How to Use One Monitor with a Laptop and a Desktop. If you own a laptop and a desktop computer, you can connect both computers to the same monitor using a KVM switch. Using one monitor will allow you to avoid investing in a second monitor and enable you to view your laptop's display on a larger screen. Here is how to use one monitor with both a laptop and a desktop.
Step 1
Understand the function of a KVM switch. A KVM switch is short for Keyboard, Video, Mouse switch. Its function is to connect a keyboard, monitor or a mouse to more than one computer.
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Step 2
Buy a KVM sharing switch. Ensure that it has at least two ports to connect to the laptop and desktop. You need a KVM switch with a PS/2 connector to attach the monitor.
Step 3
Connect the monitor to the sharing switch.
Step 4
Connect the base of the sharing switch to both the laptop and the desktop PC. This base is also connected to a small remote controller, which stays on the desktop.
Step 5
Switch between the two computers by pressing a button on the remote controller.
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