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Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram – 2 PCs, 2 Monitors, No Software

Posted on by David Javier

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram – 2 PCs, 2 Monitors, No Software

Check out this article if you are looking for other KVM Switch Diagrams.

Key Takeaways

This guide explains how to set up a dual monitor KVM switch for two computers—desktops, laptops, or a mix of both. It includes diagrams, connection steps, and hardware recommendations, covering common setups and problems.

Whether you're using a USB-C laptop, docking station, or desktop PC, you'll find what you need to get both displays and your USB devices working through a single KVM.

  • Works with desktops, laptops, docking stations, and USB-C hubs
  • Explains HDMI, USB, and adapter connections for 2 monitors
  • Covers common issues like one monitor not working or USB devices not detected
  • Includes product links, tested accessories, and a custom setup intake form
  • Note: Not all adapters, docks, or hubs work well in a KVM environment. We highly recommend choosing from our tested and approved adapter list.

Tired of researching? Click here to fill out the Intake Form for personalized KVM advice.

Table of Contents

  1. Dual Monitor KVM Switch Setup Diagram for Two PCs
  2. Dual Monitor KVM Setup with One Laptop and One Desktop
  3. Dual Monitor Setup with USB Hub
  4. KVM Setup with Docking Stations
  5. Common KVM Setup Mistakes and Fixes
  6. FAQs – Dual Monitor KVM Switch Setup

Quick Links to Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagrams:

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Setup Diagram for Two PCs (HDMI + USB)

This is the most common dual monitor setup diagram for users with two desktop PCs. A KVM switch lets you control both computers using one keyboard, one mouse, and two shared monitors—no software needed. This is ideal for home office or workstation users connecting 2 PCs to 2 monitors with a KVM switch.

Most desktop computers have two video output ports. If both are HDMI, that's perfect—just connect them directly to the KVM. However, many desktops with dedicated graphics cards (GPUs) only have one HDMI port and several DisplayPorts. In that case, you'll need a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter to complete the connection to the KVM switch.

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram:

Diagram showing a dual monitor KVM switch setup for two desktop PCs with HDMI and USB connections. Includes DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for one desktop and HDMI to HDMI connections for both systems.
Diagram by Avico - please include attribution when sharing

Want to share this diagram? Simply select, copy, and paste this code:

What You Need:

How to Set Up:

  1. Connect two HDMI outputs from PC 1 to the PC1 HDMI IN ports.
  2. Connect two HDMI outputs from PC 2 to the PC2 HDMI IN ports.
  3. Use the USB cables to connect each PC to the KVM.
  4. Connect your monitors, keyboard, and mouse to the KVM.
  5. Switch between PCs using the button or hotkey.

Submit your device info and we'll send you a custom setup guide.

Dual Monitor KVM Setup with One Laptop and One Desktop

You can run a full dual monitor setup even if one of your systems is a laptop. You'll just need to make sure your laptop supports two video outputs.

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram:

Dual monitor KVM switch setup for a desktop (Mac Pro) and laptop (Lenovo Thinkpad), connected using HDMI and USB connections, with USB-C to HDMI adapter for the laptop.
Diagram by Avico - please include attribution when sharing

Want to share this diagram? Simply select, copy, and paste this code:

What You Need:

  • 1 Avico Dual Monitor KVM Switch
  • 4 HDMI cables — Included with KVM
  • 2 USB-A to USB-B cables — Included with KVM
  • USB-C to HDMI adapter or docking station (if laptop doesn't have 2 HDMI ports)
  • USB keyboard and mouse
  • 2 HDMI monitors
  • Approved Adapter List

Common Laptop Models That Need USB-C Video Output:

  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
  • Dell XPS 13
  • HP EliteBook 840 G8
  • MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/Max, M4 Pro/Max) — Thunderbolt 4 or 5 support depending on model

If your laptop only has one HDMI port, you'll likely need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or hub that supports dual display output.

Setup Steps:

  1. Connect 2 HDMI outputs from your desktop to the KVM.
  2. Use a USB-C hub with HDMI or docking station for 2 outputs from your laptop.
  3. Connect USB cables from both systems to the KVM.
  4. Connect monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
  5. Use the KVM button or hotkey to switch between systems.

Dual Monitor Setup with USB Hub

If your laptop only has one HDMI port, you'll need a USB-C hub with HDMI to get the second video connection required by a dual monitor KVM. These hubs solve the problem of limited HDMI ports and are tested to work in KVM setups.

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram:

Dual monitor KVM switch setup with two laptops (Lenovo Thinkpad and MacBook Pro) connected via USB hub. Includes HDMI to HDMI and USB connections for seamless control of both systems.
Diagram by Avico - please include attribution when sharing

Want to share this diagram? Simply select, copy, and paste this code:

Recommended USB-C Hubs:

Setup Steps:

  1. Plug one HDMI output from the laptop directly to the KVM.
  2. Plug the second HDMI output into the hub and connect that to the KVM.
  3. Connect the USB cable from your laptop to the KVM.
  4. Attach your monitors, keyboard, and mouse to the KVM.
  5. Done.

KVM Setup with Docking Stations

If you use a docking station, it can serve as the source for video and USB connections to the KVM switch. Many docks only have one HDMI port but also include DisplayPort. Use a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter for the second output if needed.

Dual Monitor KVM Switch Diagram:

Diagram showing a dual monitor KVM switch setup with a docking station, featuring HDMI and DisplayPort connections for two computers. Includes USB connection and DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.
Diagram by Avico - please include attribution when sharing

Want to share this diagram? Simply select, copy, and paste this code:

Recommended Docks:

Setup Steps:

  1. Connect HDMI + DisplayPort (using adapter) from the dock to the KVM switch.
  2. Use the USB cable from the dock to the KVM for keyboard/mouse switching.
  3. Repeat for the second system or use a standard PC for the other input.
  4. Switch between systems with the button or hotkey.

Common KVM Setup Mistakes and Fixes

  • Only one monitor works: Check if both HDMI cables are connected, ensure monitors are set to "Extend," and confirm the device supports two external displays.
  • Keyboard or mouse not working: Plug into the rear USB ports marked for keyboard/mouse. If that doesn't work, try the front USB 3.0 ports. Some boutique keyboards may need more power.
  • USB devices not detected: Ensure the USB-A to USB-B cable from each computer is connected to the KVM switch.
  • Monitor input incorrect: Switch your monitor input manually to HDMI.
  • Incompatible adapters or docks: Use tested accessories. View approved adapter list.
Check out our KVM Troubleshooting page for more detailed instructions.

Need Help Choosing the Right Cables or Adapters?

Still unsure what you need for your setup? We'll figure it out for you and send back a step-by-step setup guide.

Submit your device info

FAQs – Dual Monitor KVM Switch Setup

Do I need HDMI or DisplayPort for my KVM setup?
+

Avico KVMs use HDMI. If your system uses DisplayPort, use a DP to HDMI adapter.

Will a USB-C to HDMI adapter work with the KVM?
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Yes, if your computer's USB-C port supports video output, it will work in a KVM setup. We recommend using Avico USB-C adapters since they have been tested to work in KVM environments.

Can I use a docking station with my KVM?
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Yes. Most docking stations with dual video outputs will work. If your docking station uses DisplayPort, you will need a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

Can I connect two laptops to a KVM switch?
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Yes, if each laptop supports two video outputs. If one laptop only has one HDMI port, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or docking station.

Why is only one monitor working with my KVM setup?
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This can happen if only one cable is connected, the display settings are wrong, or there’s an adapter issue. Double-check your cables, display settings, and adapters. Check out our monitor troubleshooting guide.

Does macOS support dual monitors with a KVM?
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M3/M4 MacBook Pros do. M1/M2 MacBooks may need DisplayLink-based adapters or docks. Here's our guide for all Mac KVM Switch setups.

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