Windows has been the leading desktop OS in the world for a very long time now. Windows dominates the desktop PC market, although it has not gained as much popularity as the Android OS series for smartphones. Windows desktops and laptops are a popular choice for most businesses due to their familiarity and ease of use. Hence, organizations must have Windows device management software for all-encompassing security and device configuration management.
With Windows desktops and laptops making a 75% market share, embracing the best software for Windows desktop management for managing and securing Windows laptops and desktops can help businesses in ensuring remarkable progress. More than a billion people currently use the latest Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems.
What is Desktop Management Software?
Windows desktop management software is a comprehensive approach to overseeing, managing, monitoring, and updating Windows desktops, laptops, tablets, and other end-user computing devices. Desktop management is a component of systems management that includes the administration of an organization’s IT infrastructure. Windows desktop management tools streamline the tasks of IT teams in managing the entire Windows desktop fleet to enhance productivity.
MDM software perform multiple functions that simplify remote desktop management. Some of them are patch management, antivirus and malware management, passcode policies, and blocking or unblocking of applications on corporate-owned devices, COPE, or employee-owned devices in the case of BYOD.
Desktop management also encompasses identity access management (IAM), selective user access, and single sign-on. Passcode policies ensure that only authorized users get access to devices and data on desktops. IT admins can exercise all these functions and controls for management using an MDM dashboard.
Modern desktops and computers running on Windows 10 and 11 are highly versatile and have inbuilt capabilities to support their remote management. Legacy Windows devices like desktops running on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 originally support little management, and hence, an MDM agent is installed to enable extensive device management. The device use cases can be of varied natures. MDM allows IT admins to exercise little to granular control over all devices.
Need for Desktop Management
Modern organizations rely on desktops and laptops for their regular business operations, and desktop management simplifies the management and security of all Windows computers in the organizations centrally. Windows desktop management is the safest bet for IT teams to configure, deploy, manage, and oversee devices to ensure there are no security risks. When properly implemented, Windows desktop management tools can boost efficiency and productivity by ensuring minimum device downtime.
Organizations use mobile device management (MDM) for implementing desktop management to ensure device and data security practices. Additionally, an MDM helps automate patches and updates of apps and content while ensuring that only authorized users access the device network. Windows desktops and laptops handle a substantial amount of corporate data. Today, with most companies using the latest versions of Windows OS, desktop management for Windows is gaining popularity.
Key Features of Desktop Management Software
Scalefusion Windows desktop management centrally manages and tracks devices for the entire device lifecycle. Scalefusion MDM is packed with powerful features that make desktop management efficient and easy.
Over-the-air Bulk Enrollment
For different use cases, Windows desktops must be set up with specific usage policies, user controls, and access controls. Windows desktops and laptops need to be provisioned in remote locations, and this burdens IT teams if devices have to be purchased and set up individually. Scalefusion desktop management for Windows 10 and Windows 11 helps in bulk enrollment of devices using the Windows Autopilot Program. New desktops can be provisioned over the air and shipped directly to the user. The desktop would enroll itself into the remote access policies set by IT admins as soon as the device is switched on.
High-level Data Security
Data and device security are primary concerns for any organization using digital devices for work. With Scalefusion MDM, IT teams can send alerts, exercise access controls, enforce passcode policies, and block access to unauthorized apps and websites. These functions help maintain the security of devices and data even when desktops are operating outside office internet networks.
Bitlocker Encryption
Securing and recovering data from lost, stolen, or decommissioned devices is a major concern for IT admins while handling a large device inventory. Windows Bitlocker encryption can help IT teams encrypt and secure all data on devices and also protect against any data theft or leaks. It also helps ensure computers are not tampered with when offline.
VPN Configuration
Ensuring secure data access even when using corporate devices outside company parameters is crucial to avoid data leaks and malware attacks on devices. With Scalefusion, IT admins can configure a VPN provider on Windows PCs and route traffic to these devices from a secure network.
Remote Application Management
With Scalefusion MDM, IT teams can push, configure, and update apps available on the Windows Business Store. Additionally, IT admins can also push private UWP or Win32 apps and make them available to users on their desktops and laptops. IT admins can also exercise silent installation or uninstallation of apps on Windows devices keeping user interference at bay.
Remote Content Management
Windows 10 and 11 desktops are popularly deployed as kiosks and digital signages for marketing purposes. Also, remotely managed desktops and laptops should have updated content to ensure employees have all the information related to work. Scalefusion desktop management software can remotely publish, unpublish, and update files, folders, documents, videos, and presentations. The FileDock app allows IT admins to share files and update content for seamless asset management and endpoint management.
Remote Browser Management
Windows 10 desktops are widely used as public kiosks in areas where people need to interact with devices to get information. Scalefusion helps block websites that are not recommended, prevents tracking browser history, and enables one to start a new session when a new user accesses the kiosk. Remote browser management allows admins to configure Windows desktop kiosks to single-app or multi-app mode, restricting devices to only authorized apps and websites.
Remote OS updates
Scalefusion desktop management software uses Windows patch management to manage patches. It scans and detects missing patches and auto-updates the OS by deploying them. Scalefusion allows IT admins to handle patches of the entire device fleet centrally, deploy them, and keep a check if all devices are updated with regular patches.
Remote troubleshooting
Windows desktops and PCs are remotely located and it can be quite cumbersome for IT admins to reach these devices in person whenever there is a device issue. Scalefusion desktop management software allows IT admins to remote-cast device screens on the dashboard, understand the problem, take screenshots, and provide step-wise guidance to resolve issues. In the case of unattended desktops, IT admins can remotely cast and exercise control by syncing files to address issues and ensure the device is up and running with minimum downtime.
Final Words
Desktop management Software keeps evolving with developments and updates on Windows OS. Scalefusion also works on improving the user experience for Windows desktops and laptops to increase the usability of devices without compromising data security.
FAQs
1. What is Desktop management software, and why is it important?
Desktop management software is a system used to oversee and control Windows devices within an organization. It’s vital because it centralizes device administration, allowing efficient deployment of updates, software, and security protocols across all Windows endpoints.
2. How does Desktop management software benefit IT administrators?
Windows desktop management software empowers IT administrators by automating routine tasks like software distribution, patch management, and remote troubleshooting. This streamlines operations, reduces downtime, and ensures compliance with organizational policies.
3. What are the differences between on-premises and cloud-based desktop management solutions?
On-premises desktop management solutions require local infrastructure and maintenance, offering full control but requiring more resources. Cloud-based solutions leverage remote servers, offering scalability, accessibility, and reduced hardware costs with potential security and dependency considerations.
4. Can Windows desktop management software support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies?
Yes, Windows desktop management software can support BYOD policies by providing tools for secure device enrollment, policy enforcement, and containerization of work-related data. This allows organizations to control and secure employee-owned devices accessing corporate resources.
5. How can Windows desktop management software enhance security for organizations?
Windows desktop management software enhances security through features like endpoint encryption, remote lock and wipe capabilities, and continuous monitoring for threats. It enforces security policies, ensures devices are up-to-date with patches, and provides insights into device compliance, reducing vulnerabilities and mitigating risks.
