This video explores two essential productivity features in Dell monitors: KVM and auto KVM. KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) allows users to view and work on two PCs using one monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Auto KVM seamlessly switches control to a newly connected PC via USB-C, ideal for hot desking environments.
For more information, take a look at: KVM Setup for Dell Monitors – Ultimate Guide & Tips
In this video, we'll speak about two essential productivity features in Dell monitors, KVM and auto KVM. So what is KVMKVM is an acronym for keyboard, video and mouse.
Modern Dell monitors come built in with the KVM feature. The KVM feature allows users to view and work with content on two P CS using a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. Before we begin setup, ensure that Dell display manager is installed on both P CS and that the P CS are connected to the monitor with Dell display manager. Open click over to the input manager tab.
The input manager tab provides convenient ways for users to manage multiple video inputs that are connected to a Dell monitor and also allows the user to configure KVM functionality in the settings. Select KVM wizard to configure your P CS in a quick four step process.
First select the number of P CS to be connected for KVM, which works with exactly two connected P CS specify two second, select the video input ports and corresponding USB upstream ports connected to each respective PC. Third, customize your partitioning preferences for picture in picture and picture by picture modes.
Select your preferred mode based on your working style. This provides you with flexible layouts on the monitor for the fourth and final step keyboard shortcuts can be assigned for each PC in the input manager menu to enable easy switching between full screen displays on connected PC one and PC two.
For example, with this configuration control alternate two will allow you to switch from PC one to PC two and control alternate one will switch back from PC two to PC one. This is to enable easy switching between full screen displays on the connected pcs. The feature also allows for selection of picture in picture and picture by picture layouts in picture by picture mode.
The two PC screens are positioned beside one another. In contrast picture in picture mode places one screen within the corner of another with either mode content from both P CS can be displayed on the monitor at the same time, streamlining your workflow with the auto switch feature on a 50 50 picture by picture split screen, you can move your mouse cursor to the center of the screens.
This will automatically switch controls over to the second PC and vice versa. You can also assign quick shortcuts for keyboard and mouse controls to switch or even for video swap. Once these are configured, use the shortcuts to easily switch between your connected P CS.
Now let's talk about auto KVM. Auto KVM is an extension of KVM functionality which allows for the automatic detection of a second PC being connected to the monitor via a USB C cable upon detection, auto KVM, seamlessly switches controls over to the latest connected PC.
In the current hybrid workplace hot desking has become commonplace. And as a result of this, we are seeing a trend whereby multiple users each with their own PC devices are splitting time on the same desk at different times throughout the work day. Enter auto KV MA solution which offers users seamless connectivity when working in hot desking environments.
A typical hot desk is set up whereby a monitor is connected to a Dell PC via DP or HDM I alongside a USB upstream cable with auto KVM. In play, all the peripherals on the desk including keyboard and mouse, conferencing, headset and thumb drives can be connected to the monitor.
This allows the monitor to serve as a centralized productivity hub for all connected devices. A USB C cable is also connected to the monitor ready to be connected to the user's laptop with all this set up. Let's see, auto KVM. In action. The first user, Susan likes to start her mornings at a shared workstation.
She logs out after having her lunch break and will resume her workday from home. The next user, Rob arrives at the office after his own lunch break, he decides to use the same workstation but opts to use his own laptop. Rob takes a USB C cable from the monitor and plugs it into his laptop.
Auto KVM automatically detects the system and immediately switches control over to Rob's laptop. The monitor will now display the contents of the newly connected laptop and Rob can get productive right away after Rob is done with his work, he disconnects his laptop and the monitor and controls will switch back over to the original desktop PC.
The same process works for the next user and the next and so on. You can also try enabling the auto restore window layout setting so that even if you disconnect the next time you return your easy arrange partitioning layouts will automatically be restored. In closing both KVM and auto KVM serve a wide range of user types and has a variety of use cases across the spectrum of industries.
KVM, for example, serves design professionals with graphics intensive workloads who desire the flexibility to use both their office and personal devices as well as workers who make heavy use of multi monitor setups involving content that comes from multiple sources such as finance professionals. Meanwhile, auto KVM supports everyday hot desking arrangements with both tower P CS and thin client P CS.
