Synergy for Windows

Name: Synergy
Rating: 3.9 (32 reviews)
Author: Synergy

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Used Synergy for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJune 9, 2019

Synergy is a cross-platform, open-source replacement for a KVM switch. Instead of looping multiple computers through a piece of hardware, it lets you control them from a single keyboard and mouse. As a software solution, you might want to just go with the KVM switch. Synergy can be extremely difficult to configure, especially determining precise computer names and server locations. Even though the program lets you rename computers with simpler aliases, it can still be challenging to configure Synergy properly.

The interface is uninspired, but at least it's not confusing. Once you get Synergy running, you can switch from one computer to the next simply by push your mouse off-screen. You can configure that switching location to be on any or all of the four sides of your main monitor. Users can also configure screensavers to start simultaneously, and can link log-in information so that one hard drive doesn't hibernate while you're working on another one. The clipboards can also be linked, making it dead easy to transfer small chunks of information, such as URLs, from one system to the next.

This is a difficult program to set up properly, but it works well once going and might even be considered a must-have, or at least a must-try, for anybody who uses more than one computer at a time.

Synergy for Windows

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: February 11, 2019

Latest update: June 9, 2019

Version: 1.10.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows XP
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 174,713

Downloads Last Week: 1

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User Reviews

3.9/5

32 User Votes

Great concept with very poor results
OfficerWookieAugust 2, 2017
Pros
Great concept, seemed to work great when first installed.
Cons
Significantly increased time to boot up both my laptop and PC. And if you play full screen games, don't bother trying to use this as it causes major issues (freezing, crashing) once a game is in full screen mode. As a gamer, I had no choice but to uninstall this app about 20 minutes after I purchased it.
Summary
Great concept, poor delivery. I love that you don't need a physical 'switch' and it does work well as long as you're not running any full screen (non-windowed) apps like most games.
bogs down my windows 10 pc
icallmidJanuary 1, 2016
Pros
I like the concept, found it after 3 hours of searching for a 3 port kvm that I would like, then downloaded it to try.
Cons
On Windows 7 as a client it didn't seem to drag on the PC but on Windows 10 as a server, it would make the mouse come to a halt and I'd be stuck. It would free up eventually, but do it again. Epic FAIL.
Summary
Epic FAIL. Glad I didn't pop $$ for the pro FAIL.
must-have for sysadmins / anyone using multiple systems
bonegang1November 24, 2015
Pros
once set up, it just works and I've never had an issue after years of working between linux, Mac, Windows and Solaris desktops. The ability to carry over the pasteboard is genius for sysadmins.
Cons
The initial config is crazed, the first time... but once you get the logic behind it, it's pretty straightforward. But you do think twice about re-arranging your multi-monitor setup.
Summary
If you're using multiple systems on multiple monitors on one desk then 'synergy' is an essential.
Nice idea but......
archgeMarch 27, 2015
Pros
1. Works to combine both my PC and Mac machines. 2. Inexpensive
Cons
1. No contact from Synergy with questions. 2. No track speed control on connected computers other than the host. 3. Mouse connection lost on connected computers every time you re-boot or shut them down. Have to manually attach at least a mouse to reactivate. 4. No indication if current software version or convenient way of upgrading.
Summary
Still better than having multiple keyboard/mouse clutter for each computer but needs a bit more refinement to be great. I send Synergy email comments and questions with never a response so am not sure if they are listening or not.
Works great. Better than a hardware solution
ckettlerAugust 16, 2014
Pros
Cross-platform support (seemless movement between Windows and Unix systems). Software implemented features for clipboard, easy setup of relative monitor positions, support for as many computer/monitor setups as desk space allows.
Cons
Software installer pop-ups occasionally need local keyboard response. This may be configurable, but I haven't found how to change it. Likely due to security enhancements to Windows. Hostname inconsistency can make setup confusing. If relying on DHCP addresses, may require reconfiguration when a new address is assigned, such as after a laptop lease expires.
Summary
Makes sharing mouse and keyboard across systems easy. Software does not impose limits on changing hardware. KVM switches become obsolete as interfaces change (I have a box with switches using PS/2 ports, no DVI or HDMI video interfaces). I have used Synergy for over 6 years. I understand the CNET references to setup difficulty, but I feel that most of the concerns are out of date relative to the current version (1.4.17). On-screen log support also provides an easy tool to identify where errors are occurring.
Awesome program, did exactly as I hoped it would.
Acid_RaindropsFebruary 28, 2014
Pros
Worked great.
Cons
No cons for me, for my intended use.
Summary
I wasn't sure if doing this was even possible, I just googled up "using the same mouse/keyboard on multiple PC's" and Synergy came up. I wasn't sure if it would work for me or not, as my "Host PC" uses the only available ethernet port which goes to my wireless router, then the other PC which I wanted to share the mouse/keyboard with is a laptop running off Wi-Fi, I wasn't sure if I needed to have them connected via a LAN cable or not but gladly synergy had no problem emulating the mouse/keyboard right through the router, through the wi-fi signal and to the laptop with no extra configuring. The mouse and keyboard functions just as well on the client PC as the host PC, no delays..etc. it's almost as if I'm just running a dual screen with a single computer but when I drag the mouse off the screen of my host PC's monitor it transfers directly onto the client PC's monitor, it knows which computer to send keyboard inputs to depending on which monitor the mouse cursor is currently on, simple as that. I give this program a 11/10, it's a life saver, very convenient! Thanks for developing this program and offering for free! :)
Best product on the Market!
MoonrakerrastadogNovember 7, 2012
Pros
Wonderful Easy to configure and use software. Well thought out and assembled. (Beta 1.4.10)
Cons
No bugs found or flaws that I'm aware of.
Summary
Keep up the underfund work you guys. Also anyone who checks it out Be courteous and give a contribution. Updated on Nov 7, 2012I should have added to the Cons, The only Con is getting used to using one machine to control the rest :) Also its VARY lite on system Resources.
Don't use this program.
Win7HaterMarch 20, 2012
Pros
Works for some. Free.
Cons
Slow response from development. Over a year waiting for fix on serious issues. Easy workarounds not implemented, seems the developers have little interest in the users.
Summary
Go with Input Director or a paid program.
Love this tool
emh177tJanuary 25, 2012
Pros
Works great
Cons
Takes some learning to get setup across multiple environments (Windows/Linux)
Summary
Love this tool
Works well on PCs but did not like my VMware pc on mac
riddhim81January 10, 2012
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Nightmare to setup
Summary

Developer’s Description

By Synergy

Share single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems.

Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems each with its own display without special hardware. It is intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s). Redirecting the mouse and keyboard is as simple as moving the mouse off the edge of your screen. Synergy also merges the clipboards of all the systems into one, allowing cut-and-paste between systems. Furthermore, it synchronizes screen savers so they all start and stop together and, if screen locking is enabled, only one screen requires a password to unlock them all.

Synergy for Windows

Editors’ Review

Synergy for Windows

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User Reviews

Great concept with very poor results

bogs down my windows 10 pc

must-have for sysadmins / anyone using multiple systems

Nice idea but......

Works great. Better than a hardware solution

Awesome program, did exactly as I hoped it would.

Best product on the Market!

Don't use this program.

Love this tool

Works well on PCs but did not like my VMware pc on mac

Developer’s Description