What is remote desktop?

Remote desktop is a technology that allows users to access and control a computer from another device over the internet. It enables seamless remote work, IT troubleshooting, and access to files and applications from virtually anywhere.

Learn more about what is remote desktop software.

Key remote desktop terminology

• Remote access: The ability to connect to a computer from a distant location.
• Session: A remote desktop instance where a user interacts with the remote computer.
• Technician: The person who hosts a remote session to connect to the remote device and provide support to the user.
• Remote customer: The client who acquires remote assistance from the technician to get their issues resolved.
• Client device: The device that the technician establishes a remote connection with.
• Authentication: The process of verifying user identity before granting remote access with a session ID.

How does remote desktop work?

• The technician sends a request to connect to the remote user.
• The remote desktop software authenticates the user with the provided session ID and establishes a secure connection.
• The screen of the remote customer is streamed to the technician's device to resolve any issues, install updates, and more.

How to set up a remote desktop

• Log in to Zoho Assist
  • Go to assist.zoho.com and log in to your account with your credentials.
• Start a remote support session
  • Click Start Now under the Remote Support tab.
• Invite the customer
  • Share the session link via email or SMS.
  • Alternatively, provide the Session ID so the customer can enter it manually by visiting join.zoho.com.
• Customer joins the session
  • The customer clicks the link or enters the session ID to join the session.
• Grant permission & start remote control
  • The customer will be asked to allow remote access to the technician.
• Begin remote support
  • Once connected, you can view and control their screen.
  • Use features like file transfer, chat, annotation, and multi-monitor navigation.

Use cases of remote desktop

• Remote work & collaboration: Access office computers from home and collaborate seamlessly.
• IT support & troubleshooting: Help desk teams can resolve technical issues remotely from anywhere.
• Server management: IT administrators can manage servers and enterprise systems remotely.
• Education & training: Educational Instructors can provide remote demonstrations and virtual labs.
• Healthcare & telemedicine: Doctors can access patient records securely from remote locations.

How to fix common remote desktop connection issues

• Connection failure or timeout
  • Ensure that the computer with remote desktop connection is powered on and connected to the internet.
• Authentication or credential errors
  • Verify login credentials and ensure the correct username and password are being used.
  • Enable remote desktop permissions for the user.
• Slow performance or lag
  • Reduce display resolution in remote desktop settings if required.
  • Optimize network bandwidth by closing any unnecessary applications.
• Unable to find the remote computer
  • Use the correct IP address or computer name.
  • Check that the remote desktop service is enabled on the remote computer.

Best practices for a safe remote desktop connection

• Use strong passwords: Secure your remote access credentials with complex passwords. Learn more about our secure remote control tool.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): You can add an extra layer of security with multi-step verification.
• IP restrictions: Allow connections only from specific IP addresses or trusted devices.
• Keep software updated: Regularly update your remote desktop applications to patch any security vulnerabilities.
• Monitor remote sessions: Keep track of remote access logs to detect unauthorized or malicious activities.

The best remote desktop makes it easy to access devices, help others, and work from anywhere. With the right setup and tools like Zoho Assist, staying connected and getting things done remotely is simpler than ever.

Give Zoho Assist a try today.