One PC. Everyone gets a seat.

See every Windows version and what works on it →

1. 1

   Plug everything in

   Before you install, connect a screen, a keyboard and a mouse for each person, all to the same PC.

   • Headsets, speakers, webcams and game controllers work too. Give each person their own.
   • One person can have two or more screens. They work as one extended desktop.

   More: Keyboards, mice and controllers · Sound

2. 2

   Run the installer

   Open the file you downloaded. The installer checks your PC first: your Windows version, your graphics card, your screens and Windows' security settings.

   • Accept the license agreement and click Install.
   • It makes a Windows restore point first. Leave that ticked.
   • Installing needs nothing in the BIOS, and Secure Boot stays on. Setup turns Memory Integrity off while Hydra is installed and puts it back when you remove it.
   • At the end, click Set up seats to open the panel.
   
3. 3

   Set up the seats

   The Seats page lists every screen, keyboard, mouse, controller and sound device on your PC. Hydra is still off, so take your time.

   • Drag each keyboard, mouse and controller onto its seat.
   • Not sure which one is which? Press a key or move the mouse, and it lights up in the panel.
   • Identify screens puts a letter on every monitor, so you know which screen is which.
   • Set up on a seat walks you through it one device at a time. Add seat makes another.

   More: Seats · Screens · Identify screens

   
4. 4

   Turn it on and start your trial

   Click Turn on. The first time, Hydra asks you to start your free trial.

   • Enter your email. We send you a 6-digit code: type it in.
   • Every feature is yours for 7 days. No card, nothing to pay.
   • One restart to finish setup: choose now or at the next restart. Your seats start after it.
   • Have a license key already? Enter it instead of starting the trial.

   More: Turning it off and on

   
5. 5

   Everyone signs in

   After the restart, every screen shows its own Windows sign-in. Each person signs in with their own account, and all of you use the PC at the same time.

   • Each person gets their own desktop, apps, files and game saves.
   • Need another account? Add it in Windows Settings, under Accounts.
   • Seats you change later in the panel apply at once, with no restart.

   More: Sign-in, lock and switch user