Getting Started with Web Access from the Player

Start your journey to the next level of network computing

For those users that have NoMachine installed on the connecting client, it's possible to configure and start web-based remote access sessions directly from inside the NoMachine player. Connection files that you create can also be shared with other users who have NoMachine on the device they are connecting from, permitting them to start a Web-based session just by double-clicking on the connection file. For those users that don’t have a NoMachine client installed, instead of a connection file, they can receive a link file. In both cases, NoMachine will open the system's default browser and automatically connect you to the remote desktop or host where you can then log in with your usual account credentials. Read on for all the details on how to create connection files and link files. If you're new to NoMachine and want to start your own first web-based connection and don't have NoMachine installed, take a look at our other tutorial 'Getting Started with Web Access'.

Create a Web-based connection file

A web-based remote desktop connection file is created in the same way as a traditional NoMachine connection. To do so you need to already have installed NoMachine on your device.
When a web-based connection file is created, it is stored in the Machines panel together with your other NoMachine connections and computers.
To be able to connect to a remote computer using the connection file for web-based sessions, there must be a product from the NoMachine Enterprise family installed there.
Make sure you are in the 'Machines' panel and click 'Add'.

Image of browser showing serverName as URL

Fig. 1 - Click 'Add' in the Machines panel

Select HTTPS as the protocol to be used as shown in Fig. 2. NoMachine automatically fills in the port field for you.
Then insert the IP address, hostname or the Machine Id (if the machine is on NoMachine Network) and the machine's name (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2 - Select HTTPS as the protocol

Insert the IP address and hostname for your web-based connection

Fig. 3 - Insert the IP address or hostname and name details

The Welcome screens in a web-based session

Fig. 4 - Your web-based connection is stored in 'Machines'

Double-click the connection file. NoMachine triggers the default browser to open with your chosen configuration. If you inserted the Machine Id of a computer on NoMachine Network in the host field, you will be requested to login to the Network service first. Then you will be connected to the server and asked to authenticate.

Make a copy of a web-based connection

It's possible to create a copy of a web-based connection in two ways: by making a copy file or a link file.
A copy file is useful when the user wants to make some changes to the configuration but without overwriting the session already created. It can also be shared with other users who can load it to their Machines panel using 'Load a configuration or recording file' in 'Add connection'.
A link file is a pre-configured file which can be opened by the browser. It can be sent to connecting clients that do not have the NoMachine player installed. The link file you send is a system file formatted for the OS on which it was created. Therefore, if you create the link file on macOS, it can be used on Mac systems. If you create it on Windows systems, other Windows systems will be able to use it, and so on. It can be placed on the user's desktop for easy access.
A link file can be sent via email, for example, or transferred to the user's client device that does not have the NoMachine player installed. The receiving user can save the link file to their computer and start the pre-configured web session by simply double-clicking the file to trigger the default browser to open.
To create a copy or link file, right click on the web connection and select 'Create a copy file' or 'Create a link file'.

The 'Machines' panel stores both web-based and traditional player connections. Use right-click to display options

Fig. 5 - Highlight the connection file and right-click with the mouse to view the options

Edit a web-based connection using NoMachine player

Editing a web-based session from the Machines panel is extremely straightforward.
Identify the web session like in Fig. 6. Right click on the icon and select 'Edit connection'.

The 'Machines' panel stores both web-based and traditional player connections

Fig. 6 - Right click on the web connection and select 'Edit'

From here you can change details such as hostname if appropriate.
In 'Configuration' it is possible to disable WebRTC for that specific session if it has been enabled on the server. When enabled, it gives the best possible performance when multi-media is being played within the session (Fig. 7).
It is not possible to change how authentication is configured because this is a setting which is decided on the server by the administrator.

Fig. 7 - Edit connection > Configuration

View details of a Web-based connection

Information about the Web-based remote desktop connection can be viewed in two ways. In the Info panel in 'Edit' you can find details about the NoMachine server you are connecting to and on what system the NoMachine server is installed (Fig. 8).
An even easier way is to right click the Web session icon in the Machines panel and select 'Connection info'. You will see details about the remote operating system, the NoMachine product installed and session configuration.

The Info panel shows details of the connection

Fig. 8 - Right click the connection and select 'Connection info'

NoMachine Is for Everybody

Free for personal use

NoMachine is freely available for everyone to download and install for personal use on any computer you need to remotely access. No strings attached. Use it to access all your files, display all your videos, play all your audio, edit your documents, as well as remotely assist and collaborate with friends or family.

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