Share one keyboard and mouse between Windows and Linux / Galactrex

The short answer

Use a software KVM. Moniswitch runs on the Windows PC, switches the monitor to the Linux PC and carries the keyboard and mouse across with it, so one shortcut moves the whole desk. It is free and MIT open source. Keyboard and mouse sharing is still experimental.

How the desk fits together

Both computers keep their own video cable to the monitor. Moniswitch switches the monitor's input over DDC/CI, and its Input Link sends the keyboard and mouse to the other computer. The other computer can be a Linux PC or a Mac; Mac support is experimental, and the text clipboard is shared with a Mac.

LAN Canvas is a separate option. It can bring a Linux desktop onto one selected monitor or across the Windows display layout.

Set it up

Download Moniswitch for Windows 10 or 11 from GitHub Releases and install the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime if you do not have it. Input Link and LAN Canvas have extra requirements on the other computer; the setup steps are in the repository.

Save a route that moves the screens and the controls together, then give it a quick-route shortcut.

What to know first

The monitor and its connection path must support DDC/CI input selection, and each computer needs a connected video signal. Because the keyboard and mouse link is experimental, keep a spare keyboard near the Linux PC while you set it up.

Moniswitch has no telemetry, account, updater or cloud service..