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ScreenConnect vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) vs. RealVNC Connect

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    ScreenConnect

    Score8.3 out of 10
    N/AConnectWise ScreenConnect is a remote support, access, and meeting solution. With it, users can utilize remote support and access to repair computers, provide updates, and manage machines. Users can also conduct online seminars and presentations using remote meetings.

    $39

    per month

    RDCMan

    Score7 out of 10
    N/ARDCMan, or Remote Desktop Connection Manager from Microsoft, is a utility for managing multiple remote desktop connections. Once shut down due to a vulnerability in version 2.7, RDCMan is now updated and part of the Sysinternals family of tools. The 2.8 release fixes CVE-2020-0765, the XML parsing vulnerability. As of May, 2025, RDCMan is in version 3.1.

    $0

    RealVNC Connect

    Score9 out of 10
    N/ARealVNC® Connect is a secure remote access solution from RealVNC. It can be used to connect to a remote device anywhere in the world to view its desktop in real-time and take control as though sitting in front of it.

    $99

    per year (one concurrent session)

    Pricing
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Editions & Modules
    One
    $39
    per month
    Standard
    $59
    per month
    Premium
    $69
    per month
    No answers on this topic
    Essentials
    $8.25
    per month (billed annually) per concurrent session
    Plus
    $16.50
    per month (billed annually) per concurrent session (add up to 3)
    Premium
    $29.75
    per month (billed annually) per concurrent session (add up to 5)
    Enterprise
    Custom Pricing
    per year
    Enterprise
    Custom Pricing
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Free Trial
    YesNoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoYesYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    YesNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details——Plans work on a Per Concurrent Session basis. Each plan gives access to a bundled number of devices, but limits apply to the amount of devices that can be connected at any given time. The Premium plan includes On-Demand Assist, a useful tool for providing just-in-time remote support to end-users without them needing RealVNC Connect installed on their device.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Considered Multiple Products
    ConnectWise
    Chose ScreenConnect
    I have worked with Citrix, AnyDesk, LogMeIn, VNC Connect, and many others.

    I ultimately installed ConnectWise as a self-hosted solution, based on the incredible list of features and capabilities, and the pricing at the time. I continue to use the product as it is still one of …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control gives you a lot of the features that the other products provide, but nothing that you won't use. Nothing is worse than a clunky remote session where you are fighting for CPU/RAM resources, and ConnectWise Control beats them all hands down. This product is …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    In terms of overall ease of use ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect), is so much easier to setup and use. Create and download the installer, and then run it once. I've never had any issues with remote machines being behind a firewall or having to be on the AD. There are …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise was a better choice for us because it allowed us to better manage and organize access to our remote machines. It also added value because it provided the support and meeting sessions that we didn't have before.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    This is not even a comparison. ConnectWise Control is so good that even though we have a baked in copy in our Continuum RMM product, we still find the need for efficiency is so great we pay for a separate instance of ConnectWise Control rather than spend the extra 2 minutes …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    I tested multiple products, but ConnectWise gave me the best feature set for the most reasonable price. Security concerns were also a factor. I had experienced some compromised PCs using other remote access products.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Selected ConnectWise Control because of the ability to easily deploy via an MSI or tarball.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Comparably, the features and ease of use aren't even in the same league. As far as cost, one is free and the other is extremely expensive, but Control rivals it in every way at a fraction of the cost.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Not only is ConnectWise far more flexible than previously used tools- it comes at a fraction of the price. My staff regularly comment about how bad previous tools were compared to ConnectWise.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    We initially chose ScreenConnect because of the option to self-host with a perpetual license. It served us very well, with many more features and easier use than VNC. Other competitors had monthly subscription fees and didn't offer enough features to justify the higher prices. …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) is faster, renders screens better, is more reliable, runs smaller, scales better, and is more dependable than the competition.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control is at feature parity with all of the other tools.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Simplified features and layout. Incorporates most features from others that only some offer. Ease of install, setup, and day-to-day use.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control is superior in speed, reliability and has a very lightweight agent. I like LogMeIn second best, but it does take quite a bit more time to connect and the speed moving around is not as quick. Agent installation is super fast as well. You can also convert an …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control is much easier to use than all other alternatives, and is also highly secure. The compression is great, and the connection times and remote session speeds are hands down the best. The feature set can't be beat with the ability to cast your own screen, …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    1. Quick and efficient customer service.
    2. It acts as a meeting point for technicians and customers, solving the customers problem without having a call or chat.
    3. Best for small business.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    • VNC - local use only.
    • TeamViewer - not so good with customisation and a lot more money to purchase but does seem to get past firewalls where sometimes ConnectWise doesn't.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) is more cost effective and provides many more features than competitors I have tried. The user interface is much more intuitive and has a better variety of options when adding roles for different technicians (admin, standard user, …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    I did a lot of research and when you compare price and functionality, ConnectWise Control is the definite winner! When comparing all the features in our original planning phase of multiple softwares, screenconnect or connectwise control did the most for the best price. Another …
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ScreenConnect beats out all of the competitors in terms of ease of use, ease of access, and cost.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Great improvement with speed and it just works
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Teamviewer, LogMeIn and VNC. It is quicker than all 3 of them and works like a champ! The ability to organize clients into their companies, locations and other segments make it easy to find what your looking for. I love the 2FA as well.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    Faster that RDP, more comprehensive than VNC. TeamViewer might be as good. Like the pricing model better than LogMeIn.
    Incentivized
    Chose ScreenConnect
    ConnectWise Control is far superior to all of these in our opinion. Radmin used to be our go-to product many years ago, but required a VPN to access the clients.
    Incentivized
    Microsoft
    Chose RDCMan
    Like with everything IT, we have many tools in the tool box. Sometimes you can use different tools to do the same job. It can often depend on the user and experience of the situation. Many things have it's pro's and cons. But the main thing is that you fix the issue and the …
    Incentivized
    RealVNC
    Chose RealVNC Connect
    The best part is that [the] VNC Connect application supports multi-platform compatibility with Windows and Linux systems. In addition, it is simple, and the session is approved or unapproved, which enables us to provide quick support in the business process. The running service …
    Incentivized
    Chose RealVNC Connect
    With so many things tech-related we have many options and ways to accomplish the same thing. I think one of the important things to remember is the companies track record and support record for their users. In our experience, VNC Connect has been able to be competitive in all …
    Incentivized
    Chose RealVNC Connect
    I'm afraid that the only thing VNC has going for it is that it's free. Otherwise ConnectWise is an infinitely superior product and one which I would heartily recommend. We also looked at Bomgar, but the pricing there was astronomical in comparison with Connectwise. The free …
    Incentivized
    Chose RealVNC Connect
    Screen quality compared to others like ScreenConnect, Bomgar, and others is not as good. But I don't need quality screens. I just need the minimal when connecting to servers so RealVNC fits that need very nicely.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    89%
    Would buy again
    25 Answers
    100%
    Would buy again
    6 Answers
    100%
    Would buy again
    11 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    27 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    6 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    10 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    96%
    Happy with the feature set
    27 Answers
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    6 Answers
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    11 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    93%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    14 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    7 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    96%
    Implementation went as expected
    22 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    11 Answers
    Features
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Remote Administration
    Comparison of Remote Administration features of ScreenConnect and Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) and RealVNC Connect
    Feature
    ScreenConnect
    8.4
    626 Ratings
    6% above category average
    Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
    6.4
    6 Ratings
    21% below category average
    RealVNC Connect
    7.3
    32 Ratings
    8% below category average
    Screen sharing9.8596 Ratings7.04 Ratings9.028 Ratings
    File transfer8.6569 Ratings5.36 Ratings8.015 Ratings
    Instant message8.3501 Ratings1.02 Ratings6.119 Ratings
    Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication7.074 Ratings5.03 Ratings7.05 Ratings
    Access to sleeping/powered-off computers6.9311 Ratings9.03 Ratings6.09 Ratings
    Over-the-Internet remote session10.0602 Ratings7.55 Ratings9.030 Ratings
    Initiate remote control from mobile7.1389 Ratings5.04 Ratings9.019 Ratings
    Remote management of servers & workstations8.8517 Ratings9.36 Ratings4.76 Ratings
    Remote Active Directory® management9.2172 Ratings7.34 Ratings00 Ratings
    Centralized management dashboard7.6479 Ratings8.03 Ratings7.116 Ratings
    Session record8.1316 Ratings4.93 Ratings8.02 Ratings
    Annotations7.7266 Ratings4.03 Ratings5.36 Ratings
    Monitoring and Alerts9.2188 Ratings7.74 Ratings7.03 Ratings
    Multi-platform remote control8.6399 Ratings8.04 Ratings9.011 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Small Businesses
    N-able Take Control
    Score7.2 out of 10
    N-able Take Control
    Score7.2 out of 10
    N-able Take Control
    Score7.2 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Remote Desktop Manager
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Remote Desktop Manager
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Remote Desktop Manager
    Score9.6 out of 10
    Enterprises
    BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
    Score9.1 out of 10
    BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
    Score9.1 out of 10
    BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access
    Score9.1 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.7
    (626 ratings)
    8.0
    (6 ratings)
    9.7
    (38 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (40 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (8 ratings)
    Usability
    8.9
    (55 ratings)
    7.7
    (3 ratings)
    8.0
    (4 ratings)
    Availability
    10.0
    (5 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    10.0
    (9 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    8.2
    (63 ratings)
    8.3
    (2 ratings)
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    Online Training
    7.5
    (24 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.0
    (2 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    10.0
    (20 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (2 ratings)
    Configurability
    10.0
    (5 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    10.0
    (16 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    10.0
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    5.0
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    ScreenConnectRDCManRealVNC Connect
    Likelihood to Recommend
    ConnectWise
    We often need to create an ad-hoc session with a device that is not under our management. We find ourselves doing this more than ever in the COVID world. Many people are working from home on personal machines with their employer, our client's permission and we are facilitating more support for these personal machines. Connectwise Control [(formerly ScreenConnect)] gives us a robust resource to control the device, navigate anywhere we need, execute various commands, and engage in an on-screen chat with the client. The session is very simple to create and very user-friendly to initiate. We do not recommend it for Android, Apple, or Chromebook applications. There is little to no support for these platforms.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    As a IT specialist we have some servers we need acces to. I like to use Remote Desktop Connection Manager because it feel like you are on the computer. Is feel very trusted. Some colleagues use the Azure remote desktop version but I always recommend the windows integrated option. We also have our primary business application running on a server so they use a remote desktop connection too to log on to the server.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    It is very easy to use if the remote device is already set up to receive connections, so if you are setting up devices before deploying them, it is a great tool to have. It is well-suited to use when shadowing users or using it as a teaching tool. There are other products that are better if you are trying to help someone on a one-use basis.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    ConnectWise
    • The interface is easy to use and makes sense. It's easy to understand how to organize a large number of machines involving multiple clients. But, it's also applicable for smaller set of machines too.
    • The connection speed is very quick. I've used solutions in the past that take a variable amount of time to connect, or they just take a long time every time. Control is quick every time. It doesn't get in the way of being able to support the machines on the other end.
    • The connections are reliable. I haven't experienced random disconnects throughout hundreds of instances. It was a breath of fresh air coming from the previous solution we used. I consider Control a gold standard for what a great remote connection solution can be.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • I can see previews of all the machines working at the same time.
    • Having all password in one place.
    • Organization of devices based on purpose, configuration, etc.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    • VNC Connect does an excellent job in remotely connecting to a computer through either your local area network or even another computer on the internet. As long as the VNC Connect services is installed and the client is running in the background.
    • VNC Connect provides password protection to prevent unauthorized users from attempting to remotely access your computer. There's an option to have a separate password to remotely view vs view & access a computer. You can even add an additional level of security by turning on the feature to require Windows login credentials.
    • VNC Connect provides an additional set of controls after a remote connection has been established with another computer. You can have special keystrokes like Ctrl+Alt+Del sent as a command sequence to the other computer as well as access more than a single screen when in use at the remote computer location.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    ConnectWise
    • I'd like to see the ability to selectively log off the remote machine via a button on the toolbar. Currently it's a setting to always lock on disconnect, or never lock on disconnect, requiring the tech to manually lock the machine if called for at the end of a session. Its a small time save that would add up!
    • The chat feature could be expanded to be a lot more useful. Allowing clients to start conversations, and have conversations ping an email address if no one is monitoring the dashboard would be extremely valuable.
    • Some clarity on licensing when providing host-passes to guest technicians would be a boon, especially for one-off support sessions with vendors.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • When trying to connect to a server/machine, and it doesn't connect, there is a "Disconnected" message that is displayed in the thumbnail. There is no information beyond this that explains why the server/machine did/could not connect. It would be helpful to the IT Administrator to know this information, even if Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) kept a log somewhere where this information can be analyzed.
    • There doesn't seem to be an option for connecting to a server that is usually only able to be accessed from a jump server. This will not connect if the server is set up as a server/machine within RDCman. This would be a beneficial feature to have within RDCman. Maybe one of the missing options is to be able to set this in the prospects for the jump server (within the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) window).
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    • Its a pretty straight forward product - I would like to see more tools with a "wow" factor.
    • Panel colors are blah - I would like more eye-catching colors.
    • A more consistent look with all platforms - like Mac & PC.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    ConnectWise
    I would recommend this product for both internal remote control of end user workstations and remote access to other clients over the internet. It provides a secure and feature rich product that allows me to complete any necessary tasks without ever leaving the office. I will continue to renew as I'm eager to see what they do next. I would however wish the cloud service had a better API to work in conjunction with team collaboration or chat services to make it easier to connect with end users who use multiple workstations. (Slack or Stride provide this functionality)
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    VNC is a solid product for the price. It simply works and its reliable across different platforms. Some products state they work well in the Mac environment but don't deliver. This one does what it says. Connections are reliable, but of course, this depends on internet connections. The product works well over wireless connections as well. It delivers on what a remote tool should deliver on. My technicians are happy with the product and customers appreciate the ease of use when letting us connect to their systems. Some also appreciate the remote support while they are multi-task.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    ConnectWise
    On the whole SC is a very powerful tool that is a vital part of the IT service arsenal. On-site visits are an "emergency" only type of scenario. Just "showing your face" is not winning any browny points for me. If my client sees my face, it's usually just to upgrade hardware or to deal other aspects of business. SC provides me and my client the bulk of the info I need to get projects done.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    As alluded to in previous responses it is a very functional tool. It allows me to do my job quickly and efficiently every single day. There are little to no issues using the connection on a day to day basis. It handles everything you need from a remote connection perspective.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    It's a niche product and in that niche they try to cater to as many use cases as they can. Other as a TCO aspect i don't see many use cases where you can't use this product as the one tool for all remote session use cases in your company
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    ConnectWise
    In my 5 years of using the product, I am only aware of one time when the service was down and is was due to a backbone outage upstream.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    ConnectWise
    It performs well. It also has full control over windows security and does not get hung up like GoToMeeting when trying to install remote software at the prompt to install as admin / override. I have used TeamViewer, WebEx, LogMeIn and GoToMeeting. This is by far the best at spontaneous, remote control. It is also very easy to get a novice user connected to the session.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    ConnectWise
    There have been two times when something has went wrong and I needed immediate assistance in order to be able to use Screenconnect to be able to help clients and response has not been immediate. The response time has been within 24 hours. Both times if there had been easier to navigate self help I would have been able to help myself. With better self help and a speedier response it would definitely be a 10 as they always respond and help. Just a little more difficult or slow than it should be at times
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    Plenty of information and support online, and with many things it's pretty straight forward for the average tech to navigate and work with. But with most things online you're not the only person that's had the issue before, and using a search engine you should be able to figure it out.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    VNC Connect is a reliable product that has been around for a long time. It is reasonably priced and works well in the Mac & PC environment. When you have a small team that supports many users we need tools that we can rely upon and that will get the job done on the first try. Many customers appreciate the quick assistance and can multi-task while our team works on their computer issues remotely. From a customer service point of view, this tool gives us transparency and efficient effectiveness.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    ConnectWise
    I find ScreenConnect to be very simple and effective overall, with the main problem being that a number of my clients can't download the app due to existing firewalls and so on. Otherwise it does its job well, and I'm happy with it.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    The training is very informative, quick and to the point. All of the details one would need are present so the user doesn't have to go searching for additional information just to use the application. The layout of the training was also neat and concise, some of the other training sessions for other companies I've done in the past were confusing and not well thought out, this one is much more superior
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    ConnectWise
    ConnectWise has done everything they could to help us in any situation. Great support team and their new updates are always providing features that we need. Its a simple solution that works the way we need it to. Their legacy pricing model is still much better than their subscription based model however it is still fair pricing
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    No problem at all, love the product.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    ConnectWise
    I have worked with Citrix, AnyDesk, LogMeIn, VNC Connect, and many others. I ultimately installed ConnectWise as a self-hosted solution, based on the incredible list of features and capabilities, and the pricing at the time. I continue to use the product as it is still one of the best solutions out there and is certainly capable of growing and expanding to meet the needs of my business.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    RDCMan outshines TeamViewer in every possible way. It’s fast, more reliable, and easier to use. I have had frequent crashes and issues when using TeamViewer, while none with RDCMan. Screen responsiveness also seems much better with RDCMan versus TeamViewer. I would often experience lag issues when using TeamViewer.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    VNC is light and sleek with the quick setup, was impressed with the quick setup despite poor Internet connection outdoor. TeamViewer is good, but the pricing is not as good as VNC. Both do the basic job, but VNC still outperform TeamViewer in terms of performance and ease of use.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    ConnectWise
    I have used multiple remote desktop support software in the past (Bomgar, Team Viewer, Logmein and Join.me) and this is far the easiest of the bunch to use. It is very easy to create a session and easy to maintain remote desktops from their access view (where you install the software and can get in at any time) I highly recommend this product from ConnectWise!
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    RealVNC
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    ConnectWise
    • Instead of waiting 30+ seconds to initiate sessions, they initiate and display a desktop in two or three seconds. The amount of frustration this avoids is immeasurable.
    • Once installed it doesn't need more handholding, i.e., having the remote enter a username/password. It is always just there.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • its less time consuming for IT engineers because they have everything on one please
    • less FTE for the tasks
    • Lack of MFA option
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    RealVNC
    • I have just used the software for about 1 month and so far so god. I am saving time whenever I can access my client's computers from my desk as opposed to having to leave my office to go to their offices. Saves me time and the client money.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    ScreenConnect Screenshots

    Screenshot of the guest page, where end-users enter a code to join a session with a technicianScreenshot of connecting from a Windows machine to a macOS machineScreenshot of the Extension Marketplace, where administrators can install and configure new features and integrationsScreenshot of the Access view of the Host page, where a technician can connect to unattended machinesScreenshot of the toolbox menu, which allows technicians to store and run executables, scripts, and other frequently-used filesScreenshot of the Host page, where a command can be run directly without connecting to the machine

    RDCMan Screenshots

    Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.81

    RealVNC Connect Screenshots

    Screenshot of the Device List in the Connect v8 desktop appScreenshot of On-Demand Assist, which can be used to start a remote support session using a single-use code.