How to Use One USB Dongle on Two Computers: A Practical Guide

Olga Weis • Jan 5, 2026

You may want to use a USB dongle on multiple computers if you work with a licensed software tool that’s protected by the dongle. This means the software will only function if you connect the dongle to the computer. But repeatedly plugging and unplugging is not convenient, plus it may damage the dongle or lead to port wear.

This is why you need a solution that allows you to share a USB dongle between two computers. You can do this in two reliable ways - software-based and hardware-based.

This article tells you how to share a USB dongle between two computers by exploring both the ways, their pros and cons, and how they are a flexible and smarter move.

Table of Contents

How to Share a USB Dongle Between Two PCs Using Software
Hardware Method: How to Share a USB Dongle Using a USB Switch
Comparison: Software vs Hardware Dongle Sharing
Conclusion

Donglify

4.5 rank based on 198 + users

Donglify is a USB sharing hub or software that offers one of the most secure and reliable ways to share a USB between two PCs. This professional tool allows you to access a USB dongle remotely.

Start your free trial today

7-day Trial Cancel anytime
Windows 7/8/10/11, Server 2008 R2/2012/2016/2019/2022/2025, Windows 10/11 on ARM, macOS 10.15+

Already a Donglify user? Sign In →

Get started

Why Donglify?

Here are the benefits of using Donglify:

Set up ease: The software is easy to install, set up, log in, and connect, and requires no extra hardware.
Cross-platform compatibility: Donglify supports macOS and Windows operating systems.
Network Sharing: You can share a USB dongle over the Internet, Wi-Fi, or LAN, without unplugging it.
Multi-Connect: Multiple users can access and use one USB dongle simultaneously.
No Hardware Restrictions: Donglify doesn’t have distance and port limitations, unlike wired dongle hubs.
Durability & Security: Due to the centralized dongle, you don't unplug and replug your USB dongle into different computers. This helps minimize wear and safeguards the device from physical damage.

If this sounds good, get started with Donglify by following this guide thoroughly as we learn how to share a USB dongle between 2 computers in your network (wired or Wi-Fi). The process remains the same for both.

How Donglify Works

With Donglify, when you plug your USB dongle into one computer (host or server), the other computers (clients) can access the dongle over a local network or the internet, as if it’s connected physically to those computers. This way, Donglify essentially creates a virtual connection between computers.

Here’s how to get started with Donglify:

Step 1: Sign Up to Donglify

1

• Sign up to create a Donglify account.

• Next, download the Donglify app and install it on all the computers where you want to access your USB dongle remotely.

Make sure you have installed the Donglify software on the computer where the physical USB dongle device is connected directly. This is also called the device server.

Step 2: Launch Donglify

2

Once the Donglify software is installed, launch it on the server computer. Next, sign in to your account.

Step 3: Look for Available Dongles

3

After you log in, a window will open. Locate the “Plus” icon and click it. It will display all the USB dongles available to be shared.

Step 4: Look for Multi-Connect or Single-Connect

4

Next to the USB dongle you want to share, look for the “Multi-connect” or “Single-connect” icon. Here’s what they mean:

• Multi-connect: It means that several remote computers can share and access a USB dongle simultaneously.

• Single-connect: It means that you can use a shared dongle on one computer at a time.

Step 5: Select a USB Dongle

5

Now, you will need to choose one of the USB dongles that you wish to share. To do this, check the radio button next to the dongle name and click “Share”.

Step 6: Sign in on the client computer

6

Open the Donglify application on a client computer. Sign in with the same account as before.

Step 7: Look for available devices

7

In the Donglify application window, you can see a list of devices available to be connected and shared.

Step 8: Connect with a device

8

Choose one of the devices available and click “Connect”.

Once you hit “Connect”, you can see the shared USB dongle appearing on the remote computer as if it were connected physically to it.

This way, Donglify makes it effortless to access your USB security dongles from anywhere on your network.

For more information, watch this video guide to learn how to share USB dongles without unplugging over a network:

This is how the second computer recognizes the USB dongle as if it were attached physically to the computer.

Note: Donglify also allows you to share your USB dongle with multiple computers simultaneously, based on the license type you have chosen.

You may be interested in related articles

Hardware Method: How to Share a USB Dongle Using a USB Switch

You saw how to share a USB dongle on multiple PCs using Donglify, which is essentially a software-based method. Now, let’s understand how to share USB dongle using USB switch - a hardware-based approach.

A physical USB sharing device, like a USB switch, allows you to connect a dongle to multiple machines and toggle which one of them has control. An example of such a device is SmarterX. It’s reliable and doesn’t need any software. However, these devices have notable limitations:

Expensive: Can cost you USD $675–$1,100 per device
Limited range: Functional within 5–40 meters only
Require manual switching
No support for remote access over the Internet
Lack of user management and encryption
Could physically damage USB ports

Smart Logic is a well-known brand that offers USB switches. It has many models catering specifically to people looking for USB dongle sharing - SmarterX-USB-3, SmarterX-USB-5, and SmarterX-NET.

SmarterX-USB-3

SmarterX-USB-3 is a compact, lightweight USB switch that allows you to share one dongle with a maximum of three devices.

Key Features:

Requires no installation; driverless plug-and-play setup
Supports macOS and Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
Enables simultaneous USB sharing with up to 3 users
Functional up to 5 meters; extensible up to 40 meters with an active USB extension cable
Allows limiting the number of concurrent users (1–3) using a dial switch
Includes three USB A/B cables of 3 meters each
Built-in protection circuits with stainless steel enclosure
Price: US$675
Warranty: 3 years

Note: This device lets you run applications concurrently on up to three computers using a dongle. To abide by license terms, you must set the number of concurrent users to the same as the number of dongles you own legally.

SmarterX-USB-5

SmarterX-USB-5, as the name suggests, is a more advanced model. It supports sharing a dongle with up to 5 devices.

Key Features:

No installation needed; the setup is driverless, plug-and-go
Supports dongle sharing with up to 5 machines
Compatible with macOS and Windows
Functional up to 40 meters with an active USB cable
Includes 5 USB A/B cables of 3 meters each
Protection circuits and stainless steel body
Price: US$1,100
Warranty: 3 years

Note: Keep the number of concurrent users the same as the number of licensed dongles you own.

SmarterX-NET

SmarterX-NET allows you to share a dongle with up to 6 users over a local network. It’s useful in office environments. This device uses a CAT5 cable for connection and provides “virtual copies” of your dongle to multiple machines.

Although more powerful, it costs slightly higher - US$1,045 - US$1,275. Looking at its offerings, it is suitable for enterprise use, and not individual users.

Comparison: Software vs Hardware Dongle Sharing

Are you confused which among the two methods (software-based solution like Donglify or a hardware-based USB switch for dongle sharing) is more suitable for you?

Let’s quickly compare them to help you find the best option based on your needs.

Feature	Donglify	SmarterX-USB-3 / USB-5
Installation	Simple setup	Plug-and-play
Concurrent users	Flexible, depends on license	Fixed (3–5 users)
Distance limit	Unlimited (via Internet)	5–40 meters
Supported OS	Windows & macOS	Windows & macOS
Security	Encrypted tunnel	Physical isolation only
Price	Basic: $27 / month (10 connections, 10 PCs) Advanced: $46 / month (50 connections, 50 PCs, team members) Enterprise: Custom pricing	$675–$1,100 one-time
Maintenance	None	Possible hardware failure
Best for	Remote teams, flexible access	Offline or local environments
License control	Automatic	Manual via dial switch

Note: Donglify also comes with a bonus: a 7-day trial version. The hardware solution lacks this.

Conclusion

If you are looking to share USB license dongle between computers, you don’t have to swap cables endlessly or buy expensive hardware.

Hardware USB switches, such as SmarterX-USB-3 or USB-5, offer a functional offline method of sharing dongles. However, they are costly, lack flexibility, and have a limited range, which makes them less practical for most users. They are more suitable for secure offline environments where internet connectivity is restricted and there’s a need for physical isolation, such as government offices, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities.

That said, software-based solutions, such as Donglify, are more useful and practical for most users, especially individuals, remote teams, or small businesses. These are more flexible and scalable, and save you from expensive hardware costs.

Donglify is the smarter choice for individuals and modern teams seeking speed with security and convenience. It allows you to easily access and share your USB dongle between two or more computers locally or remotely.

Start your free trial today

7-day Trial • Cancel anytime.

Get started

Already a Donglify user? Sign In →

Donglify
/
How to use USB dongle on multiple computers