Desktop remote software window

By remote control we truly mean remote control —you can take over the mouse and keyboard and use the computer you've connected to just like your own. Generally, remotely accessing a computer requires that a piece of software be installed on the computer you want to connect to, called the host. Another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client , connects to the host and controls it.

The better free remote access programs listed below require nothing more than a few clicks to get started—no special computer knowledge required. Remote Utilities is a free remote access program with some really great features. It works by pairing two remote computers together with an Internet ID. Control a total of 10 computers with this program. Install Host on a Windows computer to gain permanent access to it. Or just run Agent , which provides spontaneous support without installing anything—it can even be launched from a flash drive.

The host computer obtains an Internet ID that a client uses to make a connection. The Viewer program connects to the host or agent software. Download a portable version of the Viewer if you'd rather not install anything. Connecting the Viewer to the Host or Agent doesn't require any router changes like port forwarding, making setup very easy. The client just needs to enter the Internet ID number and password.

There are also client applications that can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android users. Different modules can be used from the viewer so you can actually access a computer remotely without even viewing the screen, though screen-viewing is definitely Remote Utilities' main feature.

Here are some of the modules Remote Utilities allows: A remote task manager , file transfer, power control for remote rebooting or WOL, remote terminal access to Command Prompt , remote file launcher, system information manager, text chat, remote registry access, and remote webcam viewing. In addition to these features, remote printing and viewing multiple monitors is also supported.

Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities can be confusing on the host computer since there are lots of different options. There's also a version for Linux and macOS, but both are in beta and might not work as well as the Windows edition. DWService is a free and open-source project that truly simplifies remote access.

The host installs or temporarily runs the program, and the client logs in via any web browser to run commands, control the screen, or control files and folders. The host has two options: download the DWAgent , and then run it for on-demand, one-time access great for tech support , or install it for permanent remote access ideal if it's your own computer.

If you choose the run option instead of the install option, you're given a user code and password that the client needs to reach the computer. Otherwise, enter the code and provided by the client so that they can have always-on access to the host computer. The client has it easy if the host uses the on-demand option. Log in through the link below and enter the code and password that shows on the host's DWAgent program window. That's it! If the host installed the program, the setup procedure is a little more involved.

Make a user account through the link below it's totally free , and then add a new agent to your account. Give the code to the host during the program installation. DWService has a handful of tools. They let you create all sorts of text-based files; browse through the file system to make, edit, or remove files, and upload or download files to and from the host; run Command Prompt commands; view basic system information, shut down tasks, and start or turn off services.

Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Chrome browser that lets you set up a computer for remote access. The way this works is that you install the extension to either get a random code you can share with someone else for spontaneous support get that code here , or a PIN that you can use to get on the computer at any time from your own Google account. To connect to the host browser, sign on to Chrome Remote Desktop through another web browser using the same Google credentials or using a temporary access code generated by the host computer.

Because you're logged in, you can easily see the other PC name, from where you can simply choose it and begin the remote session. There isn't a chat function like you see with similar programs, but it's very easy to configure and lets you connect to your computer or anyone's from anywhere using just your web browser. What's more is that you can remote into the computer when the user doesn't have Chrome open, or even when they're completely logged out of their user account.

Since it runs entirely within Chrome, it can work with any operating system that uses that browser, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. For a simple tool with some great features, you might consider the free remote access service Getscreen. If you need to quickly get into someone's computer without messing around with logins or installations, this is what you're after. There's file sharing, a built-in chat window, buttons for common keyboard shortcuts e.

The computer that will be connected to needs to download and open the software. Installation is not required, but it can be fully installed if this computer will need to be accessed remotely permanently.

There are two ways to get the client connected. One is to log in to the client's user account with their email and password, a great option if they'll be getting into this computer a lot.

The other way to use Getscreen. With this anonymous session, whoever you give the link to will have access to your computer without needing a password.

This is perfect for spontaneous technical support, but know that the connection time is limited when the program is used anonymously like this. There are a couple of ways to access the remote computer. If you logged in to your account in the host program, then you have permanent access which means you can visit the link below to log in to the same account in a web browser to access the other computer.

Another way is if the host didn't log in to the account. The host can provide a URL that you can open from your device to automatically have access to the remote PC without needing your account information.

Free users are faced with a few limitations that can be lifted only if you pay: just two computers can be linked to your account at once and file transfers are limited to 50 MB per file. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

You can control the computer from any device with a web browser or through the dedicated Android app. Windows Remote Desktop is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system.

No additional download is necessary to use the program. To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings accessible via Settings W11 or Control Panel and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user. You do have to set up your router for port forwarding so another PC can connection to it from outside the network, but this is usually not that big of a hassle to complete.

The other computer that wishes to connect to the host machine must simply open the already installed Remote Desktop Connection software and enter the IP address of the host. Most of the other software in this list have features that Windows Remote Desktop doesn't, but this method of remote access seems to be the most natural and easiest way to control the mouse and keyboard of a remote Windows PC.

Once you have everything configured, you can transfer files, print to a local printer, listen to audio from the remote PC, and transfer clipboard content. However, while all versions of Windows can connect to other computers that have incoming connections enabled, not all Windows versions can act as a host i.

If you're using a Home Premium version or below, your computer can only act as a client and therefore cannot be accessed remotely but it can still access other computers remotely. Incoming remote access is only allowed on Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows. In those editions, others can remote into the computer as described above. Something else to remember is that Remote Desktop will kick a user off if they're logged in when someone connects to that user's account remotely.

This is vastly different from every other program in this list—all the others can remote in to a user account while the user is still actively using the computer. UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and viewer is installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server. At installation, you're asked if you wish to install the Server , Viewer , or both. Install the Server on the PC you wish to connect to. You can install Server as a system service so it's always running.

This is the ideal option so you can always make a connection to it with the client software. To make a connection with the Server , you must install the Viewer portion during setup. After configuring port forwarding in your router, you'll be able to access the host computer from anywhere with an internet connection—either via a mobile device that supports VNC connections, a PC with the Viewer installed, or an internet browser. All you need is the Server's IP address to make the connection.

See System Requirements. Available on HoloLens. Description Use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to connect to a remote PC or virtual apps and desktops made available by your admin. Show More. People also like. Windows Insider Free. Firmware Update Check - Update assistant for legacy Win. Microsoft Authenticator Free. Upgrade WP Free.

Update Central Free. Additional information Published by Microsoft Corporation. Published by Microsoft Corporation. Copyright c Microsoft Corporation. Approximate size Bugfix: Fixed config migration issues when updating from older versions. Bugfix: Fixed rare crash and handling of long words when wrapping chat messages. Bugfix: Fixed visibility issue of some texts in address tiles. Bugfix: Fixed rare crash at application startup.

Bugfix: Fixed minor issues with in-app messaging. Bugfix: Fixed minor title bar rendering issues in global settings. Localization: Improved quality of French localization. Permission Profiles: We redesigned how permissions and passwords work from the ground up.

Setup an arbitrary number of profiles to fit your individual use cases. Session Invitation: Invite others to connect to your device directly from within AnyDesk. Use Permission Profiles to conveniently define access rights. Alternative Screen Background: Protect your privacy by automatically exchanging your Desktop Wallpaper during incoming sessions.

Screen Frame: Stay aware of incoming sessions. Various Improvements: Updated localization for many languages. Allow selection and copy of multiple chat entries. Generate your Group Policy Template using a custom client. Improved tooltips. Session Player now works with incoming-only custom clients. Access Control List now persists when installing AnyDesk.

Text inputs now support Ctrl-Backspace. Bugfixes: Session Player is now resizable and correctly opens when double-clicking recording files. Clipboard permissions can now be enabled and disabled correctly during sessions. Fixed handling of simultaneous session requests. Fixed various DPI scaling issues. Fixed various other issues.

Version 6. Bugfixes: Fixed a problem that sometimes prevented direct connections. Added option to act on single address book entry when more than one is selected. Sound: AnyDesk now defaults to the highest audio quality setting. Bugfixes: Fixed automatic language detection for Ukrainian and Lithuanian.

Fixed rare issues with tags in address book. Reset remote screen resolution: Offer option to reset screen resolution of remote machine after adapting it to local viewport.

Bugfixes: Fixed a crash when requesting elevation. Fixed various issues with address book pagination. Fixed a crash in the recorded session player. Bugfixes: Fixed column sort behavior of file fransfer view. Fixed scrolling issue in chat view on Windows If active the corresponding session setting will be ignored.

Bugfix: Fixed network detection Bugfix: Fixed image glitches occurring during sessions Bugfix: Could block remote input without input permissions granted Bugfix: Could lock the remote account without input permissions granted Updated translations: Updated translations for German, English and Italian Added translations: Added Lithuanian translation.

Bugfix: Fixed crash when opening settings in in-only Cutsom Clients. Address Book entries handling: Added pagination to Address Book to fix too many entries issue. Bugfix: Fixed crash when closing a session. Memory usage improvement: Improved memory usage when using preserve details option. Bugs for custom clients with Incoming connection only configuration: Fixed window size problems in some cases in incoming connection only client.

Fixed alias registration in incoming connection only clients. Crash during privacy mode: Fixed crash related to muting audio during privacy mode. Windows login screen keyboard issues: Fixed bug that caused incorrect keyboard handling on windows login screen.

Address Book tags issue: Fixed bug that caused address book tags to not show on individual addresses. Bugfixes: Fixed a couple of small bugs. Revised session recording settings. Better interaction with system clipboard: Address Book, Auto-Discovery, Favorites and Recent Sessions now interact with the system clipboard. Added option to automatically disconnect incoming sessions when inactive. Added new options to enhance usage: Added option to follow remote window focus.

Added display option to preserve details when encoding image. Added option to keyboard menu to send special Android keys. One time password check improvement: Improved one time password checks in two factor authentication. Fixed crashes in various situations: Fixed crash when requesting elevation.

Fixed crash in session player when skipping to the beginning of a recording. Fixed crash caused by invalid thumbnails when searching for addresses.