What is remote PC access?
Remote PC access is a technology that allows a user to connect to and control a computer from a distant location without a person being present at the host machine. By installing an unattended access agent, users can enjoy 24/7 connectivity for remote work, server administration, and off-hours maintenance.
Key features of unattended remote access
Enterprise-grade bulk deployment
Configure thousands of computers for remote access simultaneously. Use our Bulk Deployment Manager or startup scripts to deploy the unattended agent across your Active Directory or Workgroup. This eliminates the need for manual configuration on individual machines and scales with your organization.
Stay organized with computer grouping
Managing a large fleet is simple with intelligent grouping. Sort your unattended PCs based on their physical location, operating system, or department. You can easily move computers between groups or rename them to maintain a clean, navigable dashboard.
Power on machines with Wake on LAN
Don’t let a powered-down computer stall your productivity. Zoho Assist’s Wake on LAN (WoL) feature allows you to remotely boot a PC from a completely shut-down state. Once the machine is awake, you can initiate a secure session using our remote desktop software to perform tasks from anywhere.
Multi-department management
Compartmentalize your organization based on teams or workgroups. Allocate specific technicians, email templates, and custom reports to each department, ensuring that sensitive data and access permissions are siloed and secure.
Why Zoho Assist is the leading choice for remote access
While many tools offer basic connectivity, Zoho Assist is built for professional-grade reliability and security.
Secure file transfer
Move patches, updates, or internal documents to and from a remote PC without a session interruption.
Remote power options
Execute critical actions like shutdown, restart, hibernate, or lock without even starting a full remote session.
Session recording
Maintain a complete audit trail of all unattended access for compliance (HIPAA, GDPR) and training purposes.
Multi-technician support
Invite additional experts into a session to collaborate on complex server troubleshooting.
Instant chat and annotation
Communicate with users (if present) or mark up the screen to highlight specific issues during a setup.
Remote power options
You can execute power actions like shutdown, restart, log off, lock, hibernate, or standby on a remote PC without even starting a session.
How to set up remote PC access in 3 steps
Deploy the agent
Sign up for Zoho Assist and download the lightweight unattended agent. Use the installer link or bulk deployment tool to set it up on the host computers.
Configure security
Set up secondary authentication or "Access Confirmation" to ensure that your always-on connections remain protected by industry-standard encryption.
Connect anytime
Log in from any browser or mobile app, select your machine from the "Unattended Access" list, and hit Connect to start working as if you were sitting right in front of the PC.
Zoho Assist for Windows
- Lightweight and highly secure, ensuring optimal performance and security during remote sessions.
- Feature-rich user interface to simplify remote support tasks for a seamless experience.
- Multi-platform compatibility, customizable branding options, and various communication methods, including video, voice, and text assistance, to cater to your diverse remote support needs.
Zoho Assist for MacOS
- Specialized tools and an interface designed to meet the unique requirements of macOS users.
- Industry-grade security with a 256-bit, SSL-encrypted channel and a comprehensive set of security features to safeguard your remote sessions.
- Seamless remote support capabilities, including both unattended and on-demand options, with cross-platform compatibility for enhanced flexibility. Plus, benefit from easy installation and deployment processes, backed by 24/7 technical support.
Zoho Assist for Android
- Interactive application with an intuitive user interface that simplifies remote support tasks.
- Instant and stable remote connections.
- Quick and easy communication with live chat features, and access to unattended remote Android devices.
- Support for Android versions 6.0 and above.
Zoho Assist for iOS
- Industry-grade security measures that safeguard your remote sessions.
- Seamless compatibility for instant remote support whenever you need it.
- Extended remote features (such as multi-monitor navigation, screen sharing, and file sharing) and superior unattended and on-demand remote support for iOS devices.
- Around-the-clock technical support for users.
Zoho Assist for Linux OS
- Invite multiple technicians for seamless collaborative remote support.
- Enjoy compatibility across various platforms.
- Utilize an integrated and intuitive interface that simplifies troubleshooting.
- Access customization options and around-the-clock technical support.
Zoho Assist for Raspberry Pi
- Customized remote access solution for Raspberry Pi, tailored to its unique requirements.
- Comprehensive diagnostic tools for enhanced troubleshooting.
- Flexible pricing options and features.
- A user-friendly and interactive interface for ease of use.
Zoho Assist for Chrome OS
- Straightforward, dependable, and intuitive user interface.
- Real-time live chat and two-way screen sharing for immediate remote support.
- Effortless file-sharing, customization, and rebranding options to enhance the overall support experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between remote PC access and remote support?
Remote PC access (unattended access) allows 24/7 connectivity without an end-user present. While on-demand support (remote support) requires a session key for a one-time fix, unattended access uses a persistent agent for ongoing remote work and server maintenance.
Is Zoho Assist a free remote PC access software?
Yes. Zoho Assist offers a "Free Forever" plan for personal use and small-scale needs, alongside professional tiers for enterprises requiring advanced features like Wake on LAN and Bulk Deployment.
Can I access a computer that is shut down or in sleep mode?
Yes. Zoho Assist supports Wake on LAN (WoL), allowing you to remotely boot and control any WoL-compatible machine that has been shut down, hibernated, or put into sleep mode.
Can I manage unattended computers from a mobile device?
Yes. Use the Zoho Assist app for iOS or Android to connect to any unattended machine. You’ll have full mouse control, keyboard support, and multi-monitor navigation for Windows, Mac, and Linux from your phone or tablet.
Is remote access software safer than a VPN?
Yes, in many use cases. Unlike a VPN, which grants broad network access, remote PC access isolates the user to a specific desktop. Zoho Assist adds layers of security with 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and detailed session logs.
How many sessions can I have at once?
Depending on your plan, Zoho Assist supports multiple simultaneous sessions, allowing IT teams to manage several unattended computers from a single technician dashboard.
Why use Zoho Assist as an RDP alternative?
Unlike native Windows RDP, which often limits concurrent sessions and requires complex VPNs, Zoho Assist is a scalable RDP alternative. it supports multiple simultaneous sessions and secure external access without network bottlenecks.