Attended vs. unattended access: when to use each
Both let you control a remote computer, but they solve different problems. Here's how to choose, and how to secure each one.
Every remote access session is either attended (someone is at the remote computer and accepts the connection) or unattended (you connect without anyone present). Choosing the right mode keeps support fast and secure.
Attended access: best for ad-hoc support
Use attended access when you're helping a customer or colleague with a problem right now. They run the quick-support client, read you a code, and accept the session.
- No installation or admin rights required
- The user sees and approves every session
- Ideal for customer support and one-off fixes
Unattended access: best for devices you manage
Use unattended access for servers, kiosks, lab machines and employee laptops that your team is responsible for. Install the agent once and connect whenever you need to, including outside working hours.
- Patch, reboot and troubleshoot without interrupting users
- Reach servers and headless machines
- Run maintenance overnight
Securing unattended access
Because no one approves the session, unattended access needs stronger controls: require MFA for technicians, restrict which roles can connect to which device groups, and log every session.
Using both
Most IT teams use both: unattended access for the fleet they manage, and attended sessions for everyone else. In InayaDesk, both modes use the same app, the same permissions model and the same audit log.