ShareMouse Portable Setup Guide: Fast Sync Across Multiple Computers

How to Use ShareMouse Portable for Instant Keyboard & Mouse SharingShareMouse Portable is a lightweight, portable version of ShareMouse that lets you share one keyboard and mouse across multiple Windows or macOS computers without installing software permanently. It’s ideal for people who work across several machines — for example, a desktop and a laptop — or for IT pros who need a portable tool on a USB stick. This guide walks through preparation, setup, configuration, troubleshooting, and tips to make keyboard and mouse sharing seamless and secure.

What ShareMouse Portable does (quick overview)

ShareMouse Portable lets one computer control others over a local network (Wi‑Fi or wired). It moves the mouse cursor between screens and optionally shares clipboard contents, drag‑and‑drop files, and synchronizes keyboard layouts. Because it’s portable, you can run it without admin rights (in most cases) and without installing it on each machine.

Supported features include: mouse/keyboard sharing, clipboard synchronization, file drag-and-drop, multi-monitor layouts, automatic cursor switching, customizable hotkeys.

Before you start — requirements and preparation

• Operating systems: Windows and macOS are supported. Check compatibility with the specific ShareMouse Portable version you download.
• Network: All computers must be on the same local network (same LAN or connected via the same Wi‑Fi). For the most reliable performance, use a wired connection or a strong Wi‑Fi signal.
• Firewall & antivirus: ShareMouse uses network ports to communicate. Be ready to allow the program through firewalls or temporary disable strict antivirus rules if needed.
• Permissions: Portable mode often avoids installation, but some systems may still require permission to run executables from removable media.
• Download: Get the latest ShareMouse Portable from the official ShareMouse website or the vendor’s download page.

Step-by-step setup

1. Download and extract

• Download the ShareMouse Portable ZIP file to a USB drive or the local machine.
• Extract the ZIP to a folder you control (for USB use, extract to the drive root or a dedicated folder).

1. Run ShareMouse Portable on each machine

• On each computer you want to control, double-click the ShareMouse Portable executable.
• If Windows SmartScreen or macOS Gatekeeper warns you, permit execution for the time being. Choose “Run anyway” only when you trust the source.

1. Allow firewall access

• The first time the app runs, the OS or third‑party firewall may prompt to allow network access. Allow for private/local networks (not public networks).
• If a prompt doesn’t appear, manually add an exception for the ShareMouse executable and allow inbound/outbound UDP and TCP traffic for the ports ShareMouse uses (consult the app’s help for exact ports if needed).

1. Arrange monitors and set control order

• In the ShareMouse Portable interface, open the monitor/layout settings.
• Drag and drop the representations of your screens to match their physical arrangement (left/right/top). This determines how the cursor moves between computers.
• Optional: set which computer is the primary controller (where keyboard/mouse physically connected).

1. Configure clipboard and file sharing

• Enable clipboard synchronization if you want copy/paste across machines.
• Enable drag-and-drop file transfer if needed (note: file transfer may require additional permissions or the non-portable version for advanced features).

1. Test and fine-tune

• Move your mouse to the edge of one screen and verify it appears on the adjacent computer.
• Test keyboard input on the remote machine, clipboard copy/paste, and any hotkeys you configured.
• If the cursor doesn’t move as expected, re-check monitor layout and firewall/network settings.

Common issues and fixes

• Problem: Devices don’t see each other

  • Fix: Verify both machines are on the same subnet and not isolated by guest Wi‑Fi or AP/client isolation. Temporarily disable VPNs that reroute local traffic.

• Problem: Firewall blocks connection

  • Fix: Add an exception for the ShareMouse executable or allow the necessary TCP/UDP ports in Windows Firewall or macOS security settings.

• Problem: Copy/paste doesn’t work

  • Fix: Ensure clipboard sync is enabled on both sides and that no clipboard manager conflicts exist.

• Problem: Laggy cursor or input delays

  • Fix: Use wired connections, reduce Wi‑Fi congestion, or check for CPU/network heavy processes. Lower polling or visual effects in ShareMouse if options exist.

• Problem: Drag-and-drop file transfer fails

  • Fix: Confirm permissions for file sharing and check that both machines can access each other’s shared folders. Consider using the installed version if persistent file transfer features are needed.

Security considerations

• Only run ShareMouse on trusted networks. Avoid using it over public Wi‑Fi without a secure VPN.
• Because ShareMouse accepts input across machines, lock or log out of computers when unattended.
• Portable executables can be flagged by antivirus. Verify the download from the official site and scan the file before running.
• When allowing firewall access, restrict to private/local networks.

Tips for power users

• Use hotkeys to quickly lock/unlock input or switch primary control.
• Save a preconfigured portable folder on your USB with your preferred settings so you don’t reconfigure every time.
• Combine ShareMouse with a clipboard manager that supports cross‑machine synchronization if you need extended clipboard history.
• For frequent file transfers, map a shared network folder and use drag-and-drop via that share for better reliability.

When to install the full version instead

If you need automatic startup, advanced file transfer, centralized configuration across many machines, or enterprise deployment features, the installed ShareMouse (non-portable) offers more stability and capabilities.

ShareMouse Portable is a convenient solution for seamless keyboard/mouse sharing when you need mobility or can’t install software. With correct network settings and firewall permissions, setup is quick and interaction across computers becomes nearly transparent.