JoNuage, the problem you described is known and is related to how Norton displays alerts in “secure layers” of Windows, which are not captured by remote access software (RustDesk, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.).
I will explain why it happens and then how to solve it permanently, keeping in mind your scenario of frequent travel.
WHAT’S HAPPENING (in simple language)
Norton uses three mechanisms that cause exactly these symptoms:
Secure Desktop / Isolated Desktop
Norton security alerts are displayed in a protected Windows session
This session is not transmitted via remote access
Result:
You don’t see the alert
Windows is locked awaiting action
The remote connection becomes unusable
Alert mode requiring local interaction
Even with promotional notifications “disabled,” Norton:
Still displays critical warnings and internal campaigns
Some of them don’t have a functional remote access button
The window appears, but cannot be closed
Poor compatibility with remote access (2024–2025)
Since versions 25.x:
Norton has worsened compatibility with:
RustDesk
TeamViewer
AnyDesk
This is not a RustDesk or TeamViewer fault
DEFINITIVE SOLUTION (Recommended for those accessing remotely)
STEP 1 — Disable Norton’s “Secure Desktop Mode”
Open Norton
Go to Settings
Administrative Settings
Look for:
Secure Mode
Secure Desktop
Visual Tamper Protection
Disable this option
Restart your PC
This does not disable the antivirus, it only prevents alerts from being displayed outside of the remote session.
STEP 2 — Completely silence alerts and promotions
Norton → Settings
Administrative Settings
Set to:
Silent Mode: Enabled
Duration: Always
Go to Notification Settings
Disable:
Special alerts
Offers
Marketing alerts
Product messages
STEP 3 — Create rules in the Norton Firewall (IMPORTANT)
This prevents Norton from trying to “interrupt” the remote session.
Norton → Firewall
Program Control
Locate:
RustDesk.exe
TeamViewer.exe
For both:
Permission: Allow
Trusted
STEP 4 — Avoid blocking by automatic updates
Norton updates can also generate invisible alerts.
Settings → Updates
Setting:
Automatic updates: Only when the computer is active
Automatic restart: Disabled
SAFER SOLUTION FOR FREQUENT TRAVELERS (honest recommendation)
If remote access is critical for you, seriously consider one of these options:
Option A — Replace Norton
Antivirus programs that don’t cause this problem:
Bitdefender
ESET
Microsoft Defender (Windows default)
Defender + a good firewall works perfectly with RustDesk and TeamViewer.
Option B — Keep Norton, but use contingency mode
Enable automatic startup of RustDesk as a service
Configure automatic Windows login
This way, even if something crashes the interface, you can still access it
IMPORTANT (this explains the “I’m without access for days”)
While Norton is:
Displaying alerts on an isolated desktop
Requiring local interaction
No remote access will work, regardless of the software used.
This is not your fault or a RustDesk misconfiguration.