MSP360 Products
Getting Started with MSP360 Connect Managed (Formerly Remote Desktop)
In this video, you will learn how to set up and use MSP360 Connect Managed (formerly Remote Desktop) – a simple and reliable solution that allows you to securely connect to and control remote desktops and servers in order to resolve issues faster. Follow these steps to complete your first connection!
Read this article to learn how to get started with Connect Free and Connect Pro.
Step 1: Creating a Company
To start, you need to create a company within the console. Go to the Organization tab, Companies section.
Click Add Company.
Name the company and click Create.
The easiest part is done.
Step 2: Installing MSP360 Connect on the Computers You Want to Connect to
First, you need to install MSP360 Connect on the computers you want to connect to. To do that, go to the Computers tab and click Download Build, or simply proceed to the Downloads tab; both actions will open a slide-in. There are two sections:
- Connect to - to install the agent on your clients’ computers
- Connect from - to install the agent on your computer to control others
In the Connect to section, click Remote Computer Installation. Here, you can generate a build for one of the companies you work with and install it on the relevant computers.
You will see the preconfiguration options. Choose your client’s company and specify when the installation script for your build will expire. It is recommended to choose a week or less for security reasons.
Please note that this build will fit this company only.
If you use a proxy, define its settings.
Use the Incoming Connections section to specify the connection parameters.
The Default settings tab contains keyboard shortcuts, sound, and tray options.
The Security tab adds one more layer of protection. Here you can set the Windows session approval method. There are three options:
- PIN (selected by default)
- Dialog
- Dialog and PIN
So, depending on the preferred method, you will need to either request the remote user's PIN, or ask them to allow the incoming connection in the window that appears, or both.
You can also set the PIN length if you selected the PIN or Dialog and PIN method, and specify that unattended access should be permitted only with a custom password.
It’s also possible to restrict outgoing connections, as well as access to configuration and the UI, if needed.
After you’re done with customization, click Generate Installation Script. You’ll get two options for applying your preconfigured build: the URL and the command line script that should be used with the installation file. The first one is for your customers; they will be able to download the build version for their company. The second one is used mostly for bulk installation – for instance, with an RMM solution. In this guide, we’ll use the URL option.
When your customers receive the URL, they should copy and paste it into the address line of their browser and press Enter. The download will start automatically.
Proceed to the Computers tab and refresh the page if needed. You’ll see your customers’ endpoints in the list. For each computer, you can see its name, the company that it is assigned to, the product version, and the computer status. That’s it!
Step 3: Installing MSP360 Connect on the Main Computer
Skip this step if you're only going to connect to other devices through a web browser without installing the Connect app on your computer. Web-based remote access is currently in beta and has some limitations.
Further reading Introducing Web-Based Remote Access with MSP360 Connect
After you’ve installed the solution on the computers you want to connect to, install the solution on the computer you will connect from.
In the Connect from section, click the option for your system. We choose Windows, as it is the most popular. The download will start automatically. This installation file is for your main computer – the one you’re going to use to control other machines. When the download is complete, find the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it. The wizard will guide you through the process of installation.
Step 4: Establishing the Connection
Now you can establish a connection right from the Computers tab. Click on the web browser icon next to the required computer and select the preferred method of connection: connect using web browser (beta) or connect using desktop app. Let’s proceed with the first option – connect using a web browser (beta).
A new window will open. Select whether you want to start a new session or join an active session.
Start a New Session
If you decide to start a new session, the main screen of the remote computer will appear. Press Enter to activate it and type in the Windows password if it’s set. That’s it!
Join an Active Session
If you choose to join an active session, the user you are trying to connect to needs to allow you to access their computer. So, depending on the session approval method you selected while generating an installation script for the computer you are trying to connect to, you will need to either request the remote user's PIN, or ask them to allow the incoming connection in the window that appears, or both.
After you have entered using a PIN or after confirmation from the remote side, the session begins. You can now control this computer remotely.
Conclusion
With MSP360 Connect Managed, you’ll easily solve your clients’ or team’s IT infrastructure issues without any need to meet them in person.
Simple. Reliable
Securely connect and control remote devices and servers to resolve issues faster. Take advantage of high-speed stable connections regardless of the computer’s global location.
