA cable is a standard way to connect two computers so that one Monitor can display information from the two computers. Computers come with both VGA cables and DVI cables, but a single monitor may only support one or the other.
You can connect two computers to a single monitor using either cable type, although DVI connections tend to be easier to set up than VGA connections.
Before you can connect your two computers using VGA or DVI cables, you need to determine which ports are available on each computer and on the Monitor itself.
Steps
These are the step to connect two computers with a single Monitor using a VGA cable.
- Connect the Signal Cable (15-pin male)
- Ground Cable (15-pin female)
- Connect both cables to each of the computers’ video card ports.
- Connect the Red Dots on both ends of the cable
- Corresponding Red Dots on the Monitor’s graphics card.
- By using a DVD player
Connect two computers to a single VGA monitor. The DVD player has two component video ports, one composite AV port, and one S-video. Connect your cable box’s component video output to the component video port of the DVD player, and then connect a composite audio/video cable to both players’ AV ports. Next, attach an audio cable from one computer’s headphone output to the corresponding input on the other computer.
The last connection you have to make before using this setup is hooking up your mouse and keyboard from one machine to the other – this is typically done by way of USB adapters in which you plug each device into its own slot on the second computer and then connect those devices back up on their respective machines after booting them up.
- By using HDMI splitters
How to Connect Multiple Computers to One Monitor using HDMI Splitters. If you’ve got multiple computers, you can display their images on one Monitor with an HDMI splitter and some special video cables. How is this useful?
Imagine if you’re writing a document on a desktop computer but want to show your boss the changes that you’re making in real-time. The best way to achieve this is to connect your desktop and laptop to the same set of monitors so that both screens are reflected simultaneously.
Also explained: “FPS Performance with Two Monitors: Explained”
Table of Pros and Cons with Method
There are several ways to connect two computers to one monitor without using a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch. Here is a statistical table outlining the different methods:
| No | Method | Pros | Cons |
| 1 | VGA/HDMI/DP Splitter | Can use a single monitor for both computers | May require additional cables or adapters |
| 2 | VGA/HDMI/DP Switch | Can use a single monitor for both computers | May require additional cables or adapters |
| 3 | Software-based solutions | Can use a single monitor for both computers | Can support dual display and high resolutions |
| 4 | Remote Desktop/Teamviewer | Can access and control another computer remotely | May require internet connection |
Note: VGA, HDMI, and DP refer to different types of video connectors commonly found on computers and monitors.
Final Thoughts
Connecting two computers to one Monitor is not particularly difficult and only takes a little coordination from you. The easiest way to connect two computers to a single monitor is to use VGA cables or an HDMI splitter.
These splitters come in various configurations and price ranges, but for most home or personal use, you won’t need anything too expensive. Simply plug the splitter into the back of your Monitor, hook up two monitors using the provided cables, and then switch the power on.
I hope that you find these ways useful. Not only are they useful, but they are cheap, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t do them.
FAQS:
Can you hook up two computers to 1 monitor?
Some monitors include multiple input ports, allowing you to connect computers using different cables. You can then choose which computer’s output you see by selecting the source on the Monitor via its controls on the back or side.
Is a KVM switch necessary?
The number of components required varies depending on a switch’s configuration. A basic configuration will require a KVM switch and enough cables to connect all devices, such as computers, keyboards, monitors, and mice. More advanced systems may require additional components.
Can I connect two computers with HDMI?
To connect two laptops, you need an HDMI cable and access to a secondary laptop. Some laptops have removed HDMI ports, so you may need to use an adapter from a mini-DisplayPort or USB-C port. Plug the HDMI cable into the Video Capture device.