15 Best Free Remote Desktop Applications for PCs Remote Desktop Software or more accurately called remote access software or remote control software are applications that allow you to control other computers remotely. With the remote control you can take over the mouse and keyboard and use another connected computer such as using a computer in front of you.
15 Best Free Remote Desktop Applications for PCs
Remote Desktop Software or more accurately called remote access software or remote control software are applications that allow you to control other computers remotely. With the remote control you can take over the mouse and keyboard and use another connected computer such as using a computer in front of you.
Remote desktop applications are really useful for many situations, ranging from helping your father who lives thousands of kilometers away from where you are now to help him solve computer-related problems, or to manage dozens of servers in America from our offices in the UK.
In general, being able to access the computer that is far from where we are now requires installing an application on a computer that wants to be remote or controlled, called the host. After that is done, the computer or other device with valid access rights, usually called the client can connect to the host and control it.
Although it seems too technical, you don't need to be afraid to use a remote desktop application. The free remote desktop application on this list only requires a few clicks to start and does not require special computer knowledge.
1. TeamViewer
For me TeamViewer is the easiest free remote desktop application I've ever used. Although there are many great features in this application, it is not difficult to install TeamViewer because you do not need to change the configuration of the router or firewall.
In addition to supporting video, voice calls, and chatting, TeamViewer can also allow file transfers, support wake-on-LAN (WOL), and can also reboot the PC remotely and afterwards reconnect automatically.
Host side
The computer you want to connect with TeamViewer can be a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. The full version with the installer is a good choice to install on the host side and is a safe choice if you are not sure what to do.
A portable version called TeamViewer QuickSupport is also a good choice if you want to remote only once or if it is not possible to install TeamViewer on the host computer.
The last option is TeamViewer host and this is the best version if you frequently and continuously do remote on the host computer.
Client side
TeamViewer has a number of options to connect to the computer that you want to control. Applications that can be installed or the portable version are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as mobile applications for iOS, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone, which means you can use your phone or tablet to connect to the host computer remotely while traveling.
TeamViewer also allows you to also use a web browser to access the host computer. A number of other features are also included, such as the ability to share one application window with another person (not the entire desktop) and the option to print files remotely to a local printer.
TeamViewer supported operating systems include Mac, Linux, Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Windows Server 2012/2008/2003, Chrome OS, and Windows Home Server.
![]() | Download TeamViewer Free Driver |
2. Remote Utilities
Remote Utilities is a remote desktop application with some excellent features. Remote Utilities works by connecting two computers with what they call "Internet ID".
Host side
Install the part of Remote Utilities called Host on a Windows PC to have permanent access to the computer.
You also have the option to only run an Agent that provides instant support without having to install anything, it can even run it from a flash disk.
The host computer is given an Internet ID which the client will then use to establish a connection to the computer.
Client side
Install the part of Remote Utilities called the Viewer that is used to connect to the Host or Agent computer.
The viewer can be downloaded separately or download the Viewer + Host combination. You can also download the portable version of the Viewer if you prefer not to install anything. Connecting the Viewer to the Host or Agent is done without making router changes such as port forwarding, making the Remote Utilities setup very easy.
The client only needs to enter an Internet ID number and password. There is also a client application that can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android users. A slightly different module on the Viewer so you can really access the computer remotely without looking at the screen.
The following are some of the Remote Utilities modules that are permitted: remote task manager, file transfer, power control for remote rebooting or WOL, remote terminal (access to Command Prompt), remote file launcher, text chat, remote registry access, information manager system, and remote webcam viewing
Apart from these features, Remote Utilities and also support remote printing and can view multiple monitors on one server computer. Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities is far confusing on the host computer, because there are many different choices.
Remote Utilities can be installed on Windows Server 2012, 2008, and Windows XP, 10, 8, 7, and Vista.
![]() | Download Remote Utilities Free Driver |
3. UltraVNC
Another remote desktop application on this list is UltraVNC. UltraVNC is almost the same as Remote Utilities where the server and viewer are installed on both PCs, and the viewer itself is used to control the server.
Host side
When you install UltraVNC there will be a choice whether you want to install the Server, Viewer, or both. You have to install the server on the PC that you want to control.
You can install the UltraVNC Server as a service on the system so that it always runs. This is the ideal choice so you can always make a connection to the host PC at any time using the client application (Viewer).
Client side
To establish a connection with the UltraVNC Server, you must install the Viewer during setup. after configuring forwarding ports on the router, you can access the UltraVNC server from anywhere and at any time with an internet connection, either through a mobile device that supports VNC connections, a PC with an installed Viewer or an internet browser. All you need is an IP Server (Host) address to make it connect.
UltraVNC supports file transfer, chat, share clipboard, and can even boot and connect to the server in Safe Mode.
![]() | UltraVNC Download Free Driver |
4. AeroAdmin
AeroAdmin is probably the easiest remote desktop application at the moment. there are almost no settings, and everything is fast and direct to the destination to be used as impromptu support.
Host side
AeroAdmin looks like TeamViewer. You only need to run a portable program and share your IP address or share ID with other people. This makes the client computer know how to connect to the host.
Client side
The client PC only needs to run the same AeroAdmin program and enter the ID or IP address. You can choose View only or Remote Control before you connect your PC to the host computer, and then just select Connect to start the remote control.
When the host computer receives a connection, you can start controlling the computer, share the clipboard text, and transfer files.
It's nice that AeroAdmin is completely free for personal and commercial use, but there is no chat feature included. AeroAdmin can be installed on Windows 10, 8, 7, XP 32-bit and 64-bit.
![]() | AeoroAdmin Download Free Driver |
5. Windows Remote Desktop
Windows Remote Desktop is a remote desktop application that is integrated with the Windows operating system. You don't need to download Windows Remote Desktop to use this application.
Host side
There are no applications that must be installed to use Windows Remote Desktop. To enable connection to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings and activate the allow remote connections settings. You must set up port forwarding on the router so that other PCs from outside the network can be connected.
Client side
Other computers that want to connect to the host computer only need to open the Remote Desktop Connection software that is already installed and just enter the IP address of the host.
Most of the applications on this list have no Windows Remote Desktop features, but this remote access method seems to be the most natural and easiest way to control the mouse and keyboard from a remote PC.
After you configure everything, you can transfer files, print to local printers, listen to audio from a remote PC, and transfer clipboard content.
6. RemotePC
RemotePC is a simple, free remote desktop application. You are only allowed to do one remote connection.
Host side
Download and install RemotePC on a PC that will be accessed remotely. This application supports Windows and Mac.
Share Access ID and Key with other people so they can access the computer. Or, you can create an account with RemotePC and then log in to the host computer to add a computer to your account for easy access later.
Client side
There are two ways to access RemotePC hosts from different computers. The first one uses the RemotePC application that you installed on your computer. Insert the host computer's Access ID and Key to connect and control the host, or only to transfer files.
Alternatively, you can use RemotePC from a client's perspective through iOS or Android apps.
You can receive sound from a remote PC, record what you do for video files, access multiple monitors, transfer files, and text chat. Some features are not available if the host and client computers have different operating systems.
RemotePC allows you to have only one computer setup in your account, which means you cannot have a list of remote PCs like most other remote desktop applications on this list.
![]() | RemotePC Download Free Driver |
7. Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Google Chrome browser that allows for remote access from other Chrome browsers.
Host side
When you first run this extension, you will be directed to provide authentication for remote PC access using your own PIN. This process requires you to log in to your Google account.
Client side
To connect to the host browser, enter the Chrome browser with the same Google credentials and install the same extension.
After you log in, you can see other PC names that you can choose and start to do the remote. Chrome Remote Desktop supports simple copy / paste file sharing but no advanced settings.
Because Chrome Remote Desktop works entirely from within the Google Chrome browser, it means it can be used on all operating systems that use Chrome, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and of course Chromebook.
![]() | Chrome Remote Desktop Download Free Driver |
8. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a remote desktop application that you can run portable or install like a normal application.
Host side
Run AnyDesk on the host PC and record AnyDesk-Address or set the password manually. When the client is connected, the host will be asked to allow or prohibit sound, control, clipboard usage, and control for the keyboard / mouse.
Client side
On other computers, run AnyDesk and then enter the AnyDesk-Address host in the Remote Desk section. If unattended access is set in the host computer settings, the client does not need to wait for the host to accept the connection.
AnyDesk supports full screen mode, file and sound transfer, clipboard synchronization, keyboard shortcuts, as well as taking screenshots of remote computers.
![]() | AnyDesk Download Free Driver |
9. ShowMyPC
ShowMyPC is a free portable desktop remote access application that is almost identical to UltraVNC, but slightly different from UltraVNC, ShowMyPC uses passwords to make connections instead of IP addresses.
Host side
Run ShowMyPC on any computer and then select Show My PC to get a unique ID number called Share Password. This ID is a number that you must share so that other people can connect to the host.
Client side
Open the ShowMyPC application on another computer and enter the ID of the host application to make the connection. There are additional options on ShowMyPC that are not available on UltraVNC, such as sharing webcams through a web browser, and meeting schedules that allow one to connect to your PC via a personal web link.
![]() | ShowMyPc Download Free Driver |
Incoming search terms :
- remote desktop alternative
- Remote Desktop Software
- Remote Desktop Access
- Best Remote Access
- Best Remote Software
Discussion: