How to remotely control devices using Intune

Whether it’s for relieving employees of their distractions or providing support to staff, the ability to control a device remotely is generally quite useful. Such a feature is available via Microsoft Intune, thanks to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Centre, and by extension TeamViewer.

Solution:

  • Configuring TeamViewer connector
    • Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Centre
    • Select “Tenant administration”
    • Select “Connectors and tokens”
    • Select “TeamViewer connector”
    • Connect and accept license agreement
    • Login to TeamViewer to authorise yourself
  • Remotely administering a device
    • Return to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Centre
    • Select “Devices”
    • Select “All devices”Locate in the list and select the device you would like to controlSelect “New Remote Assistance Session.” (may be in context menu)
    • Select “Connect” after TeamView loads

We will admit, that seems like a lot. Though we promise, it’s really not. Below, we’ve taken time to break the instructions into two walkthroughs. The first covers how you can configure TeamViewer, and the second demonstrates how you can administer devices (and connect to them remotely). As such, we urge you to follow along.

Quick links:

Configuring TeamViewer connector in Intune

Step 1 – Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Centre

  • Visit Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin centre via the following link and sign in.
    • Please note you’ll require an account with the roles “Update Remote Assistance” and “Request remote assistance” to proceed beyond this step.

Step 2 –  Go to “Tenant administration” and select “Connectors and tokens”

  • Open “Tenant administration” from the left side panel. The right panel’s menu will update, allowing you to find and select “Connectors and tokens.”

Step 3 –  Open “TeamViewer Connector” and select “Connect”

  • From the TeamViewer connector you’ll be able to begin the connection process via the “Connect” button below the page title.
    • You will be expected to accept the TeamViewer licence agreement

Step 4 –  Authorise yourself in TeamViewer

  • You will now need to log in to TeamViewer, this will allow you to authorise your account and proceed with (eventually) controlling devices remotely.

Administering a device with Intune/Endpoint manager

Step 1 – Sign in to Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Centre

  • Visit Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin centre via the following link and sign in.
    • Please note you’ll require an account with the roles “Update Remote Assistance” and “Request remote assistance” to proceed beyond this step.

Step 2 – Select “Devices” followed by “All devices”

  • From the left side panel select “Devices” and proceed to “All devices” via the additional panel. This will provide access to the device list. 

Step 3 – Pick a device to control and select “New Remote Assistance Session”

  • With a user selected, you can begin a remote session via the “New Remote Assistance Session” option on the right-most menu.
    • This will prompt TeamView to prepare, after which you’ll be prompted to select “Connect”

More on remotely controlling devices using Intune

When should I control a device?

  • Controlling a device may be necessary if you are providing technical support to an employee
    • Show the solution instead of trying to explain everything at once
  • Controlling a device may not be necessary, but definitely justified if an employee is frequently distracted from their work
    • Close windows unrelated to work
  • Controlling a device will be required if there is a hardware malfunction, preventing inputs from being received.
    • In this case, you may remotely control the device to log the user out, ensuring the security of any data they may have accessed before the malfunction.

When should I avoid controlling a device?

It is generally advised to notify users before taking control. Taking control prior to warning the user may cause work progress to be lost in the event applications are closed, or the device is turned off. Another thing to consider is whether you need to take control. Intune’s services are intended to deliver security and aid management- not pulling pranks or keeping employees from their work. Lastly, be mindful of personal information you may access and try to avoid or move past it quickly.

Our related articles:

  • Is it possible to enroll macOS devices in Intune – Want to bring your own device to work, but perplexed as to whether or not your mac is viable? In this blog we’ll briefly explain what Intune is and how you can go about enrolling your macOS devices.
  • How to group devices together in Intune – Organisation is key and that goes for anything- especially intune. In this you’ll learn about groups in Intune, and how you can use them to organise your company’s devices.
  • How to use intune to deploy software – Work with Intune often and have a passion for software? If you think it’s ready for deployment, this post goes over everything you’ll need to know to deploy your first program via Microsoft Intune.
  • What is Microsoft Intune and How does it work – Intune is a popular business embrace mobile device management platform offered within Microsoft’s Endpoint manager service. To find out more, have a read of this post and learn all there is to know about Microsoft Intune.

Jack Mitchell

Jack Mitchell has been the Operations manager at telecoms and MSP Optionbox for more than 4 years. He has played a crucial role in the company, from marketing to helpdesk, and ensures that the IT requirements of over 300 clients are continuously met. With his innate passion for technology and troubleshooting and a particular interest in Apple products, Jack now delivers the most comprehensive tech guides to make your life easier. You can connect with Jack on LinkedIn.

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