Question How to configure a KVM switch to not resize the desktops when switching?

[MarkEHansen]

I have two PCs, each with dual displayPorts. I need to use a dual displayport KVM switch to switch my two displayport monitors, usb mouse and usb keyboard between the two PCs.
I purchased a dual DP KVM switch which switches between two PCs and it works for the most part, but it seems it doesn't hold the EDID signal when switched away from a PC, and that PC loses the display info. When I switch back to that PC, there are several problems - mostly having to do with application windows being resized, moved, etc.

I've been reading about EDID emulator pass-through devices, which are supposed to keep the PCs happy when you switch the KVM to the other PC, but I can only find them for HDMI, not DP (with a couple exceptions which are very expensive and state that they don't work on KVM switches).

Is there a way I can configure the current setup to work and hold the EDID signal so the PC's desktops are not munged when I switch?

If I have to purchase a KVM which has built-in EDID emulation/holding (whatever it's called), are there any recommendations?

My set up include:

• PC 1: Dell Laptop with a docking station which provides two DP outputs and USB for keyboard and mouse
• PC 2: A home-build desktop which provides two DP outputs and USB for keyboard and mouse
• 2 Dell 1920x1200 DP monitors
• USB keyboard and mouse
• CKL dual DP KVM switch for 2 hosts.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[jojesa]

That is a common behavior and it is a bit better on Windows 11.
Try pressing the Windows Key + m prior to switching and the Windows Key + Shift + m when you return to that Computer.

When you switch the Display Data Channel (DDC) communication is disrupted when the KVM switch is disconnected or switched between computers. In this case a computer reverts back to its basic display configuration.

To hold the signal you try a a DisplayPort EDID emulator. Connect the emulator between the computer and the DisplayPort KVM Switch to maintains the DDC communication to the computer, thus preventing the computer from reverting to a basic display configuration.

 

[MarkEHansen]

I can't use Windows+m before switching, as my PCs utilize a multi (virtual) desktop switcher application, and I normally have many applications open at a time. When I use Windows+m and the Windows+Shift+m to come back, all the applications are moved to the top virtual desktop - which renders this unusable.

I'm confused by the DisplayPort EDID emulator you're referencing above. It is not a pass-through, but you say "connect it between the computer and the KVM switch". How would that work?

I've found only a couple pass-through DP DTID emulators. They are very expensive and state they will not work with KVM switches.

 

[MarkEHansen]

I'm really hoping to get some help with this. The machines are my home workstation and my corporate laptop - and I need to switch back and forth all the time - and the corp security folks won't let me RDP into the laptop, so KVM is my only option.

If the only option is to get a KVM which supports EDID emulating/holding, are there any recommendations? I have two PCs, each with 2 DisplayPort outputs. I don't need to switch any audio, just the dual displays, mouse and keyboard.

Thanks for any help.

 

[MarkEHansen]

I was looking at the ConnectPro KVM switch UDP2-12AP, which says it included EDID emulation. Does anyone have experience with this? Does it work? It's pretty expensive...