DameWare — Remote Administration Suite for IT Professionals
DameWare Remote Support (DRS) and DameWare Mini Remote Control (MRC) are commercial tools from SolarWinds designed for IT departments that need to manage and troubleshoot large fleets of Windows, Linux, and macOS machines. Unlike simple remote desktop tools, DameWare combines remote control with AD management, system utilities, and helpdesk integration.
What it really is
A set of remote administration tools with a strong Windows focus, bundled with features for user support, AD management, and system diagnostics. MRC handles the remote control sessions, while DRS provides the full console for administration.
How it works in practice
– Agent-based: The target machine runs the DameWare agent (installable remotely).
– Connection methods: Direct LAN connections or through the DameWare Internet Proxy for remote/off-network machines.
– Authentication: Integrated with Windows credentials and AD; supports smart cards and 2FA.
– Extra tools: Beyond screen control, admins can reset passwords, view event logs, restart services, and push files.
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Purpose | Enterprise-grade remote admin and support suite |
| Editions | Mini Remote Control (MRC); Remote Support (DRS) |
| Supported OS | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Authentication | Windows/AD integration, smart cards, 2FA |
| Features | Remote control, AD management, system tools, chat, file transfer |
| Deployment | Installable agent; remote push possible |
| Security | TLS encryption; Windows authentication; smart card support |
| Licensing | Commercial, per technician |
| Integration | Integrates with SolarWinds helpdesk/monitoring products |
Why IT departments choose DameWare
– More than remote desktop — AD tools, system restarts, and event log viewing built in.
– Works inside and outside LAN — Internet Proxy bridges connections without VPN.
– Good for Windows-heavy fleets — integrates tightly with AD.
– Scales — licensed per technician, not per endpoint.
– Trusted vendor — part of SolarWinds ecosystem.
Typical setup
1. Deploy DameWare Remote Support or Mini Remote Control to admin consoles.
2. Install or push the agent to endpoints.
3. Configure Internet Proxy for off-network access.
4. Authenticate with Windows credentials and start managing endpoints.
Usage scenarios
– Helpdesk staff reset a user’s AD password and troubleshoot a desktop session remotely.
– System administrators restart services or check event logs without logging in physically.
– Support teams assist remote workers over the Internet Proxy without forcing VPN connections.
Security notes
– Use smart cards or 2FA for admin accounts.
– Keep Internet Proxy restricted and monitored.
– Patch agents regularly — outdated versions may expose vulnerabilities.
– Align deployment with corporate compliance requirements (logging, access policies).
Known limitations
– Strong focus on Windows; Linux/macOS support is not as deep.
– Commercial licensing may be too expensive for very small teams.
– Requires agents — not a clientless tool like Guacamole.
Comparison table
| Tool | Key strengths | Best fit scenario |
| DameWare | Enterprise remote admin + AD tools | Large Windows fleets with formal helpdesk |
| AnyDesk | Lightweight, portable | SMBs, fast connections, low setup effort |
| TeamViewer | Wide adoption, integrations | Enterprises needing multi-platform support |
| MeshCentral | Self-hosted, agent-based, AMT support | Companies needing on-prem control |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free, browser-based | Small teams, casual or personal access |
Real-world examples
A corporate IT team uses DameWare to manage thousands of employee desktops, resetting AD credentials daily. A government helpdesk leverages smart card integration for compliance with strict security policies. A managed service provider integrates DameWare with SolarWinds Help Desk to streamline ticket-to-remote-session workflows.
Minimal checklist
– Admin console (DRS or MRC) installed.
– Agents deployed to endpoints (remote push or manual install).
– Internet Proxy configured for external users.
– Authentication integrated with AD or smart cards.
– Regular updates and compliance logging enabled.