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What is HP Device Bridge 2.0?
Linsey Knerl
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June 3, 2024
Consumers use more apps than ever before, with many of us finishing work projects on one device while gaming or listening to music on another. Solutions that exist to blend these functions include working with devices spaced close together or setting up multiple monitors.
However, “more” doesn’t always mean “better.” As we bounce from one screen to another, we can lose focus and productivity. HP Device Bridge 2.0 has created a way to do more from one single workspace, even when incorporating the power of multiple PCs or Mac computers.
Here’s what you can expect from this powerful software support technology and why now is the best time to make the upgrade.
What is HP Device Bridge?
The HP Device Bridge 2.0 technology is a software solution that enables you to work across two connected computers or devices with a single keyboard and mouse. It works with computers running either macOS or Windows OS and uses USB cables to link up the hardware. With HP Device Bridge 2.0 enabled, sharing files between devices is seamless, and you can even choose to work from a single monitor if you choose.
Key features of HP Device Bridge
The biggest perk of the HP Device Bridge 2.0 technology is a focused work experience. Currently, using two computers at once requires you to have a separate workstation for each. You would use two keyboards, two mouse devices, and possibly even two monitors. Even with these devices set side-by-side, you would need to stop your work to move to the other device. It's inefficient and requires twice the accessories to get work done.
With HP Device Bridge 2.0, you can also share files easily. Rather than email from Device #1 to Device #2 or using clumsy USB thumb drives, you can simply initiate a file transfer.
The devices are connected through a physical connection to each other and the monitor(s). They are managed by the HP Device Bridge 2.0 software. This creates a secure environment for file and data transfers that are more discreet than direct sharing over Bluetooth or WiFi networks. Permissions for file transfer can be revoked at any time.
How to use HP Device Bridge 2.0
Once the setup is complete, using the HP Device Bridge 2.0 feature is rather self-explanatory. To get started using HP Device Bridge 2.0, follow these steps:
1. DECIDE IF YOU WILL USE ONE OR TWO MONITORS.
HP Device Bridge 2.0 lets you work with two PCs on one or two monitors. You may also choose to work with a single, compatible monitor, like the HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor. Which option you choose will determine how many cords you need and the configuration of your workstation.
2. CONNECT BOTH DEVICES TO A MONITOR.
If computers don't use a USB Type-C connection, you can use a USB Type-C to USB Type-A data cable or Thunderbolt cable. This will only share data and will not share audio-visual information, however. You can also use an HDMI/DP plus a USB-A to USB-C connection for each PC you're trying to connect to a monitor. To get the monitor to work, connect an additional HDMI or DisplayPort connection to each device. More information is available on our Device Bridge 2.0 support page.
3. DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL HP DEVICE BRIDGE 2.0.
Both of the devices will need the software installed before you can proceed. If you don’t already have the HP Display Center app installed on your device, download it from the Windows App Store.
For Windows computers, open the App and click on the Device Bridge tab. Click Install Now. Then, go to the HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads page and choose your product or have the system detect it. Download the Device Bridge 2.0 software from the website and install it according to the onscreen directions.
For macOS computers, go to the HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads page and use the automatic device detection option. When prompted, select "Choose a different OS" and choose your version of macOS. Download the Device Bridge 2.0 software from Software-Solutions and install it according to the onscreen directions. To check if Device Bridge 2.0 is working, Apple users will receive a popup menu, as opposed to the landing page that Windows users see.
4. SET UP SHARING ON EACH MONITOR.
Each monitor needs settings enabled to share data. Use your monitor's onscreen display (OSD) settings to:
- Set the PbP to On
- Enable the Device Bridge Data Transfer setting
- Change the USB-C Configuration setting to the one with “+ USB 3.0”. You can find this setting under Input.
- Pick the resolution that works best with each computer.
5. CHANGE FIREWALL SETTINGS.
The HP Device Bridge 2.0 software cannot send data between devices without the firewall disabled. To do this, go to the Settings section in HP Device Bridge 2.0, and select the Disable file transfer option.
You are now ready to start enjoying the benefits of HP Device Bridge 2.0.
The benefits of using HP Device Bridge 2.0
It’s impractical to work from just one computer. We might have a device for work and a device for home or need one for gaming and one for running our 3D printer with design software. Or, multiple team members may have their own devices but want to collaborate at different points during the workweek.
Whatever the reason for wanting to bring two devices together for one work session, the HP Device Management software simplifies the process.
For example, suppose you want to use two separate HP ZBook laptops to coordinate the design of a new consumer electronic product. You have used one laptop to create the technical specs, electronic schematics, and 3D prototyping. You have all marketing materials, consumer testing feedback, and product design revisions on a second device. Now, you want to access files from both devices in work sessions with your teammates.
You could continue working from two devices, along with separate keyboards, mice, and monitors, or you could use the HP Device Bridge 2.0 to reduce the back-and-forth.
With an HP E45c G5 DQHD Curved Monitor that's big enough to view the workspaces on both devices, you don't have to have two monitors. The HP Device Bridge 2.0 lets you bring up both desktops and the apps and files contained on each. You can also move files from one to another. If you only have the 3D design software on Device #1, you can move files from Device #2 to it for further editing – and vice versa. Drag and drop any files without emailing, downloading, or using USB storage devices. You won't even need wireless network capacity to work between the two devices, since everything is sent through the wired connections.
Additional HP Device Bridge features
If you use Thunderbolt 3 connectors, you can even charge your laptops while you work on them. It’s perfect for uninterrupted creative sessions, brainstorming, or refining design work where team members need to share files. You can even turn on controlled file sharing and ensure your work has additional protection.
When using HP Device Bridge 2.0, you have the computing power of two devices for twice the productivity and access to apps and files. When you incorporate this power with the convenience of a curved HP monitor, you also reduce having to glance between two monitors or take up additional desk space and power outlets. It’s an ideal workstation set up with just one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse.
Who is the HP Device Bridge technology good for?
Wondering if it’s worth setting up this software technology? Since it’s free and available for any compatible HP Monitors, there’s no reason to go without. Even if you don’t often work with two computers, it makes sense to set it up so that you can easily collaborate when the opportunity arises.
Here are the types of consumers most likely to get the most out of this technology:
- Artists, musicians, graphic designers, and other creatives
- Product developers, engineers, and those who make new products
- Marketers, advertisers, and media specialists
- Students working on group projects and collaborative works
- Data analysts, data scientists, and mathematicians
- Writers, editors, and publishers working remotely
- Architects, planners, and property developers
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I get what’s on that computer over to this computer?” you are a great candidate for putting HP Device Bridge 2.0 to work for you. Most people do not need to transfer everything over from one computer to another; they can likely get the job done just by sharing files between them and using each to do what they are designed to do.
As consumers get used to owning more devices, including several laptops or desktops, this HP Device Bridge 2.0 technology will just become more useful. If you buy a new computer and still have your old one, you can also use this software to continue using both. It's a win-win for those who want several options for how they use their tech.
SUMMARY
Are you looking to utilize more of your computer technology in an innovative and productive way? HP Device Bridge 2.0 takes connecting devices to a whole new level. Start by downloading the HP Device Bridge 2.0 software, and try it for yourself. Because it’s designed to connect modern HP monitors with all devices, including Mac computers, it’s a great way to expand your world while reducing desktop clutter.
