How to Share Mouse and Keyboard Between Mac and Windows

If you want to enable seamless collaboration between two computers, sharing your mouse and keyboard can be a great way to do it. In this article, we will explore the different ways to share your mouse and keyboard between a Mac and a Windows computer using Parsec.

Enabling Mouse Keys

One way to avoid connecting a physical mouse or using a driver is to enable Mouse Keys on the host's Windows machine. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Windows machine.

2. Click on the 'Devices' tab.

3. Select the 'Mouse' option from the list of devices.

4. Click on the 'Mouse Keys' button.

5. Enable the Mouse Keys feature.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party driver such as Wacom's driver, which we have confirmed allows for proper mouse usage.

Solving Issues with Missing Cursors

If your cursor is missing or not moving like you expect, there are several things you can try to resolve the issue. First, make sure that the host computer has a physical mouse connected. If it doesn't, Windows will explicitly remove the cursor and Parsec will faithfully reproduce this behavior.

Another thing you can try is turning off the 'Exclusive Input Mode' in Parsec's settings under the 'Host' tab. This feature gives the host's mouse higher priority over guests, which can cause issues if not properly configured.

Addressing Issues with Game Anti-Cheats

Some game anti-cheats may intentionally block Parsec's inputs, preventing you from controlling your guest computer. In these cases, try restarting your computer or removing the game and anti-cheat completely to resolve the issue.

Giving Parsec System Permissions

Parsec requires system permissions in order to function properly. If it lacks these permissions, you may encounter issues with task manager and other programs running as administrator. To give Parsec system permissions, simply click on the profile picture of the people connected at the bottom of Parsec.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are still experiencing issues controlling your guest computer using your mouse and keyboard, try clicking on the game to ensure that Parsec is the active window. You can also try sharing your desktop via the 'Computers' tab in Parsec, which will allow your guests to use your actual keyboard and mouse.

Finally, if you are having trouble controlling your guest computer with the keyboard using Arcade, make sure that the correct keys are being used. You can find these keys by clicking on the game and checking the settings.

In conclusion, sharing your mouse and keyboard between a Mac and Windows computer using Parsec is a great way to collaborate seamlessly. By following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve any issues that may arise and enjoy a smooth collaboration experience.

Share mouse and keyboard between mac and windows