[maxglute]

Aster (https://www.ibik.ru/)

Surprisingly functional multiseat for windows. Lifetime license 50-100 for 2 seats depending on region. Partner's computer went kaput, and used this + steamlink to turn monitor into another computer. I see people online using this to play two seperate games on different "seats". Was planning to get seperate media centre PC, but this worked so well I ended up using money to upgrade PC components. Yeah, it's Russian software, but there's reddit posts dating back a few years. I can see how software/hardware vendors don't like multiseat since less sales, but I see a lot of sense in pooling budget for one extra powerful system instead of buying multiple compute devices. I wish Windows had native functionality.

Edit: Upon search, I am surprised Aster has been mentioned only one other time, 6 years ago in all of HN. Only 4 pages worth of multiseat comment dating back 13 years.

[sxp]

Doesn't this violate most Windows Licenses? Windows simultaneous multiuser support on all NT-based OSes but it was normally disabled by policy unless you paid for the Server license. This is why Windows RDP normally locks the local desktop when you connect remotely rather than spawning a parallel session. I remember there were some US-based startups doing this but they ran into legal issues once they got past a certain point.

This company appears to be Russian so they can ignore the legal issues, but it would be bad to use this in a situation where MS might want to enforce their license.

[maxglute]

I have no idea. General consensus from what I read is it's Russian, and very hacky, but works great. Even on Windows Home, no need Pro, or virtualization route where you have to split core/resources. They seem to primarily sell to developing countries, especially computer labs where I presume Microsoft don't care, or fine with people pirating if it means using Windows.

[nulld3v]

Wow, I remember using this back when I was a poor high school student trying to share my GPU with my younger brother. I don't think I was able to get it working reliably though.

Multiseat in general is just super niche. I wish it took off more and maybe it would have turned into an officially supported solution.

[maxglute]

>Multiseat in general is just super niche

That's what I thought, but I think compute/cores + gpu power + wireless networking these days makes solid case for multiseat. Instead of buying another media center computer, I have a faster main computer with better CPU + GPU, better home wireless networking to beam that capability anywhere in the house. Previously I already remote desktopped into my main computer via different screens around the house, but now my partner can do it while I'm using said computer as well. The extra money in main computer = I'm gaming at 1440p vs 1080p or rendering with 20+ threads instead of 12, while partner do their low impact media/browsing for less cost. At the point, instead of partner upgrading their PC, it's starting to look sensible to split into 3 seats, 1 for me, 1 for media centre, 1 extra for partner. Perhaps spend a few 100 on dedicated GPU for new seat instead of 1000+ on seperate system.

[paulryanrogers]

It is a shame Windows gates this behind their business edition(s) as it could really cut down on waste, especially now that streaming is becoming practical.

I recall trying this with Linux and it worked reasonably well.

[maxglute]

Yes I can see this previously being limited and setup specific if it means being confined to wires/same room, but with decent wireless, people are running this with cheap headless client like Pi+Moonlight or Steamlink on monitors in another room. Even a few years ago I had to run a network cable to my steamlink. But now it's streaming at 1080p60 with very little latency and frame loss. But so far, diverting $$$ to have a faster computer with more cores, and better GPU, and faster wireless networking, and a faster media centre than I would have otherwise cobbled together has been win-win-win.