Installation instructions
Set up Deskzap in three practical steps: install the Connect app on the devices you operate from, install the Host app on the computers you want to reach, then start your first remote session from the Deskzap console.
New organizations receive a 3-day free trial. During the trial, all enrolled devices appear in the Deskzap dashboard and sessions work normally. If the trial expires before a subscription is active, remote sessions will be paused until a plan is activated from the billing page.
Set up Deskzap in 4 steps
Install the outgoing operator app on the technician machine or workstation used to start remote sessions.
Run the Host installer on each remote machine you want to manage. It enrolls automatically using your organization profile.
The host checks in with your organization token and appears in Deskzap Computers with its group and policy context.
Open Deskzap Connect, sign in with your Deskzap account, and start a session from the web console.
Install Deskzap Connect
Deskzap Connect is the outgoing operator app. Install it on laptops, office workstations, or support terminals — the devices your team connects from. Do not install Connect on every managed endpoint by default.
- Sign in to my.deskzap.co.uk and go to Configuration → Downloads.
- Choose the target operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Download the Connect installer and run it on the operator machine.
- Sign in with your Deskzap account. The app stays running in the background ready for sessions.
Go straight to the download center at my.deskzap.co.uk/management/configuration/deployment/downloads.
Install Deskzap Host
Deskzap Host is the managed-host app. Install it on every computer your team wants to access remotely. It uses the deployment package from your Deskzap dashboard which includes the group assignment, naming rule, and enrollment token — so the machine appears in inventory automatically.
- In the Deskzap console, go to Computers → Add remote computer.
- Choose a deployment method: copy the shareable link, download the package directly, or create a deployment profile.
- Run the Host installer once on the target machine.
- Wait for the computer to check in — it will appear in Computers within a minute or two.
For deploying to many machines at once, use a deployment package with a naming rule and group assignment. The package can be pushed through MDM, RMM, or any software deployment tool — no manual steps on each machine.
Permissions and approvals
Depending on the operating system, managed hosts may require privacy or security permissions before Deskzap can capture the screen, use accessibility features, or run at startup. Approving these during rollout prevents interruptions during live sessions.
- Windows — minimal permissions required. The installer handles startup registration automatically.
- macOS — Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions must be approved in System Settings. For managed fleets, pre-approve these via MDM policy to avoid per-machine prompts.
- Linux — the host runs as a service. Use your configuration management tool to ensure the service starts consistently across machines.
Deployment methods
Deskzap supports four rollout patterns depending on your team size and how much automation you need.
- Shareable link — Send the Add remote computer link to an end user. They run the installer themselves. Best for one-off setups.
- Direct download — Download the Host package from the download center and run it manually on the machine. Best for small teams.
- Deployment package — Create a package in the Deskzap console with a naming rule and group. The machine is enrolled and named automatically on first run.
- MDM / RMM push — Push the deployment package silently across your device fleet using Intune, Jamf, NinjaRMM, or similar tools. Best for large-scale rollouts.
Starting a remote session
Once a remote machine appears in Deskzap Computers, you can start a session from the Deskzap web console. Deskzap issues session authorization and routes the connection through the approved path before pairing begins.
- Open Deskzap Connect on your operator machine and make sure you are signed in.
- Go to Computers in the Deskzap console.
- Find the computer you want to connect to and click Connect.
- The session opens in the Deskzap Connect app on your machine.
Make sure Deskzap Connect is installed and running on your operator machine. The Host app must also be running on the remote computer. Check the computer status in the console — it should show as Online.