Barrier lets you control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse, like a software KVM switch.

Setup

Install Barrier on all computers. One computer will be the server (with the keyboard/mouse physically attached). The others are clients.

On the server:

  1. Check “Server” and click “Configure Server”
  2. Drag the monitor icon from the top-right to the grid
  3. Position screens relative to each other (e.g., laptop centered, desktop to the right)
  4. Rename screens to match the client computer names
  5. Click OK → Start

On each client:

  • Check “Client”
  • Enter the server’s IP address (shown on the server window)
  • Click Start

Daily Use

Move your mouse to the edge of one screen and it appears on the next. The keyboard follows the mouse. Copy on one computer (Ctrl+C), paste on another (Ctrl+V). Drag files between desktops (configure in server settings).

SSL Encryption

Barrier → Change Settings → Enable SSL. This encrypts keyboard, mouse, and clipboard data between computers. Generate a certificate and copy the fingerprint to clients.

Troubleshooting

If clients can’t connect:

  • Both computers on the same network
  • Firewall allowing Barrier (port 24800)
  • Server IP is correct (use ipconfig or ifconfig)
  • Try disabling SSL temporarily to isolate the issue