Client security settings (approval, permissions)

How to set connection approval, unattended access, file transfer, clipboard and privacy screen permissions, and network discovery in the Polpo Desk client.

Last updated: October 21, 2026

The Polpo Desk client on the computer that receives support offers a few settings that determine who can connect and how. This article explains the security-related settings and how we recommend using them.

Opening the settings

Click the gear icon (Settings) in the client window.
The window that opens has two tabs: General and Security.

Changes take effect as soon as you click a switch; you don't need to save them. The settings apply to that computer only.

General tab

Ask for approval on every connection

This is on by default. When an operator wants to connect using only your connection ID, the Incoming connection request window opens on your screen and no connection is made until you allow it.

If you turn this setting off, connection requests that come without a password are also accepted automatically. This means any Polpo Desk operator who knows your connection ID can connect without your approval. For computers you need to reach while nobody is there, use a permanent password instead of turning this setting off.

Allow file transfer

This is on by default. While it's on, the operator can browse the folders on your computer, download files from it, upload files to it and create folders, and files can be copied and pasted between the two computers.

When you turn it off, all file operations are refused, including copying and pasting files through the clipboard (in both directions). The operator sees the message The remote user has turned off file transfer. The change takes effect immediately, even during a running session; if an upload is in progress at that moment, the incomplete file is deleted. Copying and pasting text isn't affected by this setting; that depends on Allow clipboard sharing. Details: File transfer.

This is on by default. While it's on, copy-paste (text and files) works both ways with the operator. When you turn it off, the operator can't read your clipboard or transfer theirs to you. Copying and pasting files also requires Allow file transfer to be on. Details: Clipboard sharing.

Allow privacy screen

This row only appears if your computer supports the privacy screen. While it's on, the operator can black out your screen during support to hide it from people near you; while the screen is blacked out, only the operator can turn it off. If you turn this setting off, the operator can't use the feature. Details: Privacy screen.

Security tab

Enable unattended access

This is off by default. When you turn it on, an operator who knows the fixed password you set can connect without your approval.

Enter a password of at least 4 characters in the Fixed password field.
Click Set. A confirmation appears and the switch turns on.

When you turn the switch off, the fixed password is removed from the server and can no longer be used to connect. For service mode and other details, see Setting up unattended access.

While unattended access is on, an operator who knows this password can connect without your approval. Share it only with people you trust, and choose a long password that is hard to guess.

Discoverable on local network

This is on by default. Operators on the same local network can find this computer by IP address or computer name. This setting only makes the computer findable: connecting still requires a password or your approval. Turn it off if you don't want the computer to be visible on the local network. Details: Connecting on the same network.

The approval window

In the Incoming connection request window, the operator's name, company and profile photo appear under Requested by.

If you know the person, click Allow Connection.
If you don't, or you're not sure, click Reject.

If the operator correctly enters the Session Password you shared or the permanent password, this window doesn't open; sharing the password means allowing the connection.

You stay in control during a session

Click the client's status line to open the Connected operators list.
If an operator records the session, a red This session is being recorded by the operator banner appears in the client window and a REC tag appears next to that operator's name in the session panel at the edge of the screen. If the window is minimized to the system tray, a Windows notification tells you as well. The banner stays until the recording stops.
To end an operator's connection, click Disconnect and confirm the Are you sure? question.
When support is over, press Renew Password; the old session password stops working immediately.

Recommended settings

Use	Ask for approval on every connection	Unattended access
Personal computer that occasionally gets support	On	Off
Server or your own computer that you reach while nobody is there	On	On, with a strong password

The Android client doesn't have these settings. On Android, every connection is either approved on the screen or authorized with the one-time password, and screen sharing must also be allowed on the device for every session. See Android TV and phone client.

For the overall security approach, see How Polpo Desk keeps you secure.