How to Use the Black Screen Feature in TeamViewer

Introduction

When working remotely on a device, especially one either unattended or in a public setting, protecting sensitive information and workflow is critical. That is where TeamViewer’s black screen feature comes in. It allows IT professionals to hide the remote desktop display and prevent local input while they troubleshoot or perform maintenance. This article covers how to enable the black screen in TeamViewer, why it is used, and how TSplus Remote Support approaches the same challenge differently: with speed, simplicity and adaptability in mind.

What Is a Black Screen in Remote Support?

In remote desktop scenarios, a black screen is a visual security layer that hides the content of the remote machine’s display from onlookers. No matter whether this need for privacy is for data protection or unimpeded action. That is why it is often combined with “input disabling” to prevent haphazard local interaction with the machine during support or maintenance (this usually blocks both mouse and keyboard). The feature is especially useful when the device is unattended or located in a public or shared space.

In Practice:

When activated in TeamViewer or TSplus Remote Support, the black screen replaces whatever is being displayed on the remote monitor with a blank screen while allowing the remote technician to continue working. It is essentially a privacy shield for sensitive operations.

Why Use the Black Screen Feature in TeamViewer?

Activating a black screen during remote control is more than just about hiding the desktop: it is about security, efficiency and compliance. Beyond a sleep screen or a screensaver, h Here are the main benefits of using a black “maintenance” screen:

• Privacy Protection
• Input Restriction
• Network Optimization
• Energy Saving
• R Regulatory Compliance

Privacy Protection

Avoid exposing confidential data to individuals near the remote device. Whether it hides financial info, HR records or proprietary code, black screen keeps visuals hidden from unauthorized viewers.

Input Restriction

By disabling keyboard and mouse inputs, it prevents anyone with physical access to the remote machine from interfering during support sessions.

Network Optimization

Rendering a black screen requires fewer graphical resources. On slow or unstable networks, this can help improve session responsiveness by reducing bandwidth load.

Energy Saving

Especially relevant for overnight or unattended updates: displaying a black screen consumes less energy, particularly when brightness or screen activity would otherwise be high.

Regulatory Compliance

During remote interventions, organisations subject to GDPR, HIPAA or other privacy regulations often require screen masking for compliance.

How to Enable Black Screen in TeamViewer (Step-by-Step)?

TeamViewer offers multiple ways to activate the black screen feature, either during a session or by configuring it in advance. Choose one of these three main methods:

• Activate Black Screen During a Live Session
• Configure Default Black Screen for All Sessions
• Manage Device Properties via TeamViewer Console

Option 1 - Activate Black Screen During a Live Session

1. Start a remote session with the target device.
2. On the toolbar, click on “Actions”.
3. Select “Show Black Screen” from the dropdown.
4. Optional: tick “Disable local input” for extra security.

This option is useful for ad-hoc interventions, or for a period during which a support session unexpectedly becomes sensitive.

Option 2 - Configure Default Black Screen for All Sessions

1. Open TeamViewer > Extras > Options on the remote device.
2. Under “Advanced”, go to “Advanced settings for connections to this computer”.
3. Enable the following options:
   • Disable local input
   • Enable local black screen

This configuration ensures all future incoming remote sessions will automatically activate the black screen.

Option 3 - Manage Device Properties via TeamViewer Console

For enterprise users managing multiple endpoints:

1. Go to TeamViewer Management Console.
2. Select the target device and open its “Properties.”
3. Navigate to the “Remote Input” section.
4. Choose the third option: “Disable remote input and show black screen.”

This is ideal for IT administrators who want consistent, pre-configured settings across a fleet of devices.

How to Disable the Black Screen in TeamViewer?

To remove the black screen and restore local input, use the following shortcuts at any time:

• Windows Press Ctrl + Alt + Del
• macOS Press Cmd + Option + Esc

This interrupts the session and requires the local user to re-authorise input or allow the session to continue, depending on the security settings. In unattended access scenarios, this step helps ensure the user retains some control over the device when necessary.

What are the Use Cases When Black Screen Is a Must?

There are several practical situations where enabling a black screen is essential rather than just helpful. Below are common real-world use cases:

• Unattended Maintenance in Public Spaces
• Remote Updates on Executive Devices
• IT Troubleshooting on Healthcare Systems
• Software Demonstrations or Training
• Compliance During Security Audits
• Bandwidth Management in Remote Locations

Unattended Maintenance in Public Spaces

Performing IT tasks on a computer located in an open office or reception area? Activating the black screen ensures no confidential info is visible to walk-ins or employees passing by. .

Fixes and Updates to Commercial Endpoints

To carry out maintenance on sales devices and endpoints in retail, transport or similar commercial contexts is seamlessly done thanks to disabled input behind a maintenance screen.

Remote Updates on Executive Devices

C-level executives often have access to sensitive business intelligence, and their machines may contain financial forecasts or legal correspondence. A black screen ensures privacy during updates.

IT Troubleshooting on Healthcare Systems

Medical institutions governed by HIPAA or similar regulations are obligated to hide Protected Health Information (PHI) during remote interventions. A black privacy screen ensures patient data remains unseen.

Software Demonstrations or Training

During training sessions, trainers may want to temporarily hide part of a screen before introducing new content. The black screen allows a “blank slate” between segments.

Compliance During Security Audits

Auditors often require that no data be visible or manipulated by unauthorized individuals during access. Black or maintenance screens ensure support activity adheres to internal and external compliance policies.

Bandwidth Management in Remote Locations

For support scenarios in remote areas with limited or unstable internet connectivity, reducing visual output with a black screen minimises data transfer and improves session performance.

These use cases demonstrate that the black screen is not just about “looking professional”; it is a core feature tied to compliance, security, and efficiency. Microsoft’s Remote Desktop guidelines Advocate limiting local visibility during a session as best practice in remote administration. Likewise, TSplus provides secure support software to meet these requirements, but without breaking the bank.

TeamViewer vs. TSplus Remote Support - What’s Different?

While TeamViewer includes the black screen as a built-in feature, some alternatives like TSplus Remote Support have chosen other methods to achieve similar results with greater simplicity and flexibility.

Here is a feature comparison:

Feature	TeamViewer	TSplus Remote Support
Build-in Black Screen	Yes	No (manual blanking encouraged)
Disable Local Input	Yes	Yes
Custom Branding Options	Limited	Extensive
Session Encryption	Yes	Yes
Multi-agent Support	Yes	Yes
Bandwidth Optimization	Moderate	Highly-efficient encoding
Ease of Setup	Complex	Lightweight, one-click setup
Licensing Costs	Premium tiered	Affordable flat pricing
Local Hosting & Deployment	Cloud-only	Self-hosting possible

TSplus Remote Support takes a streamlined approach. Instead of relying on a dedicated black screen toggle, it recommends using hardware buttons (monitor off, display sleep) or keyboard shortcuts to achieve screen blanking when necessary. This proven practice is effective while maintaining a clutter-free user experience.

Moreover, TSplus prioritises lightweight operation and performance in poor connectivity environments and includes Mac and Android compatibility, both crucial differentiators for support teams dealing with global, decentralised workforces.

Why TSplus Chose Not to Include Black Screen Feature?

While TeamViewer includes a dedicated black screen toggle, TSplus has taken a more streamlined approach and this choice is intentional.

Here are the reasons behind this decision to exclude a native black screen feature:

• Simplicity First
• User empowerment
• I Input Blocking Already Available
• Focus on Core Needs
• Performance and Speed

Simplicity First

Remote Support was designed to avoid unnecessary complexity. Many black screen functions can already be achieved by turning off the monitor, locking the workstation or dimming the screen manually, actions that most users can execute themselves.

User Empowerment

Most modern devices, including laptops and desktops, include quick shortcuts or hardware buttons to disable displays or activate privacy modes. TSplus leans on these existing solutions instead of adding another layer to manage.

Input Blocking Already Available

The key function related to black screen usage (preventing local interference) is fully supported. Remote Support allows agents to disable mouse and keyboard input remotely to achieve that same outcome.

Focus on Core Needs

Instead of replicating every feature from legacy platforms, TSplus invested in the features that matter most to businesses: secure sessions, reliable performance on low bandwidth and fast onboarding.

Performance and Speed

Without having to render a black screen overlay, the software remains lighter and more responsive, which is particularly important when working in constrained network environments.

This philosophy aligns with TSplus' broader vision minimal bloat, maximum efficiency. The team behind TSplus understands that users care more about speed, reliability and simplicity than replicating every checkbox from larger competitors.

What are the Key Features of TSplus Remote Support?

TSplus Remote Support has emerged as a robust alternative to complex and expensive solutions. Here is what makes it stand out :

• Quick Setup
• Remote Desktop and Screen Sharing
• Attended and Unattended Access
• Clipboard Sync and File Transfer
• Input Control
• Multi-agent Sessions
• Custom Branding
• Optimised for Low Bandwidth
• Encrypted Connections

Quick Setup

No installation needed on the agent’s side. Start a support session in seconds with minimal configuration.

Remote Desktop and Screen Sharing

Securely access and control Windows desktops. Share screens for demonstrations, troubleshooting or training sessions.

Attended and Unattended Access

Whether assisting an employee in real time or performing maintenance during off-hours, both modes work seamlessly.

Clipboard Sync and File Transfer

Easily copy-paste between devices or drag-and-drop files across systems.

Input Control

Agents can disable the local keyboard and mouse during sessions for full control and privacy: perfect for interventions requiring uninterrupted access.

Multi-agent Sessions

More than one support agent can join a session, allowing for collaboration or escalation without ending the session.

Custom Branding

Add your company logo, colours and language preferences to offer a white-label experience that matches your brand identity.

Optimised for Low Bandwidth

TSplus Remote Support is designed to adapt display quality in real time to maintain a responsive experience even on slow or unstable internet connections.

Encrypted Connections

Every session is secured with end-to-end encryption , meeting industry standards for privacy and data protection.

These features reflect a deliberate focus on affordability, performance, and ease of use, making TSplus Remote Support an excellent fit for businesses, MSPs and IT teams seeking a modern alternative to TeamViewer .

Conclusion: TSplus Solution for How to Black Screen

While TeamViewer’s black screen feature offers valuable privacy during remote sessions, TSplus Remote Support provides a streamlined, efficient alternative that prioritises simplicity, security and performance. By focusing on core functionalities and eliminating unnecessary complexity, TSplus delivers a powerful tool for IT support teams seeking reliability and adaptability, especially in bandwidth-limited environments. It provides a smart, modern solution for today’s evolving remote access needs.