This page contains the release notes for RealVNC Connect 8.5.0, including details of new features, improvements and fixes included in the release.

Release Date

August 2026

Changes

• NEW: A refreshed homepage design. A clearer layout that guides you to your next step, whether you want to connect to a device or let others connect to yours (one-time or unattended).

• NEW: Use one-time access codes without turning on unattended access. You can now grant one-off remote access to a device without setting up full unattended access.

• NEW: One-time access codes now refresh automatically every 2 minutes. You no longer need to no need to manually toggle one-time access codes back on when a code expires.

• NEW: A new parameter prevents incoming connection prompts from being shown while the machine is locked (Windows only). This is an advanced parameter and requires enabling to use.

• NEW: You can now display a custom image on the screen-blanking overlay on Windows, along with connection details showing the connecting user and IP/cloud address.

• NEW: Additional audit events are now generated, including file transfer, session recording, and chat start/end events.

• FIXED: The user agent string used for HTTP and RFB now correctly reports Windows 11.

• FIXED: SSO users no longer see a greyed-out "sign in" window appear after signing in.

• FIXED: "Actual size 100%" now correctly resizes the screen.

• FIXED: Chats from On-Demand Assist sessions are now included as part of the session log.

• FIXED: Licensing a device with VNC Auth no longer fails on a fresh install.

• FIXED: Screen Blanking now correctly re-applies after unlocking a macOS desktop, rather than only taking effect on the following log in.

• SECURITY: Improved authentication security when connecting to ARD devices.