10 free programs for remote access to a computer

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

With their help, you can solve technical problems of loved ones or use the resources of devices at a distance.

The listed programs allow you to control your PC from other computers or mobile devices via the Internet. Having received remote access to the device, you can control it as if it is nearby: change settings, run installed applications, view, edit and copy files.

Throughout the article, you will see terms such as "client" and "server".

A client is any device (PC, tablet or smartphone), and a server is a remote computer to which it connects.

1. Remote Assistance (Microsoft Remote Assistance)

• What platforms can you connect to:Windows.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect:Windows.

"Remote Assistance" is a utility built into Windows, thanks to which you can quickly connect computers to each other without third-party programs. This method does not allow file sharing. But at your service full access to the remote computer, the ability to collaborate with another user and text chat.

Server instructions

1. Run the utility. To do this, type in the search for the system "Remote Assistance". If you have Windows 10, search for MsrA. Right-click on the found item and select "Run as administrator".
2. In the window that opens, click "Invite someone you trust to help". If the system says that the computer is not configured, click "Fix" and follow the prompts. You may need to restart the utility after changing the settings.
3. When the assistant prompts you to choose an invitation method, click "Save invitation as a file." Then enter its name, storage folder and confirm the creation of the file.
4. When the file appears in the specified location, a password window will appear on the screen. Copy the password and send it along with the file to the client by mail or any other means.
5. Wait for the connection request from the client and approve it.

Instructions for the client

1. Open the file generated by the server and enter the resulting password. After that, you will see the screen of the remote computer and will be able to monitor it in a special window.
2. To manage files and programs of someone else's computer as if you are next to it, click in the top menu "Request control" and wait for a response from the server.

The file and password are one-time use, they will no longer work for the next session.

2. Remote desktop (Microsoft Remote Desktop)

• What platforms can you connect to:Windows (Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions only).
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

This tool is another program built into Windows for remote access. It differs from the previous one primarily in that the computer acting as a server cannot be used during the connection: its screen is automatically locked until the end of the session.

But the client can be Mac and even mobile devices. In addition, a connected user can copy files from a remote computer via a shared clipboard.

To use Remote Desktop, you need to properly configure the server. It will take you some time. But if you don't want to understand IP addresses and network ports, you can use other programs from this article. They are much simpler.

Server instructions

1. Turn on the "Remote Desktop" function. In Windows 10, this can be done in Settings → System → Remote Desktop. In older versions of the OS, this setting may be in a different location.
2. Find out your local and public IP-addresses, for example, using the service. If another person controls the client device, tell him the public IP, as well as the login and password for your Windows account.
3. Configure port forwarding on the router (port forwarding or port forwarding). This function allows other devices to access your computer via the Internet. The setup process on different routers is different, you can find instructions for your model on the manufacturer's website.

In general terms, the actions are as follows. You go to a special section of the router settings and create a virtual server, registering the local IP address and port 3389 in its parameters.

Allowing access to a computer through port forwarding creates new loopholes for network attacks. If you are afraid of intruders, think again if you should use this particular method.

Instructions for the client

1. Type in the search for the system "Remote Desktop Connection" and run the found utility. Or press the Win + R keys, enter the command

   mstsc

2. and press Enter.
3. In the window that opens, enter the public IP address of the computer that is the server. Then enter the login and password for his Windows account.

After that, you will have full control over the desktop of the remote computer.

3. Screen Sharing

• What platforms can you connect to: macOS.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: macOS.

Perhaps the easiest way to establish a remote connection between two Mac computers is to do it using the standard macOS Screen Sharing application. You will not need third-party utilities for this.

To connect to a remote computer, you need to search for "Screen Sharing" in Spotlight search and launch this program. In the window that appears, enter the Apple ID of the remote computer or its username, if it is in the list of contacts on the current Mac. After that, all that remains is to send a connection request.

Upon receiving the request, the server-side user can allow full control of his computer and its contents, or only passive monitoring.

4. Chrome Remote Desktop

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows, macOS, Linux.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

Chrome Remote Desktop is a very simple cross-platform remote access program. Its desktop version is an application for Google Chrome that allows you to manage the entire system without unnecessary settings.

The desktop version of "Chrome Remote Desktop" displays two menu sections: "Remote Access" and "Remote Support". In the first, you need to set a name and password to connect to the computer. In the second, you can generate a connection code (server), and also enter the code (client) to connect to a remote PC.

Mobile application "Chrome Remote Desktop" provides remote access to your computer. At the same time, it is impossible to connect in the opposite direction - from a computer to a mobile device. At the same time, the desktop version can make a computer both a client and a server.

Application not found

5. TeamViewer

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

TeamViewer can be called one of the most famous programs for creating remote connections. It owes its popularity to its multi-platform support, ease of use, and the number of features. Among other things, the program allows you to record sessions on video, communicate with participants in voice and text chats and open remote access only to selected applications.

To connect two devices, you need to generate an ID and password on the server and enter them on the client side. TeamViewer has a very user-friendly interface with an abundance of prompts, so it's very easy to master it.

You can install the full version of the program or use its portable version of QuickSupport. The latter does not need to be installed, but does not support all TeamViewer features. In addition, the list of available program functions varies depending on the platforms used.

TeamViewer Remote Control TeamViewer Germany GmbH

TeamViewer QuickSupport TeamViewer Germany GmbH

TeamViewer QuickSupport TeamViewer

6. Real VNC

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Android, iOS.

Another popular program that is available on all key platforms and is highly stable. Like other powerful tools, Real VNC is paid for. However, for home personal use, the application is completely free - the limit is for five computers and three users.

Real VNC works very simply. You need to install the server part on your computer, set a password and other simple parameters using a step-by-step configuration wizard. You can then connect to the server through a client application on your PC or mobile device to view and control your desktop. File transfer only works between computers, but this feature is not available in the free version.

VNC Viewer - Remote Desktop RealVNC

VNC Viewer - Remote Desktop RealVNC Limited

Application not found

7. AnyDesk

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Android.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome.

A powerful remote work tool that covers all possible tasks and is completely free for non-commercial use. AnyDesk server part has a portable version and can work even without installation.

In addition to being cross-platform, the advantages of the program include ease of connection - you just need to enter a one-time code on the client device and confirm the connection on the server. AnyDesk supports recording remote sessions, as well as audio chat and file transfer function.

AnyDesk Remote Desktop AnyDesk Software GmbH

AnyDesk Remote Desktop AnyDesk Software GmbH

8. Remote Utilities

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.

A handy tool for remotely connecting to computers that you can use to help friends or just access your home machine via the Internet. The server part of Remote Utilities is installed only on Windows, but clients are available on all popular platforms.

The connection process is pretty straightforward. In addition to viewing your desktop and controlling your computer, Remote Utilities has useful features such as file transfer, recording sessions, and video chat. The free license allows you to use up to 10 computers, otherwise everything works without restrictions.

Application not found

Remote Utilities Remote Utilities LLC

9. Ammyy Admin

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows.

One of the simplest programs that will allow you to connect to another person's computer via the Internet to view the desktop and administer. Works without installing and reconfiguring a router.

Despite the ascetic interface, it offers a lot of useful features, including the transfer of files and folders, as well as voice chat for communication. Ammyy Admin allows you to remotely restart your computer, log in and change users. After the initial setup, the application does not even require the presence of a person at the server computer.

10. AeroAdmin

• What platforms can you connect to: Windows.
• From which platforms it is possible to connect: Windows.

Another simple utility for remote connection to Windows. AeroAdmin works without registration, does not require installation and preliminary settings. Free for personal use with a limit of up to 17 hours of work per month.

Just launch AeroAdmin on one computer and then enter the ID and PIN on the second. After confirming the connection request, you can manage the server and share files and other content using the clipboard.

Last updated on January 18, 2020