Use NVIDIA Sync to Connect Remotely to Your AI Compute

Basic idea

NVIDIA Sync is a free desktop app that simplifies using a remote device over a local network or Tailscale.

It replaces running commands in a terminal with a configured, click-through interface that lets you connect to remote devices, launch applications and services on the remote, and then access them from your laptop.

This playbook shows you how to install NVIDIA Sync on your laptop and use it to connect to a DGX Spark on your home network. The instructions, except for the DGX Dashboard, generalize to any remote device with a Debian based Linux operating system, including a DGX Station.

What you'll accomplish

• Use NVIDIA Sync: Connect to your DGX Spark and launch remote applications from your laptop

  • One time: Install NVIDIA Sync and add your Spark with its SSH credentials
  • Optional one time: Set up the Tailscale integration to reach your Spark from another network
  • Repeat use: Connect in NVIDIA Sync and launch a terminal, the DGX Dashboard, or the Resource Monitor

• Manual path: Use SSH commands to connect to your Spark and forward the DGX Dashboard to your laptop.

What to know before starting

• Required: You must have your username and password to access the DGX Spark
• Required for initial setup: Your Spark must be on the same network as your laptop (see here for DGX Spark)
• Required: You must have the Spark's IP address on the network or know its mDNS broadcast name

Supported hardware platforms

• Local device: You can install the NVIDIA Sync desktop app on Windows 11, macOS, or Ubuntu 24.04 or later
• Remote target device: Any Debian-based device accessible over SSH, including DGX Spark and DGX Station.

Prerequisites

• Required: Your laptop should be Windows 11, macOS or Ubuntu 24.04 or higher
• Required for initial setup: Your laptop and Spark should be on the same network. After you enable Tailscale, they can be on different networks.
• Required: You know the Spark's mDNS hostname or its IP address on the network
• Suggested: You have signed up for a free Tailscale account using a non-corporate email address

Time & risk

• Estimated time: 5 MIN
• Risk level: Low
• Rollback: Remove SSH keys by editing ~/.ssh/authorized_keys on the remote device; disconnect or remove the device in NVIDIA Sync
• Last Updated: 09/24/2026
  • Updating NVIDIA Sync instructions and added Tailscale instructions.