A Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is an indispensable tool for anyone working in information technology (IT), especially administrators and system managers. It is one of the best tools for troubleshooting end-user issues that require quick resolution.
With the right remote connection manager, you can connect to a computer remotely rather than in person. This unique tool can help you resolve your customer’s issues quickly so you can spend more time on higher-priority tasks.
What is a Remote Desktop Connection Manager?
Most businesses and businesses with computer-centric work require daily Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. These manual sessions require you to repeatedly enter your credentials, which can be cumbersome, especially if you frequently troubleshoot remotely.
A remote connection manager or RDP client integrates your connection and stores it in one place so you don’t have to connect to multiple remote connections daily.
Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows
1. mRemoteNG
Multi-Remote Next Generation (mRemoteNG) is an open-source remote desktop connection manager. It has valuable features like multi-protocol support and multi-tab connections.
Features include:
- Supported protocols include Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Citrix Independent Computing Architecture (ICA), and more.
- You can create folders, which is useful if you want to organize your remote connections into groups to apply the same settings or common credentials to all your remote desktops simultaneously.
- Stores all remote desktop connections in a connection file in XML format.
- You can save your login files to Google Drive, OneDrive, and other cloud-synced locations. The client also keeps a backup copy of the connection file each time it modifies it.
Other great features include SSH file transfer, screenshot manager, and importing logins from Active Directory (AD).
of them. Returns the Remote Desktop Manager (RDM)
Returns offer this remote connection manager in two editions: free and enterprise (paid). The free edition comes with a lot of features, some of which may overwhelm new users.
Features include:
- Supports popular connections such as Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), Microsoft RDP, TeamViewer, Telnet, etc.
- It uses an instance of SQLite as the default data source. However, it also supports other data types, stored in Google Drive, Dropbox, and additional cloud storage.
- It offers a free online backup feature using its Returns cloud.
- Built-in management tools make management tasks more transparent, allowing you to run a port scan, retrieve remote events, manage installed programs, and more.
Other useful features include a secure info manager, file repository, file editor, and import connection.
3. DR tabs
This multi-tabbed remote desktop connection manager is highly customizable with a unique Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Microsoft Terminal Services Client (MSTSC).
Features include:
- You can easily create a new remote connection in its default interface and save connections using a folder tree.
- It has multiple view layouts for opening remote connections such as multiple panels, split tabs, and multi-tabs.
- You can export all registered remote desktops and export all applications.
- It has a screenshot tool to document changes on your remote machines.
- It has PowerShell integration and scripting so you can automate some of its features.
4. Multioffice
This lightweight desktop login manager requires no installation. You need to download its latest version and extract it directly to your computer. It is available on 32 and 64 bit systems.
Features include:
- The Multidesk interface uses a tree structure to display the hierarchy of groups and servers.
- Administrators can assign credentials to a pool, which each server in the pool can inherit. Once you have added remote connections, you can connect to one remote desktop at a time or compile all remote desktops into a pool.
- Other great features include importing cached MSTSC connections, which makes managing remote desktop connections even easier.
A disadvantage of MultiDesk is its limited ability to import and export connections from the main program.
5. Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager app
This list wouldn’t be complete without Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection Manager, aptly named Remote Desktop. If you want to install this app, you can download it for free from the Microsoft Store.
Features include:
- It has a modern and minimalist interface, which allows you to save multiple credentials through its built-in manager. Choosing between pre-saved credentials helps prevent crashes and connection errors.
- It also has connection backup and restores features that will come in handy when accidentally deleted or when moving between computers.
- Other useful features include keyboard command redirection, smart screen resizing, and anti-screen timeout.
Highest Paid Remote Connection Managers
1. DameWare Mini Remote
This remote access system has many features, such as screen sharing, and can boot idle terminals running Linux, macOS, and Windows. It comes in a flexible package that makes it perfect for IT departments and individual help desk technicians.
Features include:
- The DameWare console has a chat system that allows the technician to communicate with the device user on the other end.
- Other utilities include file transfer systems and screen capture.
- DameWare’s Remote Connection Manager allows multiple sessions to run concurrently. This feature allows the technician to use multiple computers as if it were a local machine.
- It has an active directory to manage accounts and even uses two-factor authentication.
of them. Royal TS
This service has a secure remote connection system that uses encryption. Royal TS can connect to remote terminals running on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Therefore, it is ideal for IT departments that need to implement unified endpoint management (UEM) strategy that includes desktops and mobile devices.
Features include:
- Royal TS is designed for teams of technicians. It has collaboration and sharing features that make task management and communication easier.
- Tabs are available on the viewer dashboard, allowing you to connect multiple simultaneous sessions to devices running different operating systems.
- You can manage connections used by other systems such as VMWare, Hyper-V and TeamViewer.
- Technicians can create a central store of access credentials that automatically log their data.
Royal TS also offers a free version called LIte, which is limited to maintaining connections for up to ten devices.
3. Team viewer
This popular remote desktop management is considered as the main remote desktop connection manager package. TeamViewer is known for its team collaboration features, which makes it ideal for large IT departments. Plus, it’s free for home use.
Features include:
- Access to your technician account requires two-factor authentication and all transmissions pass through 256-bit AES encryption.
- The main dashboard panel has an interactive design and displays the remote desktop. Its side panels also have various tools for investigation and troubleshooting.
- It offers team management services such as streaming demos, video conferencing, and screen sharing. Also, it uses 2FA to start sessions, which makes it more secure.
- It works well even with limited bandwidth connections. However, you must have the same version of Teamviewer for the control and remote computers to initiate a connection.
Four. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
ManageEngine offers a wide range of tools for help desk technicians in addition to various remote access features. It offers cloud and on-premises deployments.
Features include:
- It allows technicians to access not only Windows but also Mac OS and remote Linux terminals.
- Technicians can use built-in forensics tools and other features, such as process automation and secure file transfer. These features allow support teams to collaborate and work as a team to resolve issues.
- Operators can access remotely without prompting the user or in an interactive mode that provides access to the desktop.
- It includes a built-in chat function in case you need to communicate with the desktop user.
- You can also enjoy other support features like Take Control and Wake On Lan options.
5. AnyDesk
Although AnyDesk is best known for home use, the app also offers a paid package for businesses. It is currently offered in three subscription plans: Essential, Performance, and Enterprise.
Features include:
- The Essential version allows only one endpoint connection at a time, while the other two allow multiple simultaneous connections.
- You can access the tool through an agent installed on remote devices or through an installed local technician console.
- Compatible with Chrome OS, Raspberry Pi, Android, Unix, Linux, macOS and Windows.
Users who own the remote device can manage access permissions and revoke access rights at any time. As a result, AnyDesk is an excellent choice for service teams supporting home or business software applications.
Which Remote Desktop Connection Manager Should You Choose?
When choosing the right remote desktop manager for your business, keep in mind the size of the business and the issues you regularly encounter. If the company has a few IT units, a free tool may suffice. However, if the business has dozens of computers or more, investing in a premium tool with more features is a wise move.
