A multi-user device is any Windows terminal server device (Windows 2019, Windows 2016, Windows 2012, Windows 10 Enterprise on Azure) which enables multiple users to concurrently log in to a single device.
The multi-user device server enables multiple users to access the same operating system and
share the hardware, performing the tasks for each user concurrently. In multi-user devices,
bots are deployed using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Note: If you edit a multi-user device when it is
processing a deployment, it can get into a configuring state. Therefore, any new
deployment during this time is sent to the Queued
status.
Benefits of a multi-user device
A multi-user device ensures that each machine in an organization is fully used, reducing
the hardware and software cost by enabling different users to access the same device.
Bot Creator users and Bot Runner (attended or
unattended) users can be configured on a multi-user device. The multi-user device also
provides security and authentication for every user. Each user is assigned unique login
credentials for the device and can access only the assigned applications and device
settings.
Note: In a multi-user device, if two user
sessions with the same device credentials try to deploy a bot, the
deployment will fail for one of the user sessions. An appropriate failure message is
recorded in the audit log.
Multi-user device in a device pool
A multi-user device can be part of a device pool and the device can be set as the default device for Bot Creator users and Bot Runner (attended and unattended ) users.
When a device pool contains multiple
multi-user devices, automation deployments are distributed across devices with available
sessions. This approach not only streamlines processes but also maximizes resource
utilization, leading to improved productivity and reduced downtime. Consider a scenario
where in a pool there are two devices each configured for two sessions:
- Device 1
- Device 2
Set as default device
As a licensed user, you can set a non-default device as your default device. To set another user's registered device as your default, you must have the View and manage ALL device(s) permission.
- Click the device icon in the top-right of your screen.
- Select Make default device.
If you do not have the necessary permission, an alert states that you will lose access to your current default device.