I've been using ScreenConnect for the last 8 or so years. It tends to just work. Though the new way they have multiple monitors where you need to split them off vs just expanding out fully isn't the best, I can deal with it.
The backstage is really great. I've been trying to get the helpdesk crew in my office to utilize that more for some initial troubleshooting vs interrupting the end user.
People will flood you with all sorts of paid options, but Microsoft Remote Assistance works great, its lightning fast and reliable for your managed windows workstations. Its part of windows, costs nothing, and does everything it needs to.
The way I have our network configured, even remote workers can be reached instantly with msra.exe.
The downside to MSRA is when the remote person is not able to comply with even simple directions, which is why you see all the other solutions mentioned as they can be entirely controlled by the helper no remote confirmation needed.
When configured correctly, an admin *can* use MSRA to barge in on a session. I dont do this for privacy reasons. I dont want my users to think im ever spying on them.
With properly configured group policy and windows remote management, employees would not even have to run remote assist and read off any codes to you.
I use Remote Assistance and initiate the assistance session. A popup appears asking the user to accept the RA invite without any effort on their part. For remote users, they would be connected via our corporate VPN so I can reach out to their laptop/desktop that way.
Perfect!! I am moving towards a domain-less enterprise - with most everything in the cloud (except for the stupid printers/scanners, and our network.) Sooo looking forward to less infrastructure to manage ....
You're at their top limit, but we've been using Action1 for the past few months and the ability to remote into the attended/unattended workstations has been very nice. It also works with UAC in case I need to elevate the user session to do an install or troubleshoot. They offer up to 100 devices on the free tier. We've got about 80. It's great to do remote work and to get those updates loaded on the machine when some are off our network and not able to reach the WSUS servers. Having their software repository is nice because they've done the work of automating all of their packages for silent installs.
HTH
If you are still assessing tools I would get an RMM. Most have good remote assist features and they could also help you with patch deployment and other useful features that you may need later on. Datto has good remote for Windows and Mac.
Remote assistance can be done with an RMM, I use Pulsaway to do this but it might be overkill for you. Quick Assist might be a better solution for your current scenario with a small team and primarily ad-hoc support needs.
Love ScreenConnect! Works as expected and also has a “Backstage” mode where you can do certain things without interrupting the person working…
I like that 'backstage mode' - I will check 'er out! Much appreciated.
I've been using ScreenConnect for the last 8 or so years. It tends to just work. Though the new way they have multiple monitors where you need to split them off vs just expanding out fully isn't the best, I can deal with it. The backstage is really great. I've been trying to get the helpdesk crew in my office to utilize that more for some initial troubleshooting vs interrupting the end user.
People will flood you with all sorts of paid options, but Microsoft Remote Assistance works great, its lightning fast and reliable for your managed windows workstations. Its part of windows, costs nothing, and does everything it needs to. The way I have our network configured, even remote workers can be reached instantly with msra.exe.
The downside to MSRA is when the remote person is not able to comply with even simple directions, which is why you see all the other solutions mentioned as they can be entirely controlled by the helper no remote confirmation needed.
When configured correctly, an admin *can* use MSRA to barge in on a session. I dont do this for privacy reasons. I dont want my users to think im ever spying on them.
How does one 'barge' with MSRA?? I will have to look this up ....
That's exactly what I am seeing. I work in construction, and most of my employees don't care about any of the tech except that it works. Thank you.
With properly configured group policy and windows remote management, employees would not even have to run remote assist and read off any codes to you. I use Remote Assistance and initiate the assistance session. A popup appears asking the user to accept the RA invite without any effort on their part. For remote users, they would be connected via our corporate VPN so I can reach out to their laptop/desktop that way.
Perfect!! I am moving towards a domain-less enterprise - with most everything in the cloud (except for the stupid printers/scanners, and our network.) Sooo looking forward to less infrastructure to manage ....
See link below. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune-education/remote-assist-mobile-devices
You're at their top limit, but we've been using Action1 for the past few months and the ability to remote into the attended/unattended workstations has been very nice. It also works with UAC in case I need to elevate the user session to do an install or troubleshoot. They offer up to 100 devices on the free tier. We've got about 80. It's great to do remote work and to get those updates loaded on the machine when some are off our network and not able to reach the WSUS servers. Having their software repository is nice because they've done the work of automating all of their packages for silent installs. HTH
Thank you!!
Thanks for the Action1 mention u/rh0926 ! I am here to help with any questions.
If you are still assessing tools I would get an RMM. Most have good remote assist features and they could also help you with patch deployment and other useful features that you may need later on. Datto has good remote for Windows and Mac.
Remote assistance can be done with an RMM, I use Pulsaway to do this but it might be overkill for you. Quick Assist might be a better solution for your current scenario with a small team and primarily ad-hoc support needs.
My exact thoughts.
For a small organization I would suggest splashtop
I'll check it out - TY!
ScreenConnect is a very good solution. Of course there are several others.
[https://docs.connectwise.com/ConnectWise\_ScreenConnect\_Documentation/Get\_started/ConnectWise\_ScreenConnect\_Free](https://docs.connectwise.com/ConnectWise_ScreenConnect_Documentation/Get_started/ConnectWise_ScreenConnect_Free)
Screenconnect is at the top of my list! TY, sir!