PDQ adds remote shell & file explorer for IT teams

PDQ has introduced live device access tools for remote Windows and macOS systems, aimed at helping IT administrators investigate problems without taking over a user's screen.

The update includes remote shell, live file explorer and automatic remote desktop agent deployment. The first two let administrators work on devices in real time from within the PDQ platform, while the deployment setting prepares devices for remote desktop access when full visual control is needed.

Remote shell gives administrators an interactive terminal inside the PDQ interface. It is intended for situations where IT teams need to test commands, review responses and adjust their investigation as new information emerges.

Live file explorer provides direct access to a device's file system. Administrators can browse and search files, retrieve logs, and upload, download or delete files without opening a remote desktop session.

The approach addresses a common IT support problem. A single command may be enough when an issue is already understood, but fault-finding often takes longer, with staff reviewing output and deciding what to check next.

Remote desktop remains part of that process when administrators need to see or interact with a device's graphical interface. PDQ's automatic remote desktop agent deployment setting can install the agent across existing devices and future enrolments, while offline machines receive it after they reconnect and check in.

The live device tools support managed Windows and macOS devices. Remote shell, live file explorer and automatic remote desktop agent deployment are available with PDQ Plus and Premium plans.

PDQ said the changes are intended to reduce disruption for employees while giving IT teams more flexibility in how they respond to incidents. The tools allow administrators to choose between background investigation and full desktop access depending on the task.

Mark Littlefield, vice president of product at PDQ, said the update is designed to reduce unnecessary screen takeovers during support work. "IT teams shouldn't have to take over someone's screen every time they need to investigate a device," he said.

"Remote shell and live file explorer give administrators a way to work behind the scenes, understand what's happening, and escalate to remote desktop only when the screen is actually necessary," Littlefield said.

The release also includes other product updates. PDQ's AI assistant has entered open early access with support for package, deployment and device context. It can explain deployment results, connect those results with device information and suggest further diagnostics, subject to administrator approval before any action runs on a device.

Dashboard changes include options to show or hide widgets, change their order and resize them. New or revised views include a most vulnerable devices widget, a configurable low-disk-space threshold and a more compact operating system patching visualisation.

Several other products are moving into closed early access, including Managed Software Centre, Software Policies v1 and role-based access controls for device actions. PDQ said it serves more than 33,000 customers with endpoint management tools for Windows and macOS devices.