New release: Improved Screen Blanking and a new URI handler in VNC® Connect

The new versions introduce some exciting features – enhanced Screen Blanking on VNC® Server for Windows devices and a URI handler in VNC® Viewer. Users can now also record sessions when using Raspberry Pi devices. The release also include some other minor patches.

Download the new versions here.

Key features:

Improved screen blanking feature for Windows devices in VNC® Server
URI Handler added to VNC® Viewer – connect through a URL
Screen recording now available for Raspberry Pi

Safeguard against prying eyes with improved screen blanking

You can’t always know who’s nearby when you’re accessing a remote device. And that’s an issue when you’re working on something that’s not for everyone to see.

Now, with the improved screen blanking feature, you can remote access your Windows devices (supports Windows 7 and later), safe in the knowledge that your desktop’s hidden from prying eyes.

Setting up Screen Blanking

Download the latest version of VNC® Server from here (v6.11).
Open VNC® Server and go to: Options > Privacy page and turn on Blank screen when users are connected.

Tip: You can also configure screen blanking on a per-user basis from within the Users & Permissions settings of VNC® Server.

More ways to connect with URI handling

With the introduction of a URI handler, you can now launch VNC® Viewer from other programs (such as a web browser). You can then have it connect to a remote device automatically, just by clicking a link (or a button).

Use the feature to help teams collaborate more effectively by creating a central resource, (like a shared intranet page), with pre-configured links that launch remote access sessions to the specific devices needed in the project. Or help technicians enhance their support dashboards by making it easier to start a remote support session at the click of a button or link.

For instructions on using URI, take a look at this help article.

Screen recording in Raspberry Pi

Screen recording is now available for Raspberry Pi devices. Great for auditing purposes, the feature allows you to record your session when connecting to a Raspberry Pi device. Nothing is different in terms of using the screen recording feature.

You can read the full release notes for VNC® Server and VNC® Viewer on our help center here.

And if you haven’t used our software before, why not sign up for a free 14-day trial and see what truly secure remote access feels like?

Bogdan Bele

A journalist by formation and experience, and a content writer by trade. I’ve been writing content, both online and offline, for more than 15 years. My focus has always been technology, but I’ve also ventured into fields as diverse as music, football or news. I am RealVNC’s in-house Digital Content Editor, so a lot of what you’re reading on this blog is written by me. I also edit a lot of our content output. When I’m not writing, editing or reading, you’ll probably find me at a concert or watching a Chelsea FC game.