Remote desktop protocol (RDP) threats are now a major blind spot for enterprises globally, with threat actors pouncing on exposed servers.

That's according to Forescout Vedere Labs, which spotted 1.8 million RDP and 1.6 million virtual network computing (VNC) servers exposed on the internet – and many of those are running old versions of Windows.

Forecourt said that third-party access is essential for businesses across many industries, be it for hybrid work or remote monitoring and maintenance.

"This is especially true in critical infrastructure sectors with mission-critical remote sites, including utilities, transportation, and oil and gas," the company said in a blog post.

Remote access has traditionally been managed by VPNs or RDP and VNCs. These approaches were “designed to extend networks”, researchers noted, but not to control interactions, which is increasing attack surfaces.

Indeed, such systems often lack the necessary authentication and authorization controls that organizations require to keep secure – and once inside, attackers gain "broad, persistent" access.

Millions of servers exposed

The researchers used device-search site Shodan to look for RDP and VNC servers, finding millions exposed on the internet, most of which are in China and the US.

However, Forecourt noted that's possibly because some of the spotted systems are actually honeypots, admitting not all of the remainder will provide access to an enterprise network.

"After excluding them, we identified 91,000 exposed RDP servers and 29,000 exposed VNC servers that could be categorized by industry," the researchers noted.

More than four-in-ten exposed RDP servers are running Windows 10, while a further 18% are on end-of-life Windows versions, the researchers noted.

The study found that 19,000 of the exposed RDP servers were vulnerable to a single exploit known as BlueKeep that was discovered seven years ago.

Similarly, many of the exposed VNC servers had authentication disabled, meaning anyone could interact with the applications presented by the device.

The post noted that these exposed remote-access assets are at left "open to compromise by threat actors to perform a range of activities, such as defacing systems, disrupting processes, wiping data, or moving laterally into the wider network."

What's the risk?

When it comes to RDPs, 32% of the exposed servers were in retail, followed by services at 23%. For VNCs, 28% of the exposed servers were in education, followed by 22% in services.

However, Forecourt noted: "Exposure volume alone does not define risk. Different sectors face different operational realities."

Indeed, researchers noted that transportation environments are complex because of multi-vendor access requirements, while manufacturing is an attractive ransomware target and has seen previous RDP-based attacks.

Water and other utilities may have limited budgets and are frequently targeted by hacktivists.

Forescout said that mitigating these risks requires taking a different approach to remote access, treating it as a controlled operational workflow via secure remote access systems for more security and control as well as accountability.

"Access should be governed with the same rigor as procedures on the plant floor," the company added.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Microsoft has announced plans to end support for its Remote Desktop application in just over two months, according to a recent post on the firm’s blog.

The tool will reach end of life (EOL) on May 27 2025, at which point it will no longer be supported or available to download and install from the Microsoft store.

Users must migrate to the replacement Windows App to continue using Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.

Microsoft said the Windows App offers many improvements to Remote Desktop, including unified access to multiple Windows services such as Cloud PCs and virtual desktops.

It offers customizable home screens, multi-monitor support, and dynamic display resolutions, as well as enhanced remote work experiences via features like device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and account switching.

To prepare for the transition, Microsoft advised Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box users to head straight to the Microsoft store to download the Windows App.

Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Service users are advised to switch initially to the ‘Remote Desktop Connection’ and ‘RemoteApp and Desktop Connection’ services respectively, until these connection types are available in the Windows App.

Users should then review any known issues and feature limitations of the Windows App to get ahead of any potential migration challenges before uninstalling the Remote Desktop App.

“IT administrators can help prepare their organizations by encouraging users of Remote Desktop app for Windows to start their transition to Windows App, and by updating internal resources such as user guidance, help desk documentation, and administrative materials, as needed,” Microsoft said.

Remote Desktop alternatives are available

As Microsoft pushes users off the Remote Desktop platform, some users may want to consider what other similar platforms are available on the market.

TeamViewer is one alternative, offering remote access to computers and other devices through its platform, along with supporting tools designed for IT technicians and support agents.

The cheapest TeamViewer license costs £15.90 a month and provides access to three devices, moving up to £35.90 a month for access to 200 devices on the TeamViewer Business plan.

The TeamViewer Premium and TeamViewer Corporate plans cost £67.90 and £139.90 a month for access to 300 and 500 devices, respectively.

Anydesk is another option for remote desk functionality, coming available in three different payment plans. The solo plan costs £19.90 for three devices, while the standard plan costs £30.90 for 20 devices and the advanced plan costs £67.90 for 100 devices.

There are also open source alternatives to Remote Desktop such as RustDesk, which can be accessed easily on almost any platform and boasts a high level of security.

RustDesk is one of the cheaper alternatives out there, priced at $9.90 a month and going up to $19.90 for a customizable plan that can include as many additional devices as needed for $0.10 per device extra a month.

MORE FROM ITPRO

• Why remote desktop tools are facing an onslaught of cyber threats
• The best TeamViewer alternatives
• Hackers are targeting Windows Quick Assist remote desktop features to deploy ransomware

It may have rebranded itself last year, but GoTo hasn't forgotten its LogMeIn roots and offers a diverse range of remote support products. Its cloud-hosted Resolve is aimed at SMBs, whereas the LogMeIn Rescue on review targets larger businesses seeking additional helpdesk, contact center, and branding capabilities.

Pricing is simple to understand. It's based on seats or technicians, and you can make big savings with yearly subscriptions -- one seat costs £849 ($108) as opposed to £1,224 for monthly billing. Mobile support is optional, though, with seat upgrades costing an extra £25 per month when billed annually.

LogMeIn Rescue: Setup 

Deployment starts at the Rescue cloud portal, where you create master administrators that can access everything and standard administrators that manage groups of technicians. The groups are extremely versatile: you can assign all members one set of access permissions, such as allowing remote control, file transfer, session recording, remote reboot, and so on.

More technician group controls are provided in the portal's settings and include forcing screen recording, setting recording formats, and defining a central vault to store them in. You can decide how many active sessions a technician is allowed to open, set permitted connection methods, add links to useful external content such as knowledge bases, and create customer surveys. 

Channels allow staff and customers to send remote support and chat requests to the assigned technician group. Up to ten channels are supported and you can embed predefined links, forms, and custom calling cards in your website for swift user access.

Technicians use their personal desktop console to create on-demand support sessions. This is a swift process and, depending on the group permissions, connection options are provided for generating a unique six-digit PIN, creating an email invitation, providing a web link, or sending an SMS. Using the PIN method, a user enters it into the Rescue portal, downloads the run-time app, and permits the support request.

Technicians can start remote control or view-only sessions and use the upper ribbon menu to access a file manager, check the remote computer's system information, reboot it, run predefined scripts, and activate screen recording. The left pane is for text chats, and LogMeIn provides free integration with the Google Cloud Translator API, which is enabled for technicians from the admin portal. 

We tested the Rescue iOS app on an iPad and, after entering the session PIN, were able to broadcast its screen to the technician's console, which also provided details on the iOS version, battery and memory status, and mobile networks. The Rescue Lens mobile app is just as useful; after joining this type of session, our iPad's camera and mic feed were sent to the technician who could record them, use a magnifier tool, and draw annotations to highlight details.

LogMeIn Rescue does unattended support sessions just as well, and the admin console's access wizard helps customize the Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Linux apps for your company, restrict group access, and set expiration dates. Technicians access unattended systems from the Computers icon at the top of their console and authenticate using either the system's credentials or their own – you decide from the admin portal.

Once the session starts, the technician sees the same screen and toolbars as used for on-demand access. Master administrators can keep a close eye on the action from their portal and view, end, pause, or transfer sessions to another technician.

LogMeIn Rescue is perfect for businesses that want the strictest access security for their remote support services. Mobile support does cost extra but Rescue is easy to manage and offers an impressive range of technician features.

Wisemo is not so well-known in the UK remote support market, which is a little surprising as it's been in the game since 2010. Its hybrid Remote Control service is very versatile, and a subscription-based license enables the myCloud cloud-hosted and on-premises support services so technicians can access hosts directly over the internet or LAN.

You can have the best of both worlds, too: once the host app is installed on your endpoints, you can connect to them over the cloud from the myCloud web portal and use the technician's guest desktop app to reach them directly over the LAN. The guest app is even more amenable; after registering it with your myCloud account, it offers both connection options.

Wisemo Remote Control: Setup 

The admin web portal is a tidy affair and makes light work of deployment. From the Manage Devices tab, you can download the Windows host app or view all available versions and email links to selected users. 

Security features are outstanding. A myCloud domain policy can be used to optionally enforce two-factor authentication (2FA) for guest users, while device access controls determine what support functions each technician is allowed to use. This is made easier with security roles as you can decide whether technicians are allowed full access, can view host inventories, have remote management permissions, or only have viewing rights for hosts.

What's more, when you create new users, you can decide if they are only allowed to access remote control services, give them operator privileges so they can deploy the host, or make them full administrators. And if you place your users in groups, you can swiftly apply one set of access rules to all members.

The web portal offers a variety of options for remote sessions. You can choose the remote desktop button or use the host's drop-down menu for quick access to file transfer, chat, and remote management. If you use Microsoft Edge you'll need the guest desktop app installed, but Chrome users get a plug-in for pure browser-based remote control sessions.

With the guest app logged into the myCloud account, technicians can see and access all registered hosts in its interface. LAN connection profiles are also included, so if the host is on the same network, they can access it directly from the guest using its IP address or hostname without going through the web portal.

After starting an unattended session, the guest loads a new console with a wealth of support features. Along with full remote control, its ribbon menu offers file transfer, messaging, text and audio chat, remote application execution, Registry editing, screen blanking, and keyboard and mouse controls.

The Wisemo OnDemand service is optional with a yearly subscription costing £195 for each technician. It creates quick remote sessions for users without the host installed by emailing a link for the run-time app, and the nine-digit PIN it generates is passed back to the technician.

Mobile support is good. Wisemo has guest and host apps for Android, while for iOS devices there's a guest app with a host version currently in beta testing. We tested the guest app on an iPad. After logging into our account, we could view and control all available cloud-connected hosts, use the Quick Connect option to reach hosts over the local network, and enter an OnDemand connection ID.

Wisemo Remote Control is a hybrid support solution ideal for businesses that want a versatile range of connection options. On-demand session support is an extra expense, but it's easy to use, packed with great technician features and delivers excellent access security.

SMBs that want the best on-premises remote support solution need look no further than NetSupport Manager (NSM). Now well into its third decade, NSM has been continuously updated, with version 14 on review providing a redesigned Control interface, support for Windows 11 and Server 2022 clients plus two-factor authentication (2FA) and SSL/TLS certificates to tighten up access security to remote systems.

Licensing couldn't be any easier: pricing is based only on the number of supported systems. You don't need to worry about subscriptions, either, with perpetual licensing for up to 500 systems costing a straight £10 each.

NetSupport Manager 14 review: Set up

Installation is a breeze. We loaded the Control component on a Windows 10 host and used the separate Deploy tool to scan the local network and push the client to all our Windows desktops and servers. The client executable is now protected from malware actions; if its name is changed, it won't be allowed to run.

The new Control interface focuses on ease of use and has a status bar at its base showing the number of clients plus those currently connected and an icon to disconnect them all with one click. Search facilities have been improved, the tree view can now be minimized, and if you double-click on a client in the main panel you can assign different actions such as starting the remote control or remotely launching an application. 

The tree view uses dynamic grouping to neatly organize clients into categories such as Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Android versions, hardware enclosure types, and geographical locations. You can create custom groups using your preferred criteria and the tree also has options to browse for a client and see those that have sent help requests.

The free PIN Connect server accelerates support connections across large networks. The technician and user simply enter the same unique PIN and an instant connection is created for them.

Selecting a group in the tree shows all members in the main pane and a monitor mode displays scalable screen thumbnails so you can watch user activity in real-time. Users needn't worry about privacy issues as when the Control app connects, their system tray app alerts them and they can disconnect at any time. A remote control session opens a new window with a wealth of support tools presented in its upper menu.

Along with choosing to control, share, or passively view the screen, you can launch local apps, have text and audio chats, take screen captures, share clipboards, and reboot the client.

NSM scores over cloud-hosted solutions as its distribution tool sends local files to multiple users, technicians can run training sessions by showing their screen to user groups and they can record Control host activities and replay them. And being an on-premises solution, performance between a host and client on the same LAN will be much faster.

Remote offices and home workers come under NSM's support umbrella, too. The NSM Gateway and Connectivity Server are included in the price and allow technicians to reach out over the internet to systems with the client installed.

Security is tight: along with 256-bit AES session encryption, the Connectivity Server, Gateway, and clients must all possess the same key. Remote clients can only connect to one gateway, the Connectivity Server connection log can be downloaded for further security analysis and larger sites can improve performance by using multiple Gateways in load-balanced configurations.

SMBs that prefer their support services in-house won't find a better alternative to NetSupport Manager. It delivers a wealth of support tools, including secure access to home workers, while its perpetual licensing plans are highly affordable.

IDrive has been our cloud backup provider of choice for many years, and its IDrive RemotePC Team service aims to offer the same appealing combination of features, value, and simplicity. Even better, IDrive offers five versions so you can easily find the best fit for your budget and requirements. 

We reviewed IDrive RemotePC Team, which starts at a trifling £172 for the first year and supports unlimited users and up to 50 computers. It takes all the support features found in the consumer and SOHO versions and adds Active Directory (AD) and syncing support, single-sign-on (SSO), and access to helpdesk functions.

IDrive RemotePC Team review: Setup

Creating new users is simple: you send email invitations from the RemotePC cloud admin portal, which asks users to set up their account, add a password, and download the client app. During this process, they can allow their own computer to be available for always-on remote access and protect it with a personal code. Each user gets a personal cloud portal and a desktop app for viewing and connecting to other computers that have always-on access enabled. Initially, users can only see those they have personally invited, but an account administrator can share other computers with them and revoke this at any time.

Access security is good. You can enable the trusted devices option for users so that when they use a new device to log in, they'll receive an email asking them to confirm this and add it to their trusted list. Alternatively, you can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) so users will need to enter a one-time verification code sent to their mobile.

Multiple users can be placed in groups, although this is purely for organization as you can't assign access permissions at this level. If you want this, you'll need to step up to an Enterprise plan, which also allows computers to be placed in groups.

Technicians can start an always-on support session using just a browser, with the Viewer Lite web app providing remote control, file transfer, text and video chat, and whiteboard services. The desktop app option adds extra tools for drag-and-drop file copies, remote printing, audio, and session recording.

The technician desktop app offers a Performance viewer option that connects to Windows and macOS hosts at up to 60fps and presents a similar interface to Viewer Lite, with additional support for multiple monitors. The slower Classic interface supports Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts and provides the full set of support tools including microphone redirection.

On-demand attended sessions are started by emailing an invitation to users from the web portal or desktop app with a link to the "attended.remotepc.com" URL. For added authenticity, the message can be customized, and when the user clicks on the download link, a temporary app is loaded and the unique nine-digit session code it generates is shared with the technician.

Mobile apps are included; we tested the iOS version on an iPad, which presented a list of the always-on clients in our account for single-tap access. We could control them remotely, load a virtual keyboard, use mouse or touch interaction, and also fire up attended access support sessions.

The integral HelpDesk service will appeal to support departments as it offers invitation scheduling and user request queues, with the price including unlimited technicians. Auditing is particularly good, too, with the web portal providing full logs of all support sessions, activities, and file transfer operations.

IDrive's RemotePC Team will appeal to SMBs that want affordable cloud-hosted remote support for their offices and home workers. It's exceedingly simple to deploy, easy to manage, and delivers tough access security measures.

Many businesses today are rethinking their network security solutions since the adoption of remote and hybrid work, and considering the multiple cyber security options now available. For the majority, the best solution would be to introduce new elements - like Zero Trust - that can be implemented alongside legacy infrastructure.

This study shares how converged network security - Security Services Edge (SSE) - could be the solution to achieve this, offering integrated cloud-based abilities without compromising existing environments.

Download now for the full results of this study, discover the main challenges in managing network security, including remote access, and realise the numerous drivers for adopting SSE.

Provided by

IT leaders today are tasked with finding innovative ways to secure their remote workforce, with legacy hardware firewall VPNs no longer able to meet today’s security needs. One solution is enterprise level network security with Zero Trust, that enables network access for users to only what they need to perform their roles.

This guide further explains the benefits of a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) security model and how organisations can significantly reduce the level of exposure to cyber attacks and limit unwanted access to their data.

Download now to see how ZTNA compares to On-premise Firewall VPNs, and how it can offer a safer hybrid work environment.

Provided by

Since the global pandemic, the modern workforce has become largely remote in a bid to continue business operations. With more remote devices now accessing the company network from multiple locations, and the adoption of cloud-based collaborative tools, cyber criminals have revelled in exploiting vulnerabilities following this shift.

With employees today determining how they work - the majority opting for remote/hybrid opportunities - this resource can help organisations ensure the security of their remote employees with ten clear cyber security checks.

Download now to learn how to radically simplify your cyber security and discover the tools that can meet the needs of both your remote workforce, and deliver the robust protection your IT teams require.

Provided by

Considered one of the top global threats, ransomware has been rising year on year, with Forbes citing malware as the cause of more than ⅕ of cyber attacks in 2022. As businesses have evolved post-pandemic to adopt more hybrid ways of work, IT teams need to focus their security efforts on how their employees perform their roles, as well as improve security awareness among staff to mitigate threats.

This eBook dives into the true cost of malware and considers how much of a threat this poses organisations in 2023 so that you can be fully informed .

Download now to learn how to recognise when a malware attack could be affecting your business, how to respond, and how to recover from it.

Provided by

Business software can be an expensive business. Whether you’re opting for perpetual licensing or a cloud-based subscription service, there’s always an outlay involved.

IT departments have always been tasked with doing more with less while still delivering value. In times like these, when everyone’s feeling the pinch, they need to use their budgets very wisely. While the foundations of remote and hybrid working are now settled, some areas – such as IT support – still need to be figured out.

Not too long ago an office worker could pick up the phone and call the IT team if there was a problem with their device and someone would come to their desk to help.

With the rapid move to hybrid and fully remote work, organisations are increasingly reliant on remote support software to look after their employees’ IT needs. With this becoming such a critical part of IT strategy – and with budgets being scrutinised – it’s important to ensure you are getting the best possible value from your remote support software in a way that goes beyond simple break/fix.

It pays to integrate

Cloud computing has been a reality for over a decade and touches every area of business and IT. In the software as a service (SaaS) area in particular, there’s been heavy investment in everything from customer relationship management (CRM), to enterprise resource planning (ERP), to accounting, finance, and beyond.

With this in mind, it pays to find a remote support platform that can integrate with the SaaS solutions already in use – particularly if you’re providing support to customers as well as internal users within your own business.

Rescue integrates with some of the biggest SaaS platforms that likely have a place in your business’ operations, including Salesforce, ServiceNow and Microsoft Dynamics. This means all your support tickets and interaction logs can be recorded in a single place, reducing the need to search for information on a client or individual and eliminating duplication of effort. If your CRM or ERP system of choice isn’t yet on the Rescue roster, have no fear – you can make that integration happen manually with Rescue API.

Thanks to all this, IT support professionals and technicians are able to start a Rescue support session from within the other SaaS platforms, saving valuable time that would otherwise be used flitting between programs and platforms throughout the day.

Multi-platform is a must

It’s commonplace for users to have multiple devices to do multiple tasks and while this can make life easier for them, it can prove a headache for IT.

These devices often span multiple manufacturers, numerous form factors and wildly different operating systems. Even within one organisation, departments may have a variety of hardware requirements and device types that need to be supported; the sales team may be using Chromebooks while the finance department uses Windows laptops and the design team uses Macs. Despite these differences, they’re all equally likely to need IT support, irrespective of whether they’re remote or office based, or what department they work in.

Having a different platform to manage each different type of hardware or operating system isn’t a viable way of doing business. It’s expensive to invest in multiple tools, both in terms of the cost of the software itself and the time required to maintain it all – not to mention getting to grips with using them.

You need a remote support solution that is able to handle all device and OS types in a single, easy-to-use, secure platform.

One way to achieve this is to ensure the solution you choose is based on the public cloud. Don’t be shy to drill down into what exactly a provider is offering – some will claim that their product is ‘cloud’, when in fact they’re hosting it themselves. While this may not sound like too much of a problem at first, on premises software can often be less responsive and slower to load than one that lives on Amazon Web Services (AWS) or one of the other hyperscalers. It also may not be compatible across all devices and operating systems.

Rescue is a truly cloud-based solution, which means it can offer support on any device, is quick to start sessions and latency is super-low. It also means uptime of 99.9% and above, so your tech support session isn’t going to be interrupted by technical difficulties of its own.

Unlike some other remote support systems, Rescue isn’t limited to software, though. With its camera-sharing features, Rescue allows technicians to see exactly what the user can see at a hardware level. This can help with everything from troubleshooting loose connections to guiding them through the remote setup of a new device.

Bringing security to the fore

Security is a must for any remote support software – if a user is to trust a support technician to remotely access their device, they have to know the connection is secure and their data remains safe.

Rescue has multiple levels of control and permissions that mean everyone has access to what they need to do their job, but no more than that. Within the platform’s admin centre, master admins can set up user groups and apply bulk permissions. They can also delegate to admins, who in turn can change settings as needed for groups or individual technicians within the bounds set by the master admin.

This means that depending on who the technician and the end user are, functions such as screen recording, data transfer, remote control, or copy and paste can be turned off. This can be to ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA in the US or simply to reflect the needs and desires of the customer.

All Rescue sessions are secured using end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption and ultimately it’s the user who remains in control: They initiate the session and they can end it at any time.

Remote IT support is vital in a world where hybrid working has become the norm and customers are more flexible about where their contractors are based. Rescue brings best-in-class functionality, security and more to help you ensure business success in the long term.

Many hybrid working environments have been adopted industry-wide since the global pandemic, with employees using collaboration tools when working from home. IT managers are therefore tasked with, not only the security of internal infrastructure, but also those collaboration solutions on the edge.

This study delves into how employees use collaboration channels, as well as how sensitive information and data is shared via these solutions, and discusses the risks and challenges when it comes to using them.

Download now to learn the risk factors when it comes to collaboration solutions, and why back ups are critical to success.

Provided by

For as long as computers have been part of working life, we’ve relied on IT professionals to help support businesses and keep things running smoothly. And, while people may joke about turning the device on and off again and checking it’s plugged in, the reality is solving the day-to-day minor issues can often be as important as dealing with the big ones that crop up less frequently.

Much has changed in the way we work over the decades since the digital revolution began. In many ways, the role of IT support has become increasingly important. Computers have been commonplace on desks since the 1990s and by the 2000s it was a rare office job that didn’t involve one. Steadily, desktop computers were replaced in many cases by laptops, and mobile devices started to make their way into the hands of senior management as Blackberry phones. In 2007, Apple launched the iPhone and within just a few years smartphones of all different kinds were everywhere, bringing with them the conundrum of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD )vs centrally provisioned handsets.

Back then, though, workers were still largely office-based, with the odd exception role. But that, too, started to change with the rise of cloud computing and an increase in remote and flexible working. The Covid-19 pandemic, which started in 2019 but saw its peak in 2020 and 2021, gave everyone a sudden and unexpected shove in the direction of full-time remote or hybrid working. While it took some getting used to, companies are now seeing the benefits of remote and fully-hybrid working, with most actively embracing it.

Whatever the merits of remote working, one thing’s certain: You can’t have someone drop by your desk to look at your computer if you’re working from home. Yet the need for IT support remains the same, if not greater, than before when the office was the main place of work.

With cloud having underpinned all the changes to the way we work over the past 10-15 years, it makes sense to harness this same technology to provide tech support to workers and customers wherever they may be.

The advantages of cloud

One of the key advantages of cloud computing is as a cost-effective business enabler. When software as a service (SaaS) was rising in popularity, one of its main selling points was that it was often cheaper than traditional perpetual licence purchasing models. Similarly, for certain projects it’s cheaper to use infrastructure as a service (IaaS) than build out extra on-premise infrastructure ‘just in case’.

Enabling business is about more than just the price of software, though, and the flexibility and security offered by the cloud shouldn’t be overlooked either. Indeed, it’s part of the reason organisations have not only stuck with cloud computing but also brought in more. Rescue, built by GoTo, offers the same cloud-based benefits for IT departments and support technicians, plus extra functionality not found in many other remote support platforms. For example, Rescue is truly cloud based rather than hosted remotely, and was designed that way from the ground up rather than being retrofitted. This means it’s quicker than many competitors, there’s no hardware maintenance to take into account and uptime will be higher – 99.9% and above.

Rescue is also flexible and can scale and flex according to the size of your IT support team, who they’re supporting and what kind of support they’re carrying out. Additionally, it integrates with leading SaaS platforms such as Salesforce, ServiceNow and Microsoft Dynamics , which are found in businesses up and down the country and around the world.

People working all areas of moved to a hybrid or fully remote way of working, including many in IT and support roles. Opting for a cloud-based solution like Rescue supports those business practices, allowing people in these jobs to work as efficiently from home as they would have on site.

Support inside and out

Flexibility in the cloud doesn’t just mean easy scaling and flexible pricing, it also enables greater versatility. In the context of remote support, this can mean using a single platform for both internal and external support.

If you provide remote support to customers, there’s no need to invest in a separate solution for technicians taking care of that side of the business from what your internal support professionals are using. This means simplified deployment and more streamlined training, allowing technicians to get on with the job more quickly and confidently.

Rescue also allows for peer support and collaboration – technicians can consult one another if there’s a problem they need a second opinion on instantly even if they’re not in the same room or even the same city, thanks to the cloud. If they think it needs a more specialist eye, they can easily escalate it to someone with greater expertise and even learn new skills in real time by watching how the fix is carried out.

Secure and compliant

Security is one of the biggest concerns for businesses at all levels and in all verticals. A data breach of any kind can have serious repercussions, such as IP theft, financial losses, and fines if laws around protection of sensitive information are broken.

The creators of Rescue take these issues as seriously as you do and built the platform with security in mind. When a support session is initiated, the connection is secured by best in class methods, including AES-256-bit encryption and TLS 1.2 transport security. It also features two-factor authentication (2FA), providing enhanced protection against an attack using stolen credentials.

The platform also features permissions-based security and for support technicians. Administrators can establish, monitor and adjust access levels based on roles or group different level technicians together meaning they only have access to what is deemed necessary and nothing more. They can also see each operative’s logs and even monitor them in real time if the need arises, while still remaining fully GDPR and HIPAA compliant.

Seamless integration

A remote support product may look good on paper, but if it can’t integrate with your existing business software – particularly ERP and CRM solutions – then it’s going to throw up more problems than it solves.

One major advantage of cloud-based remote support software is it often has greater interoperability with these types of platforms than a traditional, on-premise or hosted solution might. As mentioned previously, Rescue integrates out of the box with some of the biggest names in the SaaS business like Microsoft, Salesforce and ServiceNow, as well as Freshdesk, Zendesk, Autotask and more. These integrations allow you to launch Rescue sessions directly from within the other platforms, meaning all the data related to a single ticket and/or customer can be kept in one easy to find location.

When choosing a remote support solution, whether for use internally or with customers, opting for a cloud-based one is the right choice in almost every scenario. Look for a true SaaS product – not just one that’s hosted in a provider’s data centre under the guise of being cloud software – that is secure, flexible, easy-to-use and can integrate with existing SaaS choices. When you have the right solution in place, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

Remote support software might not be the most obvious tool for planning business success, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. From maintaining customer satisfaction to minimising downtime, it can be as core to your organisation as any CRM or ERP system.

Consider the experience of an end user when remote support software is difficult to use – whether it's requiring them to change devices, excruciating response times, or having to stay on the line while the technician carries out their job. These may all seem like minor annoyances, but any of them could be enough to make your customer take their business elsewhere. And what if your customer is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who also has their own customers to support? That can take small issues and turn them into big problems.

For organisations looking to avoid this fate, or to boost their internal remote IT support proposition, it is important to remove as many barriers between you and your customers as possible and increase responsiveness through effective remote support software, such as Rescue, built by GoTo.

Rescue reduces IT complexity and headaches by empowering technicians to deliver fast, reliable support no matter what size your business, nor how fast it grows. You can quickly and securely support customers remotely on any network, regardless of device type or operating system.

Efficient support

When a user is experiencing IT issues, speed is of the essence. If they are unable to use their computer, an application, a program, or other device, it could cost their company money until the problem is resolved.

Traditionally, remote support was delivered over the phone, but this has always left a lot to be desired. It is reliant on the user doing most of the heavy lifting, rather than the person supposedly delivering the support, and can lead to misunderstandings and frustration on both sides – not to mention lengthy and disruptive calls.

Online remote support offers a much better proposition. With Rescue, the trained technician who answers the request is armed with quick diagnostic capabilities that can check important technical information automatically without having to involve the end user at all. They can then help guide the user through the issue, whether that’s through remote access if it’s a software problem, or using camera sharing on a mobile device if it’s a hardware problem. All these features are particularly useful when the person who requested help is not particularly tech-savvy, as there is no space for miscommunication when the technician is eyes-on.

Rescue offers multiple entry points for the person seeking support as well, allowing them to start a session via email, direct link, or through the browser. The inclusion of a live chat option makes communication between the technician and the end user easier – not to mention no awkward silences to fill.

Thanks to unattended access, the user doesn’t need to hang around if the support is going to take some time; they can leave to do something else, or the technician can even log back in later to work on the problem or check the fix they implemented is still working.

Rescue also works across multiple platforms, so end users can expect the same level of support for smartphones as for their laptops, desktop PCs or tablet devices.

Building brand recognition

When it comes to building a relationship with customers, the importance of brand recognition and familiarity cannot be overemphasised. Where possible, people will seek out the familiar when making a purchase or interacting with an organisation. In our personal lives, we tend to stick with the same toothpaste manufacturer, we eat the same selections of breakfast cereals, we prefer a certain brand of clothing, and we bring these same habits with us into the professional sphere.

When offering remote IT support, then, it is important to ensure that the software and interface being used reflects your business’ personality. Customers will be more at ease and trusting if they instantly know they are interacting with the company they already have a relationship with, rather than if they use an unbranded or differently branded service.

However customization goes beyond just appearances. If you are a multinational company, have a global customer base, or both, being able to communicate in the local language is vital. This includes using technology that works in multiple languages, not just English. Rescue is available in 12 Technician languages and 29 different Customer Applet languages, allowing your IT support workforce to interact with your customers seamlessly. What’s more, from mid-2023 it will feature Google Translate integration, meaning that even if the technician and the end user don’t speak the same language, they can carry out a support interaction as easily as if they did.

Clear reporting and easy administration

It is one thing knowing what is going on and fixing things in the moment, but what happens after that? It is tempting to think of each end user interaction as a discrete event, but in reality for each technician they’re part of the overall ebb and flow of the working day.

The reporting features included in Rescue, such as automatic session recording and the ability to monitor technicians in real time, mean managers can easily monitor how support requests are being handled and track this behaviour against key performance indicators (KPIs). They can also assign technicians to tasks based on expertise, increasing the likelihood a problem will be resolved quickly first time.

Additional features let you get an idea of how happy end those who have received IT support are through user satisfaction reporting based on net promoter score (NPS). The happier the customer, the more likely they are to speak positively about it to friends, family, colleagues and industry acquaintances. A smooth, professional resolution to an IT issue is fundamental for boosting that NPS score. Thanks to this and other monitoring features, it’s easy to identify any productivity problems and move rapidly to address them, like bringing additional staff on board. With features like scripting Rescue can scale alongside your growing tech support division.

Rescue also boasts enhanced security features, with admins able to manage permissions either on a technician-by-technician basis or by creating groups of technicians and using a bulk action. This demonstrates the principle of zero trust in action, giving people only the access they need and no more.

When a user has an IT problem, it pays to have a secure, flexible remote support platform that can meet their needs and the needs of the business. Rescue can help you meet and exceed those requirements, giving support technicians the tools they need to be as productive as possible and leaving happy, satisfied users in their wake.

2022 was another year of disruption, following two already disordered years, as the aftermath of the global pandemic and economic crises impacted enterprises globally, and in particular, IT departments as they facilitated and supported the new ways of hybrid working.

Now the challenges of last year are largely behind us, this special report looks at what trends IT decision makers predict will affect their businesses in 2023. We also shine a light on some of the things to get excited about rather than it all being doom and gloom.

Download now to read our tech bets for 2023 and the key IT areas to watch this year, including sustainability and security.

Provided by

A number of automotive manufacturers use systems containing vulnerabilities that could allow threat actors to hack cars, steal customer data, or complete full account takeovers, research has revealed.

Brands including Ferrari, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Ford were found critically vulnerable to endpoint attacks, with flaws such as poorly-managed APIs and improper SSO configuration enabling lateral attacks and remote access to vehicles.

Researchers also found major flaws in the code used by telematics firm Spireon, which provides GPS services for more than 15 million vehicles.

Using an SQL injection attack, Curry and his team gained remote access to all Spireon devices, used commonly by emergency services vehicles, allowing them to view live locations and remotely execute code to unlock and start the engine of vehicles, for example.

Further endpoint investigation and manipulation revealed an admin dashboard with access to the system’s 1.2 million user accounts, as well as vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and fleet location data.

Vulnerabilities in Mercedes-Benz cars allowed for public registration on an associated vehicle repair website, and this account gave the researchers access to the Mercedes-Benz GitHub.

Attackers could use this as a launch pad for remote code execution, as well as access to internal Mercedes-Benz communications channels and Amazon Web Services (AWS) control panels.

The findings were the result of months of investigation by web application security researcher Sam Curry and others, as detailed in a full report on his website.

Many attacks could be performed without any interaction with users at all. By searching for domains under “ferrari.com”, the team discovered a number of subdomains such as ‘api.ferrari.com’, ‘cms-dealer.ferrari.com’, ‘cms-new.ferrari.com’ and ‘cms-dealer.test.ferrari.com’.

Although manufacturers had implemented single sign-on (SSO) measures for these subdomains, Curry and his team found these were flawed. By extracting the Ferrari SSO JavaScript code, they could identify the specific API routes that each used. Queries to Ferrari’s production API allowed for information to be returned on any of the company’s customers.

Through this method, attackers could access, modify, create, or remove user accounts, as well as alter their account’s role to give themselves heightened positions or list themselves as a Ferrari owner.

"Like many other industries, the automotive industry has incorporated heavy usage of APIs across many of its public services,” said Yaniv Balmas, VP of research at Salt Security.

“We also encountered similar issues with some of these car manufacturers and others. We can confirm these are not isolated cases and do not cover the entire attack surface and existing vulnerabilities. They do, however, show the depth and magnitude of the API adaptation issues.

“Rapid API adoption allows car manufacturers to publish more functionality to be used by car owners, dealerships, and others and is meant to provide a better user experience.

"However, human nature and history teach us that, unfortunately, usability will always be prioritised over security and privacy - and the results are very well shown by the report. We congratulate Sam Curry for publishing this wonderful research and highlighting the global API security issue."

Household brands such as Kia and Ford were also found lacking in security. Kia’s systems allowed for remote access to vehicles including car cameras through token manipulation, while an endpoint attack on Ford’s APIs granted control over customer accounts and vehicle telematics.

Curry’s full report follows his November 2022 Twitter thread, which detailed the vulnerabilities that enabled remote hacking of Hyundai and Genesis cars through API exploitation.

The researchers have informed all the affected companies of the vulnerabilities, which have since been fixed.

Since the pandemic, many companies have embraced hybrid working policies as their employees have come to enjoy this way of work, and prove how productive they can be. However, this remote working practice has caused challenges for IT security teams as they work towards securing multiple devices outside of the organisation’s firewall.

This whitepaper looks at the cyber security hazards facing businesses today and the vulnerabilities they may not realise they have, including a lack of security knowledge amongst their workforce, with recommendations on how to enhance their security profile.

Download now to discover:

• How you can secure peripherals
• The technology enabling secure connections for remote workers
• The business solutions from Logitech offering unrivalled, secure, performance for all workflow needs

Provided by

The global outbreak of COVID-19 saw businesses facing unparalleled challenges. IT departments had to think on their feet – particularly those where part of the workforce worked remotely, and the other part were back in the office. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that remote working is here for the duration.

Some organisations struggle to adopt a long-term remote or hybrid working strategy; others struggle with the upgrades required to allow remote working, and more again struggle to ensure that employees can remain productive whilst at home.

Download this whitepaper to learn more about the role of SD-WAN in remote working, and it's benefits.

Provided by

As we transition through a new era of hybrid work, employees are becoming more discerning in the options available to them for flexible or remote work. As a result, IT professionals' roles are becoming increasingly important to provide the right infrastructure to enable secure, remote connectivity.

This white paper shares new ways of connecting employees through cloud-based services and addresses the challenges organisations can face with traditional virtual private networks (VPNs) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).

Download this white paper to learn how Windows 365 and Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can enhance your remote workers' productivity, and why this partnership is loved by users and trusted by IT teams.

Provided by

Security researchers have discovered a vulnerability affecting Hyundai and Genesis cars, which would have allowed hackers to remotely control functions such as the door locks and engine.

The exploit impacts cars by Hyundai and Genesis released since 2012 and targets a weakness in the use of insecure vehicle data in mobile apps intended for use by the owners of the vehicles.

The API calls used to control the locks, horn, engine, headlights, and boot controls of cars were easily exploitable, and could be backwards engineered to give hackers full remote access to the car's functions, the researchers said.

In a thread on Twitter, bug bounty hunter Sam Curry explained the process in full. Within the affected apps, functionality like locking and unlocking the user’s car was secured behind an access token, a JSON web token generated from an authenticated email account, checked against the HTTP request made in the app and the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).

However, the regular expression (regex) used to accept email strings as valid allowed for the inclusion of special characters. Curry and fellow researchers quickly discovered that by appending a carriage return line feed (CRLF) character at the end of an email address that already existed on the system, they could send an HTTP request to a secure endpoint. This contained a list of vehicles registered to the given address, allowing for the VINs of any chosen customer to be harvested.

Using the faked JWT, the researchers sent an unlock vehicle request to a car owned by a collaborator, and received “200 OK” back at the same time as the car's locks responded to the request.

Once the manual process had been figured out, the researchers were able to massively reduce the steps a threat actor would have to take, using a simple script written in Python. Using this, all that was required was the victim’s email address to gain access to their car, and commands could be run entirely within the program.

"Hyundai worked diligently with third-party consultants to investigate the purported vulnerability as soon as the researchers brought it to our attention," a Hyundai spokesperson told IT Pro.

"Importantly, other than the Hyundai vehicles and accounts belonging to the researchers themselves, our investigation indicated that no customer vehicles or accounts were accessed by others as a result of the issues raised by the researchers.

"We also note that in order to employ the purported vulnerability, the e-mail address associated with the specific Hyundai account and vehicle as well as the specific web-script employed by the researchers were required to be known. Nevertheless, Hyundai implemented countermeasures within days of notification to further enhance the safety and security of our systems. We value our collaboration with security researchers and appreciate this team’s assistance."

Earlier in the year, Curry and other researchers stress-tested a number of similar telematics apps, with the common link of developer SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services (SiriusXM), as outlined in a subsequent Twitter thread.

“We take the security of our customers’ accounts seriously and participate in a bug bounty program to help identify and correct potential security flaws impacting our platforms," a Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services spokesperson told IT Pro.

"As part of this work, a security researcher submitted a report to Sirius XM's Connected Vehicle Services on an authorization flaw impacting a specific telematics program. The issue was resolved within 24 hours after the report was submitted. At no point was any subscriber or other data compromised nor was any unauthorised account modified using this method.”

SiriusXM provides connected vehicles systems for cars from a number of household automotive brands. Researchers discovered that through the use of only the VIN of a customer’s car, it was possible to not only remotely activate vehicle features, but to also fetch a customer’s user profile within the NissanConnect app. This contained details including the victim’s name, phone number, and address. Similar vulnerabilities were replicated in the apps of Honda, Infiniti, FCA, and Acura.

Derek Abdine, CEO at artificial intelligence (AI) company furl, responded to Curry with the claim that VINs are widely available on dealership websites.

All vulnerabilities were reported to the relevant companies, which have patched the vulnerabilities.

Concerns around the vulnerability of cars that connect to apps have been around for years. In 2016, the FBI warned connected cars can be hacked, and particularly stressed the risk posed by cars that connect to mobile devices. The same year, Chinese hackers remote targeted a Tesla, with security researchers as Tencent’s Keen Labs passing the details of the successful attack onto the EV firm to patch.

This article originally stated that Hyundai cars could be accessed without the need for a victim's email address. This was inaccurate, and the article has now been updated to reflect this.

Employee expectations have evolved in the last few years, with new research from IDC showing how organisations are adapting to keep pace:

• 45% said that remote and hybrid work models are now an embedded part of accepted work practices.
• 42% of organisations say that intelligent digital workplaces are no longer optional, but a business necessity

By meeting employee expectations for remote work, organisations can deliver the employee experience required to attract and retain talent while improving productivity. The research uncovered that a key factor for delivering a winning employee experience is to leverage outside resources for IT services.

Download this resource to understand the more you can outsource and consolidate your IT services with a single partner, the more you can leverage efficiencies that result in a better employee experience.

Provided by

Data security is a top priority across industries. For the education sector in particular, this touches on both the need to protect devices as well as sensitive information and user privacy (student, staff, and family personal information).

With the current landscape in which schools are operating, where they are enabling learning in-person, virtually, and through personal devices, what are the top cybersecurity risks impacting this sector? More importantly, what strategies can decision-makers adopt to deliver secure learning across platforms?

This eBook discusses ransomware, the greatest vulnerability in the education sector - as well as other key threats - along with policies and best practices that are helping educational institutions remain secure in the classroom and online.

Provided by

In a new hybrid world of work, distributed workforces and remote access points to business networks are prime targets for cybercriminals, looking to exploit the weakened security measures of multiple unmanaged devices.

This guide shares relatable cyber security breach examples, highlighting key areas at risk, and how Zero Trust security measures could reduce risk exposure and support your current cyber security measures.

Download this white paper now to fully understand your own risk exposure, and learn why additional protection measures—including zero-trust architectures—are critical to stop data breaches.

Provided by

IT security leaders and hackers are consistently head-to-head in trying to ensure, and circumvent, password security. Security professionals know that weak credentials are a key aspect of cyber attacks, so it’s vital to have a layered defence strategy to not only protect your business, but also your channel partners.

This whitepaper discusses the current state of today’s password security, shares things to consider and avoid in developing your organisation’s password strategy, and looks at the latest tools and techniques coming to an ever evolving cyber security landscape.

Download now to learn:

• The biggest threats affecting password security
• Best practices for ensuring strong credentials
• and How password management tools can support security improvements

Provided by

A great choice for SMBs that want uncomplicated cloud-hosted remote support, Zoho Assist has been updated with a range of features that make it appealing to larger companies as well. Zoho's flexible plans mean you only pay for the features you need and can upgrade, downgrade or cancel the contract on a whim.

The generous free plan supports one technician, unlimited sessions, remote control, chat and clipboard-sharing tools, plus five unattended desktops that permit secure access without the user being present. More demanding support departments can choose from Standard, Professional and Enterprise plans, with discounts for monthly or yearly contracts. Unattended access is a separate module with two pricing plans. All remote support plans, including the free one, come with five complimentary licences; if you want more, you'll need to purchase separate licences, with each price tier enabling 25 sessions.

The Enterprise plan on review unleashes a wealth of tools and yet costs only £19 per technician a month. It takes everything from the Standard and Professional plans and adds departmental grouping, session recording and auditing, voice and video chat, service queues and more.

The technician web portal is consistent across all plans, and a recent redesign makes it even easier to use. When creating on-demand support sessions, the portal loads a web page with a unique nine-digit code plus options to copy the web link and send an invitation via email or SMS. Users enter these details in their browser or click on the email link to download the Assist runtime app and permit the connection.

Zoho is well aware of the risks of unsolicited invitations and cautions the user to only accept legitimate requests. For extra reassurance, you can create custom email templates with company-specific information. When the user gives permission, the technician portal loads a web page with an active remote session while users receive a system tray app with options to stop sharing, chat, swap screens, annotate and end the session.

Technicians can open up to six sessions simultaneously with a sidebar on each one providing quick access to tools such as remote reboot, screen sharing, voice or video chat, file transfer and inviting other technicians to join in. Multiple client monitors are supported and the new live monitor feature shows them all on one screen.

For always-on access, the Assist unattended app is installed on client devices with versions provided for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and Raspberry Pi. It's preconfigured for your account and, once installed, systems appear in the technician portal for one-click access.

Mobile device support is superb. Zoho provides free Assist iOS and Android technician and customer apps with the latter providing screen-viewing, screenshot and file-transfer features. Field technicians will love the new live camera assistance; support staff can access the camera on iOS and Android mobiles from their web portal, though this requires the Zoho Lens app, which is an extra purchase.

Service queues in the Enterprise plan allow users to access a custom web portal or an embedded link in the company website and raise support requests. Post-session URL redirection can be used to gather client feedback by sending them to another web page, with one URL per department allowed.

Zoho Assist Enterprise packs in a remarkable number of remote support features and is a great choice for larger businesses. The slick technician portal is easy to use, platform support is tops and the flexible licensing plans make it equally appealing to SMBs.

Whilst many applications have moved to the cloud, or are in the process of moving, most network security functions remain tied to on-premise hardware appliances. Many corporate networks rely on legacy hardware appliances to define their perimeter, enforce policies, and route traffic.

Hardware boxes can be expensive, hard to manage and slow. With new supply chain pressures, lead-times of up to a year are not uncommon, delaying business-critical IT initiatives. The steady shift of data, applications, and employees to using the Internet as the primary means of connectivity, new security and performance issues arise that hardware may not be able to handle.

Watch this recorded webinar with Cloudflare experts to learn more about:

• Challenges with provisioning and maintaining network hardware in the cloud era
• How these challenges affect remote work, IT staffing, network security, and more
• Cloud-native “as-a-Service” options you can deploy today
• A roadmap for reducing your dependence on hardware appliances through cloud transformation, whilst adopting frameworks like Zero Trust/SASE at the same time

Provided by

Remote access software vendor TeamViewer has been accused of enforcing ‘unclear’ automatic license renewal policies after a customer claimed to have been billed for a second year after only agreeing to a one-year license.

The customer based in Germany claimed that TeamViewer sent a ‘collections agent’ from Creditreform for the purposes of “future services” despite claiming to have opted out of automatic renewal.

In an invoice sent to the aggrieved customer, which paid for a 12-month license up-front and supposedly no longer, TeamViewer revealed that the agreement was made in the small print of its terms and conditions (T&Cs).

When users click to accept TeamViewer’s T&Cs, they agree to the automatic renewal policy which stipulates that customers must write to the software vendor within 28 days of their contract ending in order to cancel their services, the invoice read.

Commenting on the incident in an online discussion, onlookers described TeamViewer’s policy as “predatory” while others debated the legality of the situation.

EU member states have different laws and regulations for consumer contracts so the rules that apply in one country may not apply in another - they are not harmonised across the Union.

Germany recently passed the Fair Consumer Contracts Act (FCCA), the various provisions of which have become active at different points throughout 2021 and 2022, but most came into effect in October 2021.

One of the purposes of the act is to limit the length of automatically renewing contracts in the e-commerce space, which includes digital services like TeamViewer’s remote access software.

From March 2022, it became law that vendors could not automatically extend subscriptions for another entire year. However, this is just consumer law and does not impact or govern sales to businesses.

“TeamViewer sells software licences to professionals and business customers as we offer a free version for all non-commercial and private users,” it told IT Pro in a statement.

“As connectivity provided by TeamViewer is often a requirement for business-critical processes we have established a convenient auto-renewal to make sure our customers do not face situations where they suddenly cannot connect to their devices anymore.

“In general, all our terms and conditions are reflected in our end user license agreement, which is approved and accepted by any customer that purchases a licence.”

TeamViewer has previously been criticised for its billing practices by the head of technology entertainment company LinusMediaGroup.

In October 2021, Linus Sebastian featured a segment on the company’s podcast highlighting how the vendor attempted to encourage him to a monthly subscription for TeamViewer 12, software for which he previously bought a “perpetual license”.

The company allegedly emailed Sebastian and called him on numerous occasions at unsociable hours to push a subscription model of payment after paying a one-time fee of “thousands of dollars” for what he said was supposed to be ‘lifetime’ access.

Splashtop Business is affordable remote desktop software that offers access and support functionality for businesses and IT teams. You can use Splashtop to enable team members to access their work computer remotely, perform remote tech support, or perform routine maintenance and updates on your entire computer network.

Splashtop Business review: Snapshot

Splashtop Business offers an impressive set of features for its affordable price point. These include unattended access, live chat-enabled remote desktop tech support, and easy-to-set-up remote access for employees working from home.

It stands out from competitors like ConnectWise Control and Zoho Assist because it enables simultaneous support for an unlimited number of devices by one technician. It also allows for unattended access to an unlimited number of computers with its SOS Unlimited plan, at a fraction of the price charged by competitors for that level of access.

Where Splashtop falls short is in the lack of voice chat, even on its dedicated collaborative meeting tools, but its text-based chat should be enough for most tech support situations. If you’re looking for a functional and affordable remote desktop platform for your business or IT team, Splashtop Business remains an excellent choice.

Score: 4.5/5

Read on for our full and detailed Splashtop Business review.

Splashtop Business’s competitors

How does Splashtop Business compare to its main competitors?

Splashtop Business: Key features

Splashtop’s package for individuals and businesses is designed to enable users to work from home by connecting remotely to their office computer. Pricing is scaled based on the number of computers that you would like to connect, with volume discounts for more than 10 machines.

Users can access their work desktop from a Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Chromebook device, transfer files, and print remotely. Users that purchase a Pro tier license gain access to advanced features, like the ability to connect two users to one computer, chat, and remote booting.

Splashtop’s Support plan is intended for management service providers who need to perform remote work on a computer when it is not in use. This work can include anything from routine maintenance to basic troubleshooting or software updates.

The Support plan offers unattended access to an unlimited number of technicians for a monthly rate that scales with the number of computers you need to service. You also get unlimited concurrent sessions, meaning there is no limit to the number of technicians working at once.

Splashtop SOS is a product designed specifically for attended support, which is active remote desktop tech support that takes place while the subject computer is in use. This usually takes the form of a tech support session, where the technician takes remote control of the end-user’s computer to resolve an issue.

Splashtop SOS is great for users that want basic but functional remote desktop tech support. The system operates with little or no lag between the technician and end-user’s computer, and the built-in chat function provides an avenue for the technician and the user to communicate. One drawback we found is the lack of voice chat functionality, but this is not a serious concern, and can be circumvented by a telephone call if voice chat is absolutely necessary.

Licenses are billed per concurrent technician. This means that if you would like to have two remote sessions running at once, you will need to purchase a second license. Every SOS license also provides a certain number of unattended access licenses, and you can even purchase unlimited unattended access with SOS Unlimited.

Splashtop Business also provides remote access and collaborative learning tools for educators. Students can connect to an educator’s computer and view content, and the educator can annotate the content live as they teach.

Splashtop has two products in this category—Mirroring360 Pro and Classroom Cloud—which are nearly identical except that Mirroring360 Pro is for desktop computers, while Classroom Cloud shares the screen of a mobile (iOS or Android) device.

In addition to its built-in features, Splashtop offers over 30 integration options with third-party programs. Popular integrations include Microsoft Teams, which allows for remote desktop support with chat through the Teams app, and ServiceNow, which connects Splashtop’s tech support with ServiceNow’s service ticketing system.

Splashtop Business can also integrate with a number of popular CRM and IT support platforms, including Freshworks, Zendesk, and Spiceworks.

Splashtop Business: What’s new in 2022?

Splashtop introduced several new features throughout 2021—notably, desktop shortcuts for remote computers and connection pools.

Users that regularly connect to the same specific computer remotely—typically employees connecting to their office computer from home—can now take advantage of the new desktop shortcut feature to create a shortcut that takes them to their remote machine with one click. This bypasses the need to enter Splashtop’s app and locate your computer from the drop-down list, saving users a lot of time.

Connection pools are great for users that need access to a remote computer but not to a specific device. Administrators can lump a series of computers into a connection pool, and when a user needs to connect they simply select the pool and receive access to the first available device. This feature is available for Windows, Mac, and iOS, once again reducing the need to spend time searching for an available device from a list.

Splashtop Business: Pricing

Splashtop Business offers four different pricing models for its services: Access, Support, SOS, and Splashtop for Education.

Access is charged on a per user basis, starting at £5 per user a month, billed annually. This plan provides users with simple remote access to a computer, without any remote tech support features. The Support plan is for unattended access, and prices increase based on the number of computers you need access to.

Support starts at £33 a month for an annual plan or £38.90 a month for a monthly plan. SOS is a remote tech support plan, which bills per concurrently operating technician. Plans start at £14 a month, billed annually. Finally, Splashtop for Education costs £23.99 per teacher a year.

Splashtop Business SOS's pricing plans

*annual billing only

Testing Splashtop Business

As a simple but affordable software platform, we would expect Splashtop to be easy to set up and use, as well as being effective in its primary function as remote desktop software. To determine how well Splashtop meets these key benchmarks, we downloaded the software and gave it a spin.

How easy is it to set up Splashtop Business?

To test ease of setup, we first created an account with a username and password, then downloaded the Splashtop Business app to the device we wanted to connect from. Once Splashtop Business had downloaded and we had inputted our login credentials, it was ready to use. The entire process took less than five minutes, and the majority of that time was spent on the download.

Unattended access took a little longer to set up, as we had to download another application, Streamer, on every computer that needed to be accessed. This can take a bit of time, especially if you have a large number of devices, but the process is still straightforward. Overall, though, we were impressed with how easy setup was.

How easy is it to use Splashtop Business?

Once Splashtop was installed, starting a remote desktop session was quick and intuitive. We tested the remote connection with a Windows desktop computer and an iPhone. The desktop user had to go to sos.splashtop.com: opening that webpage automatically downloaded SplashtopSOS onto the desktop, and provided a unique nine-digit code, which we then input on our end to initiate the remote connection.

Upon inputting the code, we immediately had full access to the desktop computer. The entire process took about two minutes. Connecting to the iPhone was a similar process, but with a few extra steps. The iPhone user also navigated to sos.splashtop.com, at which point they were prompted to download the SplashtopSOS app from the App Store.

After downloading the app, they received a unique nine-digit code, which we then input to initiate the connection. The iPhone requested that the iPhone user grant us permission to broadcast their screen. Once permission was granted, we had access. However, since the iPhone was a touchscreen-based device, while our computer was not, we were mostly limited to observation, with little ability to directly interact.

Overall, we found that establishing a remote desktop connection through Splashtop Business is quick and easy.

How fast is Splashtop Business?

Even the best remote desktop connection will experience some small amount of latency between the two devices, but we didn’t notice any significant slowdown when running Splashtop on mobile or desktop. We tested Splashtop’s speed by running Google’s stopwatch on the remote desktop, and seeing the difference, if any, between the clock on the remote desktop and the actual one.

We noticed that on the remote desktop the milliseconds would go up in bursts of about 20, while they rose continuously on the actual desktop. Also, the stopwatch on the remote desktop was behind the actual one by about half a second. This effect is totally negligible when browsing, and we were able to stream a YouTube video in 1080p quality with no noticeable lag.

Alternatives to Splashtop Business

Splashtop offers an effective and easy-to-use remote desktop platform that is priced in the lower midrange of the market. Two notable competitors are ConnectWise Control and Zoho Assist.

ConnectWise Control is considerably more expensive than Splashtop, but comes with a broader range of advanced features and third-party integrations. Zoho Assist is cheaper than Splashtop, but lacks some of its scaling capabilities, limiting it to small business users. Similarly, Zoho Assist’s Unattended Access plan is limited to 25 devices, while Splashtop can comfortably support over 12,000.

ConnectWise Connect also offers unattended access, but at a comparatively higher price point. However, ConnectWise allows you to automatically install its client software to all devices on your network, while Splashtop requires you to manually install Streamer on every device. This can be quite time-consuming with up to and more than 12,000 computers.

On the attended access side, Zoho has a very limited free plan and a cheap basic paid plan. Splashtop doesn’t have a free plan, and is a little more expensive than Zoho, but has features that Zoho lacks, like unlimited support sessions per technician. Again, ConnectWise Control is more expensive than Splashtop, but has more features like voice chat and support for remote meetings with more than three individuals.

Overall, Splashtop occupies the middle ground in terms of feature breadth, with a low price point for the number of features it offers. It’s best for small to mid-size businesses and teams that have the budget for a simple, reliable remote desktop platform. However, larger enterprise users might find its feature set limiting, and thus prefer the more expensive ConnectWise Control. On the other hand, small organisations or solo users might appreciate Zoho Assist’s low pricing and free plan.

Splashtop Business’ features compared to the competition

Splashtop Business: Final verdict

Splashtop Business is a functional and affordable remote desktop solution that is particularly good for small to midsize businesses or IT teams. You can use Splashtop for remote tech support or to conduct routine maintenance on your computer network. It is also suitable as a remote work platform, enabling employees to connect to their work computer regardless of their physical location.

Compared to its competitors, Splashtop is priced affordably, although it is not the cheapest solution. Given its broad range of features and great performance, we think you will get excellent value for money.

The main drawback was the lack of voice chat. However, this is not a necessity for a remote desktop platform, and the built-in text-based chat is sufficient to handle most tech support tasks. Although it does not have a free plan, Splashtop Business does have a seven-day free trial, so you can try it out for yourself before making a commitment.

All in all, while fairly basic, Splashtop is easy to use, and has all of the core features you would expect from a remote desktop program. If you’re looking for a functional remote desktop solution that doesn’t break the bank, it’s hard to go wrong with Splashtop Business.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

For business owners looking to enable employees to connect to their work computers remotely, the best remote desktop software capable of reliably maintaining tens or hundreds of connections is necessary.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can connect to a remote desktop on Windows 10. We compiled this guide on how to make an effective remote desktop connection on Windows 10 with these types of programs in mind.

How to use remote desktop on Windows 10: Preparation

Before establishing a remote desktop connection with your Windows 10 PC, you must enable and configure your remote desktop settings. Navigate to the Start menu on your PC, and type Control Panel in the search bar. Click "Control Panel", then click "System and Security".

Under the "System" heading in "System and Security", click "Allow remote access". A pop-up window will open with several tabs. Click over to the "Remote" tab. Under the "Remote Desktop" heading, click the radio button that says "Allow remote connections to this computer".

Finally, tick the box that says "Allow remote connections only from computers running remote desktop with Network Level Authentication (NLA)" if you want to. NLA is a second layer of security that reduces the chances of a malicious actor taking control of your PC via remote desktop. You should leave this feature on unless you have a specific reason not to.

At this point, your PC is ready for remote connectivity. You can also add specific users from a drop-down list using the "Select Users" button. This will limit remote desktop access to only specific users. Otherwise, leave things as is—users with administrator access will receive remote desktop connectivity by default.

Initial setup

Step 1: Select a remote desktop software solution

There are a lot of different remote desktop software solutions available, including free software like Microsoft Remote Desktop and paid solutions such as TeamViewer, which is one of the best remote desktop software solutions available for business users.

TeamViewer has outstanding security features and built-in communication tools. It also has tools for rapid mass deployment across your organisation, which are vital for effective business use, but aren’t available with most free remote desktop solutions.

The rest of this guide assumes you chose to use TeamViewer for remote desktop access. That said, remote desktop programs are broadly similar, and you can follow along regardless of what program you choose. Just remember that specific menu buttons and locations will vary.

1. You can download and install TeamViewer without buying it, but you will need to log in to use it, which is only possible after purchasing a plan.
2. To purchase TeamViewer, navigate to its Buy Now page and select a plan that makes sense for you. Once you have made a selection, hit the "Buy" button under your plan of choice, review your order details, and click "Continue to Payment".
3. Once you have purchased a plan, navigate to TeamViewer’s home page and click the "Download" button at the top of the screen. Choose an appropriate version of TeamViewer based on your device. You can download TeamViewer onto a Windows PC, Mac, Linux machine, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Android, or iOS device. You can then use these devices to access your Windows 10 PC remotely.
4. Once TeamViewer finishes downloading and installing, you will need to choose your access type to proceed.

There are two types of remote access sessions: attended and unattended access. With attended access, someone is using the PC while you access it from a remote location.

This type of access usually comes with a text-based chat enabling the remote and regular user to communicate. This is good for remote tech support, presentations, and other tasks that require shared screen control and collaboration. Unattended access means that nobody else is using the PC at the time of remote access.

Most remote desktop programs enable both access types, but you should decide which one meets your current needs, since the process to implement them is quite different.

This guide has instructions for running both types of sessions. To proceed, follow the instructions below for unattended access or skip ahead to the instructions for attended access.

Unattended access

Step 1: Initiate setup

Download the TeamViewer installer to your Windows PC. Make sure that you install the correct version, either 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on your version of Windows. You can see what version of Windows you have by navigating to Settings > System > About and checking the "System Type" field. It should say either 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.

When you download TeamViewer to your PC, you will see two options: one to install it as normal, and another to install remote desktop on the current PC. Choose the latter, and wait for TeamViewer to finish installing.

Log on to TeamViewer on the Windows PC and tick the box labeled "Grant easy access" under the "Unattended Access" heading.

Enter your login credentials to connect the Windows PC to a TeamViewer account in the pop-up window. Click "Assign".

Finally, log into TeamViewer on the device you will be using to initiate remote access. You should see your Windows PC on your list of computers and contacts. Click on it to start a remote desktop session at any time. Note that the Windows PC needs to be on and connected to the internet in order for you to access it remotely.

Attended access

Step 1a: Connect with QuickSupport

QuickSupport is user-friendly and walks users through requesting support step by step, making it a better option for large organisations.

Setting up attended access with QuickSupport in TeamViewer is quick and easy. First, install TeamViewer’s QuickSupport utility onto your Windows PC. Next, click "Send Your ID" to quickly share your support ID with a support person via SMS, email, or a messenger program of your choice.

The support person will then receive an email with a link for them to connect. Once the support person clicks the link, they should receive complete remote control of the Windows PC from their chosen device. They can also communicate with the PC user via video, voice, or text-based chat.

If you have a small team, you can set up a connection in just two steps without QuickSupport. First, the PC user should email their ID and password to the support person. Next, the support person should enter the ID and password into TeamViewer on their end and press "Connect".

That’s it! You now have an active remote desktop connection to your Windows PC. Note that this method can quickly get out of hand with a large organisation, with many email requests coming in at once. Hence, it is only suitable for a business with relatively infrequent support sessions.

It’s also important to reset your password after each session.

Remote desktop on Windows 10: Summary

Now you know how to use TeamViewer or a similar remote desktop program to connect to your Windows 10 PC from any device. You can set up an unattended access session to control your PC from another location, or assist an existing PC user through an attended access session.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

Remote desktop technology enables you to connect your computer to another one through the internet and take control of its keyboard, mouse, and display as if you were using it directly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to use remote desktop on Mac. To connect to a Mac remotely, you need one of the best remote desktop software platforms; if you want to remote desktop from one OS to the other, we've covered how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows, too.

How to use remote desktop on Mac: Preparation

Before accessing a Mac remotely, you will need to enable "Remote Login" and configure your preferences for remote users in "Remote Management".

Navigate to System Preferences > Sharing on the Mac, and select "Remote Login". On the Remote Login screen, choose "All Users" or "Only These Users".

Don’t worry about unwanted connections if you pick "All Users". It does not open up your computer to just anyone, and users will still need login credentials to connect.

If you chose "Only These Users", you will see a list of the users on your local network. Specify who you want to provide access to from the drop-down list.

Once you have set up remote login to your liking, navigate back out to the Sharing menu and select "Remote Management". Here you can configure the exact level of access remote users will have to this Mac. On this screen, you can set up several features.

For example, you can choose whether remote users can take complete control of your Mac, or if they can only observe it. You can also decide whether or not they can open applications, delete and replace files, and more. You can also change the access privileges from "All Users" to "Only These Users" from this screen.

Once you have completed these steps, any other computer—regardless of what type of device it is—should now have the ability to connect to your Mac remotely. That said, it still needs remote desktop software to take advantage of this capability.

Initial setup

Step 1: Choose a remote desktop program

While all remote desktop programs serve a similar purpose, they are not the same. Some are faster than others, some don’t work on Mac, and some enable you to connect to multiple computers simultaneously while others do not.

Overall, one of our top picks for the best remote desktop software is RemotePC. Despite the name, it works equally well on Mac. It is very competitively-priced, simple to set up, and has many built-in tools.

Once you have chosen your remote desktop program, the next step is to select between attended and unattended access.

Step 2: Choose access type

There are two different kinds of access available for most remote desktop solutions: attended or unattended. With attended access, someone else is using the computer while you access it remotely. You can use this for remote tech support or other similar tasks. Unattended access is the best option for personal use, such as logging into your work computer from home.

In either case, the following instructions are written with RemotePC in mind, although the steps will be broadly similar for most remote desktop software.

1. Purchase RemotePC from its website. The type of subscription you will need will depend on your remote desktop needs. Suppose you only need to connect two computers for personal use. In that case, the Consumer plan for two computers is sufficient.
2. If you are setting up a network of business computers for remote access, you might need a more expensive, robust plan. Choose the right plan based on your needs from the Pricing page, and sign up.
3. While RemotePC is our pick for the best remote desktop software, other options are available, including some free programs. Check out our list of the best free remote desktop software for an in-depth look at these options.
4. You will need to install RemotePC, or whichever program you choose, on the computer that you will use to connect to your Mac remotely. For RemotePC, navigate to the Download page and choose the version of RemotePC that is appropriate for your connecting device. You can use RemotePC to connect a Windows PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device to your Mac.
5. Once you have downloaded the appropriate application, RemotePC will automatically be installed on your device. To begin, enter the login credentials you acquired when you bought the program.

Keep reading if you would like to proceed with an unattended access session, or skip ahead to the attended access instructions.

Unattended access

Step 1: Add your Mac to the device list

To connect to your Mac remotely at any time, you will need to enable "Always-On Remote Access". Download and install RemotePC on your Mac, the same way you did on the other device above. Enter the login credentials you acquired on purchase to log in. You will see a screen that looks like this:

Click "Configure Now" and enter a name and personal key for your Mac. Ideally, your personal key should be unique and should consist of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It will act as a password to access your Mac from the other device.

Hit "Enable Now": your Mac should now appear on the list of devices like this:

Step 2: Connect to your Mac

Log in to RemotePC on the device you will use to connect to your Mac if you haven’t already. You will see your Mac’s name on the list of devices. Click on your Mac, then click "Connect".

You should now have full access and control of your Mac from the other device. You can end your remote session at any time by closing the program, and restart it by logging in again and clicking "Connect". You will not need to repeat the previous step, since your Mac is already set up in the system.

Step 3 (optional): Enable Wake-on-LAN for your Mac

Typically, if your Mac is off, you will not be able to access it for a remote desktop connection. You can get around this with RemotePC’s Wake-on-LAN (WOL) feature.

Log in to RemotePC from any device, then hit the settings button in the top right. Click "Configure", then select "Wake-on-LAN Through Local Network" from the drop-down list. Click the plus icon, then click on the name of your Mac from the pop-up list. Click Ok.

You will now see a small button on the right side of the screen next to the name of your Mac. Click it if your Mac is off to wake it up and access it remotely.

Attended access

Step 1: Contact the Mac user

On the device you want to access your Mac from, open RemotePC and click "Attended Access" in the bottom left corner.

A pop-up window will open requesting a session code. Click "Invite Customers" at the bottom of the window. A second pop-up will appear with a default set of instructions for the Mac user. You can edit these or leave them as is. Fill in the email address of the current Mac user at the bottom of this window and hit send.

The Mac user will now receive an email from you with a download link. They should click the link to begin downloading the client version of RemotePC. Once it has finished downloading, they will receive a one-time code and the option to share that code with you.

When you receive the one-time code, enter it into the session code field in the pop-up window that’s still open from the previous step. Wait for the session to connect. Once the session connects, you should be able to observe the Mac user’s screen, communicate with them via chat, and take control of their PC remotely as needed.

Remote desktop on Mac: Summary

Now you know how to enable a remote desktop connection to your Mac from any device, and how to use RemotePC or a similar remote desktop program to access it.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

If you run a business with multiple employees, some of your workers will inevitably use Apple computers at home and Windows computers at work, necessitating a remote desktop connection. Remote desktop technology enables you to control one computer from another remotely, and is becoming increasingly commonplace.

It's possible to remote desktop from Mac to Windows simply, and via some of the best remote desktop software available. We compiled this guide on how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows below, as well as other guides outlining how to use remote desktop on Mac, and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

How to remote desktop from Mac to Windows: Preparation

To prepare your Windows PC for a remote desktop connection, log in and navigate to the Start menu. In the Start menu, search for Control Panel. Navigate to the System and Security tab, and click "Allow Remote Access" under the System heading.

In the resultant pop-up window, click the Remote tab. Near the bottom, under the Remote Desktop heading, you will see a radio button labelled "Allow remote connections to this computer". Click it to enable a second radio button, which will ask if you want to allow remote connections only from computers running remote desktop with Network Level Authentication (NLA).

We recommend that you activate this button. NLA provides a second layer of security when you connect to your Windows PC from your Mac. This security layer makes it harder for hackers to take control of your computer through a malicious remote desktop connection. Learn more about how strong authentication protects against ransomware to see why such security is so important.

You can also set your remote access to be available only to specific users if you want to. By default, anyone with an administrator-level account can access your PC remotely. If you're going to change this, click the "Select Users" button in the bottom right corner of the Remote tab.

You should now see a pop-up window and an "Add" button. Click it to open a list of all the user accounts on this PC and add whomever you wish. Hit "OK" to exit when you are satisfied with the user permissions.

Once you are happy with your remote desktop configuration, head over to your Mac to begin your remote desktop connection setup.

Initial setup

Step 1: Pick a remote desktop program that works on Mac and Windows

You will need a program that is compatible with both Mac and Windows, as you will need to run it on both computers to establish a connection.

We recommend Zoho Assist, since it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac. It has a free version for individuals and small businesses, and a paid version for companies that want to scale up, making it suitable for everyone. It also offers both attended and unattended access.

Alternatively, if you are on a budget, have a look at our list of the best free remote desktop software.

Step 2: Sign up to and download Zoho Assist

On your Mac, navigate to Zoho’s home page—just Zoho, not Zoho Assist—then click "Free Sign Up" in the top right corner.

In the next window, you can either create an account from scratch with an email and password, or use your existing login credentials from Google, LinkedIn, or Microsoft Office 365. On the next screen, select your country/region.

Once you’ve created your account, Zoho will automatically take you to a page of its most popular applications, with Zoho Assist featured prominently on the list. Click on it to proceed.

Step 3: Set up Zoho Assist on your Mac

On the next screen, hit the red button in the middle that says "Access Zoho Assist". Next, click "Start 15-day trial to begin". Do not worry about losing your Zoho account after 15 days. It will automatically revert to the free version at the end of the trial period, unless you purchase a paid plan before that happens.

You have now linked Zoho Assist to your Zoho account. You should see a screen that looks something like this:

Feel free to book a free training session if you or your team want to learn more about the program. In the meantime, the next step is to set up either attended or unattended access.

There are two kinds of remote desktop access: attended and unattended. Both can be used to set up a remote desktop connection in a pinch, but attended access is specifically designed for tech support, screen sharing during presentations, and other tasks where another person actively uses the computer while you are connected.

Unattended access is the opposite. It enables you to access your Windows PC from your Mac at any time—even when the PC is off, in some cases. Before setting up your Zoho account, consider what kind of access makes the most sense for you.

To proceed with setting up unattended access, keep reading. Otherwise, skip ahead to the instructions for attended access.

Unattended access

Step 1: Choose your preferred setup method

With unattended access, you will be able to connect to your PC at any time by logging into your Mac and enabling a remote connection. Your PC needs to be on and connected to the internet for this to work. However, you can get around this using the Wake-on-LAN feature—more on that later.

There are three ways to set up unattended access: sharing a deployment link, downloading the installer, or bulk deployment. Skip to the appropriate sub-step for instructions on each type of setup.

Step 2 (optional): Use deployment link or download the installer

To use the deployment link, either copy the link to your clipboard and manually send it to a user on your PC, or hit "Share" to email it to a user on your PC. You can also email it to yourself and walk over to your PC to set it up. In any case, you or whoever is using your PC should click the link. You will see a screen that looks like this:

Click "Download", then tick the box indicating that you are aware you are setting up the PC for unattended access. Accept the license agreement and hit "Install". Once the installation process is complete, you will see a pop-up message indicating that your computer has been configured successfully for unattended access.

Open your PC and navigate to Zoho’s website, then log in as you did on the Mac. Navigate to the "Unattended Access" tab and download the installer. Run the installer and tick the box indicating you are aware that you are setting up your PC for unattended access. Accept the license agreement, and click the "Install" button. You will receive a pop-up message saying that your PC is configured for unattended access once the installation process is complete.

Installation via link is fine if you have one or just a handful of PCs. If your organisation has tens or hundreds of PCs, you will need a more efficient way to install unattended access via Zoho Assist to all of them at once. Contact an IT professional if you would like to go with this option, as it requires a certain amount of technical know-how.

Step 3 (optional): Set up bulk deployment

If you know what you are doing, there are three ways to set up bulk deployment: using a distributor, Group Policy Object (GPO) deployment, or Zoho’s native tool. Click on the appropriate option in the "Unattended Access" tab under "Bulk Deployment" to begin, and read Zoho’s instructions if you or your team get stuck.

Once you have set up unattended access to your PC using a method of your choice, go back to your Mac. Log back into Zoho and click the "Unattended Access" tab. Close the deployment window, and you should see your PC on the list of devices.

If it is powered on and connected to the internet, you will see your PC on the list of online devices, with a green dot indicating that it is available for a remote desktop connection. Click "Connect" to begin your remote session. You will now have complete remote control of your Windows PC from your Mac.

Step 4 (optional): Enable Wake-on-LAN in BIOS

With Wake-on-LAN, you can remotely power on your PC from your Mac, enabling you to start a remote desktop session even if your PC is off. To begin, make sure that your PC is powered on, connected to the internet, and has a green online status next to it on the "Devices" tab.

Navigate to the Settings tab on the left and click "Wake-on-LAN". Tick the "Enable Wake-on-LAN" checkbox to enable this feature.

Some PCs have Wake-on-LAN disabled in the BIOS by default, in which case they will not work with Wake-on-LAN even after you enable it in Zoho. To fix this, navigate to Settings on your PC and click "Update & Security". Click "Recovery", then click the "Restart Now" button under "Advanced Startup". Your PC will restart and open a menu of special options.

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Your PC will restart again and open the BIOS settings screen. Navigate to Power Management > Wake on LAN/WLAN in the BIOS settings. Choose LAN or WLAN, then click "Save and Exit".

Your PC will restart again, and Wake-on-LAN should now be enabled.

Attended access

Step 1: Setup and connect

Attended access is much quicker to set up than unattended access, but only works while there is someone actively using your PC. To enable it, log in to Zoho Assist on your Mac, and click the "Remote Support" tab.

Make sure that the "Access Remote Screen" radio button is selected before proceeding. Type the email of the PC user into the customer email address field and click "Start Now". The PC user should receive an email inviting them to join a remote desktop session.

Once they click "Join Session", they will see another screen prompting them to download a .exe file. After downloading the file and hitting "Join" yet again, you will be able to access their PC remotely from your Mac.

Remote desktop from Mac to Windows: Summary

You now know two methods to connect a Mac to a Windows PC using a remote desktop. While we used Zoho Assist, many other remote desktop programs are also compatible across multiple platforms, including TeamViewer, RemotePC, and Splashtop Business.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

VNC Connect is a remote desktop administration solution from RealVNC, one of the longest-running companies in the remote admin industry. VNC Connect uses the venerable VNC (virtual network computing) platform as its base, but adds some important features like encryption and cloud connectivity.

In our VNC Connect review, we discuss these features to help you decide whether it’s worth paying for a VNC Connect subscription over a free VNC solution, and if it deserves a place as one of the best remote desktop software solutions for business.

VNC Connect review: Snapshot

VNC Connect is a remote desktop solution SMEs should consider for their remote admin needs. It has excellent security, granular access controls, and a multitude of clients. And with cloud connectivity, it’s easier to set up and use than most VNC remote desktop apps when your network is atypical.

Admins who have used free VNC tools for decades may balk at paying for a VNC solution, but we feel VNC Connect’s added quality-of-life features make the annual price well worth the investment.

Score: 3.5/5

Read on for our full and detailed VNC Connect review.

VNC Connect’s competitors

How does VNC Connect compare to its main competitors?

VNC Connect: Key features

VNC Connect is built upon the VNC platform, a remote access protocol that’s been in popular use since 1999. But VNC Connect adds some useful features in an attempt to patch some of VNC’s issues. Most notably, VNC Connect has built-in 256-bit AES encryption and cloud connectivity.

Cloud connectivity

One of the common challenges of setting up remote administration software is that a peer-to-peer connection between the server and client must be maintained. This is easy enough for simple across-the-LAN connections, but when connecting over multiple networks or the internet, it usually requires setting up port forwarding in your routers or other workarounds.

VNC Connect has a cloud service that automatically brokers connections between devices wherever they are. Acting as a type of proxy, this cloud service solves many of the headaches involved in setting up remote administration on complex networks.

Cross-platform clients and servers

VNC Connect has servers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Solaris, HP-UX, and AIX. This is a formidable lineup that far surpasses most remote administration tools. The connecting device will use VNC Viewer (or any other VNC client, if you prefer). VNC Viewer is available for all the above operating systems, and there are also versions for Android and iOS.

Overall, VNC Connect is a highly versatile choice if you work in a multiplatform environment, and one of our top picks for the best remote desktop for Linux.

VNC Connect: What’s new in 2022?

VNC Connect typically sees updates every few months. In October 2021, VNC Server 6.8.0 was released that added screen recording, dark mode support for macOS, and several bug fixes.

In November 2021, the latest version of VNC Viewer was released (6.21.1109), which fixed a bug in the chat system that could leave the remote computer unresponsive.

VNC Connect: Pricing

VNC Connect has two plans for remote administration under its Device Access tier—Professional and Enterprise. Both must be purchased on an annual basis. You can get a free 30-day trial of both versions.

Pricing is based on a per-device model, so you pay for the number of servers you want to connect to. There is a discount of around 20% for purchasing multiple device licenses at a time.

A different pricing model, Instant Support, is available if you want to use VNC Connect as an instant support service for IT support teams. This starts at £11.99 a month per technician per month, billed annually.

VNC Connect’s pricing plans

Testing VNC Connect

We performed several tests on VNC Connect to understand how well it performs at typical office remote administration tasks. We connected to a Windows 10 PC over an 802.11ac wireless connection from Windows 10 and Android devices to test the quality of the remote experience over a LAN.

To test remote connections over the internet, we installed VNC Connect on a Microsoft Azure-hosted virtual machine running Windows Server 2019. By connecting to this US-based server from a computer in South East Asia, we were able to test the effects of latency on VNC Connect.

How easy is VNC Connect to install?

VNC Connect has a great onboarding process that begins with an introductory email that links to a website filled with details on getting started with the software. Additional emails explaining further details of the software are sent over the course of your trial period.

Installation is a multi step process. You download and install the server software on the computer you want to remotely connect to, then do the same with the client software on the platforms you want to connect from.

The software performs some checks when starting up, such as assessing whether the required ports are available. This can help new users avoid common issues.

On the other hand, we reached out to RealVNC during our two-week trial period of the software and received no response. While VNC Connect does have a good knowledge base and FAQ, it appears difficult to get in touch with RealVNC support should you need to.

How fast is VNC Connect?

The Remote Framebuffer (RFB) protocol VNC Connect uses is relatively simple, which is a big reason it’s possible to use VNC on so many platforms. It works by sending information about sections of the remote screen that have been updated back to the connecting client.

This works fine for most business uses, but the more “busy” the screen gets, the more screen tearing and latency you’ll notice. You wouldn’t use VNC Connect to watch a video across the network, but it can work fine for general tasks such as word processing or server administration.

How secure is VNC Connect?

VNC Connect can be considered secure out of the box. Connections are all encrypted end-to-end, and you have a lot of control over which devices can connect to your remote sessions.

There are multiple options for password protection. You can use specific passwords for different VNC Connect users. Alternatively, you can use System Authentication, whereby the user must enter their Windows login credentials, for instance. Further options like Single Sign-in Authentication, Smart Card Authentication, and RADIUS Authentication are configurable.

When correctly set up, VNC Connect is one of the most secure options for remote administration on the market today.

Alternatives to VNC Connect

VNC Connect faces a lot of competition. The VNC protocol it uses is also the basis of many free remote administration software solutions. TightVNC is a popular free VNC server and client for Microsoft Windows. The price is right, but SMEs may find TightVNC’s lack of built-in encryption and the complexity of setting up secure remote connections over the internet to be deal-breakers.

Another free option, as long as you only want to connect remotely to a Microsoft Windows machine, is Microsoft Remote Desktop. This is built in to most versions of Windows (with the notable exceptions of the Starter and Home editions), and has a more efficient data transfer protocol (RDP), making for a smoother remote experience.

But, once again, if you need to connect remotely to a computer over the internet then there is usually some additional setup required in your router.

VNC Connect’s features compared to the competition

VNC Connect: Final verdict

For longtime users of free VNC remote admin solutions, paying for VNC may seem odd. But VNC Connect’s main selling points come in its ease of use when connecting over the internet, thanks to its cloud connectivity and robust, built-in encryption.

Few remote access solutions offer VNC Connect’s many client authentication options, too, making it a good choice when you need to allow multiple people access to sensitive remote resources.

VNC Connect also gains points for its outstanding documentation, knowledge base, tutorials, eBooks, and webinars. All its various features are well explained and documented.

If you only need to connect to a remote computer over the LAN from time-to-time, the cloud connectivity and enhanced security features might not be worth the VNC Connect annual fee. Instead, you could just use one of the many free VNC solutions available today.

But for SMEs looking for a robust, secure, cross-platform remote admin tool that can be used across the internet, VNC Connect ticks all the important boxes.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

TightVNC is one of many remote desktop software solutions that use the virtual network computing (VNC) graphical desktop-sharing system. It relays the mouse and keyboard events from one computer to another, and sends graphical screen updates back, effectively allowing you to use your computer from a remote device.

In our TightVNC review, we look at whether this software—first released in 2001—is still one of the best free remote desktop software platforms with which to control a computer remotely.

TightVNC review: Snapshot

TightVNC is a remote desktop tool that works well on low-bandwidth connections. It’s a good option for low-end computers and devices like the Raspberry Pi, as it’s very lightweight and uses few resources. It’s easy to set up for basic remote admin tasks over a local area network.

The VNC protocol that TightVNC uses results in quite high latency, though, which you’ll notice if you try to use it for more than occasional remote screen sharing and computer administration. It doesn’t have built-in encryption, so you’ll need to take additional steps to secure connections if you want to use it over the internet.

In summary, while it just about does the job, better options exist for SMEs looking for a robust and complete remote administration solution.

Score: 3/5

Read on for our full and detailed TightVNC review.

TightVNC’s competitors

How does TightVNC compare to its main competitors?

TightVNC: Key features

TightVNC offers a few unique features that could make it the right choice for your remote administration needs.

Session sharing

TightVNC, by default, will disconnect existing remote sessions when a new session is made. You can change this setting so that multiple remote users can view or control the server simultaneously. Alternatively, you can block new remote sessions until the initial session is complete.

This versatility can come in handy when you have an application that must accommodate multiple remote users, potentially at the same time.

Java Viewer

There are two versions of TightVNC—TightVNC for Windows and TightVNC Java Viewer. TightVNC Java Viewer can be run on any system that supports Java SE 1.6 or later. This includes pretty much any modern operating system, including most versions of Linux, macOS, and Windows.

This makes TightVNC Java Viewer a handy tool for working in cross-platform environments. But it doesn’t include the server component, only the client, so you’ll only be able to use it to view remote sessions (as opposed to accepting remote sessions from another device).

TightVNC has an interesting feature, whereby you can specify that only a part of the screen be shared. You can set exact pixel coordinates to be shared or a window class name (e.g., WMPlayerApp for Windows Media Player, or OpusApp for Microsoft Word).

Going even further, TightVNC can be set to listen on multiple ports and serve a different portion of the desktop on each one. You could set one remote session to have access to the left side of your desktop, and another to have access to the right side of your desktop, for instance.

This may only have niche applications, but it’s a clever way to share resources remotely with multiple remote users.

TightVNC: What’s new in 2022?

TightVNC doesn’t get updated often. But in September 2021, TightVNC for Windows got a security update that patched a severe security issue in the TightVNC Viewer application. Fast screen-grabbing techniques on Windows 8 and later versions were improved, and a few minor bugs were rectified.

In 2020, a few updates were released, with the most notable change being support for Unicode clipboard transfers (UTF-8) in November 2020.

TightVNC: Pricing

TightVNC is open-source and free to use commercially, and ranks among the best free remote desktop software solutions as a result. If you want to buy a license to the TightVNC source code, it costs around £10,308.

GlavSoft LLC does sell a few complementary products that can work alongside TightVNC. The first is Remote Ripple 2.0, a VNC-compatible remote client for Android, iPhone, and iPad that costs around £3.25.

The other is MightyViewer, first introduced in 2020. It’s an application for Windows that can show multiple VNC sessions concurrently on one screen, allowing you to oversee many remote computers at once. MightyViewer starts at £56.13 for a single-user license.

TightVNC’s pricing plan

Testing TightVNC

We first tested how easy TightVNC is to use by running the TightVNC Server application on a Windows 10 Professional computer, and connecting to it using TightVNC Viewer from a laptop running Windows 10 Professional. This test was performed over an 802.11ac wireless network to simulate a typical office environment.

Another test was performed to evaluate TightVNC’s use over the internet. We connected to a TightVNC server running on a US-based Windows Server 2016 machine from a Windows 10 Professional computer in Southeast Asia. This helped to ascertain how much latency could be expected when using TightVNC over a longer distance.

How easy is TightVNC to use?

TightVNC has a short installation program you use on both the client and server computers. You can choose between running the server as a service (so it’s always available) or an application (where you start and stop the server as and when you need it).

When connecting over the internet, you may need to set port forwarding in your router settings. You’ll also need to allow access to the TightVNC port in your firewall settings.

TightVNC can be considered a tool for intermediate users. It has quite a lot of advanced available settings that aren’t explained, and there isn’t a built-in help system. To better understand what these settings do, you need to search online, as many aren’t even discussed in the TightVNC documentation or FAQ. Furthermore, there’s zero support available for free copies of TightVNC.

How fast is TightVNC?

TightVNC’s “tight” protocol was its main selling point when it was first released. It uses fewer bytes and CPU resources to transfer screen update data than the VNC clients that came before it. This makes it an excellent choice for extremely low-bandwidth applications or for old computers.

Nowadays, bandwidth isn’t usually such a big concern, and because of its simplicity, TightVNC’s RFB Protocol’s performance lags behind most new remote desktop protocols. In short, TightVNC suffers from more latency than most remote desktop solutions, so it can feel sluggish to use. The more complex the changes are on the screen, the more noticeable the lag.

How secure is TightVNC?

TightVNC encrypts VNC passwords, but the rest of the traffic is sent unencrypted. So, if you have any security concerns, you’ll need to wrap your connections in a secure tunnel. If your remote server is running SSH, it’s possible to set up TightVNC to connect through SSH so all data sent is encrypted, but it’s not a straightforward process. Another option is to use a VPN.

You can choose to set a password for full-control, view-only, and administrator roles in TightVNC. But if you have many remote users, they all need to share the same passwords, which is a security risk. TightVNC also allows you to restrict remote access to specific IP address ranges, lowering the chance a malicious actor could gain remote control of your computer.

In summary, TightVNC is quite unsecure, unless you take several additional steps to secure it.

Alternatives to TightVNC

TightVNC is one of many remote desktop solutions that use the VNC protocol. Worthy alternatives include VNC Connect, a modified VNC solution with support for remote audio, faster video streaming, cloud connectivity, and encrypted sessions. TigerVNC is a similar VNC client to TightVNC, and includes end-to-end encryption options.

If you don’t specifically need to use the VNC protocol, your options widen even further. There’s Microsoft Remote Desktop, which is built into most versions of Windows and utilizes the RDP protocol. It’s faster than TightVNC, with better image quality and less latency. But its Windows-centric design makes it a poorer choice if you use many different operating systems.

If you’re happy to pay for a remote desktop solution, we like AnyDesk. It’s easier to use than TightVNC, with a more modern interface, and has apps for all major operating systems.

TightVNC’s features compared to the competition

TightVNC: Final verdict

TightVNC has long been one of the go-to tools in a network administrator’s arsenal, and it still has its merits after over 20 years of service. It’s lightweight, so you can run it on older computers, and it works well even when your connection to the remote server is slow.

It’s difficult to recommend it for more than occasional use over the LAN, however, because it doesn’t have built-in encryption. Setting up a connection over the internet can often require port forwarding rules set in your router. Newer remote desktop solutions can offer a smoother experience with less latency, built-in encryption, streaming audio, and better image quality.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

Microsoft Remote Desktop is the remote access and administration tool built into most versions of Windows since Windows 2000. It’s part of the broader Remote Desktop Services platform, which also encompasses virtual desktop environments deployed on-premises or on the cloud via the RDP protocol.

In this Microsoft Remote Desktop review, we decide whether it remains one of the best remote desktop software solutions today, or if it’s been eclipsed by newer entries onto the market.

Microsoft Remote Desktop review: Snapshot

Available pre-installed on most versions of Windows, Microsoft Remote Desktop is a relatively straightforward way to access remote Windows installations over a LAN. Remote Desktop enables you to use a remote Windows PC as if you were sitting in front of it.

It’s easy to set up for simple tasks, has clients for most major operating systems, and the data transmission protocol it uses works well in low-bandwidth situations. Things get a little trickier when you want to connect to Windows over the internet, so Remote Desktop doesn’t scale particularly well for larger enterprise installations.

Microsoft’s new cloud-based Azure Virtual Desktop is generally a better option for scalable enterprise remote desktop solutions. For SMEs, Remote Desktop represents a free way to connect to Windows remotely. Its performance is good, both when connecting across a LAN or to a remote server installation.

You can also connect to your Windows machine from Android and iOS devices. But more user-friendly options like Chrome Remote Desktop might entice business owners looking for a modern plug-and-play remote solution.

Score: 3/5

Read on for our full and detailed Microsoft Remote Desktop review.

Microsoft Remote Desktop’s competitors

How does Microsoft Remote Desktop compare to its main competitors?

Microsoft Remote Desktop: Key features

Besides being built into most editions of Windows, Remote Desktop has some unique features for Windows desktop users.

Microsoft Remote Desktop uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to transmit data between the local and remote computers. It’s designed to reduce the amount of data that needs to be transferred, increasing the quality of the image and lowering the latency.

RDP uses various mechanisms to achieve this, from bitmap caching to data compression. It generally delivers a smoother user experience than remote clients that use Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol instead.

On Windows alone, there are technically three clients for Remote Desktop. There’s the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app, a modern-UI Remote Desktop client available in the Microsoft Store, and a new Windows Remote Desktop client that can only be used to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. In most cases, the built-in Remote Desktop Connection is all you need.

While Remote Desktop was only available on Windows computers for a long time, Microsoft recently introduced several clients for other operating systems, including clients for Android, iOS, and macOS. You can use these to connect to your Windows PC from another type of device, but not vice-versa. In our testing outlined below, we found these to be slick and easy to use.

One thing that sets Microsoft Remote Desktop apart from most competitors is its tight integration into the operating system. It comes pre-installed and ready to use on most Windows computers, though it’s not possible to use Remote Desktop to connect to the Home or Starter editions of Windows.

When connecting from another Windows machine, you can choose to keep access to local resources like your printer, clipboard, drives, and other plug-and-play devices. For example, you can work on a document on the remote machine and print it out on your local printer.

Microsoft Remote Desktop: What’s new in 2022?

In January 2022, the Remote Desktop app for Android got a significant update. The user interface was updated to make it easier to switch between remote PCs and apps, and support was added for Scroll Lock and Num Lock keys.

January also saw the discovery of a security flaw in Remote Desktop Protocol. This vulnerability affects all modern Windows systems running RDP, and users are advised to ensure they have installed the latest security updates from Microsoft that fix the flaw.

Microsoft Remote Desktop: Pricing

Microsoft Remote Desktop has server and client components. You need the server to be running on the host computer you will connect to. You also need client software on your connecting computer.

The server software is included for free on all modern editions of Windows, except for Starter and Home editions. You cannot use Microsoft Remote Desktop to connect to these specific editions of Windows. Client software, on the other hand, is included for free on all modern editions of Windows. It is called Remote Desktop Connection. It ranks among the best free remote desktop software solutions as a result.

Microsoft Remote Desktop’s pricing plans

Testing Microsoft Remote Desktop

We first tested Microsoft Remote Desktop in a typical office setup, connecting to a Windows 10 computer from a Windows 10 laptop over an 802.11ac wireless connection. Then, we connected to the same server using the Remote Desktop App for Android, to test the functionality of the remote app.

Finally, we tested a remote connection to Remote Desktop running on a Windows Server 2019 virtual machine running in the Microsoft Azure cloud. We connected from South East Asia to an Azure host in the East US region on a 300Mbps internet connection, to measure how latency can affect the experience.

How easy is Microsoft Remote Desktop to use?

Remote Desktop is included in most versions of Windows, and only requires a few setting changes to get it up and running. We've separately outlined how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection in greater detail.

Users enter their Windows login credentials to use Remote Desktop. Everyone who logs into a machine using their own credentials will see their own desktop and have access to their own files as if they were sitting in front of the remote PC’s monitor.

Separating user accounts is a neat way of accommodating all the different users who might use a single PC. But it also means that Remote Desktop is a relatively poor option for screen sharing applications and remote technical support.

How fast is Microsoft Remote Desktop?

Microsoft Remote Desktop uses an efficient remote desktop protocol, which bears out in its performance. When connecting over a LAN, image compression was barely noticeable. There’s a touch of latency on user input, but it’s only around 20 to 30ms.

Surprisingly, using Remote Desktop over the internet didn’t make this latency increase much, so interacting with applications remotely still felt responsive. You could use your remote session as your daily Windows desktop and barely notice you were using a remote computer.

How secure is Microsoft Remote Desktop?

Microsoft Remote Desktop transfers data in an encrypted format. Users can also enable Network Level Authentication, which means the remote user must authenticate themselves before a Remote Desktop session is started.

Remote Desktop, in one form or another, has been included on most Windows desktops and servers for over 20 years, and has seen countless tweaks and revisions to bring it to its current version.

Its ubiquity makes it a prime target for hackers looking for poorly secured RDP servers. In 2012, 2018, and 2019, particularly critical vulnerabilities were found in the software and subsequently patched. RDP compromises were the single biggest attack vector for ransomware in 2020.

Microsoft Remote Desktop, therefore, requires administrators to keep on top of security updates, and employ further security measures such as a business VPN, for the use of Remote Desktop to be considered.

Alternatives to Microsoft Remote Desktop

Virtual network computing (VNC) software like TightVNC has long been considered Microsoft Remote Desktop’s chief competition, because these platform types have both been around forever and perform similar duties.

Where Remote Desktop surrenders complete control of the server to the connecting user, TightVNC instead works by displaying the current user’s desktop while allowing the remote user to control the mouse and keyboard.

While RDP is Windows-centric, the VNC protocol has been adopted by hundreds of operating systems, so it’s often a better choice if you work in a multi-platform environment.

Chrome Remote Desktop is a newer free alternative that runs within the Chrome web browser. While it lacks some features that Microsoft Remote Desktop has, such as shared access to local resources, it’s much easier to set up, particularly when you want to connect to computers over the internet.

Microsoft Remote Desktop’s features compared to the competition

Microsoft Remote Desktop: Final verdict

Microsoft Remote Desktop has improved a lot over the past few years, with new clients for mobile devices and a modern-UI client option. It’s included by default on most modern versions of Windows, and if you only need to connect to a remote Windows computer on your LAN from time-to-time, it’s a quick way to do so.

Things get more complicated when you need to connect to a computer over the internet or your network configuration is atypical. You’ll potentially need to make changes to your router settings and use a VPN, so Remote Desktop loses out to more straightforward remote desktop solutions in these cases.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

What is VNC?

VNC (virtual network computing) is a remote desktop-sharing system you can use to control another computer in a different location. VNC-based remote desktop tools are lightweight and versatile, making them some of the best remote desktop software available today, and are often free too, ranking among the best free remote desktop software platforms.

What does VNC do?

• Enables you to remotely control another computer (known as the server)
• Displays the remote computer’s desktop on your screen
• Transmits your mouse and keyboard functions to the remote computer
• Uses a server program for the machine to be controlled and a client/viewer program for the controlling device
• Runs on a wide range of operating systems
• Is the basis for many remote desktop applications, though not all remote desktop programs use VNC

How departments can use VNC

IT support

IT support can use VNC to troubleshoot issues remotely. VNC’s most common use is to make quick changes on a remote computer through a convenient, familiar interface. For IT support teams, it’s a big benefit to be able to troubleshoot an employee’s computer remotely.

When new software installations and updates are rolled out that would typically require an IT support technician to move physically from machine to machine making changes, VNC allows them to perform all the updates remotely from the computer on their own desk.

Web development teams

Web development teams can use VNC to remotely access web servers and cloud-hosted virtual machines. When your business has websites and applications hosted on the cloud, it can sometimes be challenging to update and administer them because the files are all stored on remote servers.

When you need to make significant changes to a cloud-hosted server or dedicated server, using VNC can be a convenient way to work on the server. It’s intuitive to work in a desktop environment, making changes to the server using the graphical interface of the operating system you are used to.

Call centre managers

Using VNC can be a quick way to display data on multiple screens for the whole sales team to see. One computer generates and displays statistics on KPIs (key performance indicators) such as call volume, queue length, and wait times. The screens throughout the office connect to this computer and mirror its display, keeping everyone informed of the current call centre status.

This is a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to roll out digital signage across the floor.

Remote workers

The remote desktop features of VNC can come in handy for any user that needs to remotely access a computer. For example, a software developer working from home can use VNC to access their office computer to run applications there, or get files that they need.

Because VNC can run on many platforms, it can be useful for people working in a cross-platform environment. For instance, you can sit in front of your macOS computer, yet use VNC to control your Windows computer. This way, they can run Windows applications that aren’t available for macOS.

Features and benefits of VNC

VNC uses a lightweight protocol

VNC uses a robust but simple protocol called the RFB (remote framebuffer) protocol. It transports images and peripheral inputs back and forth between the server (the computer being remotely accessed) and the client (the device used locally to connect to the remote computer). Because VNC doesn’t use many resources like CPU and memory, it can be run on low-powered hardware.

VNC is practically platform-independent

The RFB protocol doesn’t need to know much about the operating system on which it is running. All it needs to be able to do is send mouse and keyboard data from the client to the server, and image data from the server to the client. This means that writing VNC server and client software for new operating systems is relatively easy, which is why VNC is so ubiquitous. You’ll find VNC software able to run on just about every popular platform, including mobile devices like Android and iOS and small-factor devices like the Raspberry Pi.

VNC can be used to share screens between users

You can set VNC to keep the local user logged in when a remote user connects to their computer. In this way, control of the computer can be shared between both users. This can be useful in employee training situations. It also means VNC can be used as a customer support tool, where customers can see exactly what the remote technician is doing on their computer.

VNC can be used to share different parts of the screen with different users

VNC, by default, listens on a single port and shares the entire screen to anyone who connects to that port and successfully authenticates themselves. But you can set up VNC to listen on multiple ports, and share different parts of the screen on each port. For an example of where this could be useful, we can again consider a call centre floor. Each of the LCDs on the floor can connect to different VNC ports on the server. Therefore, each display can show different data from each other, even when only one VNC server is used.

VNC allows for cross-platform use

VNC’s simple protocol means it works on lots of platforms. Though some remote desktop solutions are more responsive than VNC-based remote desktop solutions because they interact more directly with the underlying operating system, VNC-based remote desktop tools can be used to connect between different platforms. This makes them an excellent option if you work with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and other operating systems daily.

How much does VNC cost?

VNC itself is a free, open-source protocol. Great free remote desktop solutions based on VNC include TightVNC, TigerVNC, and UltraVNC.

Some paid solutions that use VNC exist. These usually extend the features of VNC by adding built-in encryption, better user authentication, or cloud connectivity. VNC Connect from RealVNC, for instance, adds all these useful features. It starts at £2.49 a month per device.

VNC FAQs

How do I set up VNC?

VNC solutions consist of two parts—the server and the client/viewer. Install the server on the computer you want to connect remotely to. Install the client/viewer on the device(s) you want to connect from.

VNC, at its core, is a relatively simple protocol. So, you will typically need to enter the IP address of the server into the client/viewer to be able to connect to it. This can be inconvenient if your network uses DHCP (so IP addresses are often changing), or you’re attempting to connect to a computer that’s on another network.

Workarounds for these problems exist, but you should be aware of these potential snags before choosing a VNC-based remote desktop tool for your business.

Is VNC secure?

VNC is a protocol that’s over 20 years old, and it wasn’t designed with security as a chief concern. VNC passwords are sent encrypted, but the encryption protocol used is weak and could potentially be cracked. All session data is sent in an unencrypted format, too.

Again, workarounds exist for these shortcomings. For instance, VNC can be tunneled through an SSH connection, or you can use a VPN. Some VNC solutions, such as UltraVPN and VPN Connect, include their own encryption, essentially solving this problem.

Does VNC perform well?

VNC’s performance has pros and cons. At its heart, it works through a simple mechanism where any changes to pixels on the server are relayed to the client. The protocol needs to know very little about the underlying operating system being used, which makes VNC easy to port to new operating systems. It also makes the program lightweight, and it uses few resources on the server.

For basic admin tasks, VNC works well. But the simplicity of the protocol has its downside. When the server has a lot of data changing on the screen at a time, the amount of data sent across the network is increased, and latency gets worse. For instance, using VNC to watch a video remotely results in excessive screen tearing, and the interface can feel unresponsive.

Main takeaways

• VNC is a remote desktop-sharing tool used extensively in IT settings
• You can use VNC-based remote desktop tools to remotely view and control a desktop
• VNC servers and clients exist for hundreds of operating systems and platforms
• VNC, on its own, isn’t very secure; you should take steps to secure your connections, or choose a solution that includes built-in encryption
• It can be challenging to set up VNC to work across networks; commercial solutions like VNC Connect add cloud connectivity that makes setup much easier

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, or XRDP and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

What is RDP?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is the transmission protocol used in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop. To use RDP, you run an RDP server on the computer you want to remotely control, and an RDP client on the computer you are connecting from.

Thanks to RDP and the software that uses the protocol, you can view and control a remote computer’s desktop. Remote Desktop, Microsoft's software that uses RDP, is built into most versions of Windows. This convenience makes it one of the best remote desktop software options if you primarily work on the Microsoft Windows platform.

What does RDP do?

• Transfers image data from the server to the client so you can see your desktop remotely
• Can direct sound from the remote desktop to your local computer
• Encrypts all data sent between the two computers
• Authenticates users using Network Level Authentication (NLA)
• Enables you to access your local files on a remote desktop through a system called file system redirection
• Includes access to your local printer during a remote session

How businesses can benefit from RDP

RDP is simply a protocol, and most businesses benefit from it by using software that transmits data using RDP. In almost every case, this is through the use of Remote Desktop, the remote desktop tool that’s built into most editions of Windows.

Remote administration

IT technicians can use Remote Desktop to install new software and patch security issues on all of the computers in the company from the comfort of their own desks. Because they don’t need to physically go to each computer, the amount of time and manpower spent on these tasks is drastically reduced.

Remote technical support

When there’s a problem with an employee’s Windows computer, the IT support team can use Remote Desktop to log in remotely and troubleshoot the issue. RDP is an efficient protocol, so even if the connection is made over a poor internet connection or to a computer in another country, the IT support team should experience minimal latency. This makes Remote Desktop a convenient way to support Windows computers remotely.

Thin clients

RDP can also be used as part of a thin client and server setup to offer virtual desktop environments. In this setup, every computer in the office is a bare-bones computer with inexpensive hardware (also known as a thin client). Using RDP, these thin clients all connect to a single powerful Windows Server machine, which serves them a virtual desktop environment.

From the users’ perspective, they get a complete Windows desktop environment while leveraging the powerful hardware of the Windows Server machine. This setup can be much cheaper for the company than having powerful computers at every desk.

Features and benefits of RDP

RDP is an efficient protocol

RDP is tightly integrated with the operating system it’s running on, as opposed to a protocol like Remote Framebuffer (RFB) used in virtual network computing (VNC)-based remote desktop tools that know very little about the operating system. Instead of always transferring image data, which is bandwidth-intensive, RDP can send basic instructions between the two connected devices. Because this uses less bandwidth, RDP is generally better than VNC, with better image quality and less latency.

RDP sessions are encrypted

Since Version 6 of RDP, which was released in 2006, all data transmission over the protocol is 128-bit RC4 encrypted. The use of TLS is possible if both ends of the connection are set up to support it. Other VNC-based remote desktop tools like TightVNC don’t have the same level of encryption. These require the use of a separate VPN to secure sessions, complicating their setup and use.

RDP has convenient and powerful user authentication options

RDP has NLA, so RDP clients don’t get to see a Windows login screen until they’ve authenticated themselves using their Microsoft account credentials. This makes denial-of-service attacks much more difficult for malicious actors to perform. This is also convenient for large organisations, because IT operations don’t have to keep a separate set of usernames and passwords for RDP. Users can log back into their own desktop sessions each time, retaining all their settings, files, and applications. RDP clients can also enable MFA, and require users to confirm logins through a mobile application or SMS text alert.

​​​​​RDP offers access to the local and remote machines’ hardware at the same time

RDP has several features that make using a remote desktop more convenient. Printer redirection enables you to print out to your local printer. File system redirection means you can still access your local files during a remote session. Finally, audio redirection enables you to play audio on the remote computer yet hear the sound from your local speakers.

RDP can be used to run single applications remotely instead of a full desktop

The RemoteApp system was added in RDP Version 6. This enables administrators to set up specific applications on a Windows Server computer to be available remotely. From the user’s perspective, the application works just as if it was installed on their local computer. But it’s actually being run on the remote server, with updates being sent back and forth via RDP. RemoteApp can be useful if you want users to be able to use their local machine’s hardware for most tasks, but a remote server’s hardware for specific applications.

How much does RDP cost?

Remote Desktop, which utilises RDP, is built into most editions of Windows, and costs nothing extra to use. This is a principal reason many companies look at Remote Desktop when considering a remote administration tool for Windows, and why it ranks among the best free remote desktop software platforms.

But using RDP on Windows Server to facilitate thin clients as described above requires a client access license (CAL). There are two types of CAL licenses: you can choose a £210 User CAL for each user that accesses the server regardless of the device they use; alternatively, you can choose a £210 Device CAL for each device that will access your server, regardless of how many users share that device.

RDP FAQs

How do I get RDP?

The vast majority of RDP users run Microsoft Windows as the server using the built-in Remote Desktop service. Microsoft has released RDP clients for macOS, iOS, and Android, which enables you to connect to a Windows computer running Remote Desktop, but not vice versa.

It’s possible to use RDP on other operating systems by using a non-Microsoft implementation, too. Remmina, for example, is a free, open-source RDP client for Linux you can use to administer your Windows computers from your Linux desktop. FreeRDP is another popular choice.

If you want to connect your Windows machine to Linux, you can still use RDP. XRDP is an RDP server included in most major Linux distributions that accepts remote desktop connections from Windows, iOS, Android, and iOS.

How do I use RDP?

Microsoft Remote Desktop, which uses RDP, is included in most editions of Windows. There’s a server component that will run on the computer you want to connect to, and a client component used on the computer you want to connect from.

The server is included on all modern editions of Windows apart from Starter and Home editions. A Remote Desktop client called Remote Desktop Connection is included on all modern versions of Windows. There’s a slicker version for Windows 10 or higher available from the Microsoft Store. Additionally, clients are available for macOS, Android, and iOS.

Setting up Remote Desktop is simple, as most of the software is typically already installed on the computers involved. You merely need to enable the Remote Desktop feature and set up user accounts correctly.

Is RDP secure without a VPN?

As discussed above, RDP includes many security features like 128-bit encryption and NLA, so a VPN isn’t necessarily required. It should be noted though that RDP has had several high-profile security issues. As Remote Desktop is available in most modern editions of Windows, its ubiquity makes it a prime target for hackers looking for incorrectly-secured computers running Remote Desktop.

In recent years, Microsoft has released several security patches for RDP. The use of RDP can be highly secure, but it’s up to IT administrators to ensure security patches are installed, and remote users only have access to the hardware resources required to do their job.

Main takeaways

• RDP is the protocol used in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop applications
• It's useful to companies that mainly use Windows computers: employees can use the RDP-based Remote Desktop to control Windows machines remotely
• It’s chiefly a Windows protocol, though third-party clients and servers are available for a few other operating systems
• RDP is an encrypted protocol with advanced user authentication options
• It’s an efficient protocol, so latency is minimised during remote sessions

Single-OS and cross-platform remote access are both important in the new hybrid work environment: learn how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to use remote desktop on Windows 10, and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're looking to find a more premium service, platforms like TeamViewer are recommended options.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Finally, if you're a Linux user, find out how to remote desktop into Ubuntu via the best remote desktop for Linux.

What is a remote desktop?

Remote desktop software can be used to view and control a computer that’s in a different physical location from your local machine. The best remote desktop software makes this a seamless experience, making it feel almost like you’re sitting in front of the remote computer.

What does remote desktop software do?

• Offers access to a computer (also known as the server) from a remote device
• Displays the desktop of the server as if the user were accessing it at their location
• Allows you to run all the remote computer’s installed applications
• Lets you access all the files on the server, even from a remote location
• Provides access to all the server’s connected hardware, such as printers and hard drives
• Offers a convenient way for administrators to troubleshoot issues and install patches

How departments can use remote desktop software

IT operations

When new software, updates, and patches need to be installed on all the computers in the organisation, IT operations can use remote desktop software to install them without having to physically go from machine to machine. This can make keeping up with security patches, virus scans, and new software rollouts much less time-consuming and costly.

Internal technical support

Technical support teams can use remote desktop software to fix problems remotely. Remote desktop platforms are used extensively in technical support scenarios within a business or organisation, because the support technician isn’t required to physically go to the computer with the technical issue. This works well in a large office environment, and remote desktop software is also increasingly used to support workforces performing their duties from home.

Customer support

For companies with software products that require customer support, remote desktop can be used to access customers’ computers to troubleshoot issues or to perform initial setup configuration.

Many remote desktop solutions like VNC Connect and Zoho Assist have features that make it easy to support end-users. In these cases, the end-user runs a small remote desktop tool that customer support can use to temporarily connect to their computer. Nothing is installed permanently on the end user’s computer. After customer support has disconnected, the user is free to delete the downloaded tool.

Features and benefits of remote desktop software

You can use a remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it

While many other remote administration tools exist (e.g., SSH, FTP, RSAT), these are typically text-based solutions. Remote desktop tools instead show you a copy of the remote desktop screen. You use your mouse and keyboard to interact with the remote computer, and so it’s therefore extremely intuitive to use. As users already know how to use the interface of the operating system they’re connecting to, there’s no requirement for additional training.

Remote desktops offers access to both local and remote hardware at the same time

While connected to a remote device, you have access to all its connected hardware, such as printers, hard drives, graphics cards, and CPUs. You can also access all the networked resources the remote computer is connected to. Further, most remote solutions allow you to also use some of your locally-connected hardware resources at the same time. In this way, your local hardware devices like printers and hard drives are made available during your remote connection session. This can be useful, for example, when you’re using a remote computer to run an application but still want the option to print the output on your local printer.

Remote desktop tools can greatly reduce costs

Being able to remotely administer a computer drastically reduces the cost in manpower and time required to support many computers in an organisation. Fewer IT support technicians are required, and the amount of time it takes to resolve issues or update computers is greatly reduced. In customer-facing scenarios, instead of sending a technician out on-site, remote desktop platforms can be used to administer systems remotely.

Remote desktop can be used between platforms

Need to run a Windows-only application, but you only have a Mac? By learning how to use remote desktop on Mac, and by understanding how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows, you can log into a Windows computer and run the application without having to get up from your Mac computer. Similarly, most remote desktop solutions offer clients for mobile devices like iOS and Android phones and tablets. It can be very useful to be able to access your main computer desktop from your phone, tablet, or laptop, wherever you are.

You can use remote desktop software to administer cloud-hosted services

When a company has cloud servers or uses cloud computing, remote desktop platforms can be used to access these remote computers at little to no cost. If you use cloud computing services or VPS web hosting (which typically run on Linux or another Unix operating system), remote desktop tools are a convenient way to change settings, install new services, and update software from any location, even if you’re using a Mac or Windows computer.

How much does using a remote desktop tool cost?

Free remote desktop solutions exist, like TightVNC and Chrome Remote Desktop. You can download and use these at no cost, even for commercial applications.

In most cases, paid remote desktop solutions offer more features, a higher-quality image, and better security. They are usually easier to set up than free solutions, particularly when you have an atypical network setup, and they have better cross-platform support. Importantly, paid solutions usually have built-in encryption and better options for authenticating remote users, increasing security.

TeamViewer is one of our top choices, and costs around £61.90 a month for 15 users. More competitively-priced, RemotePC by IDrive will set you back £24.21 a year for a single-user license with support for two computers.

Remote desktop software FAQs

What is Remote Desktop?

Remote desktop is an overarching term that includes all the different software solutions available. Microsoft’s own remote desktop software solution is simply called Remote Desktop.

This tool is built into most editions of Microsoft Windows (Windows Starter and Windows Home editions are the notable exceptions, as you can’t use Remote Desktop to access these editions remotely).

This can cause some confusion when you’re researching the topic online, as some articles discuss remote desktop solutions in general, while others focus on the Microsoft Remote Desktop tool in particular.

Is using a remote desktop secure?

Remote desktop solutions vary greatly on their levels of security. When researching remote desktop solutions for your business, it’s important to check the security, privacy, and user authentication features that each platform and protocol provides.

For instance, many older remote desktop software tools use VNC (virtual network computing) as their basis, but this doesn’t have any encryption by default. Microsoft’s Remote Desktop, utilising the RDP protocol, does include encryption, but it’s also had many major security flaws.

It was the single biggest attack vector for hackers during the pandemic, for example, as they took advantage of customers who had set it up insecurely when rushing to roll out a remote desktop solution for their workforce.

Another option is to choose a remote desktop solution with its own proprietary transfer protocol (e.g., AnyDesk or GoTo). On one hand, these protocols aren’t such obvious targets for hackers. On the other hand, because their code isn’t public, you must take the word of the developers that their systems are safe and secure.

Does remote desktop software have latency?

Remote desktop tools do have latency. Depending on your network setup, how far you are from the remote computer, and the protocols used, latency will occur. When latency is high, the desktop experience feels sluggish, as it takes a second or two for remote screen changes to be updated on your local screen.

Older remote desktop protocols like VNC perform noticeably worse when the remote screen is constantly updating, such as when playing a video. Newer remote desktop protocols are more efficient, so by choosing the right solution you can have a remote desktop experience that closely mirrors the experience you’d have if you were sitting in front of the machine.

Should I use remote desktop or a cloud desktop solution?

Remote desktop platforms and protocols like XRDP can be used to share resources between multiple people. For example, you can use TightVNC to share different parts of a remote screen with different people. This can reduce costs, as you can connect to a single powerful server from several low-cost computers.

But cloud computing now offers a more elegant solution. With desktop as a service (DaaS) services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Amazon WorkSpaces, you can offer every employee their own virtual desktop environment that’s running on the cloud. It’s cheaper, much more scalable, and easier to deploy than a bespoke remote desktop setup.

Main takeaways

• Remote desktop software is a highly convenient way to use a computer remotely
• Most remote desktop solutions require the installation of server software on the computer you are connecting to, and client/viewer software on the device you are connecting from
• When connected with remote desktop, you can access the server computer as if you were standing in front of it, including transferring files, using and updating software, using local connected hardware, and more
• Remote desktop solutions can be great for remote employees, IT departments delivering internal help to employees, and customer service
• Many free remote desktop solutions exist, but paid solutions can add additional quality-of-life features like cloud connectivity
• Using remote desktop software can feel slow if network conditions are poor; older protocols are affected more

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Ubuntu ranks among the most popular Linux distributions, with more than 6 million active monthly users worldwide.

The popularity of the distro lies in both its compatibility with a wide range of hardware and its stability, making it ideal for IT professionals and enterprises using mixed environments.

Remote desktop access for Ubuntu is a critical requirement for IT professionals, enabling them to manage servers, provide remote IT support, or access development environments.

Older versions of Ubuntu made remote desktop access difficult, largely because they relied on Virtual Network Computing (VNC). However, with the arrival of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and the more recent interim release of Ubuntu 25.10, native support for the https://www.itpro.com/mobile/remote-access/368105/what-is-rdp is easily accessible.

This offers users better performance, a more seamless experience, and removes the need for complex third-party installations.

Our guide explores the two primary methods for how to remote desktop into Ubuntu, including using its built-in RDP, VNC server (for sharing local screens), and installing the xRDP service (for creating independent virtual sessions).

Remote desktop options for Ubuntu

Remote desktop solutions for Ubuntu previously relied on the aforementioned VNC, and this remains an adequate cross-platform option. A significant shift has taken place since 22.04 LTS and later, however, and Ubuntu now defaults to RDP.

Notably, the current GNOME desktop environment offers users a high-performance RDP server out of the box, providing a smoother user experience with better security features compared to older VNC-based versions.

Remote desktop solutions for Ubuntu previously relied on the aforementioned VNC, and this remains an adequate cross-platform option. A significant shift has taken place since 22.04 LTS and later, however, and Ubuntu now defaults to RDP.

Notably, the current GNOME desktop environment offers users a high-performance RDP server out of the box, providing a smoother user experience with better security features compared to older VNC-based versions.

For IT professionals connecting to Windows, this is a very convenient feature, meaning they can now use standard Windows-based RDP tools to access an Ubuntu machine without installing third-party clients.

It’s worth noting, however, that if you require legacy support or are connecting from older Linux distributions, Ubuntu still allows you to toggle on the traditional VNC protocol within the system settings.

Similarly, if you need to connect from an Ubuntu machine to other Windows, macOS, or Linux systems, Ubuntu offers the Remmina Remote Desktop Client. Remmina is an open source tool that supports RDP, VNC, and SSH protocols through a centralized dashboard to manage remote infrastructure without switching applications.

1. Accessing system settings: Click on the top-right menu or press the Super key (Windows key) and search for settings.
2. Navigating to remote desktop: On the sidebar, click System then select Remote Desktop (this was under ‘Sharing’ in older versions).
3. You can opt for ‘Legacy VNC’. but only toggle this if you need to connect from an older VNC viewer.
4. Unlocking settings: Click the Unlock button at the top and enter your password.
5. Enabling remote desktop: From here, toggle the switch to ON.
6. Selecting a protocol: It’s here that you can select RDP (our recommendation).
7. Setting credentials: Under the ‘login details’ section, note down the username and create a password.

To this, follow these steps:

1. Access network settings: Click on the network icon in the top-right system tray area. From here, select your active connection and click Settings.
2. Locate your IP address: In the window that pops up, look out for the IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.105) - you’ll need this later.
3. We recommend configuring a static IP address in router settings so this doesn’t change.

With your IP address identified, you’re now ready to connect to Windows, Mac, or Linux.

For Windows Users, opening the built-in remote desktop connection app will allow you to enter the IP address and connect. Once prompted, you can use the username and password previously set up.

For macOS users, you’ll need to download the Windows app (previously known as the Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Mac) from the App Store. The steps thereafter are similar, requiring you to ‘Add PC’ and enter the IP address, then save.

For Linux/VNC Users, if you enabled the ‘Legacy VNC’ mentioned in Step 1, you’ll need a viewer application like Remmina. Enter the IP address, and if necessary, the port - see Step 4 below for more information.

Alternative methods (for virtual sessions)

While the native RDP method mirrors your screen, if you want to create a new, independent session (such as a terminal server) or if you are using a desktop environment other than GNOME, we recommend you use xRDP, an open source RDP server for Linux systems.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal: Press Ctrl + Shift + T.
2. Install xRDP: Type sudo apt install xrdp -y and press Enter.
3. Enable Service: Type sudo systemctl enable --now xrdp.
4. TIP: You must log out of the physical Ubuntu machine before connecting via xRDP. This is because Linux usually allows only one graphical session per user.

• TightVNC (this is a popular choice for Windows users)
• TigerVNC (compatible with multiple platforms)
• RealVNC Viewer (Offers remote access to Mac, Windows, and Linux devices)
• UltraVNC

All of the aforementioned clients are lightweight, easy to use, and require minimal configuration post-installation.

In this guide, we used TightVNC on Windows. The steps were very straightforward - simply download the installer, run it using default settings, and it will be ready to use.

Once completed, this means your Ubuntu machine can now accept incoming RDP connections.

For additional information, you can refer to our guide on how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection for any client-side specifics.

What you need to consider when using Ubuntu remote desktop

Security should always be a paramount concern when using Ubuntu remote desktop.

With this in mind, never open RDP or VNC directly to the internet. Threat actors actively scan certain ports. You can always use a VPN to connect to a local network first, however, or use SSH Tunneling to forward connections securely.

In terms of performance, wired Ethernet connections will typically outperform Wi-Fi for any remote desktop task.

We also recommend using Secure Shell (SSH) for command-line access. This remains the industry standard, making it perfect for file management or administration tasks.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you want more information on remote desktop best practices and tips, ITPro offers a range of content on this front, helping you explore different protocols and platforms.

You can learn more about options like RDP, XRDP, or VNC, as well as what TeamViewer has to offer. If you're using Microsoft products, you might find our guide on Microsoft Remote Desktop useful.

For those working with macOS, we also provide step-by-step instructions on setting up a remote desktop on a Mac, configuring Chrome Remote Desktop, and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Common troubleshooting issues on Ubuntu

Even if you’ve followed best practices to the letter, issues can always pop up. These include:

• Black screen: This is among the most common issues and typically occurs when you’re logged in locally on a physical machine while starting a remote session. We recommend logging out of the physical machine or using the desktop sharing RDP built into settings instead of xRDP.
• Connection refused: If this occurs, check that the service is active and that firewalls aren’t blocking the port.
• Password rejected: This typically happens when you use the system login password, rather than the dedicated RDP password you set up in the settings menu. Make sure to double-check.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a component in Microsoft operating systems that enables remote desktop connection access to a PC from another device, be that a mobile phone, a tablet, or another PC.

RDS has been built in to most versions of Microsoft Windows for over 30 years, and there are clients for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows Mobile, and Linux. If you’re looking to understand how to use Remote Desktop Connection (RDC), a Windows client for RDS, we’ve outlined the main steps below.

We consider Microsoft Remote Desktop one of the best remote desktop software options because it’s already included on most versions of Windows, and it offers a smooth remote administration experience. It's completely free, and as such ranks among the best free remote desktop software platforms.

But if you’re looking to offer support to customers or remotely access computers over the internet, paid solutions like RemotePC or Zoho Assist are more versatile and easier to set up.

How to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection: Preparation

Before getting started with Remote Desktop, it’s important to understand a few details on available versions of the software.

While RDS has been bundled into most editions of Windows since Windows 2000, the available functionality is different in each edition. Early versions were called Terminal Services, and Windows 7 and 8 included a sister tool, Remote Assistance, that required extra steps for remote connections to work.

Most importantly, with Remote Desktop Services, you can’t connect to a computer running Windows 7 Starter or Home, Windows 8 Home, Windows 8.1 Home, or Windows 10 Home. If you need to remotely connect to these specific editions of Windows, we recommend Splashtop or TeamViewer instead.

You can use RDS to connect to all other editions of Windows, including Pro, Enterprise, and Education.

Remote Desktop Connection is an RDS client automatically installed on most Windows computers, but an alternative client called Microsoft Remote Desktop has been available since 2012. It can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Connection function the same way under the hood, connecting to the remote computer using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). There’s no performance difference between the two clients. So, the choice between using the classic Remote Desktop Connection interface or the more modern Microsoft Remote Desktop tool comes down to personal preference.

In this guide, we’ll use Remote Desktop Connection and connect to a Windows 10 Pro computer.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the server

The computer you’re going to connect to needs to be set to accept Remote Desktop connections. On Windows 10, you’ll find the Remote Desktop settings by clicking on the Start button, choosing "Settings", and searching for "Remote Desktop" settings.

Here, ensure "Enable Remote Desktop" is set to "On". Note the name of the computer, too, as it will be used in a later step.

Step 2 (optional): Set the Remote Desktop port

By default, Remote Desktop listens on port 3389. If your network setup requires you use a different port, or if you prefer to change the port for security reasons, you can do so by changing a setting in the Windows registry.

Press the Windows key and R to bring up the Run menu, and type RegEdit. Navigate through the registry on the left side of the tool to find: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-TCP.

Find the entry for PortNumber, right-click it, and choose "Modify". Set the radio box to "Decimal", enter the port number you want to use, and click "OK". Reboot the machine, and Remote Desktop will now be listening on the new port.

Step 3: Set a password on your user account

Remote Desktop won’t work if your Windows user account doesn’t have a password set. This can happen if you solely use another method to log in to Windows, such as a PIN, or if you’ve disabled the requirement for a password to log in to the computer.

In the Windows settings tool (available in the Windows start menu), search for "Sign-in options". Check that under "Password", it’s stated that your password is all set up to sign in to Windows. Otherwise, click on "Add" and enter a new password. This will be used to log in to your computer when it’s locked, and will be the password used in Remote Desktop Connection.

If you’d prefer not to place a password on your main account, you can create a separate user account for Remote Desktop. However, this does mean that your main account will be automatically logged out when you remotely connect to your computer.

Step 4: Add your user account to remote desktop users

Administrator accounts automatically have access to Remote Desktop. Other accounts must be added manually. Open up the Settings dialog again, and search for "Select users that can remotely access this PC".

By clicking on "Add" or "Remove", you can adjust the user accounts that can use Remote Desktop. Enter your user account name, and click "Check Names". This function checks whether the user account name you enter already exists on the computer (which it must). Correct account names will become underlined. Click "OK".

Now those user credentials can be used to connect to the computer using Remote Desktop from another device.

Step 5: Connect to your remote computer

On the computer you want to connect from, open Remote Desktop Connection. You can find it by searching for Remote in the Start Menu.

The first page asks for the name of the computer you want to connect to (see step 1). You also need to enter the user account name and password of the computer you’re connecting to. If you want Remote Desktop Connection to store this username and password indefinitely, uncheck "Always ask for credentials".

Click "Connect".

Step 6: Use your computer remotely

The remote connection should now be established and, after you’ve been logged in, you will be able to see the remote computer’s desktop. You can use all your applications as normal, but expect a little delay in screen updates.

Remote Desktop Connection adds a simple toolbar to the top of the screen. You can use it to resize the remote desktop session and quit the program when you’ve completed your remote work.

Step 7: Adjust Remote Desktop Connection settings

The Remote Desktop Connection software includes many settings you can adjust. You can see them by clicking on "Show Options" in the user interface.

The "General" tab offers the option to save any local connection settings in an RDP file. This is useful if you want to share connection details with multiple people, as all they need to do is open the RDP file.

The "Display" tab can be used to change the size of the remote desktop window and the color quality. By default, the remote session window will open full screen and be in 32-bit color.

"Local Resources" includes settings about which local hardware devices you’ll be able to access when you’re connected remotely to a computer. You can set audio to play locally or remotely, enable access to your local printers and drives, and set up local screen-recording software.

In the "Experience" tab, you can force Remote Desktop Connection to use a specific connection quality. Setting the quality higher will result in better visuals, such as fonts being smoother, but it will use more bandwidth. Setting the quality lower should lower latency, but, for example, you won’t be able to see the desktop background.

Finally, the "Advanced" tab is where you can set up a Remote Desktop Gateway, a proxy for Remote Desktop that can allow you to access your corporate network across the internet. This does require mitigating security risks in RDP, though.

How to use Microsoft Remote Desktop connection: Summary

Most modern versions of Windows can be remotely connected to using an RDS client. Notable exceptions are Starter and Home versions of Windows, which can’t be connected to.

Remote Desktop Connection, an RDS client, is already installed on most Windows editions. You can use this client to connect remotely to Windows computers without having to install any additional software. Alternatively, you can download the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store. There are also RDS clients for macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS so you can connect to your Windows PC from other types of devices.

You must set a password for Remote Desktop to work. Other options can be set in the Remote Desktop Connection options that affect the remote sessions. You can, for example, set audio to be played on the local computer or the remote computer.

While it’s possible to use Remote Desktop Connection over the internet by making changes to your router settings, you’ll need access to your router’s administration panel (like when you set up a home network for the first time). Remote Desktop has been around for a long time, and the best remote desktop software options eclipse it in simplicity and functionality.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Celebrating its 20th year in 2025, it's little surprise that TeamViewer is one of the first names to come to mind when looking for a remote access solution. Built for Windows, Windows Server, macOS, and common Linux distros, it lets you administer a whole fleet of remote machines from a single keyboard and mouse – or from an Android or iOS client.

It's primarily used by IT technicians who need to access clients' or employees' devices, and by employees who need to access office computers from home or while travelling. As well as facilitating remote control of a distant machine, much like VNC, some tiers allow for file transfer, video conferencing, and collaboration.

Pricing varies, based on features and use case, with single-user access to three managed devices starting at £15.90 a month, billed annually. A single business licence, at £35.90, adds Google Meet integration, mobile device support, the ability to record and play back sessions, and a 200-device limit. Team plans run from £67.90 for 15 users and 300 devices, and enterprise pricing is fully customised, so quoted on request.

Non-profit and education users get a 30% discount, and there's a free tier for personal use, although that drops support for file transfers, Wake on LAN, and remote printing.

However, TeamViewer isn't your only option. A wide range of alternatives offers a similar set of core tools plus a range of specific features tailored to particular use cases. Here, we'll take a look at six alternatives you may want to consider alongside TeamViewer.

The best TeamViewer alternatives available

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop uses a proprietary protocol to connect computers over the web. It's entirely browser-based, as you might expect from Google, and guests don't need to install anything, so long as their browser supports WebRTC. Most modern browsers will satisfy these requirements.

Host machines will need to be running Firefox or Chrome, plus the necessary host utility, which you can download for free from remotedesktop.google.com. Once installed, set a six digit pin to protect your machine and grant the necessary access rights at the OS level – and you're done. The connection is saved to your Google Account, so all you need to do to use it is log in to the same account on a second machine, and click the name of the device you want to access.

Once connected, you can set up clipboard synchronisation so that anything copied on one machine can be pasted on the other, and you can transfer files between machines by opening the hidden sidebar (look for the tab on the right of the browser window).

If you won't need to return to the remote machine several times, you can instead set up an ad-hoc connection by generating a one-time code on the host and typing it in on the guest. This function is hived off in a separate Remote Support section, and although it's for short-term use, so isn't the option you'd use if you regularly want to work with your own machine remotely, it still allows keyboard and mouse control of the host.

Chrome Remote Desktop is a neat, free solution for accessing remote machines, on either a one-off or ongoing basis. For many smaller businesses, it offers everything they're likely to need, without the associated price tag.

Read more on Chrome Remote Desktop for more information.

IDrive RemotePC

RemotePC, from cloud-backup specialist IDrive, is another through-the-browser solution that doesn't require dedicated software on the guest machine. However, it does offer a connector for RDP should you need it, and there are apps for Android and iOS.

Setup is refreshingly simple. Install the host utility on the remote machine and log in to your RemotePC account on both devices. You'll see a list of all enrolled machines on your guest device, where a Connect button lets you initiate an in-browser or app-based connection. Once up and running, you can collaborate with remote users using chat or whiteboard (the latter allowing you to draw directly on their screen), blank their terminal while you work, and exchange files using the integrated file browser.

RemotePC's flexible pricing is both feature- and seat-based. Soho pricing starts at $79.50 for five computers (discounted in the first year) and offers file transfer, remote printing, session recording, remote chat, and support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. There's even a package for Raspberry Pi.

The Team tier (from $299.50 for 50 computers) rolls in Active Directory / SSO and on-demand remote support, and Enterprise plans, for which pricing is advertised up front (starting at $599.60 for 100 computers) allow you to organise computers into groups, and set roles and access permissions for users. As you'd expect, each tier includes every feature of the tiers below, and there are two consumer plans for home use.

We were impressed by both how easy this was to set up and use. The up-front Enterprise pricing, which is often hidden elsewhere, was likewise welcome. The fact that there's a free seven-day trial for all plans that don't require card details means there's nothing to be lost in giving it a go.

Read our full IDrive review for more information.

LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn Pro is part of a varied portfolio of remote control and access platforms from GoTo, where it sits alongside training, webinar, and communications products. It's aimed primarily at small businesses and offers both browser- and app-based access. The browser-based screen viewer is still in beta at the time of writing.

We performed our tests using the LogMeIn client on a Mac, from which we connected to a Windows PC. This initially asked for our Windows password, as it doesn't support PIN-based login (which we use to access Windows). Entering our Microsoft account credentials did the trick, and it's possible to set up an access code as an alternative inside LogMeIn itself.

Once up and running, you can chat between machines, exchange files, draw on the remote display, and use an on-screen laser pointer. If you have a PC at both ends of the connection, you can drag and drop files between them, but if either is a Mac, you'll need to use the file browser instead

Upon clicking to end the remote connection, the client warned us that the host wasn't "completely protected from modern cyber threats" and prompted us to install LogMeIn's own antivirus software powered by Bitdefender. We opted not to do this as the host was already running Windows Security virus and threat protection.

The recommended Power Users plan starts at £69.99 a month (£839 a year), discounted to £699 if you opt for an annual payment. This lets an unlimited number of users access to five computers. The small business plan, at £108 per month when paid annually, ups the computer count to 10. These might not be impulse-purchase prices, but there's no need to commit right away: LogMeIn offers a generous 14 day free trial for which there's no need to enter any card details.

Read our full LogMeIn Pro review for more information.

RealVNC Connect 8

RealVNC claims that more than a billion devices run its software. Connect 8 offers both code-based temporary control of remote machines, as well as longer term device enrollment for ongoing management. It's app-based rather than browser-based, with a unified server/client utility that handles both ends of the connection.

New in this version is a redesigned toolbar that you can move around the screen, and a reworked file transfer tool with a side-by-side view of local and remote files. These include in-session chat, session recording, and support for multiple monitors. At the time of writing, session handover and annotations were listed as upcoming features.

VNC passwords are set per-machine and are distinct from both your Windows login and your RealVNC account password (unless you set them to match). Devices are organised in the client app, optionally with a thumbnail of the last-known state, which can help you identify several similar machines if you only check in periodically.

Team plans start with the Plus tier, at £12.50 per active connection per month, which allows an unlimited number of users to connect to 50 devices. The Premium plan, at £20.75 per active connection per month, raises the device limit to 150 and adds support for audit logs of key events, MFA for sessions, and on-demand connections over LAN that don't traverse the cloud. There's also an Essentials plan (single user and three device limit) for £7.25 a month, and enterprise pricing is available on demand. Although prices are quoted per-month, billing is annual. RealVNC offers a 14-day free trial with no need to provide your card details up front.

Connect 8 works with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Essentials tier users can also connect to Raspberry Pi OS, which is perhaps not surprising given that both Raspberry Pi and RealVNC are based in Cambridge, UK, and RealVNC was Raspberry Pi's default mode of remote access on launch.

Read our full RealVNC Connect review for more information.

Splashtop Remote Access

Splashtop supports remote Windows, macOS and Linux machines, accessed from Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. You can also access virtual machines on a range of common cloud platforms, and it's even possible for two remote users to access the same host machine simultaneously. It requires a host app, known as a streamer, to be running on the remote computer, but clients can connect using either the accompanying business app or via the browser. We took this latter option and authenticated ourselves using our Microsoft Account credentials.

The cheapest business plan – Pro – is keenly priced at £7 per user, per month. Aimed at individuals and small teams that need to work remotely, it supports multiple monitors, and chat, and session recording. The Performance plan, at £10 per user per month, builds on this with 240FPS compatibility, high-fidelity audio, USB pass-through, and both remote stylus and Wacom Bridge, with support for pressure, orientation, tilt, and size of stylus during the session. This will likely make Splashtop Remote Access an appealing proposition for hybrid design teams.

Enterprise pricing is available as a quote, and at the opposite end of the scale, there's a Solo tier for individual users at £5 a month. This allows unattended remote access, file transfer, and remote printing. Although prices are quoted per-month, billing is annual.

Read our full Splashtop review for more information.

Zoho Assist

Zoho has separate plans for remote support and unattended access, each starting at £10 a month (reduced to an equivalent £8 per month if you pay for a year up front). They require a host application on the remote machine for access through the browser at the local end. This enables clipboard sharing, instant chat, video and voice chat, file transfer, and multi-monitor navigation. There's also a free plan, but this drops support for file transfers and remote screen blanking, as well as limiting the number of enrolled technicians to one (this is unlimited on all other plans).

Windows, macOS, and Linux are supported at all levels, but you'll need to upgrade to at least the Professional tier (£14 / £12 per month for monthly or annual access respectively) if you need to support ChromeOS, iOS, Android, or IoT devices.

As well as being interactive with the remote display, you can perform a lot of powerful admin tasks through the browser, without affecting the remote user's screen. For example, the browser-based Task Manager displays all running services and applications, which you can shut down from a distance. You can access the Device Manager, add and remove users, edit the Registry, and more. You can also enable Wake on LAN, where supported, so that you can activate and log into machines that have gone to sleep.

Assist is a flexible platform that's easy to get up and running – and, like the others featured here, you can try it yourself, for 15 days, without providing card details.

Read our full Zoho Assist review for more information.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you'd like to learn more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. 

Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OS', see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

AnyDesk is remote desktop software launched in 2015 that enables both attended and unattended remote access to Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.

In our AnyDesk review, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if this is the best remote desktop software for you.

AnyDesk review: Snapshot

AnyDesk is capable remote desktop software for individuals and small businesses. It enables you to remotely access an unattended computer or to provide tech support through interactive remote sessions. Collaboration tools like text chat, a built-in whiteboard, and session invitations make it especially useful for working remotely in small teams.

This remote desktop software is easy to use, particularly for non-IT professionals who only need remote access to a single computer. If you’re looking for remote desktop software for personal use, AnyDesk is free, and you can get up and running in minutes.

AnyDesk is very inexpensive compared to remote desktop software like TeamViewer, which is geared more towards enabling centralised IT support at medium and large businesses. However, if you only need unattended access to fewer than 25 computers, Zoho Assist provides similar features to AnyDesk at a fraction of the price.

Score: 4/5

Read on for our full and detailed AnyDesk review.

AnyDesk’s competitors

How does AnyDesk compare to its main competitors?

AnyDesk: Key features

AnyDesk offers features for both individual users who need unattended remote access to a work computer, and IT teams who need to provide remote technical support.

It enables unattended remote access to Windows and Mac computers, and to iOS and Android mobile devices. Just set up a password on the remote device, and then you can access it from an unlimited number of host devices without having to manually accept the remote session. You can also use wake-on-LAN to wake up a sleeping computer.

AnyDesk offers a built-in file manager to enable you to transfer files between a host and a remote computer. You can also copy and paste text or files across connected computers. However, AnyDesk doesn’t offer a sync folder or the ability to drag and drop files between devices.

AnyDesk offers an address book to help businesses keep track of all computers for which remote access and remote support is enabled. Your address book is shared by everyone in your network, although remote users will still need a password to gain unattended access to any computer. You can organise your address book using custom tags.

The platform also includes several tools for collaborating within remote sessions. A text chat box makes it easy to communicate for remote support. A virtual whiteboard enables you to draw on a remote screen and guide a user through actions you want them to take.

It’s also possible to invite another user on your network to take remote control of your computer, which increases efficiency for support requests.

AnyDesk uses end-to-end encryption for all remote sessions to prevent unauthorised access to your network. The software also supports 2FA, and enables you to set up a whitelist so that only specific devices can access your computer. For remote support sessions, AnyDesk enables you to limit what control features are available to remote users.

AnyDesk: What’s new in 2022?

The AnyDesk team has been busy updating its software, and in November 2021, AnyDesk released version 7 of its software.

The new platform provides a more streamlined user experience than previous iterations of AnyDesk. Now, most in-session tools, including the file manager, can be found tucked away in a toolbar instead of crowding your screen. A one-click button lets you invite anyone in your address book to start a new remote session on your computer.

AnyDesk Version 7 also enables you to define permission sets, which you can apply automatically when a new remote support session is initiated. While a remote session is active, the software displays a coloured background or box around your screen as a reminder that someone else is accessing your device.

AnyDesk: Pricing

AnyDesk offers a free plan for personal use that allows you to provide remote support for an unlimited number of computers, ranking it among the best free remote desktop software solutions. If you need unattended access, the Essentials plan costs £9.90 a month, and enables one user to manage one remote device.

Businesses can take advantage of the Performance plan for £19.90 per user a month. This plan includes three remotely-managed devices per user. Users aren’t restricted to accessing only the devices they add, but rather can access any devices on your license.

If you need more devices, AnyDesk offers an Enterprise plan starting at £29.20 a month. All plans are paid annually, and to get more information about signing up, you'll need to get in touch with AnyDesk. You can try out the Essentials or Performance plans free for 14 days.

AnyDesk’s pricing plans

Testing AnyDesk

We tried out AnyDesk’s software on Windows to see how easy it is to connect remotely to other devices, both for remote support and for unattended access.

How easy is AnyDesk to use?

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of using AnyDesk, and think it’s one of the most straightforward remote desktop platforms we’ve tested.

Once you install the software on your computer, it will automatically display your computer’s unique connection address. To initiate a remote support session with your computer as the host, simply give this address to a remote user, or send an invitation to any email address. You can choose from a list of permission presets to limit how much control a remote user will have over your device.

To connect to a remote device from our computer, all we had to do was enter the remote device’s unique address. The address book is integrated right into the address entry bar, making it easy to reconnect to devices that we use often.

Another thing we liked is that AnyDesk can automatically detect other AnyDesk-enabled devices in your local network. This eliminates the manual work of building your address book, and enables you to start using the software across a business within minutes.

Alternatives to AnyDesk

AnyDesk is capable software, but it’s far from the only remote desktop platform available for individuals and businesses. For medium and large businesses, TeamViewer is an alternative worth exploring.

TeamViewer is significantly more expensive than AnyDesk, with plans for businesses starting at £32.90 a month. However, TeamViewer’s Single User plan enables a single user to remotely manage up to 200 devices. The Multi User plan, which costs £61.90 a month, offers a license for 15 users to manage up to 300 devices.

TeamViewer is particularly well-suited for IT teams, both because of its one-to-many pricing plans and because of its advanced features. TeamViewer includes a command line interface in its remote sessions, and offers mass deployment, so you can seamlessly install the remote access software on hundreds of computers. These features are available for AnyDesk, but only with an Enterprise plan.

For remote support without remote access, Zoho Assist is a cheaper option than AnyDesk. Zoho’s remote support plans start at just £10 per user a month, and they don’t limit the number of computers you can access. Users can also have multiple remote support sessions open at once, which is a huge plus for busy IT technicians.

Zoho Assist does offer inexpensive unattended access plans, which start at £10 a month. You can have an unlimited number of users on a single plan, but the number of remote devices is capped at 25. Therefore, Zoho Assist can be a good option if you only need unattended remote access to a small number of devices. Otherwise, AnyDesk provides more flexibility.

AnyDesk’s features compared to the competition

AnyDesk: Final verdict

AnyDesk is an easy-to-use and fairly affordable remote desktop software platform for individuals and small businesses. It supports both attended and unattended remote connections across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

The service offers several important features to make managing your remote connections easier. An integrated address book enables you to quickly connect to any device in your network, or invite another user to connect to your computer. Communication tools like text chat and an interactive whiteboard enable collaboration. If you need to transfer files between computers, AnyDesk includes a simple file manager.

In testing AnyDesk, we found that it’s very quick to get started with, and doesn’t overwhelm users with options. It’s one of the most straightforward remote desktop software platforms we’ve tested, making it a great option for non-IT professionals.

While AnyDesk has a lot to like, it doesn’t provide the features or pricing options that medium and large businesses need. For tools like mass deployment and command line control, check out TeamViewer. TeamViewer is significantly more expensive than AnyDesk, but it also enables a single technician to manage up to 200 devices.

On the other end of the spectrum, Zoho Assist is a cheaper alternative to AnyDesk for businesses that only need remote support capabilities. Zoho Assist may also present a better value than AnyDesk for businesses that need unattended remote access to fewer than 25 computers.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

What is XRDP?

XRDP is one of the best remote desktop software tools and the best free remote desktop software protocols for operating systems other than Windows, such as Linux.

What does XRDP do?

XRDP is a free and open-source implementation of Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) server for operating systems other than Windows, such as Linux. It offers some key advantages:

• It's open-source: XRDP is an open-source version of RDP, so there is no need to run any proprietary software to use it
• It makes it simpler to connect to Linux systems: users are able to connect between Windows and Linux systems more easily using this method
• It's fairly quick to set up: setting up a RDP server using the XRDP protocol takes only a few minutes, even for new Linux users
• It's not bandwidth intensive: XRDP does not require much bandwidth to work effectively, due to how it compresses data
• It's entirely free: there are no fees involved with using XRDP, keeping costs low for businesses

How departments can use XRDP

IT

An IT department is most likely to use XRDP on a regular basis. Its open-source nature means that XRDP works well with all manners of operating systems, ensuring that an experienced IT worker will be able to set up all necessary systems.

Installing XRDP on a Linux-based system only requires a few simple commands. From there, connecting to it either via Windows or Linux takes a similarly brief amount of time, ensuring the IT department can concentrate on the task at hand.

As with all remote desktop software, XRDP means IT can fix many issues remotely without needing to physically respond.

Customer service

While XRDP requires some initial prior setup when helping customers, being able to access a desktop remotely helps customer service immensely when assisting clients.

Its open-source nature means that XRDP works well with systems of all ages, with the setup process easily arranged before deploying units. It's also useful that bandwidth requirements are fairly low, so a fast internet connection isn't always necessary.

Like with most of the best customer service tools, it reduces friction for clients, so customer service can take over rather than needing the client to follow instructions.

Finance

XRDP is free and open-source, meaning that a finance department does not have to worry about budgeting for its costs. Similarly, Linux-based systems are frequently cheaper than Windows systems thanks to licensing and, in some cases, hardware requirements, so the finance budget can stretch further.

The only thing finance needs to consider is whether any additional training is required, as many users will be more accustomed to Windows than Linux. This does depend on the user's position in the firm though. Not everyone will need to understand Linux to use XRDP.

HR

HR often uses specialist software, and can frequently work remotely from the rest of the company. By being able to connect remotely via XRDP and a shared server, the department can operate effectively from anywhere.

It also offers reasonable security for sensitive data once SSH is enabled. The only downside is it may require additional training, but it's far better for companies that want to work remotely, including where their HR department is located.

Features and benefits of XRDP

It's free

XRDP, much like Chrome Remote Desktop, is free. While it involves more set up than Chrome Remote Desktop, it offers users a fully functional RDP-compatible remote desktop experience without having to invest in expensive software.

Ideally suited for small businesses that are able to put some effort into development, it offers a lot for nothing.

It's powerful

XRDP is a fairly powerful remote desktop tool, especially for free. It's possible to use it to do anything you would ordinarily do if you were physically next to the computer in mind, right down to rebooting it and being able to return to the system afterwards. Using VNC (virtual network computing) gives it plenty of functionality, regardless of what you need to do remotely.

It works across Windows and Linux

If you're wondering how to remote desktop into Ubuntu, Windows-to-Linux remote desktop capabilities are far strengthened using XRDP. It makes it a breeze to connect your Windows system to Linux, with barely any friction after initial setup. That's ideal for a business working across multiple different systems; it's worth seeing which providers offer the best remote desktop for Linux, and whether they use XRDP.

It also accepts connections from other RDP clients, so one can connect via other systems and operating systems too, including iOS and Android.

It has useful features

Using XRDP offers a reasonable amount of flexibility. Users can not just use a desktop remotely, but also complete tasks that aren't possible with other remote desktop tools. This includes two-way clipboard transfer, including text, bitmap, and files.

There's also the ability to reboot a system remotely, as well as mount local client drives on remote machines. It's far more powerful than other free alternatives.

It's reliable

If your systems are reliable, then so is XRDP. There's no need to worry about third-party servers affecting service. Providing your devices are working correctly, XRDP will function as desired too. Its hardware and bandwidth requirements are low as well, so you won't need the latest hardware to use it effectively.

It's also a protocol that will work well with other services, including Microsoft's Remote Desktop Client.

How much does XRDP cost?

One of the strongest advantages of XRDP is that it's free. Because it's open-source, there are no fees to pay. The only potential cost may be time-related, with users needing to learn a little more about setup than they might with some simpler remote desktop software. However, the benefits are high, with XRDP offering plenty of functionality once mastered.

Being able to log-in remotely while still having extensive functionality can cost quite a lot, to ensure you have everything you need to do. However, XRDP is an ideal solution for a small business that is willing to learn more to save costs.

With no need to install additional software on Windows thanks to its native RDP client, it can actually save time in the long run too.

XRDP FAQs

What is XRDP for?

XRDP is primarily for making it easier to connect remotely to other systems. It's basically the equivalent of Microsoft RDP in an open-source manner, so it works on other systems without a problem. Set-up takes a little longer, but all modern Windows machines have a native RDP client that works well with it.

Is XRDP safe to use?

Yes, providing it's set up correctly. It's a very good idea to use SSH protocol to ensure it's safer for users, as well as to configure firewalls appropriately on the relevant servers.

Setting up SSH is the best way to ensure that data is kept secure between the connections. For the most part, XRDP is safe for the average user to implement once security has been set up appropriately for encryption purposes.

Is XRDP a VNC?

VNC, or Virtual Network Computing, is a graphical desktop sharing system for remote control of a desktop. It uses the RFB protocol; alternatively, XRDP is the protocol involved. VNC is typically slower to use because of its protocol, but it shares similar platform-agnostic mentalities to XRDP. Ultimately, they both solve the same problem in slightly different ways.

Is XRDP faster than VNC?

Like RDP, XRDP is generally faster than VNC. That's because they work slightly differently, with VNC working via a form of image exchange. XRDP is more efficient because it compresses the data being transferred. Generally, XRDP's performance is far superior when set up correctly.

However, whether speed is an issue mostly depends on why you need to connect to a server or system remotely.

Is remote desktop secure without VPN?

It's a good idea to connect to a desktop remotely via a VPN. Using a VPN creates a form of tunnel between you and your connection to the internet, ensuring that the data is encrypted and not immediately linked to you, the source. Consider it an extra layer of security when browsing to a remote desktop via a public internet connection in particular.

Main takeaways

• XRDP is inexpensive: entirely free to use, XRDP only really costs the time it takes to set up, and that really doesn't take long at all; while it requires Linux or BSD-style operating systems to work, it offers a fully functional remote desktop
• XRDP takes a bit of setup: setup is different from sticking to solely Windows systems and RDP, but it offers plenty of useful functionality for minimal cost
• It offers plenty of features: being able to use XRDP to reboot systems remotely, and organise two-way clipboard transfers for files and text, is much more useful than some free alternatives
• It's ideal for support: when an IT department needs to fix a system remotely, XRDP simplifies the process massively
• Some companies may not need such complexities: XRDP works very well providing you have Linux systems within your business; otherwise, it's not really needed

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

What is Chrome Remote Desktop?

Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote desktop software tool developed by Google. It's one of the best remote desktop software tools for any person or business on a budget.

What does Chrome Remote Desktop do?

Chrome Remote Desktop is a simple-to-use remote desktop tool that offers a quick set-up and multiple advantages. These include:

• Simple desktop connections: it's easy for other users to connect to your desktop from any location in the world without any complex setup
• Sharing screens: users can share their screen and collaborate in real time on the same device, regardless of location
• It's simple to set up: you simply need to have the Chrome browser installed to use Chrome Remote Desktop, and there's no need for advanced training to understand it
• It's entirely free: unlike other remote desktop tools, Chrome Remote Desktop is entirely free to use
• It works across multiple devices: support for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems is included, so no specialist devices are needed to use it

How departments can use Chrome Remote Desktop

IT

IT departments benefit most of all from remote desktop software. By using Chrome Remote Desktop, an IT department can access an employee's computer remotely without needing to physically respond to the issue. This means that an IT department does not need to be in the same building or even country as the rest of the company in order to work effectively.

It also ensures that remote workers are still able to be supported by an IT department, whether they are traveling for work or working from home. The only downside is that it's not possible to reboot a machine remotely using the service.

Customer service

Customer service thrives on helping a customer with limited friction. Chrome Remote Desktop is easy to install, so it takes seconds to get set up with even an inexperienced technology user. Its options for Remote Support offers remote users a one-time code to access a desktop to troubleshoot issues, meaning the customer can feel safe and secure.

While there's no built-in chat, users can communicate via phone or live chat while the customer service worker fixes the issue. Ultimately, the big strength here is that most users have Chrome installed already, so it takes moments to get started.

Finance

Chrome Remote Desktop is an entirely free-to-use tool, which will instantly delight finance departments. While it might not be quite as advanced as some paid remote desktop tools, it works well for small businesses in particular who have tight budgets to consider.

Finance departments can also benefit from Chrome Remote Desktop's screen share function when dealing with certain scenarios, and needing to discuss issues with employees. This proves particularly useful if two departments are located remotely from each other. Also, for the remote finance worker, it's useful to be able to access a work system remotely when security is paramount for such sensitive information.

HR

Frequently, a HR department may need to discuss issues with employees or other departments. While doing so without extra stimulus can work, being able to share one's screen is much more convenient. By using Chrome Remote Desktop, the HR staff can share various slides and presentations in a bid to lay out plans for the company's staff budgets, as well as easily discuss rotas and similar.

Much like a finance department, they can also access sensitive material stored on a remote work machine, while knowing that they are fully protected by encryption.

Marketing

Marketing departments typically undertake a lot of collaboration to get to the end product. By using Chrome Remote Desktop, users can work together to edit documents in real time or share screens and discuss what a product or design looks like.

While Chrome Remote Desktop does not offer multi-session handling, it's ideal for a couple of employees to look at together, regardless of their location. It also enables users to jump into their work system any time that inspiration grabs them and they need to add a contribution.

Features and benefits of Chrome Remote Desktop

It's free

Chrome Remote Desktop's greatest benefit is that it is entirely free-to-use. All users need to do is install Google's Chrome browser to each system that they wish to connect to. There's no need to sign up for any subscription services, or to buy one-time installs either. Because of that, it's particularly well suited to small businesses that have limited budgets for software but still need the benefits.

Limited training required

Chrome Remote Desktop is very simple to use. Providing the system has Chrome installed, anyone can start using it within a matter of seconds. Because it's so easy to use, there's little need to train staff extensively on how to use it. It's the kind of tool that can be picked up as needed.

That lends itself well to limited training budgets, as well as businesses where staff generally know how to use computers on a basic level.

Works across different operating systems

Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. It also works via Android and iOS, so it's easy to use across multiple different systems. There's no need to use a dedicated operating system, or worry about incompatibility issues.

It's fairly flexible, and merely requires the use of Chrome for the most part. Because of that, there's no need to update work devices to specific operating systems, saving money and training time.

Works even when host user is logged off

Even if the host user is logged off and not currently running Chrome, a remote user can connect to it. That means permanent access to the system, providing one knows the password: something that's likely to be useful for employees who work across their home system and work computer, logging in remotely as and when needed.

This means that setup is even simpler and less complex than anticipated, proving very convenient.

Reliable service

Chrome Remote Desktop is highly reliable because it's powered by Google. It uses the latest open web technologies like WebRTC, so it's very secure; plus, the way computers connect to each other means there's not much that can go wrong. Only if the system is switched off are there any issues.

Otherwise, it's always consistently simple to connect to a system remotely using the software.

How much does Chrome Remote Desktop cost?

Chrome Remote Desktop is entirely free-to-use. One of its greatest strengths is that there's no need to pay anything to use it; all you need to do is have an existing Google account. From there, you simply sign in to Chrome Remote Desktop to start using it.

For most users, it takes mere seconds to get started. Smartphone users will need to download an app to use it, so be wary of any potential data usage charges; however, these should not be substantial.

It's also important to be aware of any nefarious apps referred to as Chrome Remote Desktop that attempt to charge users for the privilege. Only access the official one to ensure it's entirely free. The only downside to Chrome Remote Desktop being free is that it lacks a few features such as built-in chat, drag-and-drop file transfers, and multi-monitor support.

Chrome Remote Desktop FAQs

How do I use Chrome Remote Desktop?

Using Chrome Remote Desktop is very simple. Go to its website to sign in and start. From there, you can follow onscreen instructions to get started. It has some limitations, such as certain button commands that won't work, so you may need to use some workarounds.

Is Google Chrome Remote Desktop safe?

Yes, Chrome Remote Desktop is very secure. It is built on Google's secure infrastructure, using the latest open web technologies like WebRTC. Also, it requires a PIN every time someone tries to access a device remotely. PINs must be at least six characters long.

The Remote Support feature provides users with a one-time access code that expires after the first connection. Also, users are asked if they wish to keep sharing their screen every 30 minutes for added peace of mind.

Can you use Chrome Remote Desktop without signing in?

Yes. By going to https://remotedesktop.google.com/headless on a device you don't mind using, you can set up access to the remote machine, so there is no need to sign in with your Google account.

Most users won't need to worry about this, but it's convenient for someone unsure about using their Google details.

Is Remote Desktop better than TeamViewer?

That depends on what you need from your remote desktop software. Both are similar in nature, but TeamViewer is more designed for online collaboration, which means it's better for sharing files and communicating within the app.

However, it's not free, which can be off-putting for businesses on a budget. It also requires a faster internet connection to work reliably: take a look at TeamViewer alternatives to get a sense of competitor platforms.

Conversely, Chrome Remote Desktop lacks file sharing functionality, which could be a deal-breaker for some. Also, there's no chat function built-in, no remote printing, and no ability to reboot the remote machine and automatically reconnect. However, it's ideal for most other tasks.

Can Chrome Remote Desktop wake from sleep?

No, it can't. That's one of its main disadvantages compared to other remote desktop software. It's not possible to wake a sleeping computer using Chrome Remote Desktop, so you need to make sure all computers you wish to connect to are awake.

This can generally be adjusted in the power savings settings on your system, but you'll need to do this before using it remotely.

Main takeaways

• Chrome Remote Desktop is cheap: thanks to being free-to-use, it's ideal for a small business with a limited budget, and offers most of what is needed from such software
• It's easy to use: taking seconds to set up means there's no need to spend hours training staff to use it, which will prove useful across the board
• It's a little limited: Chrome Remote Desktop covers all the basics, but it doesn't offer drag-and-drop file transfers or built-in chat, which limits its collaboration tools
• It's ideal for support: thanks to its one-off PIN option, it's ideal for support purposes on a short-term basis
• Some companies may need more: some businesses may prefer to spend money on a more well-rounded solution after trying out Chrome Remote Desktop

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

It's useful to be able to access a PC remotely with the minimum of effort and, ideally, for free. Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the best remote desktop software tools out there, thanks to being easy to set up and entirely free-to-use. While alternative protocols like RDP, XRDP or VNC may be more appealing for experienced users, everyone can get to grips with Chrome Remote Desktop.

Here, we look at how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop and access another computer. It's a simple process once you know how. There's no need to have advanced tech knowledge to do so. Even easier than learning how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection, the process only takes a few minutes, enabling users to get on with whatever they need to do faster.

How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop: Preparation

Before you begin setting up Chrome Remote Desktop, it's important to understand you have the right remote desktop tool for your needs.

Checking out the best remote desktop software is a good place to start, but also read up on leading platforms like TeamViewer and RemotePC to check you have the right software for your business needs. Each offers different pros and cons, meaning there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.

Chrome Remote Desktop is best suited for a business that needs to occasionally connect to other desktops from any location. It works across all major devices, and merely requires the Chrome browser to be installed, but it can be limited when it comes to sharing functionality.

It's also not possible to reboot a system remotely using the software, which can be a major issue for some users. Some users may find it too limited, but it's ideal for quickly 'jumping' into someone's system temporarily, rather than as a permanent remote desktop setup.

Once you've settled on Chrome Remote Desktop, it's important to make sure that all computers or devices using it have Chrome installed to get the best functionality from the service. It's also important to have a Google account set up, but in the majority of cases, most users are likely to have one.

Any time that a computer or other device is powered on, it's possible to use Chrome Remote Desktop. It can be a good idea to set up relevant systems so that their power management means that they never go into sleep mode.

Step 1: Install Chrome Remote Desktop

Once you have decided which computer needs to be accessed remotely, go to its Access page. Log in to your Google account to access the page fully. Click the download button underneath "Set up remote access", followed by "Add to Chrome" to download the Chrome extension.

Once downloaded, click "Accept & Install" to install the extension. Depending on how your computer is set up, you may need to enter your computer password a couple of times throughout the process. Once installed, click "Turn On" to enable Chrome Remote Desktop.

Enter a name for your computer so it can be easily identified when connecting remotely. This is particularly important once you have numerous systems set up with Chrome Remote Desktop, as it will be easier to identify them all.

Step 2: Set up Chrome Remote Desktop

Once Chrome Remote Desktop has been installed, you'll need to complete a few set up steps before you can dive into connecting remotely.

One of the most important settings is to create a PIN to ensure your computer is secure. Enter a PIN that is at least six numbers long. For security reasons, the longer the better. Ideally, avoid using obvious-to-guess numbers such as a birthday or memorable date.

Once you have entered a PIN, your device is listed under the Chrome Remote Desktop list once you log in. From there, it's possible to rename the device by clicking the pencil icon next to it if you choose to come up with a more memorable name.

Step 3: Setting up the computer ready for access

After Chrome Remote Desktop has been set up on a system, the process on how to access another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop is fairly straightforward.

On the computer that you want to access remotely, you (or the remote user) needs to log in via the Access page, then click "Remote Support". From there, they can click "Generate Code" to create a code that can be shared with the user that wants to access the system. The code is a one-use only string of numbers, and must be used within five minutes of creation.

If you have a particularly secure firewall set up, you may also need to adjust some settings to allow incoming traffic. Google recommends allowing outbound UDP traffic, inbound UDP responses, traffic on TCP port 443 (HTTPS) and traffic on TCP and UDP on port 3478 (STUN) for it to work effectively.

Step 4: Accessing another computer

For the computer or user looking to access another system, they have two different options for how to go about it. It's possible to go to the Access page and click "Access" on a system already connected to the account. By doing so, all they need to do from there is enter the PIN previously set up for the device.

Alternatively, if connecting to a system for a one-time only arrangement, the user must go to the Support page (or click "Remote Support" from the current page), enter the access code under "Connect to another computer", then click "Connect". After a few moments, depending on your internet connection, the support session will open up.

Step 5: Adjust any relevant settings

Once connected to a system remotely via Chrome Remote Desktop, you may also want to change some settings for the experience to be more convenient.

When connected, a panel on the right-hand side offers up a number of session options. It is possible to switch to full screen mode, and scale the remote desktop to fit on your screen. Options for switching between displays is also possible if the remote device has more than one screen connected to it.

Other important settings include the ability to 'press' Ctrl+Alt+Del on the remote computer or "Print Screen", with other key mappings able to be configured. Users can also synchronise their clipboards between the two computers, meaning they can copy and paste text between the two systems.

Via the panel, users can also upload or download files between the two systems too.

Step 6: Disconnect from a session

Once you have finished using Chrome Remote Desktop, stopping a remote session is simple. Either close the browser tab to finish the session, or click "Disconnect" from the panel on the right hand side.

Once completed, the session is entirely finished, and there is no way of remotely connecting to a system again without following the above process, and informing the other user that it's happening.

In the case of one-time-only access codes, you will need to ask the other user for another code to be able to reconnect. It's a secure system, which means there's no chance of someone remotely connecting covertly.

If you want to remove a device permanently from Chrome Remote Desktop, click the trashcan icon next to the name of the device on the website. Once deleted, it's no longer possible to access that computer unless you set it up again by entering a new PIN.

How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop: Summary

Knowing how to access another computer with Chrome Remote Desktop is a useful way of providing remote support or assistance with relatively-minimal hassle for you or the remote user. It takes moments to set up, and is fairly straightforward to use, even for less tech-savvy users.

While Chrome Remote Desktop has some limitations, such as the fact you'll need your system powered on at all times to use it, it's an effective way of connecting two devices for a brief time to complete many tasks without needing to install specialist software.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about protocols such as RDP, XRDP or VNC and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

What is TeamViewer?

TeamViewer is without a doubt one of the https://www.itpro.com/desktop-software/28122/the-best-remote-access-solutions/best remote desktop software programs on the market. It enables users to access devices remotely, providing support or controlling said devices from a different location.

What does TeamViewer do?

• Enables remote access to computers and other devices from a different location: for example, it could be used to access your work computer from your personal laptop
• Has comprehensive remote support tools designed for IT technicians and support agents, including integrations with major service desk programs
• Supports mobile devices, enabling you to share the screen of your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet: you can connect between all supported platforms, including from mobile to desktop, desktop to desktop, desktop to mobile, and mobile to mobile
• Comes with integrated video conferencing and messaging tools, which are particularly useful for remote support agents and IT technicians
• Includes full file-sharing tools, enabling you to transfer files between connected devices in a fast, streamlined manner
• Boasts excellent mass deployment options that make it one of the leading choices for larger companies requiring a new remote desktop solution

How businesses can use TeamViewer

Remote desktop programs such as TeamViewer are predominantly used by IT teams and customer service agents providing technical support. Some of the most common ways that businesses can use TeamViewer include the following.

To provide streamlined IT support within the company

One of the most popular uses for TeamViewer is among IT teams providing support within their own companies. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve just rolled out a new company-wide software update that includes new workflow tools for team members.

Of course, some employees are probably having trouble getting their computers set up. Rather than having to visit these employees’ physical locations to deal with the problem, an IT technician can use TeamViewer to provide remote support. This enables teams to be much more efficient across the board.

To remotely access company computers

This use-case is especially important for businesses with a large number of remote workers or staff who only work in the office a few days per week. With remote desktop software such as TeamViewer, staff members can access their office devices from their personal computers or mobile devices.

There are a few ways in which this could be useful. Employees will be able to access work documents and other files without having to copy them directly to their personal computers, which could be helpful for security. Teams will also be able to harness the processing power of their work devices, enabling them to perform resource-intensive activities from their personal devices—even if these aren’t the most powerful systems themselves.

To transfer files between devices

TeamViewer also comes with great file transfer tools, which enable users to easily shift files between devices. These include a dedicated file transfer module, as well as a synced folder that can be used to store files on multiple systems.

Once again, this is a particularly useful feature for businesses with a large number of remote workers. Rather than relying on email or other methods of transferring project files, these kinds of teams can use TeamViewer to quickly and securely share.

To provide technical customer support

If your business model requires you to provide technical customer service, TeamViewer could quickly become your best friend. Its support tools are excellent, and it can be used to access a client’s device to fix problems in a streamlined, hassle-free manner.

One of the best things about TeamViewer is that it can be used from anywhere in the world. This means that businesses could set up their support teams in completely different locations from the main business if space and/or budget constraints arise.

To deliver streamlined in-house training

Last, but not least, TeamViewer is an excellent tool for delivering in-house training sessions. It comes with excellent video conferencing tools, including the ability to share a remote screen with everyone in the call. Text and voice chat is also available, and users can even deliver pre-recorded sessions if required.

Features and benefits of TeamViewer

Industry-leading security

If security isn’t prioritised, remote desktop programs can become vulnerable to hacking and data theft. TeamViewer takes a very proactive approach here with its industry-leading security tools. At the base level, it offers end-to-end AES 256-bit encryption. The login process is designed to keep intruders out, and the 2FA process is very secure. You can blacklist and whitelist devices for additional security, and random passwords are created for each new session.

Cross-platform compatibility

Something we particularly like about TeamViewer is its great cross-platform compatibility. It’s available on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers, via an intuitive web client, or by downloading the iOS or Android mobile app. But it goes even further than this by enabling you to connect to any supported device from any other supported device, be it mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop.

Remote printing

Another thing that makes TeamViewer stand out is its streamlined remote printing solutions. Basically, this enables you to print files from a remote device, such as a work computer, to your local printer. One of the best things about this feature is that TeamViewer detects local printers without you having to perform any difficult setup or configuration processes.

Built-in communication tools

TeamViewer boasts a selection of built-in communication tools. Along with its proprietary video conferencing solution, which is neatly integrated, it offers simple text and voice chat tools. The file transfer tool enables you to send and receive files to and from colleagues. You can also leave notes on any remote desktops you’ve worked with, informing others of what you’ve done.

Streamlined large-scale deployment

One of TeamViewer's best features for large businesses is its automatic mass-deployment tool. With this, you can deploy the program across your work network in a very fast, efficient manner. As long as your devices are connected to some sort of company network, large-scale deployment should be possible. And in theory, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can deploy to.

How much does a TeamViewer subscription cost?

TeamViewer offers five different base subscription options, ranging from a free Personal plan to a much higher-tier For Teams package. Prices for the premium plans range from £15.90 to £124.90 a month (£190.80 to £1,498.80 a year). On the downside, all subscriptions are only available with a 12-month commitment.

In addition, there are various configuration options available for users who need something more specific. For example, mobile support can be added to the Business plan for an additional £25.90 a month, and extra concurrent users can be added to the Premium and Corporate plans for an extra fee.

TeamViewer’s pricing plans

TeamViewer FAQs

What is TeamViewer used for?

TeamViewer is a popular remote access program that can be used to view desktop and mobile devices from a separate device. It enables users to access their devices from a separate physical location, and it includes a load of tools for remote IT support teams. It’s available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and various other operating systems.

Can someone use TeamViewer to access my computer?

Yes, someone can use TeamViewer to access your computer. However, this is only possible if you’ve either given them permission or they’ve hacked your account. To access your account, the remote user will need to log in with an ID, password, and often, a code. You will be notified if someone is remotely accessing your device, and all sessions are recorded and can be found in the Logfiles folder.

Can TeamViewer see what I am doing?

No, the TeamViewer team can’t see what you’re doing. Only people to whom you give permission can access your device without hacking you. As long as you keep your passwords and login details safe, TeamViewer is secure and safe to use.

Is TeamViewer free?

TeamViewer is free for all personal users. The Personal plan only supports a single user profile, but it enables you to connect to unlimited remote devices. It comes with most tools, although things like session reporting, collaboration, and mass deployment are absent. The free version can also be used on the full selection of mobile and desktop devices, ranking among the best free remote desktop software.

What are the risks of using TeamViewer?

TeamViewer is a very reliable program that places a strong emphasis on security, so there are few risks associated with using it. It uses full AES 256-bit encryption, and its brute force attack prevention tools are at the forefront of the industry.

Main takeaways

• TeamViewer is one of the world’s most popular remote desktop programs, enabling you to connect two or more devices, accessing the remote device(s) from your physical location
• It comes with a load of tools designed for support technicians and IT teams, which make it super easy to provide remote support
• TeamViewer is one of the most secure remote desktop programs we’ve used, making it an excellent choice for businesses working with sensitive information
• It has an excellent free-forever plan for personal users, but its premium subscription options start at £15.90 a month, making it quite an expensive option
• TeamViewer's built-in communication tools are excellent, and include native video-conferencing software, text and voice chat, and an intuitive file-transfer tool

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about XRDP and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac, how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop; and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

What is AnyDesk?

AnyDesk is a remote desktop program that you will regularly spot near the top of lists of the best remote desktop software. It enables streamlined remote and unattended access, and it’s best for sole proprietors and small businesses.

What does AnyDesk do?

AnyDesk is a powerful remote access program that can be used in a variety of manners. Here are some of the main things it does:

• Enables streamlined remote access to computers or other devices at a physically-distant location, which can be used by those working from home, by students to access faculty computers, and in various other ways
• Connects IT support staff with other departments within your company, enabling them to provide fast, real-time tech support
• Provides technical customer service agents with the tools they need to deliver high-quality remote technical support to customers
• Delivers a wide selection of collaboration tools, including integrated text chat and an interactive whiteboard
• Enables cross-platform connections between a variety of desktop and mobile devices with various operating systems
• Provides a variety of tools for remote workers, including streamlined file transfers, remote printing, and advanced security to protect your files and sensitive data

How businesses can use AnyDesk

To streamline remote work

AnyDesk is an excellent tool for businesses with large remote workforces. This is especially true for businesses which allow their employees to work from home for a number of days per week. With AnyDesk, these employees will be able to access their work computers and everything they need from their personal devices without storing files on their personal devices. Complex programs can be run from home, and employees can access sensitive files and data in a safe, secure manner.

To provide interactive tech support

AnyDesk comes with excellent tools for customer service teams offering high-level technical support. It enables employees to quickly and efficiently access a customer’s device, and take over their mouse and keyboard if required. The built-in text chat tool is great for keeping clients informed about what employees are doing, and the file transfer tool will enable them to add programs remotely with the click of a button. There’s also an interactive whiteboard that can be used to illustrate points and share ideas if required.

To streamline your IT department workflows

Remote desktop programs like AnyDesk can be used by IT departments to streamline everyday workflows. For example, AnyDesk can be used by technicians providing support to team members in a completely different physical location. This eliminates the need for travel, and, as a result, will help companies save significant amounts of time and money.

To remotely access unattended devices

There are a few reasons why team members may want to access remote devices. Installing AnyDesk on work and home devices will make it easier to take care of important business that arises at an inconvenient time. For example, employees will be able to access their work email, files, and other important information from the comfort of their smartphone and/or personal computer. They can even set up a wake-on-LAN feature to streamline the remote access process.

To deliver intra-company training sessions

Last, but not least, AnyDesk is an excellent tool for delivering intra-company IT training. IT team leads can create a session, sharing their screen and anything on it. They can invite users to the session and enable them to join remotely by entering a password. This can be a useful tool for training people from home, or for training a small group of people in different geographical locations.

Features and benefits of AnyDesk

Access control features

With AnyDesk’s access control tools, you can rest assured that your systems will remain protected at all times. Add contacts you regularly interact with to your address book, making it easy to securely connect to them on subsequent sessions. You can create group policies and permission profiles to control exactly who can see and do what, and all sessions require, at the least, a password to join.

Cross-platform compatibility

Another thing about AnyDesk is that it’s virtually platform-independent. This means that it can be used across and between most mobile and desktop operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can connect mobile to mobile, desktop to desktop, mobile to desktop, and desktop to mobile for ultimate flexibility and functionality.

Built-in file sharing

AnyDesk’s built-in file transfer tool is fast, secure, and easy to use, making it the perfect option for transferring data between devices. Beginning a transfer is as simple as copying the source file and pasting it in the intended location. File sharing with AnyDesk is protected by military-grade encryption, and there are no limits to the size of the files you can share.

Advanced security

All sessions with AnyDesk are protected by the program’s advanced security processes, including 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption, making it extremely difficult for malicious third parties to steal your data. There are various access-control features, and your connection will be encrypted with TLS 1.2 Standardised Protocol Technology.

Excellent collaboration tools

One thing that stands out about AnyDesk is its excellent collaboration tools. These include a built-in text chat box, which enables you to message any other people connected to your remote session. There’s also an interactive whiteboard that you can use to share your points and engage with others connected to your session.

How much does an AnyDesk subscription cost?

AnyDesk isn’t the cheapest remote desktop program on the market, but it offers some of the best value for money we’ve seen. Its free-forever plan is designed for personal use. It enables you to connect to unlimited remote devices, comes with access to the remote whiteboard, and includes a suite of other tools.

However, the free plan doesn’t come with unattended access (the ability to access a remote computer without another person on-site to connect it). To do this, you will need an Essentials plan, which costs £9.90 a month. This only supports a single user, and enables you to connect to a single unattended device, so it could get costly if your business is bigger than a sole proprietorship.

The Performance plan offers better value for money for small businesses, as it enables three unattended devices per user. What’s more, all users can access all devices under the same license.

Enterprise-level custom plans are available for larger businesses. Prices will vary here according to your requirements, and your best option will be to speak with the AnyDesk team to find out more. All subscriptions must be paid annually, and there’s a 14-day free trial for the two premium plans.

Anydesk pricing plans

AnyDesk FAQs

Is AnyDesk safe to use?

Yes, AnyDesk is safe to use. It’s a well-known and widely used remote access program, and its services are backed by excellent security across the board. For starters, AnyDesk uses full 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption to ensure malicious third parties can’t access your data. There are various user permission and access control settings that you can configure to ensure you don’t have any unwanted visitors, and all connections are protected by 2FA and TLS1.2 connection technology.

Do hackers use AnyDesk?

Yes, hackers can use AnyDesk. However, a vast number of well-known programs can be used for ill purposes, and you shouldn’t let this put you off from using it.

Problems occur when hackers randomly contact people, encouraging people to install the software and grant these malicious players access to their computers—often by pretending to be IT support for a company or website. As long as you only grant access to people you know and trust, AnyDesk is safe to use.

It sits among the best remote desktop programs in the world, and it boasts industry-class security integrations to ensure you’re protected at all times. These include end-to-end encryption, access controls, and 2FA.

What is AnyDesk used for?

AnyDesk is a popular and widely-used remote desktop program that’s designed to provide remote access to computers and mobile devices. It can be used for everything from remotely accessing work computers to providing IT support or technical customer service. It comes with a variety of tools, including text chat, an interactive whiteboard, file transfer tools, and a wake-on-LAN feature.

Is AnyDesk free for personal use?

Yes, AnyDesk is available free for personal use. It’s one of the best free remote desktop software programs we’ve used, and it enables you to provide remote support to an unlimited number of devices. The free plan comes with full access to the interactive whiteboard, text chat, and file transfer. However, you won’t be able to create more than one user account, wake-on-LAN isn’t available, and you won’t be able to link to unattended computers.

Can AnyDesk spy on you?

AnyDesk employs industry-standard security practices to ensure your sensitive files and data are protected at all times. Neither the AnyDesk team nor any other third party can access your computer without your permission. Similarly, no one can access the data transmitted between devices during a connection. Unless you’re hacked—something that’s very unlikely if you use AnyDesk—no one can spy on you without your permission.

Main takeaways

• AnyDesk is one of the world’s most popular remote desktop programs, and can be used for everything from remote unattended access to providing technical customer service
• It comes with an attractive interactive whiteboard that can be used to share ideas and engage in group activities
• AnyDesk’s free plan is a great option for personal users or sole proprietors, and its premium plans offer some of the best value-for-money we’ve seen for small businesses
• It boasts excellent security, including 2FA, end-to-end encryption, and versatile access control tools
• AnyDesk can be used on a wide range of devices, including mobiles and desktops running iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and various other operating systems

Further reading on remote desktops

If you're interested in finding out more about remote desktop technology and platforms, we've got a wide range of content available for your reference. Learn more about XRDP and what TeamViewer offers; find out how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop and how to use remote desktop on Windows 10.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

Choosing the best remote desktop for Linux will enable you to access computers and mobile devices remotely from your Linux computer. But there are far fewer options available for Linux users than for Windows or Mac owners, and these tend to be much more difficult to use.

This can make it hard to select the right option, particularly if you don’t want too steep of a learning curve. Many Linux remote desktops are open-source and versatile, but they also require significant tech skills to install and use.

To help you find your way through the confusing jargon surrounding Linux remote desktops and select the right option for your business, we’ve put together this guide. In it, we take a close look at the leading Linux remote desktop programs available today.

Which is the best remote desktop for Linux?

With its excellent versatility and cross-platform compatibility, Remmina comes in as our clear number-one remote desktop program for Linux. Not only is it free, but it also offers support for multiple protocols, and is open-source. TeamViewer is another excellent remote desktop for Linux, and provides an option for those who are willing to pay a little more for a beginner-friendly solution.

VNC Connect and TightVNC are advanced options utilising the VNC protocol for more tech-savvy users across paid and free plans, while Chrome Remote Desktop offers users a basic, beginner-friendly option that can be used on numerous devices via the Google browser.

How much does remote desktop for Linux cost?

Like much of the software developed for Linux, many remote desktop programs are free for commercial use. Options like Chrome Remote Desktop and Remmina are excellent choices for those who require a simple solution. There are a few paid options, and prices can range from a couple of dollars a month to tens or even hundreds of dollars a month with high-end programs like TeamViewer.

The best remote desktop for Linux, compared

The best remote desktop for Linux available right now

Remmina

Best remote desktop for Linux overall

SPECIFICATIONS

• File transfer: Yes
• Integrated chat: No
• Unattended access: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

• Supports numerous operating systems
• Open-source and free
• Different remote access protocols supported

REASONS TO AVOID

• Technical knowledge required
• Limited extra features

Score: 4.5/5

Remmina is one of the most versatile remote desktop programs we’ve used, and it’s well-deserving of its position as the leading remote desktop for Linux. It supports the most common connection protocols, including RDP, VNC, Spice, and SSH, and it can be used on numerous operating systems and distributions.

On top of this, Remmina is completely open-source, and its code is available to edit. This won’t be a major factor for most, but it’s excellent news for anyone who wants to customise their remote desktop program.

Alongside the base program, Remmina also offers loads of plugins and add-ons. Among these is a neat file transfer tool, although you won’t get anything too fancy. Many of the add-ons are related to security and performance rather than the user interface.

TeamViewer

Best remote desktop for Linux for beginners

SPECIFICATIONS

• File transfer: Yes
• Integrated chat: Yes
• Unattended access: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

• Quite easy to use
• Excellent additional tools
• A focus on security

REASONS TO AVOID

• Very expensive
• Security features can be complex for small teams

Score: 4.5/5

TeamViewer is a strong contender for the top spot on our list of best remote desktop software, thanks to its versatility and robust security features. TeamViewer is cloud-based and works seamlessly across virtually all operating systems. 

While the cost might be a hurdle for some, with individual plans starting at $24.90  per month and multi-user business plans starting at $50.90 per month, a 14-day free trial is also available for customers looking to test the system out.

TeamViewer prioritizes data security with end-to-end AES encryption to ensure your data is protected at all times. We also found TeamViewer had one of the most user-friendly options for a Linux remote desktop access service we’ve used to date, perfect for people new to RDP services.

VNC Connect

A versatile provider of remote desktop for Linux

SPECIFICATIONS

• File transfer: Yes
• Integrated chat: Yes
• Unattended access: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

• Intuitive cloud-based remote desktop
• Excellent privacy and security
• Supports numerous operating systems

REASONS TO AVOID

• Performance can be a little poor
• Limited support for trial users

Score: 3.5/5

VNC Connect capitalizes on the popular VNC connection protocol and enhances it with a set of valuable features. Among these additions are user-friendly interface improvements, particularly noticeable compared to other Linux remote desktop options, and robust 256-bit AES encryption for enhanced security.

Unlike traditional VNC programs, VNC Connect does require a subscription. However, with the most expensive yearly plan costing approximately $55, it remains a cost effective option. White a 14-day free trial allows you to explore the software, it’s important to note that limited support is available during the trial period.

Another minor drawback is VNC Connect’s potential for lag under scenarios with heavy screen activity. But its advanced security features, including built-in encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA), provide a strong shield for your remote connections. 

Read our full VNC Connect review.

TightVNC

A remote desktop for Linux with excellent additional features

SPECIFICATIONS

• File transfer: Yes
• Integrated chat: No
• Unattended access: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

• Native Java viewer
• Built-in file transfer tool
• Great for advanced users

REASONS TO AVOID

• Quite difficult to use
• Limited support resources

Score: 3/5

TightVNC offers a robust remote desktop solution for Linux users, particularly those facing limited bandwidth or unreliable connections. Notably, it’s completely free to use. While boasting a Java viewer and various features, TightVNC prioritizes efficiency, making it ideal for basic remote access tasks. This focus on efficiency comes at a cost in terms of speed, however, rendering it unsuitable for demanding applications such as remote gaming.

An important caveat to consider is the lack of built-in security features in TightVNC. Data transmissions are not encrypted by default, leaving them vulnerable to potential interception. While this might not be a major concern for advanced users who can implement additional security measures like VPNs, it’s a crucial factor for others to keep in mind.

Read our TightVNC review.

Chrome Remote Desktop

A versatile, platform-independent option

SPECIFICATIONS

• File transfer: No
• Integrated chat: No
• Unattended access: Yes

REASONS TO BUY

• Can be used on any device with the Chrome browser
• Very easy to set up
• Completely free forever

REASONS TO AVOID

• Limited features
• Chrome required on all devices

Score: 3/5

Chrome Remote Desktop boasts some of the best cross-platform compatibility we’ve seen. All that’s needed to use it is the Chrome browser, which means that it can be used on any device that supports this. Also, the service free-to-use and boasts excellent performance, making it an attractive option.

Simplicity comes with limitations, however. Features like file transfer and a built-in text chat are noticeably ascent.If you prioritize basic functionality, a tight budget, and broad device support, Chrome Remote Desktop emerges as a compelling choice for your Linux remote desktop needs.

Remote desktop for Linux: FAQs

Want to find out more about the best remote desktop for Linux devices? Our FAQ section is a great place to start.

Can I remote desktop from Linux to Windows?

Yes, most of the leading remote desktop programs enable you to connect between platforms. For example, TeamViewer will enable you to view and control your Windows device from a Linux host. We've also outlined how to remote desktop into Ubuntu in a step-by-step guide.

Yes, majority of many popular remote desktop programs offer the ability to bridge the gap between different operating systems. For instance, you can utilize TeamViewer to access and manage a Windows machine from you Linux computer. We’ve even provided a dedicated guide outlining the steps for setting up remote desktop access on Ubuntu, making it easier to get started.

What is remote desktop and how does it work?

Remote desktop programs enable you to remotely access one device from another. The software will establish a connection between the two devices, enabling you to use the remote device as if you were physically there.

Is remote desktop access safe?

Yes, using a reliable remote desktop program is safe. With the right security measures in place, having a remote desktop program installed presents no more risk than downloading your favourite game.

How we review remote desktop for Linux

When we review remote desktop programs, we begin by scouring the platform’s website for information. Once we’ve determined what it claims to offer and how it works, we subscribe to a premium plan (if required), download the program, and test it.

During testing, we aim to understand how functional, user-friendly, and fast a Linux remote desktop program is. We look at how well it connects to other devices, including mobile devices if they are supported. We also test integrated tools such as file transfer or text messaging, and record any interesting findings.

The benefits of using remote desktop for Linux

File sharing

Most remote desktop programs enable streamlined file sharing between the host and remote devices. If you have more than one remote device connected to the same network, this will enable you to access files on any of them with little trouble.

Unattended access

Let’s say you run Linux on your personal computer and need to access your work device. With a Linux remote desktop program, you will be able to access and control everything on an unattended device from virtually anywhere.

Remote support

With the right Linux remote desktop program, you will be able to provide remote technical support to people across the world. You will be able to access their device(s) remotely, explaining difficult concepts or fixing problems yourself.

Further reading on remote desktops

If you are curious about remote desktop programs and want to find out more about the technology, we have a range of resources at your disposal. Discover the functionalities of XRDP and what TeamViewer can offer, or learn the ropes of using Microsoft Remote Desktop and Windows 10’s remote desktop capabilities.

If you need walkthroughs for setting up remote access via Microsoft or Apple OSs, see how to use remote desktop on Mac and how to remote desktop from Mac to Windows.

With hybrid working the norm, the need to remotely access both PCs and servers is becoming ever more common. Few home workers have the necessary skills to diagnose and remedy their own problems, and enterprise support departments frequently lack the resources they'd need to visit them on-site. In such instances, remote control or monitoring can bridge the divide.

But it's not only in enterprises where remote control software has an important role to play. Single board computers, whether Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or otherwise, are becoming more capable by the month, with many headless devices now running full GUI-based operating systems. Enabling remote control allows them to be administered from a desktop, either on the same network or thousands of miles away. Remote intervention can likewise be a demonstration platform, allowing trainers to perform steps on a delegate's machine while that delegate sits and watches – and home workers can use it to access resources on an office PC.

It's fortunate, then, that this is an area well served by a wide range of client/server pairings. Many are entirely free to use, and several of those that don't offer complimentary tiers for a capped number of enrolled machines. Before we pick out five of the best, here's what you need to consider when choosing the right free remote control software for your business.

Best free remote desktop software

How many machines do you need to control?

Remote control software uses a client-server model; a small application on the remote host grants access to a matching client utility on your local machine. It doesn't matter when you have just one or a hundred remote machines to administer: the software at either end of the link will often be the same. The differentiator, then, is your subscription, which will usually determine not only which features are unlocked, but how many computers can be enrolled through a single account.

Enrolling a machine makes it easy to find on the network – or, if it's not on site, across the wider Internet. That way, if its IP address changes, you won't need to look it up on a DHCP table. Instead, it will continue to appear in the list of machines tied to your account, so you can connect to it with a couple of clicks and a password or a key pair.

It isn't always necessary to enrol a machine at all. Some options, like Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyViewer, let you set up a temporary connection using a displayed code. Likewise, where the operating system on your guest machine has native VNC support (or similar), and the host machine is running a compatible server, you may be able to connect using the host's LAN or remote hostname without resorting to third-party tools. Often, such connections are enabled within the operating system itself.

However, while temporary or ad-hoc connections of this sort are generally suitable for home users with a familiar LAN topography, they are less suited to business use, where the network under management will usually be more complex and widely distributed. At this point, the number of machines you can enrol on your free account takes on greater relevance.

Do you need to transfer files?

File transfer is a premium feature for some remote control platforms. Others don't offer it at all. If you need to move files between devices, therefore, either select a platform that offers this, or make alternative arrangements, like cloud transfer, local network sharing, or SFTP.

Among our selection, AnyViewer is one of the most flexible when it comes to file transfers, with this feature unlocked on the free tier when you register an account. NoMachine also has a very clear implementation, allowing for two-way drag-and-drop, rather than managing file transfers through a dialog.

Would Secure Shell do the job?

Full remote control can be overkill for some jobs – in particular if the task at hand can be accomplished at the remote command line. Much of what you may want to do on a Linux machine or server, for example, can be more quickly achieved using secure shell (SSH), which you can access at the command prompt in Windows, macOS, or Linux.

The latest builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11 also include a built-in SSH server, extending the technology beyond its traditional domain. It should be noted, however, that at the time of writing the server element remains a 'preview feature' (see SSH in Windows Terminal).

Best free remote desktop software 2025

AnyViewer

App-based remote control client and server

• Platform(s): Windows, Mac, iOS, Android

REASONS TO BUY

• Easy setup
• Quickfire controls
• Built-in chat system

REASONS TO AVOID

• Some features only for paid tiers

If you just want to make an ad-hoc connection, setup is refreshingly simple: install the AnyViewer app on both the local and remote machines, and type the server's on-screen code into the client window. It couldn't be any easier – unless you want to transfer files between your devices, in which case you'll need to set up an account. This is free, and it simultaneously registers your first two devices (the server and client). You can add one further machine for free before you'll need to upgrade. Once registered, connections to your remote machine are persistent. So, you can easily reconnect in the future, even if they've moved to different networks, and you'll no longer need to type in the on-screen code. This latter point is particularly important, as it means you can access an unattended machine, without needing someone in the vicinity to wake it up and read you the code over the phone.

The viewer window has a series of handy buttons, covering not only the aforementioned file sharing, but direct access to the remote command prompt and task manager, quick shut down and restart, and resolution settings. If the host machine's native resolution is larger than the guest machine's display, it can be downscaled, or you can remotely shrink it. You also have control over the client's refresh rate, colour mode (mono is an option), and image quality.

Finally, there's a built-in chat system, allowing operators at either end of the connection to send messages. A feature like this is particularly useful when using remote access to diagnose problems or for training. It's also neatly implemented, with an option to shrink the chat window to a tab on the edge of the host machine's screen so it keeps out of the way.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Browser and plug in-based

SPECIFICATIONS

• Platform(s): Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS

REASONS TO BUY

• Simple setup
• Tight security controls

REASONS TO AVOID

• No file sharing

You can set up Chrome Remote Desktop for your own use – with a persistent link – or to give temporary access to a remote support agent. Do the latter and they'll have limited time to access your machine and, once they log off or you close your browser, they'll not be able to return without explicit re-authorisation from yourself.

It may well have one of the simplest setups going. The most important element is a browser that supports WebRTC at either end of the connection, and you'll also need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on the host machine. Once you've done that and logged in to your Google Account on both machines, point both browsers at remotedesktop.google.com to get started.

To grant third-party temporary access, click Remote Support in the sidebar, followed by Generate Code, and give the number that appears to whoever needs access (you if you're at the remote machine). Once a number has been generated, it remains valid for five minutes; if it's not used in this time, it expires and you'll need to start the process again. Likewise, each code is single use. So, if you're granted access to a remote machine this way, and the connection is cut, whether deliberately or by accident, it won't work for a second time: a new code must be issued.

If you're setting up a machine for your own use, you needn't issue a number every time. Instead, click Remote Access in the sidebar, and every machine registered to your account will appear. Click that device, enter the PIN you specified during set-up, and the link is established. You don't need to know where that machine is on the LAN or Internet: Chrome Remote Desktop takes care of that for you.

While it lacks file sharing, there are ways around that, like using the remote connection to upload a file to cloud storage from the remote machine, or send it by email. All in all, this is a lightweight, easy-to-use, and very elegant solution.

NoMachine

App-based remote control client and server

SPECIFICATIONS

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ARM

REASONS TO BUY

• Built-in whiteboard, screen recording and screen grabbing, and a chat tool.

REASONS TO AVOID

• No remote server access on the free tier

NoMachine is unusual in having started as a Linux application that expanded to cover Windows and macOS machines. It's free for personal use with a cap of one concurrent connection. The client application, which is also available for Android and iOS mobile devices, will search your LAN for machines running NoMachine server, saving you the need to manually connect or know their IP address in advance. Connections are secured using the remote machine's regular login credentials or you can send a connection request from the client to be actioned on the server – assuming someone is sitting in front of it.

Once connected, you can interact with the remote machine as if you were sitting in front of it, scale the viewer window, and stream audio and video – with support for H264. There's a built-in whiteboard, screen recording and screen grabbing, and a chat tool. The latter could come in handy if you're connecting to remotely diagnose problems with the machine's regular user sitting at the keyboard, or for remote training.

NoMachine supports wake-on-LAN, USB device forwarding, and drag and drop file transfers in both directions. All traffic is encrypted. What you don't get if you're using the free tier – aside from support, which isn't surprising – is remote server administration and management, SSH support, and desktop access via the browser, among some other business-focused features. However, we think most home users will be able to manage without these, making NoMachine an excellent option for accessing rarely touched machines, like music and file servers.

Raspberry Pi Connect

Browser-based remote control

SPECIFICATIONS

• Platform(s): Raspberry Pi (ARM)

REASONS TO BUY

• Well-documented setup process

REASONS TO AVOID

• Few platform options

Raspberry Pi OS used to include a free non-commercial licence for RealVNC, but that stopped working for a while with Raspberry Pi's move to the Wayland display server in October 2024. Fortunately, a solution had been rolled out almost six months earlier, in the form of Raspberry Pi Connect – a browser-based remote access tool through which you can register a whole fleet of single board computers to use headless, both on your own network and beyond. The Connect server works on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm and later.

Setup takes place at the terminal prompt, but don't let that put you off: it's well thought-out (and well documented) and requires just a couple of commands: update your distribution, install Connect, and turn it on. If you're using the GUI, you can activate it via the menu bar and, when it's up and running, you can give your device a unique name, at which point it will be registered to your Raspberry Pi account.

Now, visit connect.raspberrypi.com from your local machine and, so long as you're logged in to the same account, you'll see your registered Pi devices and can connect to either the GUI or remote shell (you can disable either or both of these from the host machine). If you're using the GUI, you can copy from or paste to the remote clipboard using buttons at the top of the browser window. If you want to transfer files, you'll need to do it using the remote shell.

When using devices where every byte and processor cycle count, a native solution like this is very welcome. It also does much to simplify the process of administering devices with very specific use cases, which may be deployed in awkward or otherwise inaccessible locations.

RealVNC Lite

App-based server and client remote control

SPECIFICATIONS

• Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi (ARM)

REASONS TO BUY

• Easy to use

REASONS TO AVOID

• No file sharing function

While RealVNC is primarily a commercial offering, it has a free ('lite') plan allowing non-commercial remote access to personal devices. You can register up to three Windows, macOS, or Linux devices and access them one at a time.

You'll need to install RealVNC Server on your host machine, and RealVNC Viewer on the remote guest. With both logged in to the same RealVNC account, the Viewer will show your registered machines, whether they're on the same LAN or remote, making sign-in a one-click process, even if the remote machine has been issued with a fresh IP address.

You can set encryption to 128- or 256-bit, and choose from a variety of credential options, including your host machine's user password or a dedicated VNC password (in our tests, we chose the latter). When the link is live, there's a neat control bar at the top of the client window that drops down when you hover over the border. This contains quick links to settings and can send a ctrl-alt-del combo, but some other options on the bar, like file transfer, were disabled on our Lite account.

As with Chrome Remote Desktop, you could get around this limitation by copying files to a cloud drive within the remote window, or sending them by email from the remote email client. However, also bear in mind that AnyViewer allows for transfers between machine to any user with a free account, while also offering the same three-machine cap as RealVNC Lite.

How to choose the best free remote desktop software for you

The first thing to remember when selecting one of these pieces of software is that many of them tend to be fairly similar and simple. This could mean that not all of the free remote desktop programs are able to support multiple users. If this is a dealbreaker for you, it could be worth taking a look at packages like TightVNC or Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Security is an important feature to take into account, with AnyDesk excelling particularly well at it. Always take into account which operating system, or systems, you’ll need to deploy it on and make sure that the program is compatible.

It’s useful to not forget that these programs are available for free. This means they probably won’t contain all the features you need and might not be fancy. We recommend trying out some of the programs we’ve covered and see which one works the best for you.

Interested in learning more about remote desktop technology and platforms? Then take a look at our variety of content on the topic, including how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop, what TeamViewer offers, learning about XRDP, and how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Best known for the excellent Cyber Protect backup and endpoint protection products, Acronis is making a play for the remote support market with this cloud-hosted package. Pricing for Acronis Cyber Protect Connect looks good: the top-end Professional version on review has a yearly cost of £72 per technician, with unlimited concurrent sessions.

Connect presents an account administration web portal and client console apps for technicians to provide remote support. On-demand and unattended access to Windows, macOS and Linux systems, otherwise known as destinations, are provisioned respectively by a lightweight quick assist portable app and an agent.

Acronis also offers client apps (formerly Remotix) for iOS and Android devices so technicians can provide support on the move. These each cost an extra £13 and, at present, apps are not available for remotely connecting to mobile destination devices.

The Teams feature in Connect Professional allows administrators to organise support staff into groups where each one is permitted to access specific sets of devices with the agent installed. Licences are required for each user, joining invitations are sent to them from the portal and access security can be tightened with SSO (single sign-on).

Administrators add selected users to teams and create access groups that contain the devices they’re allowed to see. This is a versatile feature as users can be removed from a team, perhaps when a project has finished, and allocated to a new one without having to change each device’s access permissions.

On first contact with their web portal, technicians download the client app, which provides a personal console for adding connections, running on-demand support sessions and accessing systems with the agent installed. Connections can be made using Acronis’ proprietary NEAR remote desktop protocol, which, among other things, uses H.264 for smooth remote sessions, and it allows them to create direct connections using the RDP and VNC protocols.

Annoyingly, Connect doesn’t offer automated deployment tools for agent distribution so you’ll need to provide each user with a download link. At this point, you can initiate quick assist sessions from the client app using the ID and code displayed by the remote agent.

These generic apps aren’t customised for your account, either, so enabling unattended access requires users to update their agents with the email addresses of trusted technicians or add them to teams using the unique ID displayed in the web portal. On completion, devices then appear in the web portal and associated technician consoles ready for swift remote access.

Quick assist sessions for devices without the agent installed require the end user to download a portable app and provide the technician with the computer ID and code it displays. Again, this is a manual affair as, unlike most other support products, Connect can’t issue email or SMS invitations with a link that users click on to download a temporary app and enter a session ID provided by the technician.

For either access method, individual desktop consoles are opened for each session and technicians can choose to start with remote control, file transfer, chat or passively observe the user’s screen. They can’t share their own screen with a user for training or guidance, but an upper ribbon menu provides tools to access multiple monitors, take screenshots and reboot the device, with the client app offering an automatic reconnect option using the saved ID code.

Acronis Cyber Protect Connect Professional comes up short when compared to established names in the remote support field like Netop Remote Control or ConnectWise Control, and the agent deployment processes could easily be improved. That said, it’s a very affordable remote support solution with good administrative features and a diverse range of device connection options.

The demise of the office was a popular talking point during the pandemic, and although it never quite came to pass, the central workplace we left in early 2020 isn’t the same today. For starters, not everybody came back. Remote work turned into a permanent deal for many, and this has forced companies to rethink the way their employees collaborate.

Within this cultural shift, however, a subset of workers are often forgotten – the IT team that maintains the technology which allows for hybrid offices. These professionals keep your device clean and connected no matter where you are, and they do so with remote access software from providers like Keeper Security.

Before the pandemic introduced more of us to remote working, virtual private networks (VPNs) were the go-to solution for remote workers. VPNs were fine when only a very small number of people worked remotely, but when the entire world shifted to distributed work, the limits of VPNs quickly became apparent. In addition to being expensive, sluggish, difficult to scale and complicated to use, the majority of VPNs don’t support modern zero-trust network access (ZTNA), which is key for securing today’s distributed data environments and workforces.

As an alternative, remote desktop gateway software provides organisations with fast, scalable and zero-trust remote access to IT infrastructure, with features such as least-privilege access, role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Use cases for remote desktop gateways

Remote desktop gateways work by capturing control of a remote device’s screen, mouse and keyboard controls and transmitting them to another computer, where a user can view and use the remote machine as if they were sitting right in front of it.

The most common use cases for remote desktop gateways involve IT and DevOps teams, who must remotely connect to IT infrastructure to perform upgrades, maintenance and troubleshooting. For example, help desk personnel can remotely connect to employees’ machines to find and fix software or operating system problems, security teams can use remote desktop access to investigate potential security incidents and DevOps teams can perform infrastructure monitoring and maintenance.

Non-technical employees can use remote desktop gateway software to transfer files from one computer to another, such as for sales demonstrations, or to print out documents stored on the remote machine. Remote desktop access enables employees to work from anywhere – home, a coffee shop, even abroad – and still access a central work computer to use the work-related programs and files that are stored on it.

Remote workers can also be taught to use their machines in new ways, or have new software demonstrated by a more experienced colleague via remote access. If the main office is looking to keep the organisation compliant with GDPR, for instance, the person in charge of data protection can reach out to all colleagues and remotely demonstrate what constitutes company policy.

The value of zero-trust remote access

Having a workforce spread across a region or an entire country (or internationally) presents a number of security challenges. Compromised credentials were a common attack vector for ransomware attacks prior to the pandemic, and the shift to remote work exacerbated the issue. Remote desktop protocols (RDP) are a major vector for ransomware attacks, as they frequently lack multi-factor authentication.

Without modern zero-trust network access, all cyber criminals need to access the wider network – or remotely tap into an individual device – is a working set of login credentials. Threat actors can crack passwords using a number of different tactics, such as brute-force attacks or password spraying. Your business is literally one compromised password away from a ransomware attack or data breach.

Keeper Security’s Keeper Connection Manager is an agentless, remote desktop gateway that can be installed in any on-premises or cloud environment to provide DevOps and IT teams with effortless, zero-trust access to RDP, SSH, databases and Kubernetes endpoints through a web browser. All users and devices are strongly authenticated before they are permitted to access organisational resources. Once properly authenticated, end users interact with remote desktops via a secure session from their web browser – there are no special plugins or client software to install and maintain.

Keeper Connection Manager enables administrators to provide access through RDP, SSH, VNC, MySQL and other common protocols without having to share credentials with end users. Unlike VPNs, which give every user full, unfettered access to all systems, Keeper Connection Manager’s fine-grained controls enable administrators to provide access to select systems – or just one machine. Access can be revoked at any time, and a robust audit trail identifies when and how the system was used.

Furthermore, all activity in the system is tracked and monitored with complete event logging, reporting and alerts. The zero-trust security model prevents lateral movement through an organisation’s systems unless permitted by the platform’s control and enforcement policies.

The hybrid work model is here to stay – and zero-trust network access is key to supporting and empowering a dispersed workforce. Keeper Connection Manager enables organisations to adopt zero-trust remote access for their distributed workforces, with granular visibility and control across all designated endpoints.

Try Keeper for free today or book a personalised demo to learn more about the best way to protect your organisation from cyber attacks