Written for Synergy 1 (v1.21.4), checked 3 October 2026.
What you need to configure Synergy 1
- An active Synergy 1 license
- Synergy 1 installed on each computer
- At least two computers, each with their own monitor
- Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection (computers must be on the same network)
Step 1 - Open Synergy 1
Once you have Synergy 1 installed and activated, decide which computer in your setup you want to be the server (the computer which has the keyboard and mouse that you would like to share).
On the server, the main window shows This computer's name: and, below it, the computer's IP address (Suggested IP:). If the computer is connected to more than one network, hover over the address to see the others. You will need the name or the address when you connect the client in step 3.
Step 2 - Configure the server computer
- On the server, select Use this computer's keyboard and mouse (make this computer the server).
- Click Start.
The first time the server starts, a Synergy Server message confirms it's running and tells you to watch for a prompt on the server when a client connects.
Step 3 - Configure the client computer
- On the client, select Use another computer’s mouse and keyboard (make this computer the client).
- In the Connect to: box, type the server's computer name or IP address from step 1.
- Click Connect.
Use the server's computer name if you can. Type the server's computer name (shown in step 1, above its IP address) instead of its IP address. The server's IP address can change, for example when your router gives it a new one, and the client then can't connect until you type the new address in. The computer name keeps working when the address changes. Synergy 3 doesn't need this step: it finds computers on the same network by itself when an address changes.
If the client is a Mac and the name stops working, see: How to fix a server hostname that stops resolving on macOS
On the server, a message says a new client wants to connect. Click Add client, then click OK in the Server Configuration window that opens.
The first time the computers connect, a Synergy Connected message appears, and the client's status bar shows Synergy is connected as client of followed by the server's name.
Step 4 - Accept the TLS fingerprint
If you have Synergy 1 Pro or a business license, TLS encryption is on by default. The first time the computers connect, Synergy 1 asks you to compare fingerprints:
- On the server, a New client connecting window asks Trust client and allow connection?
- On the client, a Connecting to a new server window asks Do you want to connect to the server?
Check that the fingerprints match on both computers, then click Yes.
If you upgraded from Synergy 1 Basic or cleared your settings, TLS may be off. Turn it on on all computers: open Preferences (in the Edit menu on Windows and Linux, or the Synergy menu on macOS), go to the Network tab, tick Enable TLS Encryption and click Save.
Step 5 - Arrange the layout on the server
Once connected, Synergy 1 places the client computer next to the server in the layout. If that doesn't match where your screens physically sit:
- On the server, click Configure Server.
- On the Computers tab, drag each computer to where it sits on your desk.
- Click OK. Synergy 1 restarts sharing with the new layout; there is nothing else to apply.