I want to connect two iMacs together - I don't want to sync them - I want only Photos on one and my files on the other, but I want to be able to use my cursor and navigate between them. They are side by side. I only want to use one keyboard. How can I do this. Both iMacs will be running the same system. Are there any articles that tell me how to do this apart from checking Google.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
With both running Sonoma, the easiest thing is going to be to use Universal Control.
click here ➜ Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and *another Mac - Apple Support
With both running Sonoma, the easiest thing is going to be to use Universal Control.
click here ➜ Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and *another Mac - Apple Support
You can Network the two computers. Then you can connect to the other machine using 'Screen Share'.
That is not exactly what you are wanting.
What year model are the iMac's and what macOS version are they running....?
AT A GLANCE, that sounds exactly like what I want to do. I'll be checking out the systems now. Thank you. I'll get back on here, if I run into a problem.
one is 2020 and has Sonoma 14.2.1, the other one just received yesterday - I have not yet set up this new one yet, but I would imagine it too is Sonoma 14.2.1 as that is the latest operating system..
Sonoma is up to 14.6.1 and the new iMac may not be able to run 14.2.1 if it came from the factory with a later version.
see > Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support
and > Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support
The macOS versions do not have to be the same for Screen Sharing over your local network.
It sounds like you want the two iMacs to be completely independent, except for sharing one keyboard.
That feature is called Universal Control, and is available on "iMac introduced in 2017 or later, plus iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)" running "macOS Monterey 12.3 or later." If both of your iMacs meet those requirements, see
Continuity features and requirements on Apple devices - Apple Support
Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support
How can I connect two iMacs without syncing data?
