Description

A Desktop Support Engineer manages the hardware and software of a company's employees. They work with a team of technical experts, ensuring that all the employees can access the technology to complete their tasks.

Some of the typical roles of a Desktop Support Engineer are listed below:

  • Computer Operator: Customize desktop applications to meet user needs. Works on completing tasks according to the given instructions.
  • Help Desk Technician: Walk customers through installing applications, respond to their queries and fix technical issues.
  • Desktop Support Specialist: Install and run programs, look for updates and provide technical support.

Roles & Responsibilities

Some of the major roles and responsibilities of a Desktop Support Engineer are:

  • By replacing old parts with new ones and installing software, they need to perform updates on existing hardware and maintain applications by adding new patches.
  • Test the compatibility of new programs with existing systems, and be in charge of installing new applications.
  • Assisting computer users with questions about software applications or hardware configurations and reporting findings and solutions to problems uncovered during support sessions.
  • Maintaining data backups, performing virus scans, and updating anti-virus software. They should also coordinate with vendors and ensure that new equipment is compatible with current equipment.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Major educational qualifications required for Desktop Support Engineer are:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology.
  • Proven work experience as a desktop support engineer or support technician.
  • Advanced knowledge of computer hardware systems, chipsets, memory modules, and peripherals.

Essential Skills For Desktop Support Engineer

1

Technical Management-Information Technology

2

Active Directory-Information Technology

3

IT Service Architecture-Information Technology

4

Communication-Information Technology

Skills That Affect Desktop Support Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Technical Support

29%

Career Prospects

Some alternative job roles available for a Desktop Support Engineer are:

  • Technical Support Engineer: Resolves technical issues and provides assistance to users with software, hardware, and network problems.
  • System Administrator: Manages and supports the computer systems and networks within an organization.
  • Network Engineer: Designs, implements, and manages computer networks for organizations.
  • Information Technology (IT) Manager: Oversees the IT department, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with business goals.
  • Senior Technical Support Engineer: Provides advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex software and hardware issues.
  • Technical Support Specialist: Assists users with technical problems and provides solutions and guidance.

How to Learn

It's a great idea to pursue a career as a desktop support engineer, as there will be a huge growth in employment because of the complexity of computer systems and the need for technical support in various industries. There will be a huge demand for desktop support engineers as most companies have started implementing cloud computing.
A support engineer's employment opportunities are projected to grow 11% between 2016 and 2026, exceeding the national average for technical occupations.
A desktop support engineer in India can earn between ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakh depending on their company and experience.