Remote Desktop lets admins see and control a managed device's screen from the Swif console, to help users, troubleshoot, or fix settings. Swif offers two remote desktop tools:
RustDesk | Splashtop | |
Platforms | macOS, Windows, and Linux | macOS and Windows |
Set up with | The Remote Desktop (RustDesk) policy for each platform | The Remote Desktop (Splashtop) policy for each platform |
Viewer | RustDesk, on the admin's computer | Splashtop for RMM, on the admin's computer |
Connection server | Swif's own server | Splashtop's servers |
Splashtop will be retired soon. In Swif, Splashtop is marked Deprecated Soon. For new setups, use RustDesk.
For a command line instead of the screen, see How to Use Live Terminal.
RustDesk
How to connect
Assign the Remote Desktop (RustDesk) policy for the device's platform. See the platform's article:
In Swif, open the device, and click Remote Desktop.
Under RustDesk, check that the device shows Configured, and click Connect.
The menu also lists what RustDesk needs on the device, such as the RustDesk Remote Desktop Policy, and RustDesk's permissions on macOS.
Where sessions connect
RustDesk sessions connect through Swif's own server, rustdesk.swifteam.com. They don't use RustDesk's public servers, or a server you host. Swif's RustDesk only connects to Swif's server.
What the user sees
Details | |
Asking permission | The user isn't asked to allow each session, and there's no setting to require it yet. You connect from the console, with Connect. |
During a session | RustDesk's connection window shows on the device, so the user knows someone is connected. The user can end the session from it. |
macOS | The user allows Screen Recording for RustDesk once, the first time. See Remote Desktop for macOS (RustDesk). |
Let users know before you connect, especially since they aren't asked.
Platform support
Platform | Supported | Notes |
macOS | ✅ | The user allows Screen Recording once |
Windows | ✅ | — |
Linux | ✅ | Needs a signed-in desktop session. It doesn't work at the login screen. On Wayland desktops, there are more limits. See Linux Remote Desktop (RustDesk) Policy. |
What's recorded
Recorded | Not recorded |
Each time an admin clicks Connect. The device's Activity Log shows Connected to remote desktop, with the admin, and the time. | When a session ends, or how long it lasted |
What was done during the session |
Splashtop
Splashtop is marked Deprecated Soon in Swif. For new setups, use RustDesk.
How to connect
Assign the Remote Desktop (Splashtop) policy. Hover over the device's remote desktop status to check that the policy is installed.
Windows devices need a restart after the policy installs, before remote desktop works.
Click Remote Desktop on the online device, and under Splashtop, click Connect. The first time, install the Splashtop viewer on your computer. Then click Launch Application.
Click Splashtop for RMM to start the session.
You can see the device's screen. To control it, the device must have granted Splashtop the permissions it needs. Otherwise, you can only view it.
Viewing from Linux: see How to Run the Splashtop Windows Viewer Client on Linux.
Who can use Remote Desktop
Admins who can open a device in Swif can use Remote Desktop on it. To turn it off for your whole organization, see How to Disable Location Tracking, Live Terminal, and Remote Desktop in Swif.
FAQ
Does Swif use RustDesk's public servers?
No. RustDesk sessions go through Swif's own server, rustdesk.swifteam.com.
Can I require users to approve each RustDesk session?
Not yet. Users aren't asked, but they see RustDesk's connection window during a session, and can end it.
How do I see who connected to a device?
Open the device, and go to Activity Log. Look for Connected to remote desktop, with the admin and the time.
Can I connect to a Linux device at its login screen?
No. On Linux, RustDesk needs a user to be signed in to the desktop.
Related resources