As companies continue to expand networks and use remote offices and telecommuting, there is a need to manage devices from virtually any location. Microsoft has offered a built-in remote control solution called Remote Assistance for modern OSs since Windows XP. It allows help desk professionals or other IT administrators to remotely control a user’s system, while the user is watching.

For example, a user may not know how to configure an application. The user calls the help desk for assistance. Instead of trying to talk the user through the steps, the help desk pro can show the user how to do it. The help desk pro can use Remote Assistance to take control of the user’s desktop. While connected, the pro will have control of the user’s desktop as long as the user allows it. The user is able to disconnect the pro at any time.

Although the built-in Remote Assistance is great as a free tool, it does not meet the needs of every organization. Several third-party tools are available that can provide additional features. These products include TeamViewer, LogMeIn, and RemotePC, among others.