[GH-ISSUE #1638] Windows running server with scaled DPI doesn't work (v2.4.0)

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:13 -06:00

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Originally created by @badvision on GitHub (Apr 7, 2022).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/issues/1638

What happened?

I was using an older RC of 2.3.3 on Windows (running server) and MacOS (running client). I have a 4k monitor with scaling factor usually set to 250%. This was working fine in 2.3.3, but after upgrading to 2.4.0 (both mac and windows) when I connect the client, the mouse gets stuck in the bottom-right corner of the client (which layout-wise is on the right with the server windows machine on the left.)

When I set my desktop scaling in windows to 100% and restart, the issue goes away. So I suspect very strongly this is a regression in how Windows HiDPI settings are handled by Barrier.

Given that HiDPI is neither a new windows feature nor is it uncommon to use it, it would be wonderful if the application were more aware of it.

Version

v2.4.0

Git commit hash (if applicable)

No response

If applicable, where did you install Barrier from?

Installed from the github release downloads

What OSes are you seeing the problem on? (Check all that apply)

Windows

What OS versions are you using?

Windows (server): 10 21H1
Mac (client): 12.3.1

Relevant log output

No weird errors in the log but it's clear by the mouse enter coordinate that it's going all the way to the lower-right of the screen because it's getting a multiplied set of mouse coordinates and not the real physical coordinate somewhere along the way.

Any other information

No response

Originally created by @badvision on GitHub (Apr 7, 2022). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/issues/1638 ### What happened? I was using an older RC of 2.3.3 on Windows (running server) and MacOS (running client). I have a 4k monitor with scaling factor usually set to 250%. This was working fine in 2.3.3, but after upgrading to 2.4.0 (both mac and windows) when I connect the client, the mouse gets stuck in the bottom-right corner of the client (which layout-wise is on the right with the server windows machine on the left.) When I set my desktop scaling in windows to 100% and restart, the issue goes away. So I suspect very strongly this is a regression in how Windows HiDPI settings are handled by Barrier. Given that HiDPI is neither a new windows feature nor is it uncommon to use it, it would be wonderful if the application were more aware of it. ### Version v2.4.0 ### Git commit hash (if applicable) _No response_ ### If applicable, where did you install Barrier from? Installed from the github release downloads ### What OSes are you seeing the problem on? (Check all that apply) Windows ### What OS versions are you using? Windows (server): 10 21H1 Mac (client): 12.3.1 ### Relevant log output ```shell No weird errors in the log but it's clear by the mouse enter coordinate that it's going all the way to the lower-right of the screen because it's getting a multiplied set of mouse coordinates and not the real physical coordinate somewhere along the way. ``` ### Any other information _No response_

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:16 -06:00

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@badvision commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2022):

After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around:

Open the program folder
Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable)
Open properties
Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!)
Click "Change High DPI Settings"
I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application"
OK on all the dialogs
Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

@badvision commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2022): ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around: 1) Open the program folder 2) Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable) 3) Open properties 4) Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!) 5) Click "Change High DPI Settings" 6) I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application" 7) OK on all the dialogs 8) Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:18 -06:00

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@badvision commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2022):

Can a 6-year old bug get some love?

@badvision commented on GitHub (Apr 10, 2022): Can a 6-year old bug get some love?

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:19 -06:00

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@airsoftsnake commented on GitHub (Apr 15, 2022):

After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around:

Confirm that this works, important to do the "change setings for all users" I did not do that at first - I only did the change high dpi settings. Once I did the "all users", it worked. Thanks!

@airsoftsnake commented on GitHub (Apr 15, 2022): > ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around: > Confirm that this works, important to do the "change setings for all users" I did not do that at first - I only did the change high dpi settings. Once I did the "all users", it worked. Thanks!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:20 -06:00

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@igoticecream commented on GitHub (May 5, 2022):

I can confirm this was the solution to my problem, I couldn't move the mouse on the client (clicks and keyboard did work). My display is 4K 150%

@igoticecream commented on GitHub (May 5, 2022): I can confirm this was the solution to my problem, I couldn't move the mouse on the client (clicks and keyboard did work). My display is 4K 150%

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:21 -06:00

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@greenkalx commented on GitHub (May 7, 2022):

This resolved the problem for me as well.
Windows server: 4k monitors with 200% scaling
Linux client: single monitor 1600x1200

This wasn't a problem with Barrier 2.3.2.

@greenkalx commented on GitHub (May 7, 2022): This resolved the problem for me as well. Windows server: 4k monitors with 200% scaling Linux client: single monitor 1600x1200 This wasn't a problem with Barrier 2.3.2.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:23 -06:00

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@yatli commented on GitHub (May 20, 2022):

Can confirm it works.
It's the server program barriers.exe, not the UI program barrier.exe! :D

@yatli commented on GitHub (May 20, 2022): Can confirm it works. It's the server program `barriers.exe`, not the UI program `barrier.exe`! :D

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:24 -06:00

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@damienvancouver commented on GitHub (Jun 22, 2022):

I have tried the workaround every which way but had no luck using Windows 11, 250% scaling on my 4k builtin with an external 1440p DP -> HDMI. If I set scaling to 100% on the builtin monitor it works, but i literally have to use a magnifying glass i have sitting by the laptop if i have to look at any text on that screen, lol!

Has anyone else got the workaround to behave in win11?

Do we know what changed or where to look to start working on a fix?

EDIT: I was able to workaround by uninstalling then downloading/reinstalling barrier v2.3.4. Everything works properly with scaling using that version.

@damienvancouver commented on GitHub (Jun 22, 2022): I have tried the workaround every which way but had no luck using Windows 11, 250% scaling on my 4k builtin with an external 1440p DP -> HDMI. If I set scaling to 100% on the builtin monitor it works, but i literally have to use a magnifying glass i have sitting by the laptop if i have to look at any text on that screen, lol! Has anyone else got the workaround to behave in win11? Do we know what changed or where to look to start working on a fix? EDIT: I was able to workaround by uninstalling then downloading/reinstalling barrier v2.3.4. Everything works properly with scaling using that version.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:25 -06:00

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@sejinK commented on GitHub (Jun 30, 2022):

I can't find v2.3.5
after v2.3.4 there is only v2.4.0

@sejinK commented on GitHub (Jun 30, 2022): I can't find v2.3.5 after v2.3.4 there is only v2.4.0

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:26 -06:00

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@damienvancouver commented on GitHub (Jun 30, 2022):

I can't find v2.3.5
after v2.3.4 there is only v2.4.

Sorry, it is version 2.3.4 you want, my mistake!

@damienvancouver commented on GitHub (Jun 30, 2022): >I can't find v2.3.5 >after v2.3.4 there is only v2.4. Sorry, it is version 2.3.4 you want, my mistake!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:27 -06:00

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@patpadgett commented on GitHub (Nov 2, 2022):

Thanks! This helped me TREMENDOUSLY!

After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around:

Open the program folder

Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable)

Open properties

Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!)

Click "Change High DPI Settings"

I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application"

OK on all the dialogs

Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

@patpadgett commented on GitHub (Nov 2, 2022): Thanks! This helped me TREMENDOUSLY! > ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around: > > 1. Open the program folder > 2. Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable) > 3. Open properties > 4. Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!) > 5. Click "Change High DPI Settings" > 6. I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application" > 7. OK on all the dialogs > 8. Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:27 -06:00

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@NaiveXu commented on GitHub (Jun 13, 2023):

After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around:

Open the program folder

Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable)

Open properties

Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!)

Click "Change High DPI Settings"

I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application"

OK on all the dialogs

Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

thanks a lot for solving my problem!

@NaiveXu commented on GitHub (Jun 13, 2023): > ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around: > > 1. Open the program folder > 2. Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable) > 3. Open properties > 4. Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!) > 5. Click "Change High DPI Settings" > 6. I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application" > 7. OK on all the dialogs > 8. Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.) thanks a lot for solving my problem!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:28 -06:00

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@amias-channer commented on GitHub (Nov 3, 2023):

would be great if this setting could be enabled by the installer

@amias-channer commented on GitHub (Nov 3, 2023): would be great if this setting could be enabled by the installer

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:29 -06:00

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@gleitoncampos commented on GitHub (Nov 7, 2023):

Confirmed here too, this workaround works like a charm.

@gleitoncampos commented on GitHub (Nov 7, 2023): Confirmed here too, this workaround works like a charm.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:29 -06:00

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@hiuling commented on GitHub (Jan 3, 2024):

win 11 doesnt work..

@hiuling commented on GitHub (Jan 3, 2024): win 11 doesnt work..

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:30 -06:00

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@SpaceCowboy850 commented on GitHub (Jan 31, 2024):

Barrier 2.4.0-release-3e0d758b
I can't get the workaround to work.
Windows 11 as server with 4K screen
Ubuntu 23.10 as client

I've set C:\Program Files\Barrier\barrier.exe Properties->Compatibility -> Change Settings For All Users -> Change High DPI scaling override -> CHECKED Override high DPI scaling behavior Scaling performed by "Application"

And on dragging the mouse to my Ubuntu machine, the mouse still locks to the bottom right corner of the screen. If I change DPI scaling to 100%, everything works, but my server becomes unreadable.

Any other ideas?

@SpaceCowboy850 commented on GitHub (Jan 31, 2024): Barrier 2.4.0-release-3e0d758b I can't get the workaround to work. Windows 11 as server with 4K screen Ubuntu 23.10 as client I've set C:\Program Files\Barrier\barrier.exe Properties->Compatibility -> Change Settings For All Users -> Change High DPI scaling override -> CHECKED Override high DPI scaling behavior Scaling performed by "Application" And on dragging the mouse to my Ubuntu machine, the mouse still locks to the bottom right corner of the screen. If I change DPI scaling to 100%, everything works, but my server becomes unreadable. Any other ideas?

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:31 -06:00

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@kzaoaai commented on GitHub (Feb 22, 2024):

Putting this here in case someone had the same situation as I have. My case was MacOS server with Windows 11 client. Follow the same steps above, but instead of the "barrierS.exe" (server) file, apply them to the "barrierC.exe" (client) file.

@kzaoaai commented on GitHub (Feb 22, 2024): Putting this here in case someone had the same situation as I have. My case was MacOS server with Windows 11 client. Follow the same steps above, but instead of the "barrierS.exe" (server) file, apply them to the "barrierC.exe" (client) file.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:32 -06:00

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@randall-liao commented on GitHub (Jul 15, 2024):

Solved my issues too, thanks!

@randall-liao commented on GitHub (Jul 15, 2024): Solved my issues too, thanks!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:33 -06:00

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@jarrard commented on GitHub (Jul 30, 2024):

Cheers this helped me when connection a Win11 to Win10 Client. was barrierd.exe that needed that settings for me.

@jarrard commented on GitHub (Jul 30, 2024): Cheers this helped me when connection a Win11 to Win10 Client. was barrierd.exe that needed that settings for me.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:33 -06:00

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@olaims commented on GitHub (Aug 1, 2024):

After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around:

1. Open the program folder

2. Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable)

3. Open properties

4. Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!)

5. Click "Change High DPI Settings"

6. I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application"

7. OK on all the dialogs

8. Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.)

omg thanks a lot!! your comment should be pinned on the README.MD

@olaims commented on GitHub (Aug 1, 2024): > ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) After a lot of trial and error (and reading bug reports from Synergy dating back to 2014) here's what I've come up with as a work-around: > > 1. Open the program folder > > 2. Right-click on "barriers.exe" (note the S at the end, we want the server executable) > > 3. Open properties > > 4. Click "Change settings for all users" (this is the part that really stumped me, Barrier doesn't run as my user account!) > > 5. Click "Change High DPI Settings" > > 6. I'm not sure which one worked but I checked "Use this setting to fix scaling problems" and also Override high DPI scaling set to "Application" > > 7. OK on all the dialogs > > 8. Restart barrier (make sure you stop the server process and restart it so the setting takes effect.) omg thanks a lot!! your comment should be pinned on the README.MD

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:34 -06:00

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@sharim commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2024):

Solved my issue on win11 server with 4K screen and 200% scaling, THANKS!!!

@sharim commented on GitHub (Aug 18, 2024): Solved my issue on win11 server with 4K screen and 200% scaling, THANKS!!!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:35 -06:00

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@mandomwu commented on GitHub (Apr 24, 2025):

THANKS! It worked for me.
Server： win11 DPI:125%
Client: win11 DPI:100%
Barrier 2.4.0

@mandomwu commented on GitHub (Apr 24, 2025): THANKS! It worked for me. Server： win11 DPI:125% Client: win11 DPI:100% Barrier 2.4.0

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:37 -06:00

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@grndkntrl commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025):

Thanks! I can confirm this works with Barrier v2.4.0 for my setup:

Server: Win 11 Pro for Workstation (24H2) — 4K display at 150% scaling (equivalent to 2560x1440);
Client: Win 7 Ultimate — 1920x1080 at 100% scaling.

@grndkntrl commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025): > > ![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5144198/162627796-48f6f3d7-1211-4960-8a8f-f49aaa5516a9.png) Thanks! I can confirm this works with Barrier v2.4.0 for my setup: - Server: Win 11 Pro for Workstation (24H2) — 4K display at 150% scaling (equivalent to 2560x1440); - Client: Win 7 Ultimate — 1920x1080 at 100% scaling.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:39 -06:00

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@nbolton commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025):

Try Deskflow or Input Leap, as Barrier is no longer in development.

https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow
https://github.com/input-leap/input-leap

The 'Insights' tab of each GitHub project may help you decide which one to use.
Both are compatible with Barrier client/server, so you can try on one of your computers.

If this is still an issue in those projects, we would appreciate a cross-post of this issue.

@nbolton commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025): Try Deskflow or Input Leap, as Barrier is no longer in development. https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow https://github.com/input-leap/input-leap The 'Insights' tab of each GitHub project may help you decide which one to use. Both are compatible with Barrier client/server, so you can try on one of your computers. If this is still an issue in those projects, we would appreciate a cross-post of this issue.

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:41 -06:00

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@grndkntrl commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025):

Try Deskflow or Input Leap, as Barrier is no longer in development.

https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow https://github.com/input-leap/input-leap

The 'Insights' tab of each GitHub project may help you decide which one to use. Both are compatible with Barrier client/server, so you can try on one of your computers.

If this is still an issue in those projects, we would appreciate a cross-post of this issue.

Hi Nick. So to clarify, are you saying that we can use Barrier as the client on Windows 7 (because Deskflow/Input Leap aren't available for it), while Deskflow/Input Leap runs as the server on Windows 11, without having to fiddle with the server's DPI compatibility settings?

edit: To answer my own question, yes Deskflow (on Win11 as server) can connect to a Windows 7 Barrier client. Thanks!

@grndkntrl commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025): > Try Deskflow or Input Leap, as Barrier is no longer in development. > > https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow https://github.com/input-leap/input-leap > > The 'Insights' tab of each GitHub project may help you decide which one to use. Both are compatible with Barrier client/server, so you can try on one of your computers. > > If this is still an issue in those projects, we would appreciate a cross-post of this issue. ~Hi Nick. So to clarify, are you saying that we can use Barrier as the client on Windows 7 (because Deskflow/Input Leap aren't available for it), while Deskflow/Input Leap runs as the server on Windows 11, without having to fiddle with the server's DPI compatibility settings?~ edit: To answer my own question, yes Deskflow (on Win11 as server) can connect to a Windows 7 Barrier client. Thanks!

gitea-mirror commented

2026-05-05 07:36:42 -06:00

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@nbolton commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025):

can connect to a Windows 7 Barrier client

Awesome! Yeah, we made Deskflow compatible with all Synergy-like apps; it supports both the "Synergy" and "Barrier" protocol (note: the Barrier protocol is not actually different from the Synergy protocol, just the 'hello' message was changed to make it incompatible with Synergy).

@nbolton commented on GitHub (Sep 11, 2025): > can connect to a Windows 7 Barrier client Awesome! Yeah, we made Deskflow compatible with all Synergy-like apps; it supports both the "Synergy" and "Barrier" protocol (note: the Barrier protocol is not actually different from the Synergy protocol, just the 'hello' message was changed to make it incompatible with Synergy).

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[GH-ISSUE #1638] Windows running server with scaled DPI doesn't work (v2.4.0) #1208

What happened?

Version

Git commit hash (if applicable)

If applicable, where did you install Barrier from?

What OSes are you seeing the problem on? (Check all that apply)

What OS versions are you using?

Relevant log output

Any other information