My favorite MacOS Sonoma feature makes it easier to connect to another Mac – ZDNet

Do you have an extra unused Mac lying around, perhaps an older MacBook or a desktop computer without a screen or keyboard, known as a “headless” system? Maybe you’re a software developer looking to test applications or have a resource-intensive application that you’d rather run on a dedicated machine rather than a VM or container on your local Mac (or you want to run them too from a distance). Or, you may need to remotely support another person with a Mac within your local or remote network.

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Several commercial applications exist, such as TeamViewer, which is free for personal and non-business use, and Edovia’s excellent VNC-based Screens For Mac, offering integrated cross-platform control, including support for iOS and Windows clients . However, if you want to connect to a Mac remotely from another Mac with a high-fidelity connection close to local desktop speed, macOS Sonoma has you covered right out of the box with its built-in screen sharing app and improved.

Why Sonoma screen sharing?

MacOS has supported screen sharing via Facetime since version 12.1 with the introduction of SharePlay in 2021 and features VNC server support starting with version 10.5 in 2007. Apple Remote Desktop (80 $) targets larger computing environments. VNC, while free and widely supported, may not provide the fastest or highest quality remote desktop experience, especially for graphics applications.

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With Sonoma’s new screen sharing app (version 4.1) now decoupled from Facetime, users can connect to remote Macs via VNC and a single high-fidelity connection to Sonoma systems. This delivers closer to native desktop responsiveness on Gigabit and faster networks, improving the experience of graphically intensive applications.

While effective over remote networks such as WANs and VPNs, screen sharing is optimized for fast local networks. It works well on high-speed Wi-Fi, especially Wifi6 802.11ac, but performs best on a gigabit or faster wired LAN. Consider other robust solutions like TeamViewer or Acronis Cyber ​​Protect Connect for broader remote support needs.

With or without a head?

Controlling a MacBook or desktop Mac like a Mini, Studio, or Pro is similar, but there are some differences. MacBooks are ready to be controlled remotely thanks to their built-in peripherals, although a USB-C Ethernet Adapter is recommended for a stable wired connection.

Also: I added a hardware security key to my MacBook, which made my connections faster and more secure.

For Mac desktops, initial remote management setup requires a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. After installation, consider a HDMI “dummy socket” to mimic a 4K monitor connection, allowing flexible remote resolution settings without the need for a permanent monitor.

Turn off sleep mode and screen savers

To configure your Mac for headless remote management, enable “Prevent auto-sleep when screen is off” under “Power Saver” for desktops and “Battery” for MacBooks in System Settings .

This prevents network disconnection during sleep mode. Additionally, enable “Wake up for network access” and “Auto start after power outage” for consistent access, especially for unattended machines.

In the lock screen settings, configure:

• Start screen saver when inactive: Never

• Turn off the screen when idle: Never

• Require a password after the screen saver starts or after the screen is turned off: depending on your security needs

For MacBooks, make sure “put hard drives to sleep when possible” is disabled when connected to power.

Configure remote management

To set up remote management on your Mac, go to System Settings > Remote Management and enable it. For headless setups, like on a Mac Studio, make sure:

• Enable “Always show remote management status in menu bar”.

• Set “Anyone can request permission to control the screen” to On.

• Allow “VNC viewers can control the screen with a password” and set a password.

Add users authorized for remote access. In my case, “Jason Perlow”, the main system administrator, and “Jason” are added to allow multiple users to log in simultaneously and share the screen. You can choose to allow access to all users.

In the Options dialog box, select the permissions remote users will have; I have enabled all permissions for complete control.

Consider network security using VLANs for added protection, especially in shared spaces. For frequent access, especially over high-speed connections, connecting the Mac to the same switch as other workstations can improve reliability. Network reliability may vary depending on specific versions of Sonoma and network equipment.

Connect to the Remote Mac Using Screen Sharing

Open the screen sharing application from the Sonoma system you are connecting from. Click “Network,” select your remote Mac, click “Connect” and authenticate.

Once connected, you can choose a Standard or High Performance connection.

Connect to the remote Mac using Apple’s Remote Desktop app

Apple’s $79 Remote Desktop is a long-maintained product, now in version 3.9.7. It supports high-performance connections for Macs running Sonoma, improving interactions with Windows application windows, desktop, Launchpad, Mission Control, keyboard, and Zoom in connection windows. Beyond simple screen sharing with the built-in tool, it offers comprehensive IT support tools, allowing you to monitor multiple Macs, transfer files, schedule tasks, generate reports on hardware and sound. use and manage update settings remotely.

Connect to the remote Mac using VNC

VNC offers a simple remote console solution for Windows or Linux users, but with less fidelity than native screen sharing. Start by installing a VNC client like TightlVNC (open source) or Remote Ripple. Next, set up a new connection with the IP address or DNS name of your remote Mac, and enter the password you previously established to initiate the connection.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Comments on Screen Sharing

Whether you’re a seasoned tech enthusiast or just starting your journey, your experiences and ideas are invaluable to us and the broader ZDNET community.

Have you set up your own Mac screen sharing command center? Have you encountered any unique challenges or discovered any handy tips along the way? Perhaps you are still wondering which solution best suits your needs? Whatever your story, we can’t wait to hear it in the comments.