KVM switch setup in Exeter
Professional kvm switch setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
KVM switch set up so you can control multiple computers from one keyboard, screen, and mouse. I'll connect everything properly, configure the settings, and show you how to switch between machines.
One Desk, Multiple Computers, Zero Faff
Got a work laptop and a personal PC? Maybe a Mac and a Windows machine? Stop shuffling keyboards and turning around to different screens. A KVM switch lets you control all of them from one keyboard, one screen, one mouse. Press a button, switch machines, done.
But only if it actually works.
💡 Pro tip: KVM switches range from £30 cheapies that barely work to £300+ broadcast-quality units. Most people need something in the middle - I can advise what'll work for your setup before you buy.
Why It's Trickier Than It Looks
Here's what I sort out on most KVM setups:
| ✅ Proper Setup | ❌ Common Problems |
|---|---|
| Switch between PCs with one button | Keyboard works on one PC but not others |
| All screens at full resolution | Fuzzy display or wrong aspect ratio |
| USB devices work on all machines | Mouse laggy or not recognized |
| Hotkeys programmed for quick switching | Can't remember the button combination |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Plan setup | Check which KVM type you need, what cables required |
| Connect everything | All computers to switch, switch to screen/keyboard/mouse |
| Configure displays | Get resolution right for each computer |
| Test & teach | Make sure switching works smoothly, show you the controls |
📦 You're Left With
- Button-press switching between computers
- One clean workspace (not two desks)
- Proper cable management
- Confidence using it all
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-computer setup | 1 hr | £60 |
| 3-4 computers or complex setup | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Troubleshooting existing setup | 1-2 hrs | £60-£110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Hybrid worker - work laptop and personal PC on same desk
✅ Freelancer - client machine separate from personal stuff
✅ Tech enthusiast - multiple systems, one workspace
✅ Small office - shared workspace for different computers
Why Choose Us for KVM switch setup in Exeter?
Switch between computers with one button
Share keyboard, screen, mouse across all PCs
Clean desk with no device duplication
Proper cable management included
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Look at your computers, screen, and peripherals. Make sure we've got the right KVM switch type and all needed cables.
Step 2: Connect Everything
Wire up all computers to the switch, switch to your screen and input devices. Route cables tidily so you know what's what.
Step 3: Configure & Test
Set up display settings for each computer, test switching, program any hotkeys. Make sure everything works smoothly when you switch machines.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to try it yourself? Here's what you're in for:
🔧 What you'll need
- KVM switch (right type for your setup)
- Video cables for each computer (HDMI/DisplayPort/USB-C)
- USB cables for each computer (usually USB-A or USB-B)
- Power cable for the KVM (some are bus-powered)
🖥️ Choosing the right KVM
- 2-port for 2 computers, 4-port for up to 4 (don't buy more ports than you need)
- Match video type: HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C
- Check maximum resolution supported matches your screen
- USB 3.0 if you need fast data transfer (external drives etc)
🔌 Connecting it up
- Power off all computers first
- Connect video cables from each PC to KVM inputs
- Connect USB cables from each PC to KVM USB ports
- Connect your screen to KVM output
- Connect keyboard/mouse to KVM
- Power on KVM, then power on computers
📺 Getting displays right
- Each computer needs display settings configured
- Set resolution to match your screen's native resolution
- Some KVMs emulate an EDID (display info) so computers stay at right resolution when switched away
- Cheaper KVMs might reset resolution when you switch - that's just how they are
⚠️ Common DIY problems
- Keyboard not working after switch - often needs USB re-enumeration, try unplugging/replugging
- Mouse laggy - some KVMs introduce latency, especially cheap ones
- Screen goes black when switching - normal for a second, but shouldn't stay black
- Hotkeys not working - check manual, they're different for every brand
💡 Pro trick: Label each computer's input port on the KVM with tape. When troubleshooting, you'll thank yourself for knowing which cable is which.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Buying a KVM? Don't buy based on Amazon reviews - they're full of people who don't understand what they're reviewing. Call me first, I'll tell you what'll actually work for your setup.
Need extra USB ports? Some KVMs have USB hubs built in, some don't. If you're sharing peripherals like printers or external drives, check the USB port count before buying.
Mac + PC setup? Macs can be fussy about keyboard switching. Some KVMs work better than others with Macs - I'll advise before you buy, or get your existing one working properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a KVM switch and why would I need one?
KVM stands for Keyboard, Video, Mouse. It's a box that lets you control multiple computers from one set of keyboard, screen, and mouse. Press a button, you're on your work laptop. Press again, you're on your personal PC. Brilliant if you work from home and don't want two of everything cluttering your desk.
Will it work with my mix of computers?
Usually yes - most KVM switches work with any mix of Windows, Mac, Linux. The important bit is making sure the switch has the right video connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C) for your specific computers and screen. I'll check compatibility before starting.
Can you set it up so my wireless keyboard and mouse work with all computers?
Yes - that's one of the main benefits. Your wireless keyboard/mouse connects to the KVM switch, and the switch connects to each computer. When you switch computers, your keyboard and mouse switch too. Much better than having multiple sets cluttering your desk.
I've bought a KVM switch but can't get it working properly - can you help?
That's most of my KVM calls! They're fiddly - display settings, USB compatibility, hotkey sequences. Often the box says 'plug and play' but reality is more complicated. I'll get it working smoothly and show you how to switch between computers.
How long does setup take?
Straightforward setup is about an hour. If we need to update firmware or troubleshoot compatibility issues, could be 1.5 hours. I don't leave until it's all working and you're comfortable switching between machines.
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