REMOTE DESKTOP SOFTWARE
Access a user’s computer from anywhere
Connect to any Windows or macOS device — regardless of its location. Leverage secure remote access to troubleshoot and provide support from a centralized platform.
Reap the rewards of PDQ Connect’s remote access
Remote desktop gives you the flexibility and control you need to oversee your fleet.
Simple
Remote in to any managed PC as if it were right in front of you. Simplify your job, and make fixes easy for end users.
Fast
Troubleshoot or provide support in seconds. Avoid tedious site visits without sacrificing your trademark reliability.
Seamless
Resolve issues easily and unobtrusively with unattended access, multiple monitor support, file transfer, and more.
Secure
Make admin-only configuration changes, record sessions as needed, and leverage robust security features.
Streamline troubleshooting and support
Deliver the exceptional remote support your end users need — but don’t necessarily deserve (you know what you did, Steve).
Unattended remote access
Connect to a computer when the user isn’t present for convenient troubleshooting and maintenance on your schedule.
Keyboard & mouse control
View a user’s screen, and enjoy full control of their keyboard and mouse. Do your thing, and use keyboard commands freely.
Multimonitor support
Look at multiple monitors in a single screen on your host computer or in separate windows. Drag and drop files between monitors as you see fit.
User access control
Control access to a computer using allow and deny lists. Review the access history to understand usage and monitor for security.
Shared clipboard
Copy files, commands, scripts, and other goodies from one computer and paste them to another. Easily share what you need across devices.
File transfers
Transfer files to and from computers within a remote session, rename files, or open files in a dual-panel file manager. It’s that easy (and that secure).
Not every task needs remote desktop
Work on devices in the background without interrupting the user and without leaving
Remote shell
Open a live terminal session directly from PDQ. Follow the problem wherever it leads, all while the user keeps working.
File explorer
Browse a device’s live file system to find, download, upload, or manage files without opening a remote desktop session.
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FAQs
What is remote desktop software?
Remote desktop software lets an IT administrator access and control another computer from a different location. IT teams commonly use remote desktop software to troubleshoot issues, provide technical support, perform maintenance, and interact directly with a user’s desktop without being physically present.
How does remote desktop software work?
Remote desktop software establishes a connection between an administrator and a remote computer. Once connected, an authorized admin can view and control the remote screen and, depending on the platform, use features such as multimonitor support, file transfer, shared clipboard functionality, and unattended access.
When should IT teams use remote desktop?
Remote desktop is useful when an administrator needs to see or interact directly with a user’s graphical interface, such as when troubleshooting an application, adjusting settings, or guiding a user through a problem. For tasks that don't require screen access, other remote device management tools such as commands, remote shell, or file management may be less disruptive.
Does every remote IT task require a remote desktop session?
No. Many administrative and troubleshooting tasks can be performed without taking over the user’s screen. PDQ lets IT admins run commands, open a live remote shell session, and browse or manage files with file explorer while the user continues working.
What is the difference between remote desktop and remote shell?
Remote desktop lets an administrator view and control a device’s graphical interface, including its screen, keyboard, and mouse. Remote shell provides a live terminal session instead, allowing an administrator to troubleshoot and run commands without taking over the user’s desktop.
Can IT teams manage files without opening a remote desktop session?
Yes. With PDQ file explorer, IT admins can browse a managed device’s live file system, find files, upload or download files, and perform file-related troubleshooting without opening a remote desktop session.
What is the difference between remote desktop and remote device management?
Remote desktop is one way to access and control an individual computer remotely, usually through its graphical interface. Remote device management is broader and can include remote desktop along with device inventory, software deployment, patch management, commands, remote shell access, file management, automation, and other endpoint management capabilities.
Can IT teams remotely access a computer when no one is logged in?
Yes. Remote desktop tools that support unattended access allow authorized administrators to connect to a computer without requiring the end user to initiate each session. This can be useful for maintenance, troubleshooting, and support outside normal working hours.
What features should IT teams look for in remote desktop software?
Look for remote desktop software with secure unattended access, responsive keyboard and mouse control, multimonitor support, file transfer, shared clipboard functionality, access controls, session history, encryption, operating system compatibility, and reliable performance across remote networks.
Is remote desktop the same as remote access?
No. Remote desktop is a type of remote access that lets an administrator view and control another computer’s desktop. Remote access is a broader term that can also include remote command-line access, file access, VPN connections, and other methods of connecting to or managing a device remotely.