Most logging software usually works by recording data locally and sending it to a server or administrator elsewhere. In certain settings (such as a school environment), you may not have permission to open the Task Manager to look in the first place. The process manager is a good way to check for active monitoring software, but this only works if the software is currently active. As long as you’re logged in, another user shouldn’t be able to view or control your PC. The good news is that RDP connections typically only allow one person to view a screen at the same time. Windows also has its own remote desktop service, allowing other Windows PCs to view and control your PC. These screen sharing apps allow a remote user to take control of your PC, giving them the ability to open apps, perform tasks, record your screen usage, and more. You should also look for common remote desktop connection software, such as VNC, LogMeIn, or TeamViewer.

To open the task manager, right-click the Start menu and select the Task Manager option.

There is where you’ll find a list of all the running software on your PC. If you suspect there’s software on your Windows PC that’s recording your activity, you might want to check your list of running processes first using Task Manager. There isn’t always a handy icon in the Windows taskbar to look for, so you’ll need to dig a little deeper.

Looking for the signs that you’re being monitored, however, can be a little harder.

Almost everything you do on your PC is loggable with the right software. Checking for Monitoring SoftwareĪ more typical method of digital monitoring is through software installed on your PC, tracking your web activity, the software you use, and even your microphone, webcam, and keyboard usage. Monitoring the email headers, you may be able to spot if a proxy server is used using the Received or X-Forwarded-For headers. Unfortunately, the only way to test this (without administrator access yourself) is to send and receive emails between a personal account and an account you suspect is monitored. This is set up when your account mailbox is added to Outlook which, for corporate devices, is likely configured for you automatically.

It’s also possible that your Outlook mailbox settings are designed to route through an email server over a specific proxy.

How tcpview works