can i use dell display manager to control my dell u2722d when it's hooked up to two different computers for kvm?

Diagnosis

The Dell UltraSharp U2722D features an integrated KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch, but many users mistakenly believe that the Dell Display Manager (DDM) software only functions when the monitor is actively displaying the signal from the PC where the software is installed. In reality, DDM communicates with the monitor via the Data Link (DDC/CI) channel, which operates independently of the active video input. This means DDM can send commands to the monitor's internal logic board even while the screen is showing a different PC's desktop. The "disconnect" users feel usually happens because they expect the software to magically switch inputs without the correct communication cable. For DDM to control the KVM and input switching, there must be a physical data path between the PC and the monitor. If you are using a basic HDMI or DisplayPort cable without the accompanying USB upstream cable, DDM will be unable to "see" the monitor's hardware ID, and the KVM control features will be greyed out or non-functional. To confirm this, check the DDM main window; if it says "No supported monitor detected," you have a cabling issue, not a software limitation.

How to Fix It

To enable full KVM control via Dell Display Manager on the U2722D, follow these precise steps to ensure the hardware and software are synced:

1. Establish the Data Link: Connect PC1 using a USB-C cable (which handles both video and data) and connect PC2 using a DisplayPort/HDMI cable PLUS the USB-B to USB-A upstream cable. Without the USB upstream cable on PC2, DDM cannot send KVM commands from that machine.
2. Install DDM on Both Machines: Download and install the latest version of Dell Display Manager on both computers. While you can control the monitor from one, installing it on both allows for "Easy Arrange" and brightness presets specific to each OS.
3. Configure the Input Manager: Open DDM and navigate to the Input Manager tab on the left-hand sidebar.
4. Assign KVM Pairs: In the KVM section, you will see a grid. Assign "PC1" to the USB-C input and "PC2" to the HDMI or DisplayPort input. Ensure the "USB" column matches the "Video" column for each PC.
5. Set the Hotkey: In the Input Manager settings, define a keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + K). This allows you to trigger the KVM switch instantly without touching the monitor's physical joystick.
6. Enable Auto-Switching: If you want the monitor to jump to a PC as soon as it wakes from sleep, toggle the Auto Select option within the monitor's On-Screen Display (OSD) menu under Input Source.

If That Didn't Work

• Check DDC/CI Settings: Enter the monitor's physical OSD menu using the joystick on the back. Navigate to Others and ensure DDC/CI is set to Enable. If this is off, the monitor will ignore all commands sent by DDM regardless of the cables used.
• USB Hub Conflict: If you have a USB hub plugged into the monitor's downstream ports, try disconnecting it. Some high-power peripherals can cause interference on the USB upstream path, leading DDM to lose connection with the monitor.
• Driver Refresh: Completely uninstall DDM, restart the computer, and reinstall. If you are using a laptop with a docking station, try plugging the USB-C cable directly into the laptop's Thunderbolt port rather than through the dock to rule out signal attenuation.
• Update Firmware: Check the Dell Support site for U2722D firmware updates. Early versions of the U2722D firmware had intermittent "handshake" issues where the KVM would fail to switch when triggered by DDM.

Heads Up

• USB-C Power Delivery: Remember that the USB-C port on the U2722D provides power delivery. If your laptop is not charging, check the "USB-C Prioritization" setting in the OSD; switching from "High Resolution" to "High Data Speed" can affect how the KVM handles bandwidth.
• Peripheral Compatibility: The KVM switch works best with standard HID (Human Interface Device) keyboards and mice. Specialized gaming peripherals with proprietary wireless dongles may occasionally fail to switch; in these cases, plug the dongle into the monitor's USB-A port rather than the PC.
• Wake-on-LAN: If you use the DDM hotkey to switch to a PC that is in "Sleep" mode, the monitor may briefly show "No Signal" before the PC wakes up. This is normal behavior and not a software glitch.