Member Avatar for Tammy_2

How can I connect my new Win 10 PC and my old Win 8 PC together to 1 monitor, all to my Direct Tv router that I use to connect my wireless gadgets?

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Two practical approaches fit this situation: a hardware switch to share the monitor/keyboard/mouse, or using the home network to control one PC from the other. The DirectTV router just gives both machines network access — it does not handle video. noted the remote-control route and mentioned KVMs; below are concrete checks and practical tips to choose between them.

Hardware route (single physical console): pick a KVM when the goal is one keyboard/mouse plus one monitor that follow whichever PC is active. Match the KVM to the monitor resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and to the actual video connectors on each PC and the monitor (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA). Note that an HDMI or DP video switch only swaps video (and sometimes audio); it does not switch USB for keyboard/mouse unless it explicitly includes USB. When ports differ, use the right adapter — DisplayPort-to-HDMI may need DP++ or an active converter to work reliably. Cheap KVM/switches can introduce lag or fail at high refresh rates, so check specs before buying.

Network route (no extra video hardware): connect both PCs to the DirectTV router by Ethernet or Wi-Fi and use remote-access software. Built-in Remote Desktop works when the host OS edition supports it; otherwise use TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop (these work across Windows editions and through NAT without manual port-forwarding). For best responsiveness, prefer wired Ethernet, enable firewall rules for the chosen app, and consider assigning static local IPs or DHCP reservations for stable LAN access. For simple file transfer, enable Windows file sharing (SMB) and network discovery.

Quick checklist: identify each PC video output and the monitor inputs; try the monitor input-select button before buying anything; decide if a single physical console (buy a KVM matched to ports/resolution) or remote control over the router (use a remote app and wired LAN) better matches the workflow.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

The goal here is unclear. Sometimes folk want both PCs to show at the same time on one monitor. That can be done by going headless on one of the PCs and then using a remote contol app like VNC to show the other PC's screen in the PC connected to the one monitor.

Others may use another video connection to the (unknown make, model) monitor and select which PC to show with a "select input" button on the monitor.

How you do this depends on your needs and skills and what the monitor and PCs have for video connections.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

We used to use a KVM switch to use one monitor/mouse/keyboard on multiple servers. Staples has one for $35.

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