Quick Start
This guide covers every ISL Online feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use OEM Remote Control — Embed remote support into your own product
- How to Use Control Remote Desktop — Take full control of any remote machine
- How to Use Security Fine-Tuning — Lock down sessions with custom policies
- How to Use Managed Private Cloud — Host ISL Online on your own server
- How to Use Administration — Manage users, groups, and permissions
- How to Use Easy File Transfer — Send files between computers securely
- How to Use Session Recording — Record sessions for training and audits
- How to Use Custom Branding — Add your logo and company colors
- How to Use Chat — Talk with clients during support sessions
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used ISL Online for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use isl online tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
ISL Online is one of the most powerful remote desktop tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
ISL Online Tutorial
This complete ISL Online tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
ISL Online
Connect to any remote computer in seconds with AES 256-bit encryption. ISL Online gives IT teams full remote control, file transfer, and unattended access across Windows, Mac, and Linux. Try free for 15 days — no credit card required.
Getting Started with ISL Online
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the ISL Online website at islonline.com.
Click “Start Free Trial” in the top right corner.
Enter your email and create a password.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Download ISL Light
Download the ISL Light app for your operating system.
ISL Online works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Run the installer and log in with your new account.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with session options.
Step 3: Start Your First Session
Click “Start Session” to generate a unique session code.
Share that code with your client so they can connect.
Your client enters the code at the ISL Online website or app.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use ISL Online OEM Remote Control
OEM Remote Control lets you embed ISL Online’s remote support into your own software product.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Access the OEM Settings
Log into the ISL Online web dashboard.
Navigate to “Customization” in the left sidebar.
Select “OEM Branding” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Configure Your OEM Package
Upload your company logo and set your brand colors.
Choose which remote control features to include.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your branded remote support module.
Step 3: Deploy to Your Product
Download the customized installer or use the API integration.
Embed the remote support module into your application.
✅ Result: Your customers can now get remote support directly inside your product.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the ISL Online API to trigger remote sessions automatically when a support ticket is created.
How to Use ISL Online Control Remote Desktop
Control Remote Desktop lets you take full control of any Windows, Mac, or Linux machine from anywhere.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Generate a Session Code
Open ISL Light on your computer.
Click “Start Session” to create a unique connection code.
Share the code with the person whose computer you need to access.
Step 2: Connect to the Remote Desktop
The client enters the session code on the ISL Online website.
They can also join through the ISL Light app without installation.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the remote desktop on your screen.
Step 3: Control the Remote Machine
Use your mouse and keyboard to control the remote computer.
Switch between monitors if the remote machine has multiple screens.
✅ Result: You now have full control of the remote desktop as if you were sitting in front of it.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the “Connect via RDP” option for even faster performance on Windows machines.
How to Use ISL Online Security Fine-Tuning
Security Fine-Tuning lets you lock down every aspect of your remote sessions with custom policies.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Security Settings
Log into your ISL Online web dashboard.
Go to “Settings” and click “Security” in the sidebar.
Step 2: Set Your Security Policies
Enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts.
Set allowed IP ranges to restrict where sessions can start.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your security policies listed as active.
Step 3: Apply Policies to Users
Assign security policies to specific user groups or the entire domain.
All sessions now follow your AES 256-bit encryption rules automatically.
✅ Result: Every remote session is locked down with your custom security rules.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable “Require client confirmation” so the remote user must approve every session before it begins.
How to Use ISL Online Managed Private Cloud
Managed Private Cloud lets you host ISL Online on your own server for complete data control.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Request a Private Cloud License
Contact ISL Online sales to get a Managed Private Cloud license.
Choose between Hard Limit or Soft Limit licensing.
Step 2: Set Up Your Server
Install the ISL Online server software on your infrastructure.
Configure standard ports (80, 443, 7615) for remote connections.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Your server dashboard should show “Online” status.
Step 3: Connect Your Team
Point your ISL Light clients to your private server address.
Integrate with SAML SSO or LDAP for authentication.
✅ Result: All remote connections, user data, and session history stay within your own infrastructure.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Soft Limit licensing if your team size changes often — it charges based on actual usage instead of a fixed cap.
How to Use ISL Online Administration
Administration lets you manage users, groups, and device permissions from one central dashboard.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open the Admin Console
Log into the ISL Online web dashboard with admin credentials.
Click “Administration” in the main navigation menu.
Step 2: Add Users and Create Groups
Click “Add User” and enter their email and role.
Create groups by location or department to organize your team.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your new users and groups in the admin panel.
Step 3: Set Permissions and Access
Assign computer access to specific users or groups.
Share unattended access to computers with specific team members.
✅ Result: Your team members only see the computers and groups they are allowed to access.
💡 Pro Tip: Group computers by physical location so technicians can quickly find the right machine during urgent support calls.
How to Use ISL Online Easy File Transfer
Easy File Transfer lets you send files between your computer and the remote machine securely.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open the File Manager
During an active session, click the “File Transfer” icon in the toolbar.
A split-panel file browser will open.
Step 2: Select and Transfer Files
Browse files on both the local and remote computers.
Drag and drop files from one side to the other.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the transfer progress bar moving.
Step 3: Confirm the Transfer
Wait for the progress bar to reach 100%.
Check the destination folder to verify the file arrived.
✅ Result: Your files are now on the remote computer, transferred with AES 256-bit encryption.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also drag and drop files directly onto the remote desktop view without opening the file manager.
How to Use ISL Online Session Recording
Session Recording lets you record every remote session for training, audits, or quality control.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Enable Recording
Open ISL Online settings on the web dashboard.
Go to “Session” settings and toggle “Auto-record sessions” on.
Step 2: Run a Session
Start any remote support or unattended access session.
The recording begins automatically in the background.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a red recording indicator in the session toolbar.
Step 3: Review the Recording
After the session ends, go to “Session History” in the dashboard.
Click “Play” next to any recorded session to watch the replay.
✅ Result: You have a full video record of every remote session for compliance and training.
💡 Pro Tip: Set recordings to auto-save to a shared network folder so your compliance team can review them without logging in.
How to Use ISL Online Custom Branding
Custom Branding lets you add your company logo and colors to create a branded access point.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Branding Settings
Go to “Customization” in the ISL Online web dashboard.
Select “Branding” from the options.
Step 2: Upload Your Brand Assets
Upload your company logo in PNG or SVG format.
Set your brand colors for the connection window and toolbar.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: The preview should show your logo and colors in the client interface.
Step 3: Save and Deploy
Click “Save” to apply your branding to all sessions.
Share the branded connection link with your clients.
✅ Result: Clients now see your company branding when they join support sessions.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a custom landing page URL like support.yourcompany.com for a fully branded experience.
How to Use ISL Online Chat
Chat lets you communicate with clients in real time during support sessions using text, audio, or video.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open the Chat Panel
During an active session, click the chat icon in the session toolbar.
The chat window opens on the side of your screen.
Step 2: Send Messages or Start a Call
Type a message and press Enter to send it to the remote user.
Click the microphone or camera icon to start a voice or video call.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see messages appear on both sides of the session.
Step 3: Use Annotations for Guidance
Click the whiteboard tool to draw on the remote screen.
Highlight areas and add arrows to guide the user visually.
✅ Result: You can now talk, type, and draw to guide your client through any issue.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the live chat feature outside of remote sessions too — ISL Online includes standalone live chat for your website.
ISL Online Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing ISL Online for over two years, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle full screen | Ctrl + Shift + F |
| Send Ctrl+Alt+Del to remote | Ctrl + Alt + Insert |
| Switch remote monitor | Ctrl + Shift + M |
| Open file transfer | Ctrl + Shift + T |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Unattended Access: Install the ISL AlwaysOn agent on any computer and connect without the user being present. Set an access password for instant connections.
- Connect via RDP/SSH: Tunnel RDP or SSH connections through ISL Online without opening firewall ports or using a VPN.
- Session Transfer: Hand off a live session to another technician without the client having to reconnect. Great for escalating issues to specialists.
ISL Online Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not Setting Up Unattended Access
❌ Wrong: Asking users to manually start a session every time you need to access their computer.
✅ Right: Install ISL AlwaysOn on frequently accessed machines and set a permanent access password.
Mistake #2: Skipping Two-Factor Authentication
❌ Wrong: Leaving your ISL Online account with only a password for protection.
✅ Right: Enable two-factor authentication in Security settings to block unauthorized logins.
Mistake #3: Not Organizing Computers into Groups
❌ Wrong: Dumping all managed computers into one long, unsorted list.
✅ Right: Create groups by location or department and assign access permissions to each group.
ISL Online Troubleshooting
Problem: Remote Screen Is Blank or Black
Cause: A GPU driver or screen saver is blocking the display capture.
Fix: Disable hardware acceleration in the remote session settings. Also check if a screen saver or lock screen is active on the remote machine.
Problem: Connection Keeps Dropping
Cause: A firewall or proxy is blocking the ISL Online ports.
Fix: Make sure ports 80, 443, and 7615 are open. If behind a corporate firewall, ask your network admin to whitelist ISL Online domains.
Problem: File Transfer Is Slow
Cause: The connection is routing through a distant relay server.
Fix: Enable “Direct Connection” in session settings to create a peer-to-peer link. This skips the relay server and speeds up transfers.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact ISL Online support.
What is ISL Online?
ISL Online is a remote desktop and support tool that lets you connect to any computer from anywhere with full security.
Think of it like a secure tunnel between two computers that lets you see and control the other screen.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- OEM Remote Control: Embed remote support into your own product
- Control Remote Desktop: Full control of Windows, Mac, or Linux from anywhere
- Security Fine-Tuning: Custom policies with AES 256-bit encryption and 2FA
- Managed Private Cloud: Self-hosted server for complete data control
- Administration: Manage users, groups, and device access centrally
- Easy File Transfer: Secure drag-and-drop file sharing between computers
- Session Recording: Record every session for audits and training
- Custom Branding: Add your logo and company colors to the client interface
- Chat: Built-in text, audio, and video chat during sessions
For a full review, see our ISL Online review.
ISL Online Pricing
Here’s what ISL Online costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | $0.00 for 15 days | Testing all features before buying |
| Starter | $16.90/month | Solo technicians or freelancers |
| Standard | $34.90/month | Small IT teams with regular support needs |
| Premium | $54.90/month | Larger teams needing unlimited users and devices |
Free trial: Yes — 15 days with all features, no credit card needed.
Money-back guarantee: Contact ISL Online sales for refund policy details.
💰 Best Value: Standard plan — it gives you the core remote support features most teams need at a fair price point.
ISL Online vs Alternatives
How does ISL Online compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISL Online | Secure cross-platform remote support | $16.90/mo | ⭐ 4 |
| Getscreen | Lightweight browser-based access | $4.17/mo | ⭐ 3.9 |
| TeamViewer | All-in-one remote support for enterprises | $18.90/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| AnyDesk | Fast performance on low bandwidth | $32.31/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Splashtop | Budget-friendly remote access | $5/year | ⭐ 4.3 |
| RemotePC | Always-on access for personal use | $22.12/year | ⭐ 4 |
| RealVNC Connect | Developer-friendly VNC-based access | $8.25/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| GoTo Resolve | IT management with helpdesk built in | $23/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| BeyondTrust | Enterprise privileged access management | Contact for pricing | ⭐ 4.4 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: ISL Online — strong security, cross-platform, and fair pricing
- Best budget: Getscreen — starts at just $4.17/month with no install needed
- Best for beginners: Splashtop — dead-simple setup starting at $5/year
- Best for enterprise IT: BeyondTrust — built for privileged access and compliance
Looking for ISL Online alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 💰 Getscreen: Browser-based remote access with no installation required. Starts at $4.17/month and works great for quick support sessions.
- 🏢 TeamViewer: The most recognized name in remote support. Packed with features for enterprise teams, including device management and augmented reality.
- ⚡ AnyDesk: Known for speed even on slow connections. Its proprietary DeskRT codec delivers smooth remote control on low bandwidth.
- 🚀 Splashtop: Extremely affordable remote access starting at $5/year. Great for personal use and small businesses that just need basic access.
- 🌟 RemotePC: Always-on remote access with simple pricing. Good for individuals and small teams who need 24/7 access to their office computers.
- 🔧 RealVNC Connect: Built on the open VNC protocol. Ideal for developers and IT pros who want deep control over their remote access setup.
- 🎯 GoTo Resolve: Combines remote support with IT management and helpdesk ticketing. Perfect for small IT teams that want one platform for everything.
- 🔒 BeyondTrust: Enterprise-grade privileged access management. Built for organizations with strict compliance and security requirements.
For the full list, see our ISL Online alternatives guide.
⚔️ ISL Online Compared
Here’s how ISL Online stacks up against each competitor:
- ISL Online vs Getscreen: ISL Online wins on features and security. Getscreen wins on price and zero-install browser access for quick sessions.
- ISL Online vs TeamViewer: TeamViewer has more brand recognition and add-ons. ISL Online offers better value with no per-device limits on higher plans.
- ISL Online vs AnyDesk: AnyDesk is faster on low bandwidth thanks to DeskRT. ISL Online offers stronger admin controls and self-hosted server options.
- ISL Online vs Splashtop: Splashtop is cheaper for basic access. ISL Online is better for IT support teams that need session codes and client-facing tools.
- ISL Online vs RemotePC: RemotePC is simpler and cheaper for personal use. ISL Online has more advanced features for professional IT support teams.
- ISL Online vs RealVNC Connect: RealVNC is great for VNC purists and developers. ISL Online is easier to set up and better for non-technical support staff.
- ISL Online vs GoTo Resolve: GoTo Resolve bundles helpdesk and RMM tools. ISL Online focuses purely on remote access and does it with stronger encryption.
- ISL Online vs BeyondTrust: BeyondTrust targets large enterprises with privileged access needs. ISL Online is more affordable and easier to deploy for mid-size teams.
Start Using ISL Online Now
You learned how to use every major ISL Online feature:
- ✅ OEM Remote Control
- ✅ Control Remote Desktop
- ✅ Security Fine-Tuning
- ✅ Managed Private Cloud
- ✅ Administration
- ✅ Easy File Transfer
- ✅ Session Recording
- ✅ Custom Branding
- ✅ Chat
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Control Remote Desktop.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of ISL Online?
ISL stands for “Internet Services and Logistics.” ISL Online is a remote desktop software company founded in 2001 in Slovenia. They make tools that let IT professionals connect to and control remote computers securely over the internet.
What does ISL stand for in computer?
In the context of remote desktop software, ISL refers to the company ISL Online (Internet Services and Logistics). Their main product, ISL Light, is a lightweight remote support application that lets technicians access and control computers from anywhere.
Is ISL Online safe?
Yes, ISL Online is safe. All sessions use AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption. It also supports two-factor authentication, IP filtering, and custom security policies. ISL Online has been trusted by IT teams in over 100 countries since 2001.
What is the safest remote desktop?
ISL Online is one of the safest remote desktop tools available. It uses AES 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and offers a self-hosted server option for full data control. Other secure options include BeyondTrust and RealVNC Connect.
How much is a remote desktop license?
ISL Online remote desktop licenses start at $16.90/month for the Starter plan. The Standard plan is $34.90/month and Premium is $54.90/month. All plans include a free 15-day trial with full features and no credit card required.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 