Most of these options require just a few clicksno special computer knowledge is required.
DWService
Client access is through a web page.
Perfect for one-time access and permanent access.
Malte Mueller / fStop / Getty Images
Tabbed browsing for easy access to every management tool.
No built-in chat function.
Bandwidth limited to 6 Mbps for free users.
DWService is a free and open-source project that truly simplifies remote access.
Client Side
The client has it easy if the host uses the on-demand option.
If the host installed the program, the setup procedure is a little more involved.
Give the code to the host during the program installation.
DWService has a handful of tools.
you’re able to pay to use DWService if you want to increase the bandwidth limit.
It also works through a mobile web net surf tool.
Android users can load the client app.
AnyDesk
Has you create an easy-to-remember alias for remote connections.
Supports both audio and file transfer.
Lets you record the remote session.
Connections can be configured to favor quality or speed.
Updates to new software versions automatically.
Could be confusing to understand at first.
Might limit connection time or address book entries because there are also paid versions of the program.
I’m also a huge fan of its ability to work without ever being installed to my PC.
it’s possible for you to also connect to the host from AnyDesk’s web client.
It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and XP.
It also works with Chrome OS, FreeBSD, Raspberry Pi, and Apple TV.
If you need tocontrol your PC from your phone, load the iOS or Android app.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Lets you remote into the computer even when the user isn’t logged in.
Includes a file transfer tool.
Lets you remote into the computer via an app.
Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Can’t chat with the remote user.
Remote printing isn’t allowed.
Getscreen.me
Great for one-off sessions; takes just a minute to get started.
Can be used for permanent access.
Control the computer from a web net internet ride.
Mobile app runs on Android only.
Permanent access setup for just two computers.
Wake-on-LAN isn’t free.
Lots of other features reserved for paying customers.
For a simple tool with some great features, you might consider the free remote access service Getscreen.me.
The computer that will be connected to needs to download and pop swing open the software.
There are two ways to get the client connected.
The other way to use Getscreen.me is to simply bring up the program and share the public link.
There are a couple of ways to dive into the remote computer.
Another way is if the host didn’t enter to the account.
Free users are faced with a number of limitations that can be lifted only if you pay.
See all the otherdifferences between the plans with this comparison table.
It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
you’re free to send controls from any machine with a web surfing app.
AnyViewer
A user account isn’t necessary.
Distraction-free experience for the host during sessions.
A chat box is built-in.
Built-in file manager for transferring files.
Limits the number of managed devices and simultaneous sessions.
Really slow file transfer speed.
From the popular software companyAOMEIis AnyViewer.
Share the gear ID and security code with the client.
The security code is created by the program and will change every time the software restarts.
you might make a user account if you want to manage unattended devices and see the connection history.
Windows Remote Desktop
Provides the most natural and easy-to-use remote access experience.
Works on Windows only.
Not every version of Windows can be remoted into.
No built-in chat capability.
Requires port forwarding changes to be set up.
This is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system.
you’ve got the option to open Remote Desktop through the Run dialog box.
PressWin+R, then enter themstsccommandto launch it.
accept incoming remote access requests).
Incoming remote access is only allowed onProfessional, Enterprise,andUltimateversions of Windows.
In those editions, others can remote into the computer as described above.
RustDesk
Lightweight look and feel.
Easy to grasp even for novice users.
Chat and file transfer functions.
RustDesk is similar to AnyDesk, listed above.
you might also make a desktop shortcut that will immediately start a remote session with a specific client.
There’s also a web client that lets you reach the host without having to download the program.
This open source remote desktop program works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
HelpWire
Ideal for helping inexperienced users.
Includes a chat box.
Handles shortcut keys well.
Completely portable (no installation).
No ads or premium features.
Buggy behavior at times.
Isn’t good for permanent remote access.
HelpWire is perfect for spontaneous remote access.
All you have to do is send a special link to the other person.
Once you request access and they approve, you’re in!
This is the computer that will be controlled remotely.
Just launch the link the other person sent, and then launch the program that downloads.
A chat window will open.
Wait for the client to request access to the computer, and then pressGrant accessto allow it.
If you want to disconnect them at any time, just shut the chat box.
HelpWire works on Windows and macOS.
Distant Desktop
No install necessary.
Transfer files and send chats.
Free even for commercial use.
Can’t control the computer from iOS.
Outgoing connections limited to 17 hours per month.
Remote access limited to one computer at a time.
Can’t store contacts in an address book.
This is another completely portable remote access program.
It’s also 100 percent free for both personal and commercial use, which is rare to find.
This simple design makes it incredibly easy for inexperienced computer users to request help from other people.
For the computer that will be performing the remote access, pressConnectand enter the host’s ID and password.
The tabs at the top of the program let you open multiple connections at once.
macOS 10.15 through 13 is also supported.
There’s an Android app, too, that can work as the host or client.
AeroAdmin
Can be installed as a portable program.
Free for commercial and private use.
Works right away; no router changes are necessary.
Can remotely log off and reboot the computer.
Ideal for spontaneous and unattended access.
Doesn’t support chat.
Connection times are limited in the free edition.
Can’t print remotely.
No file transfer support in free version.
AeroAdmin is one of the easier programs to use for free remote access.
Just initiate 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.
Quick Assist
Built-in to Windows 11/10.
Easy signup with your Microsoft account.
Perfect for on-demand, quick access.
Requires at least Windows 10.
Can’t share files.
Requires the host’s permission for each connection.
ChooseAssist another personand then jump in to your Microsoft account.
Give the security code to the host and then chooseTake full controlorView screento get remote access to their computer.
PressWin+Ctrl+Qto open it, or seeMicrosoft’s page on Quick Assistif you need help finding it on your setup.
Jump Desktop
Free without limits for personal use.
Simple, easy-to-use client apps.
No app for Android users, and the iOS app isn’t free.
No bulit-in chat function.
Jump Desktop is free for personal use, and has no limits or ads.
It automatically syncs your clipboard with the remote machine, and connections are encrypted end-to-end.
The machine that will be controlled needs to haveJump Desktop Connect.
It works on Windows and macOS.
The client connects to the host with Jump Desktop.
Keyboard controls are available for the client so you’ve got the option to modify shortcut keys.
During a session, the client can view the remote computer in fullscreen or a normal window.
There’s an app for Windows, Mac, and iOS.
UltraVNC
Custom keyboard shortcuts can be set up.
you’ve got the option to send chat messages to the remote computer.
Lets you connect to a remote computer from a surfing app, computer program, and mobile app.
You have to change your router configs to make the program work.
Doesn’t work well for on-demand, spontaneous remote access.
Unable to turn the computer on remotely.
During installation, you’re asked if you wish to install theServer,Viewer, or both.
drop in the Server on the PC you wish to connect to.
you could installServeras a system service so it’s always running.
To make a connection with theServer, you must install theViewerportion during setup.
All you need is theServer’sIP addressto make the connection.
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.
LiteManager
Stores remote access information for up to 30 computers.
Several ways to connect to a remote computer.
you could open files remotely without controlling the screen.
Lets you transfer files without any notifications or alerts.
Includes lots of useful tools.
Supports spontaneous and portable remote access.
Runs on Windows and macOS.
The program doesn’t update very often.
The multitude of options could be overwhelming and confusing if you just want a simple remote access tool.
LiteManager is strikingly similar to Remote Utilities, listed below.
There are numerous ways to ensure a connection can be made to the host computer.
It can be done through the IP address, computer name, or an ID.
The other program, called Viewer, is installed for the client to connect to the host.
This program is available for macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, too.
Iperius Remote
Very easy to use; no installation necessary.
No user account required.
Includes a chat window.
Free for private and non-commercial use.
Some features are clickable but then you’re told they’re not usable in the free version.
Might limit connection time.
It also lets you connect to a computer remotely with their mobile app.
initiate the program and selectAllow connectionsto see your password.
Share that and the ID next to it with the client so that they can connect to the computer.
This free remote access program is perfect for on-demand access.
You and the other person can download and start using Iperius Remote in just a minute or two.
The program interface is extremely simple and easy to understand.
There’s also an app for macOS, Android, and iOS.
DesktopNow
you might access remote computers from any web web client.
Lets you avoid setting up router port forwards, but that is an option.
Includes a remote file online window for file transfers.
Unattended access is harder to configure than other apps.
DesktopNow is a free remote access program from NCH Software.
The computer that will be accessed remotely needs to have the DesktopNow software installed.
The client just needs to jump into the host through a web surfing app.
However, the website is optimized for mobile phones, so viewing your shared files is easy.
64-bit versions of Windows are supported.
This includes Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
Remote Utilities
Includes lots of remote access tools.
Great for both spontaneous and unattended remote access.
Doesn’t require router port changes.
Lets you connect to up to 10 computers.
30-day fully functional trial.
Confusing to set up the first time.
Linux and macOS versions have been in beta for a while.
The Viewer app is just a 30-day trial.
(The other components are free.)
It works by pairing two remote computers together with anInternet ID.
Control a total of 10 computers with this program.
InstallHoston a Windows computer to gain permanent access to it.
Or just runAgent, which provides spontaneous support without installing anythingit can even be launched from a flash drive.
The host computer obtains an Internet ID that a client uses to make a connection.
TheViewerprogram connects to the host or agent software.
Download Viewer on its own or in theViewer + Hostcombo file.
Download a portable version of the Viewer if you’d rather not install anything.
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.
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.
The mobile app runs on both Android and iOS.
Aren’t There Other Free Remote Access Programs?
You do have other options, likeTeamViewer, which is wildly popular.
LogMeIn’sfree product, LogMeIn Free, is no longer available.
