One keyboard and mouse can control several nearby computers, with the pointer crossing from one screen to another. Barrier provides this software KVM setup, and it also shares clipboard contents between connected machines.
How does the pointer move between computers?
Choose the computer with the shared keyboard and mouse as the server; the other machines connect as clients. After connection, moving the pointer to a screen edge changes which computer receives keyboard and mouse input. A keypress can also switch focus.
Barrier needs to run on each computer participating in the setup. The machines communicate over a network, so this arrangement is intended for computers that can reach one another there.
How do you arrange the client screens?
On the server, open the screen configuration and place a screen tile for each client on the grid. Arrange the tiles to reflect where the monitors sit physically; that layout determines which screen edge the pointer crosses to reach each machine.
Each tile's screen name must match the name shown in that client's Barrier window, including capitalization. On a client, enter the server computer's IP address, or use Bonjour/automatic configuration when offered, then start the connection.
What can Barrier share besides mouse and keyboard control?
Clipboard sharing lets you copy content on one connected computer and paste it on another. Barrier's core workflow is controlling the separate machines from the server's keyboard and mouse; it does not create a single combined desktop.
Pros
- Moves control between screens at the edge or with a keypress
- Shares clipboard contents across connected computers
- Arranges client screens in a server-side grid
Cons
- Has limited UTF-8 support, which can affect some languages
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only
Does Barrier need to be installed on every computer?
Yes. Run Barrier on the server and on each client that will share its keyboard and mouse.
Why won't the pointer switch screens?
Check that the client is connected and that its configured screen name matches the name shown in the client window. Scroll Lock also prevents mouse-based screen switching while active.
Can Barrier share copied text between computers?
Yes. Clipboard sharing is supported across connected machines.