Attended vs Unattended Access

In this article, you'll learn about the difference between attended and unattended access in Chromaport.

Chromaport supports both attended and unattended remote access, allowing you to choose the right connection method for each scenario. Both options use the same secure connection technology and can be controlled through workspace roles and computer-level permissions. All connections are encrypted and access is governed by assigned permissions.

Attended Access

Attended access requires someone to be present at the host computer. When a connection is initiated, the host user is shown an additional confirmation dialog and must approve the request before the remote session starts.

This is ideal when the person using the host computer should remain aware of incoming connections and retain control over who can access the device.

Common use cases

• Playing together on a friend's computer
• Providing remote technical support to a user
• Assisting family members or colleagues with software issues
• Temporary troubleshooting sessions
• Training, onboarding, or guided demonstrations
• Situations where user consent is required before each connection

Benefits

• Host user explicitly approves every connection
• Increased visibility and awareness of remote sessions
• Well suited for support and collaborative scenarios

Unattended Access

Unattended access allows authorized users to connect to a computer without requiring someone to be present at the host device.

Once access has been granted through workspace and computer permissions, authorized users can connect whenever the computer is online and hosting is enabled. This is useful for accessing systems that are not actively monitored or are located elsewhere.

Common use cases

• Cloud gaming
• Accessing your personal workstation while traveling
• Managing home or office computers remotely
• Remote administration and maintenance
• Accessing development, rendering, or testing machines
• Running applications on dedicated host computers

Benefits

• Connect at any time without host-side interaction
• Convenient for ongoing remote access workflows
• Ideal for always-available workstations and servers

Security and Permissions

Both attended and unattended access are protected by Chromaport's security model. Access is controlled through workspace roles, computer assignments, and computer-level permissions, ensuring users can only connect to computers they have been granted access to. All remote connections are encrypted and use secure peer-to-peer communication.

Which option should you choose?

In many environments, both methods are used together: attended access for support and collaboration, and unattended access for trusted devices that require regular remote access.