← Blog · 2026-08-25

Remote desktop vs remote support: what's the difference?

People often confuse "remote desktop" and "remote support." Both let you access a remote computer, but they answer different needs.

Remote desktop

You connect to YOUR own machine (or a server) to work on it remotely, usually alone, often continuously. The typical example: Windows RDP.

Remote support

You connect to SOMEONE ELSE'S machine, with their consent, to help them occasionally. The user is often present and sees what you do.

What changes in practice

Remote support needs an easy hand-off to the client (a link, an exe), clear consent, and a session log. Remote desktop is more about permanent, personal access.

What about NoctuaPC?

NoctuaPC AgentSupport covers both: one-off support with the user present (attended) and permanent unattended access for the machines you manage.