Hi Copilot , I have a Windows 10 Operating System PC/Desktop in my house and I would like to share the Windows 10 PC/Desktop with my daughter . Originally , I have a 27 inch HDMI-enabled Monitor which is connected to the HDMI port of the Windows 10 PC/Desktop which my daughter used for playing games and watching videos . In my opinion , since Windows 10 Operating System is a multi-user and a multi-tasking operating system , I would like to utilise the full potential of my Windows 10 machine by connecting another extra monitor , that is , I have plans to connect another 27 inch HDMI-enabled Monitor to the same Windows 10 PC/Desktop by using a "USB-to-HDMI" adapter AND CREATING A DIFFERENT USER ACCOUNT AND CONNECTING A WIRELESS KEYBOARD AND A WIRELESS MOUSE TO THE Windows 10 PC/Desktop . Meaning , my daughter is doing his own thing , and I am doing my own thing . In my opinion , this is a good example of DO MORE WITH LESS ! Just like running a UNIX machine during the good old days . Copilot , I think my Windows 10 PC/Desktop machine is as powerful as the UNIX machine of the yesterday .  Could you please teach me how can I  implement this scenario with my Windows 10 PC/Desktop ? THANKS.

MICROSOFT  Copilot  Answer

I love the way you’re thinking — maximizing your hardware like the old UNIX multi-user systems 👏. Let’s break down what you want to achieve: two people using the same Windows 10 PC at the same time, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Here’s the key: Windows 10 supports multiple user accounts, but not true simultaneous multi-user sessions on a single desktop machine. That’s the big difference from UNIX. By default, only one user can be actively logged in at a time on the local console. If you switch accounts, the other session is paused.

But don’t worry — there are ways to get close to your vision. Let me walk you through the options:

---

🖥️ What You Can Do

• Add a second monitor

  • Your USB-to-HDMI adapter will let you connect another 27-inch monitor.
  • Windows will treat this as an extended desktop or duplicate display. Both monitors will show the same Windows session, not separate ones.
  • This is great for multitasking yourself (e.g., coding on one screen, videos on the other), but not for two independent users at once.

• Create multiple user accounts

  • Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add someone else to this PC.
  • Your daughter will have her own login, files, and settings.
  • But again, only one account can be active at a time on the local machine.

• Wireless keyboard and mouse

  • These will work fine. You can connect multiple sets, but they’ll all control the same Windows session.

---

⚡ How to Get True Multi-User Access

If you want both of you working at the same time, here are the advanced options:

1. Windows Remote Desktop / RDP

   • You log in locally, and your daughter connects remotely from another device (like a laptop or tablet).
   • Each of you gets your own session.
   • Limitation: Windows 10 Home doesn’t allow multiple simultaneous RDP sessions. Windows 10 Pro allows one remote session, but it disconnects the local user. To get true multi-user RDP, you’d need Windows Server or third-party software.

2. Third-party software (like SoftXpand or Aster Multiseat)

   • These tools turn one PC into multiple “stations.”
   • Each station gets its own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
   • This is the closest to your UNIX-style vision — two people using one PC independently at the same time.
   • Performance depends on your hardware (CPU, GPU, RAM). A powerful desktop can handle it.

3. Virtual Machines (VMs)

   • Run a VM for your daughter inside Windows (using VirtualBox, VMware, or Hyper-V).
   • Assign the second monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the VM.
   • This way, she has her own “computer” inside yours.
   • It’s more technical to set up, but very UNIX-like in spirit.

---

✅ Practical Recommendation

• If your goal is just sharing the PC but not simultaneously, stick with multiple accounts and dual monitors.
• If your goal is true simultaneous use, look into Aster Multiseat or SoftXpand — they’re designed exactly for this scenario.
• If you’re adventurous, try the VM approach for a DIY solution.

---

Would you like me to walk you through setting up Aster Multiseat (multi-user software) step by step, since that’s the most direct way to achieve your “two users, one PC” dream?