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

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How to Activate

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

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Initial Setup

1

Enable on First Computer

Enable Mouse Without Borders in PowerToys Settings on your primary computer
2

Generate Security Code

A security code is generated for pairing other computers
3

Install on Additional Computers

Install PowerToys and enable Mouse Without Borders on other computers you want to control
4

Enter Security Code

Enter the security code from the first computer to establish connection
5

Arrange Computers

Configure the physical layout of your computers in the settings UI

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Configuration Options

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Connection Settings

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UseService
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
Changing service mode requires administrator privileges and will restart the Mouse Without Borders application.

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Mouse Without Borders provides several hotkeys for managing multi-computer control:
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ToggleEasyMouseShortcut
hotkey
Toggle “Easy Mouse” mode for simplified cursor movement between machines
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LockMachineShortcut
hotkey
Lock all connected machines simultaneously
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Switch2AllPCShortcut
hotkey
Switch input to all PCs mode (broadcast keyboard input to all machines)
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ReconnectShortcut
hotkey
Force reconnection to all machines in the cluster

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Features

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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Security Features

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

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Use Cases

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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

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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
Arrange computers in settings to match your physical desk layout for intuitive cursor movement.

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Server Management

Control multiple servers from a single workstation:
  • Reduce keyboard/mouse clutter
  • Quick server access without KVM switch
  • Monitor multiple systems simultaneously

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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

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Network Requirements

All computers must be on the same local network and able to communicate directly.

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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

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Port Usage

Mouse Without Borders uses TCP communication for:
  • Control messages
  • Clipboard synchronization
  • File transfers
The exact port numbers are dynamically negotiated during connection setup.

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Service Mode

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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

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

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Troubleshooting

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Security Considerations

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

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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)

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Technical Details

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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)

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Communication Protocol

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

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Platform Support

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

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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

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