Microsoft Power Toys

Question

As instructed by microsoft, I am running my laptop as the admin. Following all the steps, I am not able to connect my mouse to my tablet so I can move my mouse without borders.

Answer 1

Dear Jaime Rivera, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand how inconvenient it can be when you’re trying to use Mouse Without Borders to move your cursor between devices, but the connection won’t complete. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in both the AI generated answer and the Independent Advisor’s answer on your thread. Those replies typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down and provide the next step, could you please share a bit more information? 

• What operating system of both devices? (Windows 10/11 vs. Android/iPadOS)  
• What are the brand and model of both devices (your laptop and your tablet)? 
• Is Microsoft PowerToys installed on the tablet, and is “Mouse Without Borders” enabled on the tablet as well? 
• Are both devices connected to the same Wi‑Fi/LAN network, and what is the setting for “Same subnet only” (On/Off)? 
• In Mouse Without Borders, what status color/state do you see while trying to connect (e.g., Connecting / InvalidKey / Timeout / Error / Connected)?  

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

1. Confirm the device requirements 

• Please confirm the tablet is a Windows device that can run PowerToys if the tablet is not Windows (for example, Android/iPadOS), Mouse Without Borders won’t be able to connect to it. 

2. Verify network/subnet settings 

• Ensure both devices are connected to the same network during initial setup.  
• Check the “Same subnet only” option. If enabled, it restricts connections to the same intranet/subnet. 

3. Add the firewall rule from within PowerToys 

• In Mouse Without Borders settings, select “Add a firewall rule for Mouse Without Borders” on both devices, then try again. 

4. Refresh connections and capture the status 

• Select Refresh connections in Mouse Without Borders settings and re-test.  

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help you get Mouse Without Borders connected so the cursor can move seamlessly between your laptop and tablet. Wishing you a smooth setup experience and a more streamlined workflow once the devices are linked. 

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Answer 2

Hi, I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.
What is the operational system on your tablet?
Did you install PowerToys or Mouse Without Borders on the tablet?

Answer 3

To use Mouse Without Borders to control a tablet from a laptop, both devices must:

1. Be running Windows with PowerToys (including Mouse Without Borders) installed.
2. Be on the same network (same intranet/subnet if that setting is enabled).

Then configure Mouse Without Borders as follows:

1. On the laptop (first computer):
   • Open PowerToys Settings → Mouse Without Borders.
   • Select New key to generate a security key.
   • Note the Security key and the Local machine's host name.
2. On the tablet (second computer):
   • Install and open PowerToys → Mouse Without Borders.
   • In the connection section, enter:
     • The Security key generated on the laptop.
     • The computer name (host name) of the laptop.
   • Select Connect.
3. After a successful connection:
   • In Mouse Without Borders settings, use Device layout to arrange the laptop and tablet positions.
   • Move the mouse to the edge of the laptop screen in the direction of the tablet; the pointer should cross over.

If the connection fails:

1. Verify network and key:
   • Ensure both laptop and tablet are connected to the same network.
   • Confirm the security key and host name are typed exactly as shown.
2. Check firewall:
   • In Mouse Without Borders settings, select Add a firewall rule for Mouse Without Borders.
3. Check status colors:
   • Use the status color indicator to see where the connection fails (for example, InvalidKey is brown, Timeout is pink, Error is red, Connected is green).
4. Refresh or retry:
   • Use Refresh connections in Mouse Without Borders settings.

If the tablet is not a Windows device that can run PowerToys (for example, iPadOS or Android), Mouse Without Borders cannot connect to it.

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References:

• Mouse Without Borders
• PowerToys running with administrator permissions