> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/microsoft/powertoys/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Mouse Without Borders

> Control multiple computers with a single mouse and keyboard

## Overview

Mouse Without Borders allows you to control multiple computers from a single mouse and keyboard. Move your cursor across computer boundaries as if they were multiple monitors, and seamlessly share clipboard content and files between machines.

<Warning>
  Mouse Without Borders requires at least 2 physical computers on the same network. It does NOT work with virtual machines on the same host.
</Warning>

## How to Activate

Mouse Without Borders operates automatically once configured and enabled in PowerToys settings.

### Initial Setup

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable on First Computer">
    Enable Mouse Without Borders in PowerToys Settings on your primary computer
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate Security Code">
    A security code is generated for pairing other computers
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install on Additional Computers">
    Install PowerToys and enable Mouse Without Borders on other computers you want to control
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Security Code">
    Enter the security code from the first computer to establish connection
  </Step>

  <Step title="Arrange Computers">
    Configure the physical layout of your computers in the settings UI
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Configuration Options

### Connection Settings

<ParamField path="UseService" type="boolean" default="false">
  Run Mouse Without Borders as a Windows service for enhanced compatibility and reliability. Service mode allows:

  * Operation before user login
  * Enhanced security isolation
  * Better stability on some systems

  <Warning>
    Changing service mode requires administrator privileges and will restart the Mouse Without Borders application.
  </Warning>
</ParamField>

### Keyboard Shortcuts

Mouse Without Borders provides several hotkeys for managing multi-computer control:

<ParamField path="ToggleEasyMouseShortcut" type="hotkey">
  Toggle "Easy Mouse" mode for simplified cursor movement between machines
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="LockMachineShortcut" type="hotkey">
  Lock all connected machines simultaneously
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Switch2AllPCShortcut" type="hotkey">
  Switch input to all PCs mode (broadcast keyboard input to all machines)
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="ReconnectShortcut" type="hotkey">
  Force reconnection to all machines in the cluster
</ParamField>

## Features

### Seamless Cursor Movement

Move your mouse cursor across computer boundaries just like moving between monitors:

* Cursor transitions smoothly between machines
* Works with any screen arrangement (left, right, above, below)
* Configurable screen edge behavior

### Unified Keyboard Control

Type on any connected computer without switching keyboards:

* Keyboard input follows cursor position
* Special key combinations work across machines
* Support for modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win)

### Clipboard Sharing

Copy and paste content between connected computers:

* Text clipboard synchronization
* Support for formatted text and rich content
* Automatic clipboard transfer on cursor switch

### File Transfer

Drag and drop files between computers:

* Direct file transfer without network shares
* Encrypted transfer over local network
* Support for multiple files and folders

### Security Features

* Encrypted communications between machines
* Security code-based pairing
* Firewall rule configuration
* Optional Windows service isolation

## Use Cases

### Multi-Computer Workflows

Control desktop and laptop simultaneously without switching input devices.

```
Scenario: Development on desktop, testing on laptop
Setup: Place laptop to the right of desktop in settings
Usage: Move cursor to right edge to control laptop
Result: Single keyboard/mouse controls both machines
```

### Home Office Setup

Manage personal and work computers side-by-side:

* Keep work and personal data separated
* Seamlessly move between machines
* Share clipboard for quick data transfer

<Tip>
  Arrange computers in settings to match your physical desk layout for intuitive cursor movement.
</Tip>

### Server Management

Control multiple servers from a single workstation:

* Reduce keyboard/mouse clutter
* Quick server access without KVM switch
* Monitor multiple systems simultaneously

### Creative Workflows

Spread your creative work across multiple machines:

* Edit on one machine, preview on another
* Use different computers for different tasks
* Transfer files quickly during production

## Network Requirements

<Warning>
  All computers must be on the same local network and able to communicate directly.
</Warning>

### Firewall Configuration

Mouse Without Borders requires network communication between computers:

1. **Automatic Configuration:** Use the "Add Firewall Rule" button in settings (requires administrator privileges)
2. **Manual Configuration:** Allow PowerToys.MouseWithoutBorders.exe through Windows Firewall:
   * Protocol: TCP
   * Direction: Inbound
   * Profile: Private/Domain networks

### Port Usage

Mouse Without Borders uses TCP communication for:

* Control messages
* Clipboard synchronization
* File transfers

<Note>
  The exact port numbers are dynamically negotiated during connection setup.
</Note>

## Service Mode

### Benefits of Service Mode

* **Pre-Login Control:** Control computer before Windows login
* **Enhanced Stability:** Isolated process space
* **Elevated Privileges:** Better compatibility with protected applications
* **Automatic Recovery:** Service auto-restart on failure

### Service Management

When service mode is enabled:

* Service name: `PowerToys.MWB.Service`
* Service binary: `PowerToys.MouseWithoutBordersService.exe`
* Startup type: Manual (demand start)
* Security: User-specific permissions configured automatically

<Warning>
  Disabling service mode requires the main application to shut down completely, which may take a few seconds.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Computers cannot connect">
    * Verify all computers are on the same network
    * Check firewall settings on all machines
    * Ensure Mouse Without Borders is enabled in PowerToys on all computers
    * Try the "Reconnect" shortcut
    * Verify security code was entered correctly
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cursor doesn't move between machines">
    * Check computer arrangement in settings matches physical layout
    * Verify screen edge alignment between machines
    * Ensure both machines show as "Connected" in status
    * Try disabling and re-enabling Mouse Without Borders
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clipboard sharing not working">
    * Verify clipboard synchronization is enabled in settings
    * Check that both machines have active connection
    * Try copying plain text first (formatted content may have issues)
    * Ensure clipboard is not locked by another application
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="File transfer fails">
    * Check available disk space on target machine
    * Verify network connection is stable
    * Try smaller files first
    * Check that file paths don't exceed Windows limits
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Service mode won't enable">
    * Run PowerToys as administrator
    * Check that Windows Service Manager is accessible
    * Verify no group policy restrictions on service installation
    * Check Windows Event Log for service-related errors
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Keyboard input not working on secondary machine">
    * Ensure cursor is on the target machine
    * Check that no application on target machine is capturing keyboard exclusively
    * Verify keyboard layout settings on both machines
    * Try clicking on target machine's desktop to establish focus
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Security Considerations

<Warning>
  Mouse Without Borders is designed for trusted home and office networks. Do not use on public or untrusted networks.
</Warning>

### Best Practices

1. **Network Security:**
   * Use only on private, trusted networks
   * Ensure network is password-protected
   * Consider network segmentation for sensitive work

2. **Access Control:**
   * Keep security codes confidential
   * Regularly update PowerToys to get security patches
   * Monitor connected machines list

3. **Service Mode Security:**
   * Service runs with user-specific permissions
   * Security descriptor limits access to current user
   * Service requires manual start (not automatic)

## Technical Details

### Architecture

* **Main Process:** `PowerToys.MouseWithoutBorders.exe` (user interface and coordination)
* **Service Process:** `PowerToys.MouseWithoutBordersService.exe` (optional service mode)
* **Helper Process:** `PowerToys.MouseWithoutBordersHelper.exe` (supporting functions)

### Communication Protocol

* TCP-based peer-to-peer communication
* Encrypted message passing
* Automatic connection recovery
* Heartbeat mechanism for connection monitoring

### Platform Support

* **Operating Systems:** Windows 10 1803+ (April 2018 Update or newer)
* **Network:** IPv4 local network
* **Hardware:** Standard HID mouse and keyboard

## Source Code Reference

The Mouse Without Borders implementation can be found at:

* Module interface: `src/modules/MouseWithoutBorders/ModuleInterface/dllmain.cpp`
* Main application: `src/modules/MouseWithoutBorders/App/`
* Service implementation: `src/modules/MouseWithoutBorders/App/Service/`
* Service registration: Lines 206-363 in dllmain.cpp
* Hotkey management: Lines 559-612 in dllmain.cpp