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Remote desktop software, more accurately called remote access software or remote control software , let you remotely control one computer from another.

By remote control , we truly mean remote control—you can take over the mouse and keyboard and use the computer you’ve connected to just like your own.

Generally, remotely accessing a computer requires that a piece of software be installed on the computer you want to connect to, called the host. Another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client , connects to the host and controls it.

The better free remote access programs listed below require nothing more than a few clicks to get started—no special computer knowledge required.

DWService is a free and open-source project that truly simplifies remote access. The host installs or temporarily runs the program, and the client logs in via any web browser to run commands, control the screen, or control files and folders.

The host has two options: download the DWAgent , and then run it for on-demand, one-time access great for tech support , or install it for permanent remote access ideal if it’s your own computer.

If you choose the run option instead of the install option, you’re given a user code and password that the client needs to reach the computer. Otherwise, enter the code and provided by the client so that they can have always-on access to the host computer.

The client has it easy if the host uses the on-demand option. Log in through the link below and enter the code and password that shows on the host’s DWAgent program window.

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

Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Chrome browser that lets you set up a computer for remote access. The way this works is that you install the extension to either get a random code you can share with someone else for spontaneous support get that code here , or a PIN that you can use to get on the computer at any time from your own Google account.

To connect to the host browser, sign on to Chrome Remote Desktop through another web browser using the same Google credentials or using a temporary access code generated by the host computer. Because you’re logged in, you can easily see the other PC name, from where you can simply choose it and begin the remote session.

There isn’t a chat function like you see with similar programs, but it’s very easy to configure and lets you connect to your computer or anyone’s from anywhere using just your web browser. What’s more is that you can remote into the computer when the user doesn’t have Chrome open, or even when they’re completely logged out of their user account. Since it runs entirely within Chrome, it can work with any operating system that uses that browser, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. For a simple tool with some great features, you might consider the free remote access service Getscreen.

If you need to quickly get into someone’s computer without messing around with logins or installations, this is what you’re after. There’s file sharing, a built-in chat window, buttons for common keyboard shortcuts e. The computer that will be connected to needs to download and open the software. Installation is not required, but it can be fully installed if this computer will need to be accessed remotely permanently. There are two ways to get the client connected.

One is to log in to the client’s user account with their email and password, a great option if they’ll be getting into this computer a lot. The other way to use Getscreen. With this anonymous session, whoever you give the link to will have access to your computer without needing a password. This is perfect for spontaneous technical support, but know that the connection time is limited when the program is used anonymously like this. There are a couple of ways to access the remote computer.

If you logged in to your account in the host program, then you have permanent access which means you can visit the link below to log in to the same account in a web browser to access the other computer. Another way is if the host didn’t log in to the account.

The host can provide a URL that you can open from your device to automatically have access to the remote PC without needing your account information. Free users are faced with a few limitations that can be lifted only if you pay. For example, only two computers can be linked to your account at once, you can’t record the connection, Wake-on-LAN won’t work, and file transfers max out at 50 MB per file. You can send controls from any device with a web browser. Windows Remote Desktop is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system.

No additional download is necessary to use the program. To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings accessible via Settings W11 or Control Panel and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user.

You do have to set up your router for port forwarding so that another PC can connect to it from outside the network, but this is usually not that big of a hassle to complete. The other computer that wishes to connect to the host machine must simply open the already installed Remote Desktop Connection software and enter the IP address of the host.

Most of the other software in this list have features that Windows Remote Desktop doesn’t, but this method of remote access seems to be the most natural and easiest way to control the mouse and keyboard of a remote Windows PC.

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

If you’re using a Home Premium version or below, your computer can only act as a client and therefore cannot be accessed remotely but it can still access other computers remotely.

Incoming remote access is only allowed on Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows. In those editions, others can remote into the computer as described above. Something else to remember is that Remote Desktop will kick a user off if they’re logged in when someone connects to that user’s account remotely. This is vastly different from every other program in this list—all the others can remote in to a user account while the user is still actively using the computer.

UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and viewer is installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server. At installation, you’re asked if you wish to install the Server , Viewer , or both. Install the Server on the PC you wish to connect to. You can install Server as a system service so it’s always running.

This is the ideal option so that you can always make a connection to it with the client software. To make a connection with the Server , you must install the Viewer portion during setup.

After configuring port forwarding in your router, you’ll be able to access the host computer from anywhere with an internet connection—either via a mobile device that supports VNC connections, a PC with the Viewer installed, or an internet browser.

All you need is the Server’s IP address to make the connection. UltraVNC supports file transfers, text chat, clipboard sharing, and can even boot and connect to the server in Safe Mode. The download page is a little confusing—first select the most recent version of the software, and then choose the bit or bit setup file that will work with your edition of Windows.

Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 users can install and use the latest software version. Older Windows versions can install an earlier edition of the software. This is another completely portable remote access program. It’s also percent free for both personal and commercial use, which is rare to find. The computer that will be controlled by the client simply needs to share its ID and password with the other computer.

For the computer that will be performing the remote access, press Connect and enter the host’s ID and password. The tabs at the top of the program let you open multiple connections at once.

Once you’re connected to the other computer, you can send files to and from them and communicate over text or using your voice. Passwords are generated automatically, but you can also choose your own to make it easier to remember. The program is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, Vista, and 7, as well as Windows Server , , and There’s also an Android app that can work as the host or client. Download For :. Might limit connection time or address book entries because there are also paid versions of the program.

AnyDesk is a remote desktop program that you can run portably or install like a regular program. Launch it on the PC you want to connect to and record the 9-digit number, or custom alias if one is set up. On another computer, run AnyDesk and then enter the host’s Remote Desk ID or alias in the Remote Address section of the program, and wait for the host to accept the connection.

You can also connect to the host from AnyDesk’s web client. If unattended access is set up, the client doesn’t need to wait for the host to accept the connection. The program auto-updates and can enter full-screen mode, create a balance between quality and speed of the connection, transfer files and sound, sync the clipboard, record the remote session, run keyboard shortcuts, take screenshots of the remote computer, and restart the host computer. AeroAdmin is probably the easiest program to use for free remote access.

There are hardly any settings, and everything is quick and to the point, which is perfect for spontaneous support. Just open the portable program and share your IP address or the given ID with someone else. This is how the client computer will know how to connect to the host. You can choose View only or Remote Control before you connect, and then just select Connect to request remote control.

When the host computer confirms the connection, you can start controlling the computer and share clipboard text.

It’s great that AeroAdmin is absolutely free for both personal and commercial use, but it’s too bad there isn’t a chat option included, and really too bad that you can’t transfer files. Another note that needs to be made is that while the program is percent free, it does limit how many hours you can use it per month. It can be installed on bit and bit versions of Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and XP.

Iperius Remote is one of the easiest to use remote desktop programs with some awesome features like a robust file transfer tool and chat application. It also lets you connect to a computer remotely with their mobile app. Open the program and select Allow connections to see your password. Share that and the ID next to it with the client so that they can connect to the computer.

Enter the host computer’s ID into the second text box, press Connect , and then enter the password when you see the password prompt. This free remote access program is perfect for on-demand access.

 
 

Windows 10 home remote desktop host free.Remote Desktop Windows 10 Home

 

Enabling the remote desktop server normally requires a PC running either the Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise editions. RDP is a common vector for compromising Windows systems. There have been multiple security issues with Windows RDP servers in recent years. Only install an RDP server if you absolutely need one.

Configure a restrictive firewall to keep from being accessible from the internet. ShowMyPc isn’t free, but they do offer a day free trial. This ID is the number you must share with others so they can connect to the host. Open the same program on another computer and enter the ID from the host program to make a connection. There are additional options here that aren’t available in UltraVNC, like webcam sharing over a web browser and scheduled meetings that allow someone to connect to your PC via a personal web link that launches a Java version of ShowMyPC.

Clients can only send a limited number of keyboard shortcuts to the host computer. It works on all versions of Windows. Remote Utilities is a remote access program that isn’t free, but it offers a day, fully-functional free trial of the Viewer component.

The other components are free. It works by pairing two remote computers together with an Internet ID. Control a total of 10 computers with this program. Install Host on a Windows computer to gain permanent access to it. Or just run Agent , which provides spontaneous support without installing anything—it can even be launched from a flash drive.

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

Different modules can be used from the viewer so you can actually access a computer remotely without even viewing the screen, though screen-viewing is definitely Remote Utilities’ main feature. Here are some of the modules Remote Utilities allows: A remote task manager , file transfer, power control for remote rebooting or WOL, remote terminal access to Command Prompt , remote file launcher, system information manager, text chat, remote registry access, and remote webcam viewing.

In addition to these features, remote printing and viewing multiple monitors is also supported. Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities can be confusing on the host computer since there are lots of different options. There’s also a version for Linux and macOS, but both are in beta and might not work as well as the Windows edition. You do have other options, like TeamViewer , which is wildly popular. Unfortunately, however, many users have had issues with it thinking that they’re using it in a business setting, forcing them to pay to continue using the tool.

This was one of the more popular free remote access services ever available, so it’s really too bad it went away. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.

You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. By Tim Fisher. Tim Fisher. Tim Fisher has more than 30 years’ of professional technology experience. He’s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. Tweet Share Email. Apps Best Apps Payment Services. What We Like. What We Don’t Like.

Download DWAgent. Our Review of Chrome Remote Desktop. Download Chrome Remote Desktop. Download Getscreen. How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows Download UltraVNC. Our Review of AnyDesk. Download AnyDesk. Our Review of AeroAdmin. Download AeroAdmin. Download Zoho Assist. Download Quick Assist. Download LiteManager. Download DesktopNow. Download ShowMyPC. Our Review of Remote Utilities.

Was this page helpful? The remote computer to which you connect has to have Remote Desktop Services server software running on it.

After the installation of Windows Remote Desktop Connections software, Windows computers can be connected as long as they are on the same network. There are multiple benefits for organizations that implement Remote Desktop. The capacity to connect to remote PCs helps a system administrator or support team perform their tasks more efficiently.

Due to the similarities between Windows 10 and Windows 11, the information provided below will work with either version of the popular operating system. Different editions of the Windows operating system have varying feature sets and properties. An example of an important difference between Windows 10 Professional and Home editions is the Remote Desktop feature. When using the Home version of the operating system, you cannot use Remote Desktop. This can cause problems for employees attempting to work remotely with machines running Windows 10 Home editions.

We are going to show you a potential workaround for these problems that will enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 Home edition so you can connect to remote PCs. Remote Access Remote Desktop Windows Components of Remote Desktop Window 10 Home Connection Broker : This tries to maintain an uninterrupted connection with remote desktops. Gateway : This component establishes the connection to RemoteApp programs and virtual desktops over the Internet.

 

16 Best Free Remote Access Software Tools (June ) – Remotely access computers for free with these programs

 

Follow the prompts to save the connection. This can be a handy way to connect to your home computer to get files or to help friends and family with computer problems. Really, anything you can do on your local computer you can do with a Remote Desktop connection. Guy has been published online and in print newspapers, nominated for writing awards, and cited in scholarly papers due to his ability to speak tech to anyone, but still prefers analog watches.

Read Guy’s Full Bio. We will never spam you, unsubscribe at any time. Back To Top. Table of Contents. Subscribe on YouTube! Did you enjoy this tip? Also take a look at our in-depth feature on everything else you need to set up your home office. Choosing the best remote desktop software in will equip you with the tools needed to access and manage one or more computers from another device. Remote access is possible via both local networks and the internet, which means that, with the right software, anyone can access any device, anywhere in the world.

For example, you could use your personal smartphone to access and manage files on your business PC or office laptop without having to leave your home. No wonder that searches related to remote desktop have shot up significantly over the past few months as businesses scramble to find more about remote access.

With Remote PC you can. Connect to your work or office computer from anywhere using secure remote access. Get free real-time remote support beyond the screen via live video sharing with AR. Zoho Assist specializes in support and advanced features opens in new tab Zoho Assist opens in new tab is a close second to RemotePC.

It provides specialized remote support and access plans designed to streamline workflow. Using remote access software is simple. They generally take no more than a few minutes to set up, and you will usually have to install the software on the computer or other device you want to access the remote computer with. Many programs also need to be installed on the remote PC, while others are connected via a weblink or access code.

Some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software, but third-party tools often perform much better and come with significantly more features. There are a few other popular uses for the best remote desktop software. For example, you can handle complicated tasks from a laptop by connecting remotely to a more powerful computer.

In the this article, we’ve briefly covered our top ten best remote desktop applications to help you choose the right one for your needs. We’ve also featured the best help desk software. It uses cloud technology to deliver class-leading remote access solutions through an intuitive web application and native desktop and mobile apps.

It also includes collaboration features such as voice chat. On top of this, RemotePC is highly secure, scalable, and affordable. A day free trial is available with all plans.

Read our full RemotePC review. Cloud-based Zoho Assist is one of our favorite remote access tools because it enables you to access almost any device. It provides specialized remote support and unattended access plans designed to streamline workflow processes. More advanced features can also be accessed, with higher-end plans. Read our full Zoho Assist review. ISL Online offers a number of powerful remote access tools, with multiple ways to support clients across a myriad of machines and platforms.

While some of the Cloud-licensing fees can be a bit hefty especially for smaller businesses , this is more than made up for by the massive bounty of tools, extensions, and add-ons that come with an ISL subscription.

Read our full ISL Online review opens in new tab. Splashtop is a versatile remote computer access program with a range of impressive features, including a user-friendly interface and impressive security. Splashtop comes in a number of specialized forms. Prices for Splashtop Business Access enables remote access to a specified number of computers.

Remote Support plans cater for up to 25 computers, and SOS on-demand support is the highest end plan. Read our full Splashtop review. Parallels Access is designed for remote computer access from mobile devices.

It does support computer—computer connections, but the majority of its features are mobile-centered. Reasonable prices make it one of the more affordable options on this list. One of our favorite things about Parallels Access is its tidy user interface.

Rather than simply showing your desktop screen on a mobile device, like most of its competitors do, it presents a modified, mobile-friendly version. Overall, this program is a great choice for those who want to remotely access their computer from a mobile device. Read our full Parallels Access review. It is a little expensive, but it comes with a great range of tools designed for enterprise users.

Plans cater for two remote connections and a day free trial is available. If you need more connections, you can simply upgrade to a higher plan. Note, though, that its performance can be a little slow at times. Read our full LogMeIn Pro review.

ConnectWise Control provides highly specialized remote access solutions targeted at specific users. Its three Support plans come with some remote access features, and include powerful tools to help IT staff and support technicians solve problems remotely. The Access plan caters for 25 devices and is aimed at those who want to connect with numerous remote devices. The main issue with ConnectWise Control is its sometimes poor performance.

Read our full Connectwise Control review. TeamViewer is a powerful remote access program that enables remote access to and from computers, mobile devices, network machines, and more. Unfortunately, though, it is quite expensive. There is a free version of TeamViewer available for personal users, but businesses and other commercial users will have to upgrade to a paid subscription. The cost is quite expensive, however, TeamViewer offers impressive cross-platform compatibility, which includes remote mobile access and IoT device compatibility.

Read our full TeamViewer review. Since Chrome Remote Desktop is available as a browser extension, it can be used on any device that supports the Chrome browser.