How to Monitor a Second Computer
Adding a second computer to your monitoring setup is simple: add another license, install the agent and manage both machines from the same console. Here is how to expand from one computer to two, and beyond.
Why monitor a second computer
Families often add a second computer when a child gets their own laptop. Small businesses add machines as they grow. The need is the same: visibility into every computer that matters, managed from one place.
Add a license for the second computer
Monitoring is licensed per computer. To monitor a second machine, add a license for it. With Anywhere Monitor, each license is $24.95 per month or $99.95 per year. The second license gives you the full feature set on that computer.
Install the agent on the second computer
Download the agent installer and run it on the second computer, entering your account details. The agent begins recording immediately. Both computers now appear in your console, each with its own logs.
Manage both computers from one console
The console shows both computers with separate logs, reports and alerts. You switch between them freely and compare activity across machines. There is no separate login or interface for each computer — everything is in one place.
Monitor a mix of platforms
The second computer may run a different operating system — a Mac laptop alongside a Windows desktop, or an Ubuntu workstation. Because the console is cross-platform, you monitor both the same way.
Costs of adding computers
The cost scales with the number of machines. Monitoring two computers on the yearly plan costs about $200 per year. For families and small businesses, this is a modest cost for visibility across all devices.
Removing a computer
If a computer no longer needs monitoring, remove it from your account. This is useful when a child's laptop is retired or an employee leaves. You keep full control over which machines are monitored.
Expanding your monitoring to a second computer takes minutes. Anywhere Monitor manages all your computers from one console. See the purchase page or read about monitoring multiple computers.
Key things to remember
Whatever your reason for monitoring a computer, a few principles apply. Use monitoring on devices you own or are authorized to manage, and tell the people involved what is monitored and why. Keep the scope proportional to your purpose, protect the recorded data with a secure console, and delete old logs when they are no longer needed. Followed consistently, these practices keep monitoring lawful, respectful and effective.
It also helps to choose the right tool. Look for monitoring software that records the activity you care about, supports the operating systems you use, runs in stealth mode, offers a clear web console and protects your data with encryption. A live demo and a refund policy make it safe to try before you commit, and remote viewing from your phone makes monitoring practical in daily life. Comparing products on these points separates a reliable tool from a bare recorder. For most families and small businesses, monitoring a few key categories — websites, applications and screen time — covers what matters, and you can add screenshots, chat and keystrokes when a situation calls for more detail. A good tool grows with your needs, so you never have to switch software because a new situation requires a different kind of record.
Frequently asked questions
Is monitoring software legal? Yes, when used on devices you own or manage, with disclosure where the law requires it. Monitoring your own computer, parental monitoring of a family computer, and employee monitoring with notice and consent are all legitimate uses. Hidden, undisclosed monitoring is not, and it is where legal problems begin.
How much does monitoring software cost? Monitoring software is priced per computer. Anywhere Monitor costs $24.95 per computer per month or $99.95 per computer per year, and the license includes the full feature set, the web console and cloud storage. Annual plans save more than half compared with paying monthly.
Does monitoring software run in stealth mode? Good monitoring software runs invisibly, with no desktop icons, no taskbar entry and no visible windows. It also uses very little CPU and memory, so it does not slow down the computer or interfere with normal use.
What platforms are supported? The latest version of Anywhere Monitor supports all versions of Windows, Mac OS X 10.8 and later, and Ubuntu, on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. All monitored computers appear in the same web console, whatever their operating system.
How do I get support? Registered users get priority support by email and live chat. Installation guides are available for Windows and Mac, and the support team can help remotely with setup, antivirus exclusions and troubleshooting.
Getting started
If you are ready to begin, install monitoring software on the computer you want to monitor, sign in to the web console and review the first logs within a minute or two. Configure alerts and reports to match your needs, and check activity on a schedule that fits your life. Anywhere Monitor makes it simple, with a fast setup and a clear console you can open from any device. Start with the features page or try the live demo.
Related: See the full Anywhere Monitor feature list, compare pricing and plans, or read the keylogger legality guide.