Input Director 2.4

Input Director: Multi-Computer Control for Windows — Editor’s Review

Input Director is a mature, Windows-only utility that lets you control multiple networked PCs from a single keyboard and mouse. Stable and feature-rich, it’s built for power users, IT professionals, designers, and anyone who runs two or more Windows machines side-by-side. The current release (v2.4) strengthens usability and security while preserving a lightweight install and straightforward setup.

Core capabilities

• Seamless input switching: Move the cursor to a screen edge or use configurable hotkeys to transfer control between systems instantly, with optional edge-tap or pause-based transitions to avoid accidental switches.
• Shared clipboard and file copy: Copy and paste text, images and files between computers, including full file transfer via the shared clipboard.
• Multi-monitor awareness: Accurate monitor layout mapping supports multiple displays per PC so the virtual arrangement matches your physical setup.
• Profiles and configuration management: Create profiles for different sets of machines, import/export configurations, and apply updates via command line for scripted deployments.
• Input mirroring and macros: Broadcast keyboard and mouse input to all systems, record and run keyboard macros, and bind keys to other keys on specific systems for automation.

Security and administration

• Encrypted connections: Network traffic between Director-enabled systems is encrypted to protect input and clipboard data.
• Access controls: Restrict which systems can control a computer by hostname, IP address or subnet and lock the configuration to prevent unauthorized changes.
• Central management features: Simultaneously lock all systems, synchronise screensavers and shutdown behavior, and wake sleeping systems over the network (Wake-on-LAN).

Usability and reliability

• Quick setup: Easy-to-follow install and quickstart guides make initial configuration fast; once running, control transitions are smooth and predictable.
• Cursor visibility safeguards: Input Director uniquely preserves cursor visibility on Windows 10/11 if a mouse gets disconnected, preventing confusing cursor disappearance.
• Transition aids: Visual ripples around the cursor and optional LED/status overlays help you follow control as it moves between systems.

Compatibility

• Windows support: Compatible with Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10 and 11 — both wired and wireless networks are supported provided systems are networked.
• User scenarios: Works with Windows fast user switching and interacts correctly with User Account Control (UAC) prompts.

Who should consider Input Director

• Developers and IT admins: Manage multiple test rigs or servers from a single workstation and integrate configuration changes via command-line tools.
• Creative professionals and designers: Move seamlessly across workstations with different monitors and clipboard content without interrupting workflow.
• Multi-PC gamers and home power-users: Control multiple gaming or streaming PCs with one set of input devices and broadcast input when needed.

Notable limitations

1. Windows only: No native macOS or Linux support — all machines must run supported Windows versions and be networked.
2. Network dependency: Functionality requires reliable LAN connectivity; performance depends on network speed and stability.