At first, I thought DeskCamera was CCTV software for displaying live camera feeds, similar to a VMS. But after downloading, installing, and trying it out on my computer, I realized that’s not actually how it works. Instead, DeskCamera can turn your computer’s desktop screen into a virtual camera and make it accessible to recording devices like NVRs and DVRs, as well as security camera applications such as iVMS-4200, AnyCam, Blue Iris, and others that support RTSP and ONVIF.
In this guide, I explain how I use this software on my computer, from downloading and installing it to using it in full.
What is DeskCamera Software?
DeskCamera is a pretty powerful tool that can turn your computer into a virtual ONVIF IP camera. It lets you stream your desktop screen, webcam, audio, and other media sources directly to VMS platforms and NVRs using RTSP and ONVIF protocols.
In simple terms, it basically makes your computer act like an IP camera, so you can view and manage its screen or other media sources through compatible security camera software and devices.
Designed for seamless integration with modern surveillance systems, DeskCamera provides a reliable and efficient way to enhance video monitoring, remote streaming, and security infrastructure.
With DeskCamera, you Can:
- Turn your computer screen into a virtual security camera
- Displaying computer screen to NVR and DVR
- Displaying the computer screen to CCTV camera software
- Record computer screen activity
Who Is DeskCamera Designed For?
Using this software actually reminded me of a setup I once saw at a palm oil processing plant. There, one of the computers in the security camera server room was connected to the NVR, allowing the security team to monitor different activities around the plant.
At the time, the computer screen being displayed on the CCTV system was the screen of the palm oil fruit weighing machine. So, instead of showing a camera feed, the CCTV system was basically displaying the computer screen in real time.
So, DeskCamera is suitable for:
1. Retail & POS Surveillance
DeskCamera provides an effective solution for integrating Point-of-Sale (POS) systems with existing video surveillance infrastructure. It allows POS screen activity to be captured, monitored, and recorded like a standard IP security camera.
Once configured, POS screens can be viewed in real time and recorded through an ONVIF-compliant Video Monitoring System (VMS) or Network Monitoring System (NVR).
2. CNI & Manufacturing
DeskCamera captures computer screens, webcams, and other media sources, then streams the content directly to VMS and NVR systems.
Manufacturing, production, and industrial organizations can use DeskCamera to monitor and record critical processes, including SCADA-based operations and proprietary software applications. By capturing operator screens and activities, businesses can review events, analyze system changes, improve troubleshooting, and reduce the impact of human errors.
3. Airports
DeskCamera helps integrate computer-based monitoring sources with centralized Video Management Systems (VMS), creating a more efficient platform for airport surveillance management.
By capturing control room screens, DeskCamera allows security teams to review operator activities, verify displayed information during incidents, and improve overall situational awareness. It can also record flight arrival and departure data displayed on airport monitors, providing valuable historical records for investigation and analysis.
4. City Surveillance
Many video surveillance platforms record operator login and logout activity but do not capture which camera feeds were viewed or how long they were monitored. This information can be essential for security audits, compliance requirements, and incident investigations.
DeskCamera addresses this challenge by recording control room operator screens directly into the VMS.
5. Casinos
DeskCamera enhances casino security operations by enabling control room teams to create a unified evidence record. Operators can display multiple camera feeds on a workstation, while DeskCamera captures and streams those screen views to an NVR, DVR, or VMS as a single video source for review, investigation, and export.
For casino POS surveillance, DeskCamera integrates POS screens with existing VMS platforms, enabling synchronized playback of transaction data and physical camera footage.
6. Education & Healthcare
DeskCamera helps educational institutions monitor computer activities in libraries, classrooms, and exam environments by integrating screen recordings with existing VMS/NVR surveillance systems alongside camera footage.
In healthcare environments, DeskCamera supports staff monitoring, workflow analysis, and operational improvement by capturing activities from time-management systems, scheduling platforms, databases, and medical equipment displays.
7. Banking
DeskCamera extends video surveillance capabilities to banking computers by capturing desktop screens and webcam feeds and streaming them to existing VMS/NVR platforms as virtual IP camera sources.
This allows security teams to monitor and record operator activities alongside traditional surveillance cameras using the bank’s existing security infrastructure. DeskCamera can also enhance ATM security by transmitting ATM screen activity and camera feeds in real time, helping prevent incidents and providing valuable evidence when required.
8. Other Industries
DeskCamera offers a modern approach to computer screen recording by replacing traditional hardware encoders, video servers, and signal splitters. This software-based solution helps reduce installation costs, power consumption, cabling requirements, and potential system failure points.
With support for RTSP and ONVIF protocols, DeskCamera can stream PC desktops, webcams, and microphones directly to any VMS/NVR platform.
PC Specifications for Using the DeskCamera Software
Please note the PC requirements below to ensure that the DeskCamera software runs smoothly. This software will run in the background.
- Windows 7 SP1 or newer, x86 or x64
- .NET Framework 4.5 or newer
- Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
- A PC with enough CPU/GPU performance for the selected resolution and FPS
Hardware accelerated encoding:
- Windows 8 or newer
- Intel Quick Sync Video, NVIDIA NVENC, or AMD VCE/VCN capable graphics hardware
Application Window streaming:
- Windows 10 1903 or newer
DeskCamera from a browser:
- 64-bit Windows 10 / Windows Server 2016 or newer
- .NET Framework 4.7.2 or newer
The browser management option is not required for standard ONVIF/RTSP streaming. If this option is not available on the PC, install DeskCamera and manage it using the desktop application or through the NVR/VMS.
I Downloaded and Installed the DeskCamera Software on My Windows 11 PC
Download Installation File
Download the appropriate DeskCamera setup package (x64 or x86) from the Download page. Use the x64 version for 64-bit Windows systems, and the x86 version only for 32-bit Windows systems.
The DeskCamera installation file size is 91.2 MB with a .ZIP extension.
Installing DeskCamera on Windows
Double-click the .ZIP file. Then double-click the SetupDeskCamera_X64_6.0.1 file. Make sure you’re using the latest version of DeskCamera. At the time of writing this guide, the latest version of DeskCamera was 6.0.1.
Then a page like the one below will appear. Check the box next to “I agree to the license terms and conditions.” Click “Install.”
Wait a few moments until the Setup Progress is complete.
The Welcome to the DeskCamera Setup Wizard page will then appear. Click the Next button.
Select the destination folder where you want to install DeskCamera. Ensure the “Add Windows Firewall Exceptions” box is checked. Click “Next.”
Ready to Install DeskCamera. Click Install.
Installation process.
When the Complete the DeskCamera Setup Wizard page appears, click the Finish button.
Wait a few moments, and a page will reappear to install additional components, namely the Remote Control. Simply click the Install button.
Installation process.
Click Finish.
Then, a message saying “Installation Successfully Completed” will appear. Click Close to complete the installation process. The DeskCamera software is now installed on your computer.
I Set Up the DeskCamera Software So It Can Be Used on a PC
Before using this software, you must first perform basic setup. One of these steps is entering the license code. Yes, DeskCamera is not free software. You must have a license to use it.
Here’s how to enter the DeskCamera license.
Please download the DeskCamera license via this link. Enter your email address and confirm the reCAPTCHA. Click the Get Trial License button.
Check your email address. Click the link in the email to download the license.
Open DeskCamera and click Import.
Then click the three dots in the License File (.lic) column. Select the downloaded license file.
Click the Ok button.
The license has been imported. Click OK.
Click Activate.
Activation will the license to this PC. Continue? Select Yes.
The license has been activated. Click OK.
After that, the DeskCamera settings page will appear. The interface is quite simple. This software simply transforms your monitor into a security camera, allowing it to be displayed on NVRs or DVRs and CCTV camera software like VMS.
How Do I Use DeskCamera to Display My PC Screen on a Hikvision NVR?
In this guide, I’ll demonstrate how to use the DeskCamera software. I’ll be displaying my computer screen on a Hikvision DVR. You can also use the software for other brands of CCTV DVRs and NVRs that support ONVIF. You can also connect your PC screen to the VMS.
DeskCamera supports NVR/DVR and VMS from the following brands:
- Avigilon Control Center (ACC) – VMS
- AXIS Camera Station – VMS
- Blue Iris – VMS
- Dahua NVR
- DW Spectrum – VMS
- exacqVision – VMS
- Genetec Security Center – VMS
- Hikvision NVR
- IPConfigure Orchid Core – VMS
- ISS SecurOS – VMS
- Milestone XProtect – VMS
- Nx Witness – VMS
- Pelco VideoXpert – VMS
- TVT NVR
- VIVOTEK VAST2 – VMS
Follow the simple steps below to display your computer screen to your Hikvision NVR and DVR using DeskCamera.
Step 1: Connect the NVR/DVR to the Network
Connect all devices, such as computers with DeskCamera software installed and Hikvision DVRs, to one network. Ensure the computer’s IP address is static.
Step 2: Open DeskCamera
Open the DeskCamera software.
Automatically, this software will provide an IP address that can be opened via NVR, DVR and VMS.
Step 2: Connecting to DVR
Open Hikvision DVR settings. To be more efficient, in this guide I open the DVR settings by accessing them through a web browser. Once the login page appears, enter your DVR username and password.
Select the Configuration menu. Then select the System menu > Camera Management. Select the IP Channel tab and click Quick Add.
On the Quick Add page, ensure your computer’s IP address is detected. For example, as shown in the image below. Then, check the box and click OK.
Check the status.
If it’s Offline, your computer screen isn’t showing up on the DVR. To resolve this issue, check the IP camera’s box and click the Edit button.
Change the password according to the ONVIF password on DeskCamera. Click OK.
If successful, the status will change to Online.
Your computer screen is now connected to the Hikvision DVR. Go to the Live View page. Then double-click the IP camera. Here’s an example of a live view of my computer screen on the Hikvision DVR, opened through a web browser.
And this is what it looks like when opened on a monitor screen.
In the Hik-Connect app, I can also view a live feed from the PC monitor connected to the DVR. So all activity on that PC will be recorded on the DVR and can be viewed from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DeskCamera Safe For My Computer?
Yes, it’s safe.
DeskCamera is designed for business use. The developer is committed to maintaining the software’s security and reliability. To ensure you receive a genuine and up-to-date version, always download the installation package from the official website.
Is DeskCamera Free?
No.
DeskCamera is free to use during a 15-day trial period. After that, users must purchase a license to use it.
Is DeskCamera Available For Mac?
No.
Currently the developer only provides this software for Windows.
How Much Does a DeskCamera License Cost?
A perpetual license that includes lifetime software updates and technical support. The license is activated for a specific PC and is associated with that computer’s hardware. You can continue using the same license after reinstalling DeskCamera or Windows on the same PC.
If you want to use DeskCamera on a different PC, you must purchase a new license or request a license transfer, subject to the applicable licensing policy.
Lifetime License:
| License | Number of PCs | Price (EUR) | License Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single License | 1 PC | €60 (one-time payment) | Perpetual, PC-Locked |
| 5-License Pack | 5 PCs | €260 (one-time payment) | Perpetual, PC-Locked |
| 10-License Pack | 10 PCs | €470 (one-time payment) | Perpetual, PC-Locked |
Subscription License:
| Billing Cycle | Price* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | €7/month | Subscription billed monthly |
| Yearly | €63/year | Equivalent to approximately €5.25/month |
| 3-Year | €126/3 years | Equivalent to approximately €3.50/month |
Ready to get started with DeskCamera? Choose the licensing option that best suits your needs. Subscribe for maximum flexibility with concurrent licenses, or purchase a perpetual license for a one-time payment with lifetime software updates and technical support.
Click this link to view pricing details and complete your purchase.
Will DeskCamera Automatically Work After Computer Restart?
Yes.
If your computer turns off due to a power problem and then turns back on, DeskCamera will automatically work without having to reset it from the beginning.
Conclusion
DeskCamera is a simple and reliable way to stream your Windows computer screen to NVRs, DVRs, VMS platforms, and other systems that support RTSP or ONVIF.
This can be useful if you want to add a computer screen to an existing CCTV system, monitor an application remotely, or share a live desktop screen with multiple clients. The nice thing is that you don’t need any special hardware to do it—DeskCamera handles everything through software.
I hope this guide is helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
