Splashtop is one of many remote desktop software that you can use on both Windows and Mac. It allows you to control a target computer from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. So, how can you take advantage of this great feature?
In this article, you’ll learn how to add a computer to Splashtop so you can control it from anywhere. This will allow you to access your home files directly no matter where you are. We’ll also answer some of your burning questions on the topic.
How to Add Computer to Splashtop
The computer you’ll use as the controlling device is the host computer. The computer you want to control is the target desktop. On your host computer, you should already have Splashtop installed. If not, do so first.
Splashtop Streamer is one of the software programs you’ll need to have downloaded. You can distribute it via a unique 12-digit code or by manually installing it onto the target desktop. This method ensures that there won’t be any exploitable weaknesses.
You will send a user the code through a deployment package, and once the user on the other computer receives it, they can install Splashtop Streamer. They can download the file through the attached link, or you can send an installer directly.
Here’s how you send the installer package:
- Launch Splashtop Business.
- Create the deployment package on Splashtop Business.
- Select “Deploy” to send it out.
- Ensure the target desktop has received the deployment package.
- Install Splashtop Streamer on the target desktop.
- Finish the installation process.
- After this is done, you can access the target desktop remotely.
- Connect to your target desktop with Splashtop Business or another app (See below for more information on this).
- Start accessing the target desktop remotely.
The process is straightforward. There’s no need to memorize IP addresses or the computer’s name. Once you have everything set up, you can launch the Splashtop app and immediately control the other computer.
As we mentioned earlier, Splashtop has many different programs. Some of the specific apps that allow you to control another computer are:
- Splashtop Business
- Splashtop Center
- Splashtop Business Chrome Extension
- Splashtop Business Access Pro
- Splashtop Enterprise
- Splashtop Personal
Splashtop Business is free to download, and you can get it for both computers and mobile devices. If you prefer not to install a large file, there’s always the Chrome extension which is also free. Splashtop Personal is also free for use as long as you’re on a local personal network.
Splashtop Center is a dated version you can download for free. The others, Business Access Pro and Enterprise, are paid products. Splashtop Business Access Pro costs $8.25US per month and per user. For Enterprise, you’ll need to call Splashtop customer service for a quote.
There is a free trial for Splashtop Business Access Pro, which lasts for seven days, but you’re better off using Splashtop Business. It’s sufficient for home use and while traveling.
You need to have a stable internet connection for all of these apps, and the computer has to be active or in sleep mode. This applies to both Windows and Mac. You can set wake-up permissions.
Windows allows you to wake computers even when powered off, but this feature is currently not available for Mac. You can only turn on a hibernating or sleeping Mac as long as it’s connected to the internet.
Additional FAQs
Where do I configure access permissions?
If you can’t see a remote computer, then the owner has set it so that only they or certain Splashtop users can access it. To rectify this, you need to configure access permissions. However, the owner has to grant access first.
Don’t worry. Follow these steps to configure permissions:
1. Log into your Splashtop account on the official website.
2. Go to “Computers.”
3. To the right of the computer name, select the gear icon.
4. From the menu, select “Access Permission.”
5. From yet another menu, choose from the four options.
6. Add a user by account if necessary.
7. Select “Confirm” when done.
If you already own the target desktop, you likely won’t have to configure permissions. It’s still important information, as you might grant access to others in the future.
The four options are:
· Owner access only
· All admins can access
· All members and admins can access
· Specific members only
Is Splashtop Free?
Yes, but only for some of the apps. Splashtop Business and Personal are free to use. You can download and install either one from the official website.
There’s also a free trial for Splashtop Business Access Pro. It lasts for seven days, and you’ll have to pay after.
Let Me Help You With That
Now that you know how to use Splashtop and add a computer for remote access, you don’t have to give up on your powerful setup. Even outside, you only need a stable internet connection to access your important information. Just make sure you’ve set everything up beforehand.
How do you use Splashtop? Do you think remote desktop access is a good idea? Let us know in the comments section below.