Mac software KVM

A software KVM for Macs with no fixed controller.

BoltKVM lets two trusted Macs share keyboard, pointer, button, and scroll control across your existing displays. Either Mac can hand control to the other. It runs over your local network and does not stream either screen.

See the real app Check requirements

Direction

Either Mac

Displays

Native, not streamed

Network

Local and encrypted

macOS

14 or later

What a software KVM does on a two-Mac desk.

KVM means keyboard, video, and mouse. A hardware KVM switches physical video and USB connections. BoltKVM takes a narrower software approach: each Mac keeps driving its own displays while the input destination follows the display boundary you cross.

Bidirectional control, not a permanent host and client

There is no permanently controlling Mac. After both Macs are paired and trusted, either one can send control to the other through an aligned display edge or use the configured Quick Switch shortcut.

Multiple displays stay where they belong

Arrange the other Mac's display group to match the physical desk. BoltKVM uses only the boundaries you align; it does not change the macOS display arrangement or combine remote pixels into one virtual screen.

Clipboard and files move only when you choose

Send supported clipboard content in either direction and explicitly transfer one regular file. BoltKVM does not run automatic clipboard history, silent background synchronization, folder transfer, or drag-and-drop file batches.

Software KVM, hardware KVM, or remote desktop?

The right tool depends on what you want to move between computers.

Approach	What moves	Best fit
BoltKVM	Keyboard, pointer, scroll, explicit clipboard content, and one file	Two Macs with their own visible displays on one desk
Hardware KVM	Physical video and USB connections	One monitor or input set physically switched between computers
Remote desktop	A streamed or encoded view of another desktop	Seeing and operating a computer whose display is elsewhere

Explore the parts of the workflow.

Software KVM for Mac FAQ.

Does BoltKVM replace my monitor connection?

No. Every display remains physically connected to and rendered by its own Mac. BoltKVM shares input control rather than video.

Do both Macs need the same Apple Account?

No. The two apps pair directly and both people at the desk approve the same short verification code.

Can either Mac take control?

Yes. Control is bidirectional between the selected trusted pair; there is no fixed master or permanently controlling Mac.

Does it work when a Mac is locked or sleeping?

Ordinary-lock input is a restricted opt-in capability. Waking uses an explicit Reconnect and depends on the target Mac and network wake prerequisites. BoltKVM cannot bypass FileVault or control a shut-down Mac.

Keep both Macs in reach.

Review permissions and network requirements before installing BoltKVM on both Macs.

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