Barrier lets one keyboard and mouse control other computers on the same local network, with the computer holding the physical keyboard and mouse set as the server and every other computer set as a client.
Check which installation route fits your system
Barrier is available through some distribution repositories and through Flathub, Start with the package manager your distribution supports, then use the same Barrier version family on every computer you plan to connect.
Install Barrier with your package manager
On Ubuntu, Debian, and other distributions that provide the Barrier package, refresh package information and install it with apt, If your repository does not provide Barrier, use the Flathub listing instead of downloading an unverified package from a mirror.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install barrier
The apt command retrieves the package and its dependencies from configured repositories, If you need help checking repositories or interpreting package output, see the apt command reference.
This installation screen is useful only after the package manager reports that Barrier is installed, Open Barrier from your applications menu on each computer that will participate.
Choose the server computer
The server is the computer whose keyboard and mouse you will use, Every other computer is a client, and all machines must be able to reach one another over the local network.
Launching Barrier opens its connection settings, Use the same network segment where possible, then confirm each machine can identify its local address with these Linux IP address commands.
The welcome screen leads to the role selection, Choose Server only on the machine with the attached keyboard and mouse.
Choose Client on each computer you want to control from the server, A client needs the server address, not its own address.
Map client screens on the server
On the server, open Configure Server and place each client screen where it sits around your main display, The layout decides which edge you cross to move the pointer onto a client.
The server settings identify the host machine and expose the screen layout control, A mismatched layout does not prevent the connection, but it makes pointer movement feel wrong.
Add a screen for every client and use its Barrier screen name, Keep the positions aligned with your desk so the pointer leaves the expected edge.
Connect each client
On every client, enter the server computer’s local IP address and start Barrier, The client connects to the server, so the server address must stay reachable while the session is active.
- Start Barrier on the server and confirm its screen layout.
- Start Barrier on one client and enter the server’s local IP address.
- Move the pointer across the configured edge to test keyboard and mouse control.
- Repeat for each additional client.
If a client cannot connect, verify that both computers are on the same network and that the address is current, The ip command can show the active address, while Linux networking basics explain interface names and local addressing.
Use the right desktop session
Barrier needs access to desktop input, If your desktop session prevents pointer sharing, confirm whether you are using Xorg or Wayland and check the session options before changing Barrier settings.
The Xorg installation guide explains the X Window System components that desktop applications use, If you are also choosing a desktop stack, compare a desktop environment and window manager before adding another display component.
Verify the setup
You are finished when the pointer crosses from the server display onto a client at the configured edge and keyboard input follows it, Test clipboard sharing separately because network policy and desktop permissions can affect it.
Keep the server’s address handy for future client connections, If the address changes after reconnecting to Wi-Fi or a different network, update the client configuration and test again.