Why Software KVMs such as Synergy is replacing Hardware KVMs

If you have ever found yourself juggling multiple Personal Computers (PCs) at your desk. We bring you a solution that you might not have heard about previously. Synergy is software that lets you use one mouse and keyboard to control multiple PCs across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Just move your cursor between machines like they are one setup. Therefore, in this guide, we shall discuss “Why Software KVMs such as Synergy is replacing Hardware KVMs”. Please, see how to migrate Veeam One Database from SQL Server 2017 to 2025, and how to uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2025 from Windows.

As mentioned above, “Synergy” is the solution you have been waiting for. This powerful software lets you control all your PCs with just one keyboard and mouse, transforming your cluttered workspace into a seamless, unified environment.

Instead of reaching for extra peripherals or struggling with hardware KVM switches as shown in the image below. Synergy instantly picks up your input and sends it to the right machine, making it feel like all your PCs are part of a single system. Making copy and paste between platforms, and file sharing effortlessly. Thereby, helping to streamline your workflow without breaking your stride.

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Why Synergy is the ultimate Solution for multi PC Workflows

Synergy stands out because it transforms multiple computers into a single, unified workspace. Regardless of the operating system. As stated on multiple platforms, Synergy is trusted by 26% of the Fortune 1000 and leading organizations like Google, Amazon, Apple, Intel, Nvidia, Cisco, GE, and HP, Synergy streamlines complex, cross-platform environments for developers, engineers, traders, and creative professionals.

For enterprise teams, Synergy accelerates productivity by eliminating the friction of switching between keyboards, mice, or hardware KVMs, letting users move seamlessly between PCs and focus on delivering quality results at speed. Tech enthusiasts and hobbyists also benefit by repurposing old hardware and simplifying their setups for coding, gaming, streaming, or creative work.

With instant switching, shared clipboard, and robust support, Synergy isn’t just about saving desk space. It’s about saving time and reducing distractions so you can concentrate on what matters most. Whether you are in a high-stakes control center or a home office, Synergy makes managing multiple computers effortless and intuitive.

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How do I get Synergy?

For those who have been following our blog or reading our articles, our goal is to make every piece straightforward and easy to understand. This approach ensures that readers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users, can benefit and learn effectively.

To get Synergy, head over to their website. There, you have the below two options. To do this, click on “Get Synergy” or “Contact Sales“.

When setting up Synergy, most users will start by clicking “Get Synergy” on the official website. From there, you will be presented with two main options: “Personal use – At home” and “Business use – At work.”

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Personal use – At home

Depending on your use case, you can click on one of the options in the image below. For me, I will choose “Personal use”. This means, I am installing Synergy for individual. That is a non-commercial purposes, such as managing my own devices at home.

As you can see below, for personal use. We have the two license options. The “Synergy 3”, and the “Synergy 3 Ultimate”.

Business use – At work

For enterprise deployments, team environments, or any scenario involving company resources or commercial activity, select “Business use – At Work” to ensure compliance with licensing terms and to access features tailored for organisational needs.

Selecting the correct option ensures you receive the appropriate license type and support level for your use case. Synergy for Business is purpose built on a hardened, enterprise-grade Synergy 1 core. It provides maximum stability, security, and compatibility for business and enterprise environments. Below are the various license options for your selection according to your business need.

If you choose the “Contact Sales” option above, you’ll see two choices to create a support ticket tailored to your specific needs. Simply select the one that matches your query, and the support team will respond promptly to assist you.

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Synergy 3 Download

As you can see below, the Synergy can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, and Linux as shown below.

Since I am using Mac with Intel chip, I will click the below to download it.

Now, you can choose to download Synergy as a guess or create an account to start a free trail. For the first option for example, click on “Download as guest“.

Shortly, the download will start very shortly.

Alternatively, you could click on “Start Free Trail” as shown above. Since I am using it for Home or Personal use, I will click on “Home or Personal user“.

I will now have the opportunity to create an account with the form below.

Assign password, and click on set new password.

Shortly, the download will start automatically as shown below. If there are issues with the download, you can start it manually.

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Prerequisites on how to get started with Synergy

To set up Synergy, you will need the following prerequisites. These requirements ensure a smooth installation and configuration process, whether you are testing with a trial license or deploying Synergy in a production environment.

• An active Synergy license (or a free trial license for testing purposes),
• The installation file downloaded from the official Synergy download page,
• At least two computers, each connected to their own display (or otherwise accessible screen), because Synergy does not transmit video, only keyboard, mouse and clipboard
• An Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection (all PCs must be on the same network)
• Admin permissions on each computer to install software and add firewall exceptions

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Install Synergy 3

As already shown above, there are two different installer files available for macOS, one for Apple Silicon (M-Series) and another for Intel.

To check what kind of processor your Mac has. Click the Apple logo in the menu bar (top left), and click “About This Mac”, Take a look at the Processor

We will have to now double-click the downloaded DMG file.

Next, drag and drop Synergy to the Applications folder.

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Access Synergy on your PC

From the Spotlight search or LaunchPad, you can search for Synergy as shown below.

You will be required to consent to have the app downloaded from the internet opened.

Interestingly, you have an instruction window that allows to open the privacy settings from the window below.

You will be required to authenticate as shown below to unlock and permit Synergy.

Check the button to allow Synergy to control your PC.

Click to continue with Synergy. You can also click to start a free trial if you had the installer sent to you from this window or use an offline serial key.

Enter your credentials to login

I am testing with my Trial license and this ends in 13 days. Considering how effortless the set up is and integration of other PCs via IP address or hostname. I will definitely be purchasing a personal or advanced use license. Hit the continue button to proceed.

Synergy 3 is the newest major release, featuring a redesigned GUI and auto-discovery/auto-configuration features.

Enter the PC name and click Next to add additional computers for sharing keyboard, mouse, and clipboard input

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Configure or Add Other PCs

If you have a Linux or Windows Device, you can chose to follow the process discussed above and download the installer and have them installed on the PC. Alternatively, you can use the plus button shown below to add multiple devices regardless of the platform.

Assuming I wish to add a Windows PC, I will click on Manage Computers after hitting the + button.

Here, you can click to to manage the PC you have added before or manually add another PC instead of using the installer.

You can add this PC via an IP address or Hostname as mentioned above previously. Just use the toggle button and ensure proper DNS resolution. Here I will be using the IP address, and will click on conenct afterwards.

If you are using the hostname, enter the hostname and connect as shown below

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Manage your PC on Synergy

Once Synergy is installed, you can connect your computers and share your peripherals

To manage your PCs, click on Manage computers under Connections as shown below. You can choose to remove a decide or modify its preferences. Let’s select “Computer Preferences”.

Here you can change the PC name and save.

You can modify the keys as you wish and save. This changes only affects this PC when controlled from another PC.

You can set some dead corners as you wish

Lastly, configure miscellaneous settings and click on save as you wish.

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Conclusion on Synergy

Synergy fundamentally rethinks how multi-device workspaces should function. By eliminating physical cabling and hardware KVM switches and operating entirely over the local network, it delivers a clean, software-defined approach to keyboard, mouse, and clipboard sharing.

The result is a workspace that feels unified rather than fragmented: screens become logical extensions of one another, and moving between systems is as natural as moving your cursor across a single desktop.

From a technical perspective, Synergy’s LAN-only communication model is a decisive advantage. Input data remains within the local network, avoiding unnecessary exposure to the public internet and aligning well with enterprise security and compliance expectations.

At the same time, its cross-platform support enables heterogeneous environments such as Windows, macOS, and Linux to coexist without compromise, making it particularly valuable for developers, IT professionals, and power users who routinely operate multiple operating systems side by side.

In practice, Synergy is not just a convenience tool; it is a productivity multiplier. It reduces desk clutter, lowers hardware costs, and scales effortlessly as additional systems are added. For modern hybrid workstations and multi-OS labs, Synergy stands out as a mature, elegant, and network-native alternative to traditional KVM solutions- One that aligns with how professionals actually work today.

I hope you fund this article on “Why Software KVMs such as Synergy is replacing Hardware KVMs” very useful. Please feel free to leave a comment below.