Remote Desktop Manager

What is Remote Desktop Manager?

Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) is a centralized remote connection management platform that organizes all remote sessions, credentials, and tools in a single, secure application. Developed by Devolutions, RDM supports protocols including RDP, SSH, VNC, Telnet, FTP, web-based connections, and integrates with virtually every remote access technology. IT professionals managing dozens or hundreds of servers, workstations, and network devices use RDM to eliminate the chaos of managing connections through multiple applications and scattered credential storage.

The software addresses a fundamental IT management problem: remote access sprawl. System administrators typically need RDP for Windows servers, SSH for Linux, VNC for headless systems, web interfaces for network devices, and various proprietary tools—each with separate credential management. RDM unifies these into organized hierarchical folders with centralized, encrypted credential storage. Enterprise features include role-based access control, session recording for audit compliance, team sharing with granular permissions, and integration with password managers like KeePass, LastPass, and enterprise vaults. The free version provides substantial functionality for individual IT professionals, while paid licenses add team features, advanced security, and enterprise integration.

Key Features

• Multi-Protocol Support: RDP, SSH, VNC, Telnet, FTP/SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS, and dozens more protocols in single interface.
• Credential Management: Encrypted password vault storing credentials linked to specific connections with inheritance support.
• Organized Sessions: Hierarchical folder structure organizing connections by client, location, purpose, or custom criteria.
• Session Recording: Record remote sessions for audit trails, training, or compliance documentation.
• Tabbed Interface: Multiple simultaneous connections in tabbed or tiled view within single window.
• Role-Based Access: Enterprise feature controlling who can access which connections and credentials.
• Team Sharing: Share connection databases with team members while maintaining security boundaries.
• Password Manager Integration: Connect with KeePass, LastPass, 1Password, CyberArk, and other vaults.
• Macro and Scripting: Automate repetitive tasks with macros, PowerShell, and custom scripts.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Additional security layer for accessing the application and credentials.
• Offline Mode: Access cached connections when network unavailable.
• Import/Export: Import connections from other tools, export for backup or migration.

What’s New in 2024/2025

• Enhanced Security: Improved encryption and additional authentication options.
• Performance Improvements: Faster loading of large connection databases.
• Updated RDP Support: Full compatibility with latest Windows remote desktop features.
• Better SSH Experience: Improved terminal emulation and key management.
• Cloud Integration: Enhanced Devolutions Hub integration for team collaboration.
• UI Refinements: Cleaner interface with improved navigation and search.
• Mobile Companion: Updated mobile apps for remote access on the go.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (Windows Server 2016+ for server deployment)
• Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor
• 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended for large databases)
• 500 MB available disk space plus database storage
• .NET Framework 4.8 or later

Database Options

• SQLite (default, local single-user)
• SQL Server for team sharing
• Devolutions Hub for cloud-based teams

How to Use Remote Desktop Manager

1. Download and Install: Get RDM from devolutions.net – free version available, trial for enterprise features.
2. Create Data Source: Set up SQLite database for personal use or SQL Server for team sharing.
3. Organize Folders: Create folder hierarchy matching your infrastructure (by client, location, or function).
4. Add Connections: Create entries for each server, workstation, or device with appropriate protocol.
5. Configure Credentials: Store passwords in encrypted vault, link to connections or use inheritance.
6. Connect: Double-click entries to launch remote sessions in embedded or external window.
7. Use Tabs: Open multiple connections simultaneously, switch between active sessions.
8. Create Templates: Define templates for common connection types to speed entry creation.
9. Set Favorites: Mark frequently accessed connections for quick access.
10. Backup Regularly: Export or backup database to protect connection and credential data.

Remote Desktop Manager vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Protocol Support: Handles virtually every remote access protocol in single application.
• Free Version: Substantial functionality available without cost for individual users.
• Credential Security: Encrypted vault with integration to major password managers.
• Organization: Excellent folder hierarchy and search capabilities for large environments.
• Team Features: Enterprise version enables secure sharing across IT teams.
• Session Recording: Valuable for compliance, training, and troubleshooting documentation.
• Active Development: Regular updates with new features and security improvements.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Many features require time to discover and configure optimally.
• Enterprise Pricing: Team features require paid licenses that add up for larger teams.
• Windows Only: No native macOS or Linux client (use web or mobile companion).
• Resource Usage: Can consume significant memory with many open connections.

Who Should Use Remote Desktop Manager?

• System Administrators: Managing Windows servers, Linux systems, and network infrastructure.
• Managed Service Providers: Organizing client environments with secure credential separation.
• Help Desk Teams: Quick access to user workstations and common troubleshooting tools.
• DevOps Engineers: Managing cloud instances, containers, and development environments.
• Security Teams: Audit trails and session recording for compliance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Remote Desktop Manager free?

Yes, RDM Free Edition provides full functionality for individual users including unlimited connections, credential management, and most protocols. Team features (shared databases, role-based access, enterprise integrations) require paid Team or Enterprise licenses starting at $199.99/year per user.

How secure is credential storage in RDM?

Credentials are encrypted using AES-256 encryption with master password protection. Enterprise versions add additional security layers including two-factor authentication, privileged access management integration, and encryption key management. For maximum security, integrate with dedicated password managers or enterprise vaults.

Can I share connections with my team?

Yes, with paid licenses. Use shared SQL Server database or Devolutions Hub cloud service. Role-based access controls determine who can view, use, or modify specific connections and credentials. Free version is single-user only with local database.

Final Verdict

Remote Desktop Manager is the most comprehensive remote connection management solution available, supporting virtually every protocol IT professionals encounter while providing enterprise-grade credential security and team collaboration features. The free version offers remarkable value for individual administrators, while paid licenses enable secure team sharing that MSPs and IT departments require. For anyone managing more than a handful of remote systems, RDM eliminates the chaos of multiple tools and scattered credentials, replacing it with organized, secure, centralized management.