--- title: DisplaySwitcher slug: displayswitcher docTags: createdAt: 2025-03-25T20:01:47.451Z --- ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/tvjnTbvykKs5DCLAhfRud-ikIsnPNSlBb4HC1X2Ml0j-20250620-174546.png" size="28" width="256" height="256" position="center" darkWidth="256" darkHeight="256" showCaption="false"} Switch your monitor’s video input and seamlessly transfer text and files! A Linux/macOS/Windows Desktop Application. :::CtaButton{label="Videos and Screenshots" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/channels/cTeTYOV0Gn" openInNewTab="true"} ::: # Installation Instructions ## Download Installer The installers automatically update themselves, so these are always the most current versions. The DisplaySwitcher application also automatically updates itself, so it too will always be at the most current version. [Linux](https://updates.nebulasoftware.com/Linux/DisplaySwitcher/Install_DisplaySwitcher.sh) [Mac](https://updates.nebulasoftware.com/Mac/DisplaySwitcher/Install_DisplaySwitcher.dmg) (Apple Silicon only) [Windows](https://updates.nebulasoftware.com/Windows/DisplaySwitcher/Install_DisplaySwitcher.exe) ## Linux ### Requirements While only officially tested on Ubuntu Linux, DisplaySwitcher should work on virtually any 64-bit Linux distribution from the past 5+ years that uses the x86\_64 ("amd64") architecture, including: - Ubuntu 18.04 and newer - Debian 10 and newer - Linux Mint - Pop!\_OS - Fedora - Arch Linux - Manjaro - Zorin OS - Elementary OS - openSUSE - ...and others **Monitor with DDC/CI support **[\[What is DDC/CI?\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_Data_Channel) - External monitors must support **DDC/CI** over the active connection (DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.) - Most modern monitors support DDC/CI, but some may require it to be **enabled in monitor settings** - USB-to-HDMI adapters or docking stations often block DDC/CI (YMMV). **User must have permission to access I²C devices** DDC/CI communication is done via /dev/i2c-\*. On many distros, this requires: - Running as root or adding the user to the `i2c` group, then log off and back on. `sudo adduser $USER i2c` To make this permission permanent and avoid needing `sudo` after each reboot, add a `udev` rule and restart your system. Save this file as `/etc/udev/rules.d/90-ddc-i2c.rules`. :::BlockQuote KERNEL=="i2c-\[0-9]\*", GROUP="i2c", MODE="0660" ::: - **X11 or Wayland** Under Wayland, some display servers may block low-level hardware access. If DDC/CI doesn't work, try switching to an X11 session. ### Uninstall The installer automatically replaces previous installations, so you don't ever need to uninstall, unless you want to stop using DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiil7nlT9G" openInNewTab="true"} ::: :::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Open a terminal. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/3qN-8Nv01g_5-_On352iS_image.png) ::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Go to the installation location. :::BlockQuote cd /opt/DisplaySwitcher ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Optionally list the files in the directory. :::BlockQuote ls -al ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Run the uninstaller. :::BlockQuote ./uninstall ::: :::: :::WorkflowBlockItem It will ask for your `root` (`sudo`) password. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/xh9KCkHeaOvA74bXOWmi6_image.png) ::: ::::: ### Install The installer, `Install_DisplaySwitcher.sh`, is a self-extracting script file. It must have its executable bit set to be able to run it. It must be run as the `root` user. Here is how to launch the installer. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiilsnlT9P" openInNewTab="true"} ::: :::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Open a Terminal. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/3qN-8Nv01g_5-_On352iS_image.png) ::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Go to the location where you downloaded `Install_DisplaySwitcher.sh`. :::BlockQuote cd \~/Desktop ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Optionally list the files in the directory. :::BlockQuote ls -al ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem 4\. Set the executable bit on `Install_DisplaySwitcher.sh`. Note that the filename is case sensitive. Terminal allows you to press the `TAB` key to complete the typing of a filename for you. For example, type `chmod +x ./I` and then press `TAB` and your terminal prompt text will change to `chmod +x ./Install_DisplaySwitcher.sh`. :::BlockQuote chmod +x ./Install\_DisplaySwitcher.sh ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Optionally list the files in the directory. :::BlockQuote ls -al ::: :::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Run the installer. Again, type `./I` and then `TAB` to finish the typing for you. :::BlockQuote ./Install\_DisplaySwitcher.sh ::: :::: :::WorkflowBlockItem It will ask for your `root` (`sudo`) password. ::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem After the installer user interface closes, and the terminal prompt is ready again, delete the installer because it is no longer needed. :::BlockQuote rm ./Install\_DisplaySwitcher.sh ::: ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/tvjnTbvykKs5DCLAhfRud-HeGTGTiAGRsyjd8Fq025n-20250705-183408.png) :::: ::::: ### How to Pin to Dash Linux has an Application Icon area called "Dash". You may pin DisplaySwitcher to Dash to make it easier to launch DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiDcnlOzN" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Run DisplaySwitcher. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/XAWFrQsN17o4Q1QS-1fag_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Right click DisplaySwitcher application icon on the Linux Dash and choose `Pin to Dash` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/R7-8PvSMUM4SRPAUgd0Os_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem If you want to remove DisplaySwitcher from the Dash, right click and choose `Unpin` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/d4KGio_eooCv498s9Hv-2_image.png) ::: :::: ### Enable/Disable Run at Logon After running the installer, DisplaySwitcher is automatically set to run when you logon to Linux. You may disable that in Linux Startup Applications. Note that if you uninstall and reinstall, the last state you made to Run at Logon , Desktop Icon, and Show Apps are preserved. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiDDnlOg6" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Click `Show Apps`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/WWHCSi17Y0hjNr5xA3AVb_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Select `Startup Applications`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/igtnbhihNEY3RICxjzTy2_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Uncheck DisplaySwitcher. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/QMmcLfeNVAzOvA2Es8leJ_image.png) ::: :::: ## Mac ### Requirements DisplaySwitcher requires macOS 11.0 Big Sur or later on Apple Silicon Macs (arm64). (Not available for Intel CPU based Macs.) “Not sure which version you’re running? See this chart of macOS version names and numbers: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS\_version\_history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS_version_history) **Monitor with DDC/CI Support \[**[What is DDC/CI?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_Data_Channel)**]** - DisplaySwitcher only works with **external monitors** that support **DDC/CI** over the active connection (USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, etc.) - **Internal MacBook/iMac displays are not supported** - Some monitors require **DDC/CI to be enabled manually** in their on-screen display (OSD) settings - **Apple Silicon notes:** - DDC/CI works best over **DisplayPort or USB-C** - **HDMI may not support DDC/CI** on some Apple Silicon Macs (especially via the built-in HDMI port) - USB-C to HDMI adapters are **frequently unreliable** — direct USB-C or DisplayPort is recommended **Security** - DisplaySwitcher is signed and notarized by Apple for security and compatibility with macOS Gatekeeper. ### Uninstall The installer automatically replaces previous installations, so you don't ever need to uninstall, else you want to stop using DisplaySwitcher. Just dragging `/Applications/DisplaySwitcher` folder to the Trash will leave a few items behind. Run the uninstall to remove that folder plus: - The macOS entry for the Open at Login running of DisplaySwitcher. - The Desktop DisplaySwitcher icon. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiFonlO91" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Using Finder, open `/Applications/DisplaySwitcher` and double click `uninstall.app`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/P-Cu00Wu4Nt1P1UaUFiSs_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem It will ask for your administrator password. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/bt32ZuS4f6DFNl--UvdjW_image.png) ::: :::: ### Install Use the installer, `Install_DisplaySwitcher.dmg`, to install DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiFrnlO97" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Double click the installer's `.dmg` file to open its volume, which shows the actual DisplaySwitcher installer. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/R6soNdeewFLswL5LAO2c2_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Double click the installer in the .dmg's opened volume. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/MBMVTfxcfoh69BjeBSYW3_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem It will ask for your administrator password. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/vJeo5Kv9j2M_ae6-j3vKw_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem While the installer is running, macOS may ask you to grant some permissions by clicking "Allow" when it asks you. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/JaJENdFGAA29UDg1h7xSw_image.png) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/xmF5O70LR8bjUwv6qKDyR_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem After the installer completes, close the .dmg open volume, eject the .dmg volume, delete the .dmg. Dismiss the `Background Items Added` notice. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/eCOjR6NFHFZ42-efZEQyS_image.png) ::: :::: ### How to Keep in Dock macOS has an Application Icon area called the "Dock". You may keep DisplaySwitcher in the Dock to make it easier to launch DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiqGnltQG" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Run DisplaySwitcher. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/I0YeM5Gjnl4KQ7xCIaDTJ_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find DisplaySwitcher application icon on the Dock, right click it, choose `Options > Keep in Dock` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/WtaU2zzwIF3v5H_Tu7qwo_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem If you want to remove it from the Dock, then right click and remove the checkmark from `Options > Keep in Dock`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/hhA7gdS4h7YyRoSvJwSuy_image.png) ::: :::: ### Enable/Disable Open at Login After running the installer, DisplaySwitcher is automatically set to run when you logon to Mac. You may disable that in Mac Settings. Note that if you uninstall and reinstall, the last state you made to enable/disable of open at login is NOT preserved by macOS and you will have to manually disable it again, if you want it disabled. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiYVnltlF" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Open macOS `Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/jBQ8nidt1EVXoLQ0XBuvd_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find `DisplaySwitcher.app` in `Open at Login` and select it. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/UHJasFRP-KnxrioCz7R64_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the small negative sign symbol `-` to remove `DisplaySwitcher.app` from `Open at Login`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/LePoXvSaRmftKSoDrrF2K_image.png) ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/6Y65qKfJ8aNxZRp8m7gxd_image.png) ::: :::: ## Windows ### Requirements DisplaySwitcher requires 64-bit Windows 10 or later on x86\_64 architecture. **Monitor with DDC/CI Support \[**[What is DDC/CI?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_Data_Channel)**]** - DisplaySwitcher only works with **external monitors** that support **DDC/CI** over the active connection (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, etc.) - **Internal laptop displays are not supported** - Some monitors require **DDC/CI to be enabled manually** in their on-screen display (OSD) settings - **Common blockers:** - USB-to-HDMI adapters often block DDC/CI - Some docking stations may interfere with DDC/CI signaling - DisplayPort-to-HDMI converters are unreliable for DDC/CI ### Uninstall The installer automatically replaces previous installations, so you don't ever need to uninstall, else you want to stop using DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTii3lnltuI" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Click Windows `Start` button. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/QP3NS-DdR5dfhZl6OnblY_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Select `Settings` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/LEwAK4bWztpJpsAu14_Rn_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Select `Apps`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/XHkukF9rrwc32IfZafoL8_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Select `Installed Apps`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/O3kcVNgQxPtudWhVadF_7_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the `...` menu to the right of the DisplaySwitcher entry. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/LSQTB9Jj_0fJaL8mLBjub_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Choose the `Uninstall` menu item. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/JMP5iWd5J3_KBgKItfWlB_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the `Uninstall` button. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/JEnMCczY9N7wd7VbHyJm3_image.png) ::: :::: ### Install Use the installer `Install_DisplaySwitcher.exe` to install DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiYznltDu" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Double click the installer .exe file. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/zZiT1mycKhxnOT3Qa4mCd_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem When the installer application finishes, you may then delete `Install_DisplaySwitcher.exe`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/H43S_aEhF2cYPfwdOZS1o_image.png) ::: :::: ### How to Pin to Taskbar Windows has an Application Icon area called the "Taskbar". You may pin DisplaySwitcher to the Taskbar to make it easier to launch DisplaySwitcher. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiYUnltoz" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Run DisplaySwitcher. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/BTuRUpLUIfaayqchl5AEQ_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Right click DisplaySwitcher application icon on the Windows Taskbar and choose `Pin to taskbar` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/DcKmoz68FMhZyijyVTo1k_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem If you want to remove DisplaySwitcher from the Taskbar, right click and choose `Unpin from taskbar` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/HUPXZ0anRsHYCyGT0PIBC_image.png) ::: :::: ### Enable/Disable Run at Logon After running the installer, DisplaySwitcher is automatically set to run when you logon to Windows. You may disable that in Windows Settings. Note that if you uninstall and reinstall, the last state you made to enable/disable of run at logon is preserved by Windows OS. Read instructions below, or watch this demo video. :::CtaButton{label="Video" externalHref="https://videos.nebulasoftware.com/watch/cTiiYEnltbN" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the Windows Start button. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/4sgg2Wu-9EKmlGwsl1lZL_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Choose `Settings` from the menu. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/zUTvsMUe-t-pGuI0O7NkI_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Choose `Apps`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/QNz35ZzMQVync2qrCesLW_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Choose `Startup`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/WlfmbU39v2J4l9l0M604e_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find `DisplaySwitcher.exe` and click the slider to `on`. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/ebSjaGT3v1YfeN0LYlDbY/9dbzZZQeA9shtqGTZTfNb_image.png) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem If you want to stop DisplaySwitcher from running at logon, then click that slider to `off`. ::: ::::