3 Methods to Use Your Laptop as a Keyboard for a Desktop PC

If your desktop keyboard has stopped functioning or you simply prefer a more streamlined typing experience across multiple devices, your laptop can serve as a full-fledged external keyboard for your desktop PC. This solution requires no hardware modifications. By utilizing a few free applications and completing a straightforward setup, you can easily type on your PC using your laptop.

1. Leverage a Network KVM Application

A network KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) application allows you to share your peripherals, such as your keyboard and mouse, across multiple computers on the same network. This feature enables smooth operation between your devices, allowing both your laptop’s touchpad and keyboard to work interchangeably with your desktop. One popular and free option for this functionality is Mouse without Borders.

Once the initial configuration is complete, you’ll be able to control your mouse cursor across both devices, with your keyboard input directed to whichever device currently has cursor focus.

Setting Up Mouse without Borders

To start, install Mouse without Borders on both your laptop and desktop. Open the application on your desktop and select No when prompted during the setup. This will display a security code and computer name.

Mouse without Borders listing security code

Next, launch the application on your laptop and click Yes on the setup prompt to access fields for entering the security code and computer name. Input the displayed security code and computer name from your desktop, then click on Link.

entering security code inside Mouse without Borders

After establishing the connection, simply move your cursor to the edge of your laptop screen to access your desktop. You can also adjust the screen arrangement within the app to match the physical layout of your devices since the cursor can only jump from one side of the screen.

Additionally, this tool allows you to copy and paste data, including files under 100MB, between devices.

2. Utilize USB Virtualization Software

USB virtualization software enables all USB-based devices to be connected to PCs over the internet. Given that most laptop keyboards utilize the HID protocol, you can turn your laptop’s keyboard into a virtual USB device for your desktop. Your PC will recognize it as if a physical USB keyboard has been attached.

However, keep in mind that your keyboard will no longer function on the laptop, as it is essentially detached. For this, we recommend Free Virtual USB, which offers a capable free version to connect your keyboard without any limitations.

Installation Steps

Download the software on both your laptop and desktop. During installation, select the Server option on your laptop and the Client option on your desktop. A restart will be required post-installation.

Installing Server and Client of Free Virtual USB

After installation, launch the server application on your laptop. You will see a list of USB devices available for sharing. Locate your keyboard and check the box under the Shared column, confirming any prompted messages. Then, open the Free Virtual USB client on the desktop to select and install the keyboard for use.

This method allows you to bypass any program restrictions, including those imposed by DRM-protected applications, as it does not depend on mouse location to function.

3. Employ Remote Desktop Software

For comprehensive control over your desktop from your laptop, consider using remote desktop software. This approach enables complete management of your desktop environment online, including keyboard input functionality.

An excellent option for this is TeamViewer, which offers a free remote session service. Simply install TeamViewer on your laptop and the QuickSupport app on your desktop.

You will need a TeamViewer account on your laptop to initiate a session. Create an account and log in. Within the application, you can find a section titled Control remote device where you will enter the ID and Password displayed in the QuickSupport app to establish the connection.

Adding remote session code in TeamViewer

The remote session opens in a separate window, allowing you to operate both the laptop and desktop simultaneously. However, anticipate a slight input delay; this method may not be suitable for high-speed tasks like gaming but works well for file management and typing tasks.

Alternatively, a remote desktop Chrome extension can be used for sessions without the need for a sign-up process.

If your primary goal is to use your laptop’s keyboard with your desktop efficiently, Mouse without Borders is the simplest method. For additional issues related to your laptop keyboard, consult this guide on troubleshooting laptop keyboard problems.

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