Blacken end user monitor and disable inputs

Black Screen Mode

What is Black Screen Mode? 

Disable remote input” and “Show black screen” features in SupremeViewer can be used as a Remote Desktop replacement when a person is working remotely on a server that has keyboard, mouse and monitor attached but should not be used by any local user while the remote user is connected via SupremeViewer.

Therefore, in this scenario, either the local user or the remote user must be able to use the machine.

In addition the “Show black screen” feature is useful in case a remote assistant user has to enter sensitive information such as a password in a shell that would be otherwise visible to the user.

Who can use the Black Screen Mode? 

The “Disable remote input” and “Show black screen” features are available to all SupremeViewer users. The function can be found in the top menu of the SupremeViewer Client application.

This option is ideal for business operators and IT administrators who frequently need to remotely access and manage devices without unauthorized users being able to see their activities. Typical tasks include remote troubleshooting, re configuring applications and settings on devices, and other similar functions. Company-owned devices often store sensitive information that should only be accessed by authorized personnel, with certain elements being visible solely to IT staff to mitigate potential security threats.

Benefits of using the Black Screen Mode.

Benefit 1: Increased privacy.

Increased remote work privacy. When working remotely on the PC at the office, your activity can still be visible to your co-workers. By enabling the option, the screen at the office will be black and all activity will be invisible.

Increased corporate privacy. IT administrators or support agents can use the option when accessing company data or entering passwords remotely in view of customers. This ensures that no unauthorized users are able to see any private information.

Benefit 2: Minimize device inactivity (downtime).

Although remote access and control offer convenience, there are instances when it may not be suitable to act immediately. For instance, if a self-checkout kiosk at a restaurant is malfunctioning, it might not be ideal for your troubleshooting efforts to be visible on the remote screen, as this could lead to a negative experience for customers. Temporarily turning off the kiosk screen allows support technicians to address the device problems promptly, without needing to wait for customers to leave.

Benefit 3: Improved efficiency for IT administrators and support personnel.

Turning the remote device’s screen black during troubleshooting helps inform customers or end-users that the device is not in operation, preventing them from attempting to use it. This approach enables IT operators and administrators to carry out their tasks more quickly and efficiently, free from interruptions or unintended contributions from others.

Benefit 4: Improved customer experience.

All of the aforementioned advantages contribute to enhancing the overall experience for customers. When customers encounter a screen that is blank and unresponsive, they instinctively understand that the device is either out of order or undergoing maintenance, which leads them to refrain from using it. This helps prevent their frustration if they discover the device was malfunctioning after several tries. Additionally, minimizing device downtime can help businesses improve the purchasing experience for customers by possibly reducing their waiting time.

Compatibility.

The Black Screen feature is available for all Windows version starting from Windows 7.
This includes: Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11.
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019 and 2022.

Exceptions.

In some situations, the Black Screen mode may not function because of the operating system’s security design. Consequently, it’s possible that input isn’t blocked, the screen’s content remains visible, or both issues may occur.

  • During UAC dialog
  • After sending Ctrl + Alt + Del
  • After logout
  • During user switch
  • After the desktop has been locked

Note: Leaving those screens is supposed to restore Privacy Mode, thus the remote screen is hidden again and the remote user’s input be blocked.

Multiple sessions.

In case multiple clients are connected to the same server and at least two of them enables the Black Screen option:

  1. Black Screen is enabled on the first request (if possible),
  2. Black Screen should be disabled either in case
    a. the last user that enabled Black Screen requested to leave it.
    b. the last user that enabled Black Screen closed the corresponding session.

How to Black Screen and Disable Inputs?

1. Connect to the remote computer by using the SupremeViewer Client.

SupremeViewer - Disable Input

2. Click the blue monitor icon from the SupremeViewer Client menu.

SupremeViewer Server - enable black screen mode and disable remote inputs.

3. The screen and inputs on the host computer are disabled.

The user in front of the host computer will see only the SupremeViewer Server logo.
The input is also disabled.

SupremeViewer Server Logo

4. Enable the screen and inputs.

Click the button again to return the normal state of the host machine.
SupremeViewer Server - enable/disable black screen mode and remote inputs.

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