Frequently Asked Question

DeskCamera 5.11 and later can run simultaneously for multiple logged-in Windows users. Each Windows user session gets its own DeskCamera instance, running on its own ports with its own streamed sources, configuration, and settings. In a Video Management System (VMS/NVR), each session appears as a separate ONVIF IP camera endpoint.

Overview

DeskCamera supports multi-session usage on the same Windows machine (shared PCs, Fast User Switching, and RDP/terminal server environments). You can run DeskCamera in parallel for different logged-in users without conflicts. By default, DeskCamera auto-starts for every Windows user at Windows boot, so it is ready when each user signs in.

How it works

• DeskCamera auto-starts for every Windows user at Windows boot and launches when that user signs in.
• Each logged-in Windows user can run DeskCamera in their own session.
• DeskCamera runs as a separate per-user instance, isolated from other users.
• Each instance uses its own ONVIF/RTSP ports and exposes its own set of streamed sources.
• In the VMS/NVR, each running instance is added as a separate ONVIF IP camera (one per Windows user session), identified by its host IP and dedicated ONVIF port.

What is isolated per Windows user

• DeskCamera application settings
• Camera profiles and configured sources (desktop, windows, webcams, external RTSP sources, etc.)
• ONVIF/RTSP port bindings (each instance must use unique ports)

Requirements

• DeskCamera version 5.11 or newer
• Network access from your VMS/NVR to the PC running DeskCamera
• Windows Firewall rules allowing inbound access to the ONVIF/RTSP ports used by each user session

Set up multi-session usage

1. Update DeskCamera to version 5.11 or newer.
2. Log in to Windows with User A and start DeskCamera. Configure the sources and confirm streaming works.
3. Log in to Windows with User B (Fast User Switching or RDP session) and start DeskCamera there as well.
4. In each user session, verify that DeskCamera is using its own ONVIF/RTSP ports (unique per user).
5. Add each instance to the VMS/NVR as a separate ONVIF camera (see below).

Ports and VMS/NVR behavior

• Each DeskCamera instance binds its own ONVIF/RTSP ports.
• Your VMS/NVR will treat each instance as a separate ONVIF IP camera endpoint.
• If your VMS/NVR supports ONVIF discovery, it may find multiple DeskCamera cameras from the same host (one per logged-in user session).
• If you add devices manually, you must add each instance using the same host IP but a different ONVIF port (one per user session).

Adding DeskCamera to a VMS/NVR on PCs with multiple IP addresses

If the PC has multiple IP addresses (for example, multiple NICs, VPN adapters, or Wi-Fi + Ethernet), you can add DeskCamera to the VMS/NVR using any of those IP addresses. Choose an IP address that is reachable from the VMS/NVR network.

• Use the IP address that the VMS/NVR can route to (and avoid adapters that are not accessible from the VMS network).
• If you change which IP address you use in the VMS/NVR, keep the same ONVIF port for that user session.
• If discovery does not work across subnets, add the camera manually using the chosen IP address and ONVIF port.

How to add each user session as a separate ONVIF camera

1. Open DeskCamera in the target Windows user session.
2. Locate the ONVIF connection details (host/IP and ONVIF port) for that instance.
3. In the VMS/NVR, add a new ONVIF device using:
   • Host/IP: the PC’s IP address or DNS name (choose an IP reachable from the VMS/NVR network)
   • Port: the ONVIF port used by that user’s DeskCamera instance
   • Credentials: as configured in DeskCamera
4. Repeat the process for every logged-in Windows user who runs DeskCamera.

Firewall and networking notes

• Allow inbound connections for the ONVIF/RTSP ports used by each DeskCamera instance.
• If your PC has multiple network adapters, ensure the VMS/NVR reaches the correct IP address.
• If you change ports manually, make sure there are no collisions between user sessions.

FAQ

Does DeskCamera auto-start for Windows users?

Yes. By default, DeskCamera auto-starts for every Windows user at Windows boot and launches when each user signs in.

Does each logged-in Windows user get a separate DeskCamera instance?

Yes. Each user session runs its own DeskCamera instance with isolated configuration, settings, and sources.

How does it appear in the VMS/NVR?

Each running Windows user session appears as a separate ONVIF IP camera endpoint on its own ONVIF port (same host IP, different port).

My PC has multiple IP addresses. Which one should I use?

You can use any IP address assigned to the PC, as long as the VMS/NVR network can reach it. Choose an IP address that is routable and accessible from the VMS/NVR.

Do users share the same streams and settings?

No. Streams, sources, and settings are separate per Windows user session.

Do I need to change anything in my VMS/NVR configuration?

Usually you just add each user session as an additional ONVIF device (or ensure discovery/manual add uses the correct per-user ONVIF port).

Can I customize the ONVIF port?

Yes. DeskCamera includes ONVIF/RTSP port management, including support for configuring a custom ONVIF port. Ensure ports are unique per user session.