At times like these where everyone is forced to work from home due to a pandemic, tools that allow users to work remotely are gaining more exposure. In case you need to remote-access a computer, you can use a remote desktop software. If the computer you want to remote-access has a Windows 10 Pro edition installed, you don’t need to install a third-party remote desktop software as Windows 10 Pro has a default remote desktop feature. You just need to enable it from the Windows Settings window.
What if you want to remote-access a computer that has Windows 10 Home edition installed? Or even Linux or Mac?
You can use one of the following remote desktop software.
In a remote-access context, the computer you want to remote-access plays a role as the server, while the computer you use to remote-access is the client. In order to be able to run a remote-access, you need to install the app on both the server computer and the client computer. In some cases (such as Windows 10), remote-access can only be done in a local network. To remote-access a computer over the internet, you need to configure a VPN connection.
Here are 7 of the best remote desktop software you can use to remote-access a computer.
1. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is one of the popular remote desktop software. It’s a cross-platform software where you can install on Windows, Linux, and Mac. AnyDesk allows you to remote-access a computer from a wide range of devices, including a smartphone. If you just need to remote-access a computer at the office to copy some files, for instance, you can use AnyDesk for free. You can use the paid version if you want to use AnyDesk for business. AnyDesk comes with a bunch of useful features, including Address Book to save the addresses list of the computers you have remotely accessed. Key features like file transfer, on-screen whiteboard, remote printing are also available.
2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is another popular remote desktop software. It is also a cross-platform desktop available for major operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac. The client app (remote access) is also available for iOS and Android to allow you to remote-access your computer from a mobile device. For personal use, you can use TeamViewer for free. TeamViewer is pretty easy to use. Each machine is provided a unique ID and password. You just need to enter the ID as well as the password to remote-access a computer. Extra features like presentation and video call are also available. The free version of TeamViewer allows you to transfer files from a remote computer to a local computer and vice versa.
3. SupRemo
SupRemo is also a great option if you are looking for a free tool to remote-access a PC. As long as you are not going to use SupRemo for a business purpose, you can use SupRemo for free. SupRemo is also a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The remote access app is also available for iOS and Android in case you need to access your remote computer via a mobile device. With the free version of SupRemo, you can transfer files from a local computer to a remote computer and vice versa. The process of connecting to a remote computer is also extremely straightforward. You just need to enter the ID of the remote computer you want to remote-access as well as the password.
4. VNC Connect
As we mentioned earlier, when running remote access, the remote computer is playing a role as the server while the local computer is playing a role as the client. You will understand this concept if you use VNC Connect. To run a remote-access using this tool, you need to install a server app (VNC Server) on the computer you want to remote access. While on the client computer, you need to install the client app (VNC Viewer). Both VNC Server and VNC Viewer are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can even install them on Rasberry Pi.
Just for your information, VNC Connect is also known as RealVNC. The VNC Server app is not free, but you can try it for free for 30 days during the trial period. The interface of VNC Viewer is intuitive enough and fast (almost no delay).
5. RemotePC
RemotePC is also a great tool to run remote access. However, it’s designed for business purposes only. There is no option to use this tool for free unless during the trial period. RemotePC is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. There are also mobile apps for Android and iOS. Standard features like file transfer, chat, remote printing, and whiteboard are available.
6. LogMeIn
If you need a remote desktop software for business use, LogMeIn is another tool worth-trying. LogMeIn is available in two editions: Pro and Central. You can use the Central version if you want to provide a central computer for shared use and allow your team members to use the central computer from anywhere. The Central version of LogMeIn comes with common features offered by the remote desktop tools above. Plus, it also comes with a user management feature and real-time monitoring feature. LogMeIn itself is developed by the same company as GoToMyPC.
7. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is best-suited to run remote troubleshooting and you don’t need to install a desktop app if you don’t want to. You can remote-access your client’s computer via web browser although the desktop app is also available. To remote-access a client’s computer, you just need to invite your client to join a session (you can send the invitation via email). Once your client received your invitation, he/she will be asked to install an app (ZA Connect) to allow you to access her/his computer. As easy as that. You can access your client’s computer over the internet. Zoho Assist itself is a paid app. You can use it for free for 15 days during the trial period.
The bottom line
As work from home becomes a new norm these days, being able to remote-access a computer is getting more crucial. You can, for instance, access a computer of your teammate from your home to fix a certain issue your teammate cannot handle. You can use one of the tools above if the computer you want to remote-access has no default remote desktop feature.