Can I connect a Windows laptop through Mac monitor?

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Can I connect a Windows laptop through Mac monitor?

Hi.

I am looking at getting a Mac. I own a Macbook Pro M1.

I don't want to lose my Windows Laptop though. I want it as a backup, to use software on it.

Is there a device or means to connect my Windows laptop through to the Mac screen, so if I did want to, I could bypass Mac, and use Windows for a moment?

Also, I have an old USB wireless Logitech mouse. I've had it over 13 years. It's more rounded and ergo than the Magic Mouse, by far! I know you get the mouse with a Mac, and I would try it, but doubt it is as good as mine.

How would you connect through thru the Mac? Via a USB Port, in one of the sockets?

Many thanks

Simon

iMac

Posted on Jan 31, 2023 2:39 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,205 points

Jan 31, 2023 3:33 PM in response to simon_a6

My approach to using my Windows computers from my Mac is Microsoft Remote Desktop: https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/microsoft-remote-desktop/9WZDNCRFJ3PS.

tt2

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Answer 2

simon_a6 Author

Level 1

101 points

Feb 1, 2023 3:29 AM in response to turingtest2

Not a fan of those, as there is always.. always some kind of delay to the mouse movement.

Bit like taking over a person's computer, and there is a delay.

What I would like to be able to do, is somehow plugin a USB in a port, and be able to switch to it, and view the Laptop.

I know you can prob do this with a Mac Mini, but you then need multiple devices etc.

Have you ever used it with zero lag?

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,205 points

Feb 1, 2023 11:05 AM in response to simon_a6

To be honest I find it pretty seamless, though I'm not trying to play games or do music/video production. I use Excel on my Windows box because I have code that won't run in the Mac version, then swipe on my trackpad to bring the Mac back into focus. Swapping between three or even four sessions on my LAN is really easy. I don't know if there is a hardware pass through solution, but being Apple I suspect if there was it would only work for Apple devices. If you have a standalone monitor then a KVM is another way to go.

The software is free and you have the necessary hardware. Try it out.

tt2

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Can I connect a Windows laptop through Mac monitor?

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