Remote access: reach devices securely, even when nobody is there
Servers, point-of-sale PCs, branch machines or workstations that run overnight: Polpo Desk's unattended access mode lets authorized people connect to them even when there is no one on the other side to approve.
Free for personal use · No credit card required · 6 languages
Attended versus unattended access
With attended access, someone is sitting at the computer; they see the connection request and approve it. That is ideal for ad-hoc support. With unattended access, the owner or an administrator sets a permanent password in advance and the client runs continuously as a Windows service.
That way you can maintain a server outside business hours, update a branch computer in another city, or reach your own machine while travelling. Polpo Desk offers both modes in the same app, and you decide which one to use.
Typical uses of remote access
For every device that is hard, expensive or slow to reach in person.
Windows Server maintenance
Connect to servers remotely, check services, apply updates and restart the server when needed.
Branch and store computers
Manage till, stock or office computers in different cities from headquarters, and keep them organized in address book groups.
After-hours fixes
Solve a problem that comes up at night or over the weekend without going to the office or waking anyone up.
Access to the sign-in screen
Reach the Windows sign-in screen even when no user is logged in; send Ctrl+Alt+Del and approve UAC prompts.
Managed service providers
Keep each customer's devices in separate groups and give technicians on your team access according to their role.
Access to your own computer
While travelling, connect when you need a file or program that is on your home or office computer.
How to set up unattended access
Configure it once, then connect from your device list with a single click.
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Install the client
Download the Windows client on the target computer or server and install it as a service.
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Set a permanent password
Choose a permanent password that is hard to guess and known only to authorized people.
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Organize the device
Add the device to your address book, give it a clear name, and place it in groups, tags and favorites.
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Connect whenever you need
Pick the online device in the operator app. Even after a restart, the service makes it reachable again.
How is unattended access kept secure?
When there is no user to approve, security rests on passwords, permissions and records. Polpo Desk addresses all three together.
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Encrypted channel
Every session is end-to-end encrypted with WebRTC DTLS-SRTP; our servers do not see or store session content.
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You control the permanent password
Change the permanent password in the client whenever you like; without it, nobody can connect to the device unattended.
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Role-based access
Separate team members with admin and operator roles so that everyone has only the permissions their work requires.
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Audit logs
Who connected to which device and when is recorded for every connection; filter the reports and export them to Excel or PDF.
Supported platforms
Unattended access works today in service mode on computers running Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server.
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Available now
Windows client
A native, signed app for the computer that receives support. Supports Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server.
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Available now
Windows and macOS operator app
The desktop app for the person giving support: device list, session tabs and every session tool in one place.
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Available now
Browser-based operator console
Sign in and connect from a desktop or mobile browser without installing anything.
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On Google Play
Android operator app
Connect to computers and Android TVs from your phone: touch mouse, smart keyboard, clipboard and file transfer.
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Coming soon to Google Play
Android phone and Android TV client
View Android screens remotely, control them once accessibility permission is granted, and drive TVs with a virtual remote.
Connecting to iPhone and iPad devices is not supported at the moment. Current download options are listed on the Downloads page.
Why Polpo Desk for remote access?
Survives restarts
After a remote restart, the client in service mode comes back automatically and the session reconnects.
Full access to the secure desktop
Work on the Windows secure desktop, including the sign-in screen, lock screen and administrator permission prompts.
Direct connection on the local network
Reach devices on the same network by IP address or computer name; the stream flows directly over the LAN.
An organized device list
Groups, tags, favorites and online status help you find the right device quickly, even as your fleet grows.
Work together
Several operators can connect to the same device when needed, so you can tackle a tricky problem with a colleague.
Privacy screen
Blank the device's monitor during maintenance so people nearby cannot see what you are doing.
Frequently asked questions
What is unattended access?
It means connecting with a predefined permanent password, without anyone at the computer to approve. In Polpo Desk the client is installed as a Windows service for this.
Does the connection drop when the computer restarts?
The session is briefly interrupted during the restart. If the client is in service mode, it comes online automatically when Windows starts, and after a restart sent from Polpo Desk the session reconnects by itself.
Can I connect to Windows Server?
Yes. Besides Windows 10 and Windows 11, the Windows client runs on Windows Server and can be installed as a service.
What should I do if I suspect the permanent password has been compromised?
Change the password in the client right away and check recent connections in the audit logs. We recommend a long, unique password that you share only with people you trust.
Can I see the sign-in screen when no user is logged in?
Yes. In service mode Polpo Desk reaches the Windows secure desktop, so you can see the sign-in screen, send Ctrl+Alt+Del and log in.
Can I connect to office computers without looking up their ID?
On the same local network you can connect by IP address or computer name. The stream flows directly over the LAN and the password rules still apply.
Other solutions
Remote Desktop
Connect to computers live; see the screen and control it with mouse and keyboard.
Learn moreRemote Work
Keep working on your office desktop from home, on site or on the road.
Learn moreMobile Device Support
Support Android phones and TVs, and connect to computers from your phone.
Learn moreReach your devices at any time
Open your free account, install the client as a service and configure unattended access in a few minutes.