ScreenConnect — Remote Support You Can Host Yourself
What it is
ScreenConnect, now called ConnectWise Control, is a remote access tool that sits somewhere between SaaS convenience and full on-prem control. It gives IT staff and MSPs a way to jump into a user’s desktop quickly, transfer files, or record a support session without waiting for VPNs or complex setups. What makes it stand out is the choice: some companies run it in the ConnectWise cloud, while others install the server themselves and keep every connection under their own roof.
How it works
The platform is split into three parts:
– a server, which handles accounts, sessions, and permissions;
– an agent on each endpoint, either permanent for always-on support or temporary for ad-hoc jobs;
– and the technician client, which admins use to control the sessions.
Connections are wrapped in TLS. Enterprises usually add MFA, or tie the system into AD or SAML for single sign-on. From the tech’s side it’s straightforward: fire up the client, click a session, and you’re on the user’s desktop within seconds.
Technical profile
| Area | Details |
| Purpose | Remote support and IT troubleshooting |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux (agents); browser console; iOS/Android apps |
| Model | Server + Agent + Technician client |
| Features | Remote control, file copy, chat, multi-monitor, video recording |
| Authentication | AD/LDAP, SAML, MFA |
| Security | TLS, role-based permissions, detailed logs |
| Deployment | SaaS or self-hosted server |
| Licensing | Commercial, per concurrent technician |
Why admins pick it
They can decide where to run it — quick SaaS or a private server. It integrates cleanly with enterprise identity systems. Licensing is per technician, so MSPs don’t have to count endpoints. Branding options let them present a professional portal to end users. Session features go beyond screen share: chat, file push, and audit-ready recordings.
Usage scenarios
– An IT helpdesk solving desktop issues for staff, whether on-site or remote.
– MSPs providing round-the-clock support across many customers.
– Enterprises with strict compliance rules that require every remote session to be logged and stored.
– Teams needing both ad-hoc sessions and persistent unattended access.
Security notes
Admins generally enforce MFA for technicians and map logins to AD/SAML. On-prem servers should sit behind HTTPS reverse proxies and feed logs into existing SIEM or monitoring systems. Agents are critical — they must be updated regularly, since they’re the actual entry point into endpoints.
Limitations
There’s no free tier; it’s a paid product. Linux agents work but still trail Windows in advanced options. Hosting your own server brings responsibility: patching, backups, monitoring.
Comparison snapshot
| Tool | Strengths | Best fit |
| ScreenConnect | Flexible deployment, detailed audit | MSPs, regulated industries |
| TeamViewer | SaaS-only, very easy to start | Global IT teams with minimal infra |
| AnyDesk | Fast, lightweight | SMBs or freelancers on the go |
| RustDesk | Free, self-hosted | Orgs avoiding vendor relays |
| RealVNC | Standards-based VNC | Mixed OS fleets needing compatibility |
Minimal checklist
– Pick SaaS or self-hosted model.
– Install ScreenConnect server if running on-prem.
– Push agents to endpoints.
– Configure AD/LDAP or SAML plus MFA.
– Turn on session recording and logging.
– Keep agents and servers patched.