Setting Up Remote Access on a Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows

This guide will help you set up remote access on a Snapdragon Dev Kit for Windows using RustDesk or RDP, even when no physical display is attached. By default, the Snapdragon Dev Kit fails to establish remote connections via RDP or RustDesk fail with errors related to missing hardware if a display is not connected, as these tools rely on display hardware to function specifically on the Snapdragon Dev Kit. Installing a virtual display driver resolves this issue by simulating a connected display, allowing remote desktop tools to function correctly in a headless setup.

Step-by-Step Configuration

1. Install RustDesk

RustDesk is a lightweight and secure remote desktop solution. Follow these steps to install it:

• Download RustDesk from the official website.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installed, note down the device ID and configure a secure password for remote access.

2. Disable Secure Boot

The Snapdragon Dev Kit requires Secure Boot to be disabled to install unsigned drivers, such as the virtual display driver.

• In the UEFI settings:
  • Navigate to the Security or Boot section.
  • Disable Secure Boot.
  • Save changes and exit.
• Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

shutdown -s -t 0 /fw

This will restart the system and open the UEFI firmware settings.

3. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

Windows enforces driver signature checks by default, which can block the installation of unsigned drivers like the virtual display driver.

• Restart the system. You should see "Test Mode" displayed in the bottom-right corner of the desktop.
• Open an elevated Command Prompt and execute:

Bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING ON

4. Install the Virtual Display Driver

The virtual display driver will emulate a connected display, allowing RDP and RustDesk to function even without physical hardware.

• Download the Virtual Display Driver.
• Run the installer as an administrator and follow the installation wizard.
• After installation:
  • Open the Virtual Display Driver companion app (if available).
  • Configure the desired resolution and refresh rate for the virtual display.

5. Re-enable Security Features

Once the virtual display driver is installed, you can re-enable Windows security features for better protection.

Re-enable Driver Signature Enforcement:

• Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

Bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING OFF

• Restart the system. The "Test Mode" watermark should no longer appear.

Re-enable Secure Boot:

• Reboot the system into UEFI firmware settings by running:

shutdown -s -t 0 /fw

• In the UEFI settings:
  • Navigate to the Security or Boot section.
  • Re-enable Secure Boot.
  • Save changes and exit.

6. Test Remote Access

• Ensure RustDesk is running on the Snapdragon Dev Kit.
• From another device, open RustDesk and enter the device ID and password.
• Verify that the connection is successful and that you can see the desktop.

Alternatively, if you're using RDP: 18. Enable Remote Desktop on the Snapdragon Dev Kit. 19. Connect to the device using the Remote Desktop Client on another machine. Remote Desktop is not available on Windows Home editions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Security Considerations

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that RustDesk or RDP is protected with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update RustDesk and the virtual display driver to the latest versions.
• Monitor Remote Access Logs: Periodically review logs to detect any unauthorized access attempts.

By following this guide, you can set up reliable remote access on the Snapdragon Dev Kit, even in a headless configuration. The virtual display driver resolves the issue of missing hardware, enabling tools like RustDesk and RDP to function seamlessly. This setup is ideal for developers and administrators who need remote access to the Dev Kit without attaching a physical display.