Written for Synergy 3 (v3.7.2) and Synergy 1 (v1.21.4), checked 3 October 2026.
Operating system: Windows, macOS, and Linux
If the cursor lags or gets randomly disconnected, connect your computers with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection is usually faster and more reliable, which makes Synergy 1 and Synergy 3 more stable.
You will need an ethernet cable, and perhaps a USB ethernet adapter, as most modern laptops don't have an ethernet port. If you're connecting two Macs, you can use a single Thunderbolt cable instead: macOS sets up a Thunderbolt Bridge network between them, so you won't need an ethernet cable or switch.
There are three options to set this up: connect to your existing router (the easiest option); set up a new switch; or connect the two computers directly with one cable.
Option 1: Connect to your existing router
Your Internet router usually has a few spare ethernet ports on the back that you can plug straight into, and plug the other end of the cable in your computer. This requires only one regular ethernet cable.
If your router is in another room, you could run a cable between your living room and home office, but that's not always practical. An option is to have ethernet cables installed in all the walls, which is also not very practical. The best solution is to use Powerline Adapters; these will create an ethernet network out of the existing power circuit in your home.
Option 2: Set up a new switch
Purchase a new switch. You don't need the fanciest and latest model; you just need one that works.
Connect both of your computers to the switch using a regular ethernet cable. After this, you will need to set up a static IP since you're not connected to your router (which usually takes care of IP).
To set up a static IP:
- Windows: see the section on changing IP settings in Microsoft's guide: Essential network settings and tasks in Windows
- macOS: Apple's guide covers macOS 13 and later, where this is in System Settings: Use DHCP or a manual IP address on Mac
- Linux: this guide for Ubuntu users is helpful: Setting a static IP on Ubuntu: a beginner's guide
Option 3: Connect the two computers directly
1. Connect the two computers together with a single ethernet cable. Most modern ethernet ports work with a regular cable this way. If one of the ports is older and slower than gigabit, you may need a special crossover ethernet cable, which you can buy already made from all major retailers.
2. As with using an isolated switch described above, you'll need to set up a static IP since you're not connected to your router. You can follow the same steps mentioned above.