How to Share a Keyboard, Mouse and Webcam Between Two Computers

The simplest way to share a keyboard, mouse, and webcam between two computers is to connect them to a USB switch. The switch connects to both computers and lets you move the shared USB devices from one system to the other with a button or wired remote. You avoid repeatedly unplugging cables, but only one computer controls the devices at a time.

A USB switch is ideal when you use a work laptop and personal computer at the same desk. If you also want to switch a monitor, choose a KVM switch or use a separate display connection because most USB switches carry USB data, not video.

Ways to Share USB Devices Between Two Computers

The best method depends on which devices you want to share and whether both computers need access at the same time.

For most home offices, a USB switch offers the best balance of simplicity, compatibility, and cost. It keeps the physical peripherals connected in one place while changing which computer receives their USB data.

What Is a USB Switch?

A USB switch is a small device that allows two computers to share one group of USB peripherals. The computers connect to the switch through separate host ports, while the keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, headset, or external storage connects to the shared device ports.

When you press the switch button, control moves from one computer to the other. The selected computer detects the peripherals as though they had been unplugged from the first computer and connected directly to the second.

A USB switch can commonly share:

• A wired keyboard and mouse
• A wireless keyboard or mouse receiver
• A USB webcam
• A microphone, headset, or USB audio interface
• A printer or scanner
• A flash drive or external storage device
• Other compatible USB accessories

The exact number and type of supported devices depend on the available ports, USB standard, power supply, and bandwidth of the switch.

A USB Switch Does Not Usually Share a Monitor

A standard USB switch and a KVM switch are not the same. A USB switch moves USB peripherals between computers, while a KVM switch is designed to switch a keyboard, video display, and mouse together.

If a product page says the switch does not support video transmission, connecting a monitor to one of its USB-C ports will not create a display signal. The USB-C connector may be present only for USB data.

You can still use a USB switch in a dual-computer monitor setup. Connect each computer directly to a different input on the monitor, such as HDMI and DisplayPort, and change the monitor input separately when you switch the USB devices.

What You Need Before Setting Up the Switch

Before connecting anything, confirm that the switch matches the ports and performance requirements of both computers.

You will need:

1. A USB switch with enough peripheral ports
2. Two host cables, one for each computer
3. A keyboard, mouse, webcam, or other devices to share
4. An optional power adapter if the peripherals require more power
5. Separate monitor cables if you also use an external display

Check whether each computer uses USB-A, USB-C, or both. Some switches include USB-A host cables, while USB-C-only laptops may require a compatible adapter. Other models provide USB-C host connections directly.

Also review the switch’s data rate. A keyboard and mouse use little bandwidth, but a high-resolution webcam or external SSD can place greater demands on the connection.

How to Share a Keyboard, Mouse and Webcam Step by Step

The setup does not usually require special software. However, connecting the devices in the correct order makes troubleshooting easier.

Step 1: Connect the Switch to Both Computers

Use the included host cables to connect the first computer to Input 1 and the second computer to Input 2. Connect the switch directly to each computer whenever possible.

Avoid routing the host connection through another unpowered hub. Adding extra hubs, adapters, and extension cables can introduce bandwidth limits, insufficient power, or connection instability.

If the switch supports both USB-C and USB-A computers, follow the connection instructions for the exact model. A cable that physically fits is not always wired for the required host connection.

Step 2: Connect the Keyboard and Mouse

Plug the keyboard and mouse into the shared USB ports on the switch. If you use one wireless receiver for both devices, connect that receiver instead.

Switch control to the first computer and wait for the operating system to recognize the devices. Test basic typing, pointer movement, scrolling, and keyboard shortcuts before adding the webcam.

Then switch to the second computer and repeat the test. Verifying simple devices first helps you identify whether a later issue is caused by the switch or a higher-bandwidth peripheral.

Step 3: Connect the Webcam

Plug the webcam into a compatible shared port. After switching to each computer, open the operating system’s camera settings or a video conferencing app to confirm that the webcam appears.

A webcam may take several seconds to reconnect after switching. Close video apps before moving control between computers because an active app may continue holding the camera connection or display an error when the device suddenly disconnects.

For a high-resolution webcam, use a switch and computer ports that provide enough USB bandwidth. A USB 3 connection may be preferable when sharing a 1080p or 4K webcam, especially if other data-intensive devices are connected to the same switch.

Step 4: Add Optional Power When Needed

Keyboards and mice normally require little power, but webcams, external drives, illuminated keyboards, headsets, and multiple devices can increase the total demand.

If the switch includes an optional power input, connect the recommended power supply when you notice:

• The webcam disconnecting during calls
• An external drive repeatedly reconnecting
• Keyboard lighting flickering
• A headset disappearing from the sound menu
• Devices working separately but failing when connected together

The auxiliary power connection generally powers the attached USB peripherals. It should not be assumed to charge either computer unless the product specifically supports laptop charging.

Step 5: Test the Switching Process

Press the button or wired remote to move the peripherals between computers. Confirm which system is active through the switch’s indicator light.

After switching, check:

• Keyboard and mouse response
• Webcam detection
• Microphone and speaker selection
• External drive availability
• Printer or scanner status

Do not switch an external drive while files are being written. Eject the drive safely or wait until all transfers have finished to reduce the risk of data loss.

Choosing a USB Switch for the Setup

The correct switch depends on the two computers and the devices you want to share. Port count alone does not determine whether a model is suitable.

Check the Host Connections

A desktop computer may have several USB-A ports, while a newer laptop may rely almost entirely on USB-C. Choose a switch that can connect to both systems without an unnecessarily complicated chain of adapters.

The UGREEN USB-C Switch connects two computers to four shared USB ports and supports USB-C and USB-A peripherals. Its ports support data transfer up to 10Gbps, and control can be changed through the main button or a wired remote. It is designed for USB devices and does not transmit video to a monitor.

For computers using traditional USB-A host connections, the UGREEN USB 3.0 Switch allows two systems to share four USB devices at up to 5Gbps. Its optional power input can help support higher-power devices such as external drives or cameras.

Allow Enough Bandwidth for a Webcam and Storage

Keyboard and mouse traffic is minimal. A webcam, external SSD, capture device, or other media accessory uses much more bandwidth.

If you plan to share only a keyboard, mouse, printer, and basic webcam, a 5Gbps USB 3.0 switch may be sufficient. A 10Gbps model provides more headroom for faster storage and other high-bandwidth devices, but actual performance remains limited by the computer ports, cables, switch, and peripherals.

Remember that the connected devices share the switch’s upstream connection. Plugging several high-bandwidth devices into four ports does not give each device the full advertised speed simultaneously.

Consider the Switching Control

A button on the switch works well when the device sits within reach. A wired remote is more convenient when the switch is mounted under the desk or placed behind a monitor.

Automatic switching may sound more convenient, but predictable manual control can be useful during work. It prevents a background action on the second computer from unexpectedly taking over the keyboard, webcam, or external drive.

Check Power Requirements

A bus-powered switch receives power from the selected computer. That is usually enough for a keyboard and mouse, but it may not be enough for several demanding peripherals.

Choose a model with an auxiliary power option if you expect to connect a webcam, external hard drive, RGB peripherals, audio hardware, or multiple devices simultaneously. Use the power specification recommended for that switch rather than connecting an arbitrary adapter.

USB Switch vs. KVM Switch vs. Docking Station

These products solve related but different problems.

Choose a USB switch when the main goal is sharing peripherals. Choose a KVM when the monitor must change at the same time. Choose a docking station when one laptop needs a single-cable connection to displays, power, Ethernet, and accessories.

A USB hub alone cannot alternate devices between two computers. It expands the ports of one active host and should not be connected to two computers as though it were a switch.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Most USB switch problems are related to power, cabling, bandwidth, wireless interference, or applications holding a device connection.

The Webcam Does Not Appear After Switching

Close the camera or video conferencing app before changing computers. Switch control, wait a few seconds, and reopen the app on the second computer.

Check the operating system’s camera permissions and confirm that the webcam is selected as the active camera. If the problem continues, disconnect other high-bandwidth devices and test the webcam alone.

The Keyboard or Mouse Keeps Disconnecting

Connect the switch directly to the computer instead of passing it through another hub. Use the included or recommended host cables, and add auxiliary power if the switch supports it.

Power-saving settings can also disable USB devices after a computer wakes from sleep. On Windows, check USB selective suspend and the power-management settings for USB controllers. On macOS, review sleep and accessory connection settings.

Wireless Devices Lag or Stop Responding

USB 3 equipment can sometimes interfere with nearby 2.4GHz wireless receivers. Move the wireless receiver away from USB 3 ports and cables with a short extension if necessary, or use Bluetooth or a 5GHz-capable connection when supported.

A wired keyboard and mouse can also help confirm whether the issue is wireless interference rather than the switch itself.

The Webcam Works, but the External Drive Is Slow

The webcam and drive may be sharing available bandwidth. Pause the camera, disconnect other high-bandwidth devices, or connect the storage drive directly to the computer when maximum transfer speed is important.

Also verify that the drive, cable, computer port, and switch support the intended USB speed. Performance is always limited by the slowest component.

The Monitor Does Not Switch With the Peripherals

This is normal for a data-only USB switch. Connect each computer to a separate monitor input and change the input manually, or use a KVM switch that explicitly supports the monitor connection and resolution you need.

A USB-C port on the switch does not automatically mean it carries video.

Conclusion

A USB switch is the most direct way to share a keyboard, mouse, webcam, and other USB devices between two computers. It keeps the desk organized, reduces repeated cable swapping, and makes it easier to move between a work laptop and personal computer.

Choose the switch according to the host connections, number of peripherals, data bandwidth, and power requirements of the setup. Use a KVM instead if the monitor must switch with the peripherals, and remember that an ordinary USB hub cannot replace either device.

Once the two computers and peripherals are connected, a single button can move the complete USB workspace from one system to the other.