If you want to transform your business’s remote management capabilities, Intel vPro is a great starting point. Intel vPro meaning Intel Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O. It is a platform in which an IT professional can manage systems from a distance.

It saves time and improves efficiency in managing your devices. Whether you are managing a small office or a large enterprise, Intel vPro is designed to enhance security, boost performance, and simplify remote management.

Let’s explore seven easy steps to enable Intel vPro for remote management.

Step 1: Get familiar with the features of Intel vPro

This platform goes way beyond what a simple remote management can do. Intel vPro is accessible even if your system is powered off or has a crashed operating system. The major features are:

• Remote Access: It allows access to your systems, troubleshoots the issues, and even allows the machines to be turned on or off.
• Hardware-based Security: It gives you a layer of security that integrates directly with hardware to ensure that your data and systems are safe.
• Manageability: This allows IT teams to monitor and upgrade the systems through remote means without having to be on-site.
• Performance: Built-in improvements meant to enhance your system’s performance

All these features of Intel vPro make it a powerful tool for IT professionals to manage multiple systems remotely.

Step 2: Verify if your system supports Intel vPro

The next step is to ensure your system has Intel vPro support. Not all processors or systems include vPro technology, so this is a critical step. To check if your system supports Intel vPro, you can do the following easy things:

• Check processor model: This includes in the system settings, or by using tools such as the Intel Processor Identification Utility.
• Verify BIOS settings: You can check whether your system supports Intel vPro or if it requires some enabling within the BIOS system.
• Access the website of the manufacturer of laptops or PCs: Opening the webpage of the laptop or PC manufacturer and searching for vPro support is the easiest way forward.

When you find out that your system does support Intel vPro, then you can move ahead. When it doesn’t, you should upgrade to one that does.

Step 3: Enable Intel vPro in BIOS

After realizing your system supports Intel vPro, turn it on in the BIOS after identification. BIOS controls basic hardware settings and enabling Intel vPro comes in handy so that you can activate remote management features.

How to do this:

• Shut your machine: In the BIOS key press depends on the manufacturer and is usually F2 or DEL to enter the setup.
• Go to Intel vPro Settings: You will probably see a tab titled “Advanced”, “System Configuration” or something of this nature, depending on your motherboard
• Enable Intel vPro: Activate the feature to activate Intel vPro and save settings
• Restart Your Computer: Once you have enabled Intel vPro, your computer will restart for Intel vPro to be activated.

You have made the first crucial step towards enabling remote management!

Step 4: Configure for Remote Access with Intel AMT

Once you have the Intel vPro enabled in the BIOS, you need to configure Intel Active Management Technology. Intel AMT is the central functionality that allows you to conduct your remote management operations. 

If you decide to enable this, you can access systems for diagnosis work, upgradation, or to start the systems remotely.

How to Configure Intel AMT:

• Access Intel AMT Settings: Access MEBx through your system’s pre-assigned key, usually after your system has rebooted-the key is Ctrl + P
• Set Admin Password: You must assign a strong admin password for remote access.
• Configure Network Settings: In the network settings, allow Intel AMT to connect your system to your own network. Static IP settings will help in maintaining a steady connection for remote access.
• Enable Remote Access: After you have set the network settings you can now enable remote access via the AMT.

This ensures you have established your management capabilities.

Step 5: Install Intel Management Engine Software

The Intel Management Engine (IME ) is a critical software for which it helps in managing and communicating with the Intel vPro-enabled systems. 

This enables your management tools to directly communicate with the hardware. It gives you the ability to monitor and manage systems.

• Download the Software: Go to either the Intel website or to your system manufacturer’s website to download the latest version of the Intel Management Engine Software.
• Installation Wizard: Once you downloaded the installer, you should then follow what is on the on-screen instructions just to install the software.
• Reboot the System: Once installed, reboot your system for the IME software to operate as it ought. 

The software is a bridge between your system and the Intel vPro features-remotely allows management.

Step 6: Secure Your Remote Connections

There is nothing more critical to remote management than security, especially when sensitive business data is accessed. Intel vPro is designed with comprehensive security features.

However, these have to be enhanced to secure your remote connections. Here’s how you can secure your Intel vPro setup:

• Enable Encryption: You can ensure that all your communication involving your system and remote management tools is encrypted using strong encryption protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security).
• Firewall Configuration: Configure firewalls that will help stop unauthorized access towards Intel vPro systems.
• Strong Authentication: Implement strong authentication methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), for remote access in order to avoid allowing unauthorized users to access your system.

Locking down your remote connections would secure both your systems and data from potential threats.

Step 7: Testing And Maintaining Your Remote Management Configuration

Finally, once you’ve set everything up, you have to test and maintain your setup of remote management so that everything runs smoothly. Here’s how to do it:

• Test Remote Access: It’s a test to connect to the system from another machine to ensure that all the Intel vPro features such as remote power on/off and troubleshooting are working perfectly.
• Routine Maintenance includes updating your BIOS and the Intel Management Engine software to keep your system updated and secure.
• Monitor Security Logs: This includes scanning security logs to try and find suspicious activities performed without authorization.

The only way to ensure your systems are operating correctly and securely is through regular testing and maintenance of your setup. 

Conclusion

Observe the seven easy steps, including knowing the features, checking system compatibility, enabling vPro in the BIOS, configuring AMT, installing Management Engine software, securing your setup, and making regular tests to get to know the workings of Intel vPro’s remote management.

Not only does this make it easier to save you time, but it also helps streamline IT management tasks, ensuring smoother operation for your business.

Read More: 7 Impacts of Intel vPro on Your Daily Work Performance