One mouse, one keyboard, 4 computers: it’s now possible with Windows


Nathan Le Gohlisse

Hardware Specialist

May 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

3

PC gaming mouse © © Axville - Unsplash

© Axville – Unsplash

Through version 0.70 of its PowerToys, Microsoft now allows the control of several PCs simultaneously with a single mouse/keyboard tandem… among other new features.

Do you know PowerToys? It is with them that Microsoft is now deploying two rather welcome features on Windows. Designed to provide advanced users with additional functionality, these tools now make it possible to control up to four PCs with a single mouse (and keyboard). With version 0.70 of its PowerToys, Microsoft is also announcing a new feature allowing rapid viewing of files, as well as improvements and fixes for other PowerToys previously deployed.

“Mouse Without Borders”, an advanced function that would benefit from being distributed more widely…

As you will have understood, the most important novelty is the arrival of the “Mouse Without Borders” feature on the PowerToys. In addition to the possible control of four PCs using a single mouse, this new feature also makes it possible to quickly transfer small files (less than 100 MB) from one PC to another using a simple ” drag & drop the same for images and text content.

As specified Bleeping Computersthis new addition to PowerToys works like some applications, such as Synergy or ShareMouse: moving the mouse from one PC to another is done by directing the pointer to the edges of the screen (or thanks to shortcuts previously configured keyboard).

The configuration of this device is done, for its part, by generating a new key on the main PC from the “Mouse Without Borders” option of the PowerToys. You must then enter the said key on the secondary computer(s) and click on “Connect” for the installation to be completed.

Microsoft mice on four PCs © © Bleeping Computers

© Bleeping Computers

“Peek”, or when Windows is inspired by macOS

Proof that, sometimes, Windows takes a look at macOS to better draw inspiration from it, Microsoft also announces the arrival of the “Peek” function on its PowerToys. Similar to “Quick Look” on macOS, this feature allows you to preview a wide range of files without opening them. Once activated from the PowerToys, “Peek” allows you to quickly view a file, directly in the File Explorer, by selecting it while pressing the Ctrl+Space keys.

It is then possible to move from one file to another (in the same folder) using the directional keys, as on macOS. You can also open the file being previewed in its default opening program, by simply pressing Enter.

As a reminder, PowerToys can be obtained on the Microsoft Store, or on the GitHub page dedicated to Microsoft’s advanced tools.

Source : Bleeping Computers



Source link -99