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Synergy Business Common Questions & Security/Compliance

Updated

Product: Synergy 1 Business / Synergy Enterprise
Operating system: All

Network and firewall

Which port does Synergy use?

  • Default port: TCP 24800

  • Firewall configuration: Ensure both inbound and outbound traffic on port 24800 is allowed for each Synergy-enabled machine. This allows the client machines to connect to the Synergy server.

Does Synergy work offline?

  • Offline operation: Yes. Synergy requires only a local network (LAN) to share keyboard/mouse.

  • Initial license activation: An internet connection is typically required unless you already have an offline-capable license key.

Logging and debugging

Enabling debug logs

  1. Open the Synergy UI and look for the “Logging” or “Advanced” settings.

  2. Switch the log level to Debug or Verbose (depending on your Synergy version).

  3. Reproduce the issue so Synergy captures detailed logs.

Log file locations

  • Windows:

    %Users%/YourUsername/synergy.logs

  • macOS and Linux:
    Varies by distribution and Synergy version. Usually within ~/.local/share/Synergy/logs or a similar path.

Check logs for errors related to connectivity, licensing, or configuration. This is often the first step in troubleshooting any Synergy issue.

Migrating or backing up configuration

  1. Configuration file (Windows)

    • Typically located at:

      %LOCALAPPDATA%\Synergy\synergy-server.conf

    • To replicate settings on another machine, copy this file to the same location on the target system.

  2. Registry (Windows only)

    • Open Registry Editor and navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Synergy

    • Export the key to a .reg file and import it on another Windows machine to restore the same settings.

This process helps you quickly move your server configuration (e.g., screen layout, hotkeys) or user preferences from one system to another.

Deploying updates

  • No built-in remote updates: Synergy 1 does not include a specialized remote update or patching feature.

  • Use your existing toolset: Admins can rely on software deployment/patch management solutions (Microsoft SCCM, Intune, or similar) to push newer Synergy installers or patches.

  • Silent or unattended flags: When deploying updates, you can use the same silent installation parameters (e.g., /qn for MSI installs) as you do for initial installations.

Security and compliance

How do I disable clipboard sharing for security compliance?

Clipboard sharing is a server setting. To turn it off on one machine, open the server configuration in the Synergy GUI, untick the clipboard sharing option, and restart Synergy. Editing the generated server configuration file directly does not stick, because Synergy regenerates that file from the GUI settings each time the server starts.

For compliance you will usually want it off in a way users cannot undo. Add this to the locked settings file on every machine:

[internalConfig]
clipboardSharing=false

The file location and the deployment steps are in: Lock down Synergy settings so users cannot change them

Does Synergy support encryption for data transmission?

Yes. Synergy 1 supports TLS/SSL encryption for data transmitted between server and client.

How do I lock down settings so users cannot change them?

Use the locked settings file, a Synergy 1 Business Team feature (1.18 and above). Place a file named Synergy.locked.ini in the system-wide settings folder (C:\ProgramData\Synergy\ on Windows, /etc/xdg/Synergy/ on macOS and Linux). Every setting in that file is applied each time Synergy starts and grayed out in the settings window, so a standard user cannot change it. TLS encryption and clipboard sharing can both be locked this way.

A minimal file that requires TLS and turns clipboard sharing off:

[General]
cryptoEnabled=true

[internalConfig]
clipboardSharing=false

The full list of lockable settings, the value rules, and how to deploy the file so users cannot edit it are in: Lock down Synergy settings so users cannot change them

The multi-user (“All users”) profile is a different feature. It shares one settings file between every account on the computer and relies on folder permissions to stop standard users saving changes, while the locked file enforces specific settings whichever profile is in use. Multi-user setup is described in: Configure Synergy for multi-user support

Quick reference

  • Port: 24800 (TCP)

  • Encryption: TLS/SSL available

  • Offline mode: Possible after license activation

  • Logs (Windows): %Users%/YourUsername/synergy.logs

  • Config file (Windows): %LOCALAPPDATA%\Synergy\synergy-server.conf

  • Registry key (Windows): HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Synergy

  • Locked settings file (Windows): C:\ProgramData\Synergy\Synergy.locked.ini

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