Weird 'Link keyboard and mouse to' problem - can use MacBook to control 2017 iMac when started from internal disc but not from SSD????

[madeirabhoy]

This is a very weird problem. Never tried 'Link keyboard and mouse to' but with a MacBook its a very useful tool. I have a M2 MBA running 14.4 which is my daily computer for internet, email, wee bit of work, football manager, and a 2017 27" iMac running 13.6.4 thats more of an ornament. However on trying Link... it's brilliant. its. a lot like having two screens but the differences are as much positive as negative.


I recently got MacOS working on my old SSD which is a thunderbolt 1 going into an adaptor into the iMac. im not really Sure whether it's quicker but I prefer it.

However, 'link...' iMac only appears as an option on my MBA if the iMac is started up from the internal drive. when its started up from SSD then only the tv and iPad appear as options.

why would it make any difference given both installations are 13.6.4?

 

[chrfr]

This is a very weird problem. Never tried 'Link keyboard and mouse to' but with a MacBook its a very useful tool. I have a M2 MBA running 14.4 which is my daily computer for internet, email, wee bit of work, football manager, and a 2017 27" iMac running 13.6.4 thats more of an ornament. However on trying Link... it's brilliant. its. a lot like having two screens but the differences are as much positive as negative.


I recently got MacOS working on my old SSD which is a thunderbolt 1 going into an adaptor into the iMac. im not really Sure whether it's quicker but I prefer it.

However, 'link...' iMac only appears as an option on my MBA if the iMac is started up from the internal drive. when its started up from SSD then only the tv and iPad appear as options.

why would it make any difference given both installations are 13.6.4?

You need both startup disks signed into your Apple ID, which may cause some weird behavior in itself.
Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support

Make sure that you meet all the "additional requirements" down at the bottom of the page.

 

[madeirabhoy]

You need both startup disks signed into your Apple ID, which may cause some weird behavior in itself.
Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse between Mac and iPad - Apple Support

Make sure that you meet all the "additional requirements" down at the bottom of the page.

sorry for the late reply, didn't have time to investigate til now. Definitely doesnt work, both startup discs signed in as me, both exactly same versions, both have all the same settings. Only difference is ones on an external SSD and the other is on the internal Fusion Drive. the latter works fine, the former doesnt. weird.