Free remote assistance software

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: just two computers can be linked to your account at once and file transfers are limited to 50 MB per file.

It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can control the computer from any device with a web browser or through the dedicated Android app. 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 another PC can connection 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 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 this software. This is another completely portable remote access program. The computer that will be controlled by the client simply needs to share their 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 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.

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. 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. If you want more control you can open the settings to enable continuous access, a custom password, a proxy, etc.

Supported operating systems include bit and bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server , , , and Zoho Assist is yet another remote access tool that has a free edition for both personal and commercial use.

You can share screens and files, and chat remotely with the other user through a unique session ID and password. You can copy the ID and password manually, share a unique URL with the client, or just enter their email address to have the connection info emailed to them. The host also needs to download a small tool so that the client can remotely access in order to control the computer.

Once the host computer is fully set up and ready to go, the client needs to access the Join Screen Sharing Session page and enter the ID and password of the client computer. Or, if the host shared the information over email or the URL, then, of course, the client can just use that information to connect to the host. By default, the client doesn't have full control rights, only viewing permissions. Some other features included in this program are clipboard sharing, a pause button for the host, and an annotation tool so that the host and client can draw on the screen.

The Zoho Assist free plan supports only five unattended computers and one concurrent session. For more features, you can order the Standard, Professional, or Enterprise edition. The free Quick Assist remote access program is easy to understand and doesn't require a download because it's built-in to Windows 11 and Search for it through the Start menu, or browse the Windows Accessories Start menu folder, to open the program.

Type into the text box the 6-digit code that the client's computer generated, and then select Share screen. Once the client has done their part, you need to confirm that they can have access to your computer before the connection can be established.

Choose Assist another person and then log in to your Microsoft account. Give the security code to the host and then choose Take full control or View screen to get remote access to their computer. Once the client has connected to the host, they can change which monitor to control, annotate directly on the screen, restart the computer, and quickly open Task Manager.

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, explained above. However, unlike that program, which can control a total of only 10 PCs, this one supports up to 30 slots for storing and connecting to remote computers, and also has lots of useful features.

The computer that needs to be accessed should install the LiteManager Pro — Server. 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 easiest way to set this up is to right-click the server program in the notification area of the taskbar, choose Connect by ID , erase the contents that are already there, and click Connected to generate a brand new ID.

The other program, called Viewer, is installed for the client to connect to the host. Once the host computer has produced an ID, the client should enter it from the Connect by ID option in the Connection menu to establish a remote connection to the other computer.

Once connected, the client can do all sorts of things, much like with Remote Utilities, such as work with multiple monitors, transfer files silently, take full control or read-only access of the other PC, run a remote task manager, launch files and programs remotely, capture sound, edit the registry, create a demonstration, lock the other person's screen and keyboard, and text chat. There's also a QuickSupport option, which is a portable server and viewer program that makes connecting much quicker than the above method.

This program is available for macOS and Linux, too. ShowMyPC is portable and similar to some of these other programs, but uses a password to make a connection instead of an IP address. 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. After optionally forwarding the proper port number in your router, and signing up for a free account, you can access your PC from anywhere through a web browser. The computer that will be accessed remotely needs to have the DesktopNow software installed.

When the program is first launched, your email and a password should be entered so you can use the same credentials on the client side to make the connection. The host computer can either configure its router to forward the proper port number to itself or choose cloud access during the install to make a direct connection to the client, bypassing the need for complicated forwarding.

It's probably a better idea for most people to use the direct, cloud access method to avoid issues with port forwarding. The client just needs to access the host through a web browser. If the router was configured to forward the port number, the client would use the host PCs IP address to connect. If cloud access was chosen, a specific link would have been given to the host that you'd use for the connection. DesktopNow has a nice file sharing feature that lets you download your shared files remotely in an easy-to-use file browser.

There isn't a dedicated application for mobile devices, so trying to view and control a computer from a phone or tablet can be difficult. However, the website is optimized for mobile phones, so viewing your shared files is easy. This includes Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. Another free and portable remote access program is BeamYourScreen. This program works like some of the others in this list, where the presenter is given an ID number they must share with another user so they can connect to the presenter's screen.

Hosts are called organizers, so the program called BeamYourScreen for Organizers Portable is the preferred method the host computer should use for accepting remote connections. It's quick and easy to start sharing your screen without having to install anything. Just click the Start Session button to open up your computer for connections. You'll be given a session number you must share with someone before they can connect to the host.

Clients can also install the portable or installable version, but there's a dedicated app called BeamYourScreen for Participants that's a small executable file that can be launched similar to the portable one for organizers.

Enter the host's session number in the Session ID section of the program to join the session. Once connected, you can control the screen, share clipboard text and files, and chat with text. Something rather unique about this software is that you can share your ID with multiple people so that many participants can join in and look at the presenter's screen. There's even the BeamYourScreen online viewer so clients can view the other screen without having to run any software.

Another utility in the package is a Help Desk system , which includes a portal for access by the user community and a dashboard for use by technicians when they are working on a ticket. The Help Desk dashboard gives access to a remote desktop system, which is actually Splashtop , which you read about above. The interface includes a chat system so that the technician can guide and advise the user as he explores the remote endpoint and produces a solution for the problem raised on the support ticket.

Atera is a cloud-based service and is accessed through any standard web browser. The service can also be accessed through a special app that is available for free for mobile devices. The platform is charged for on a monthly or yearly subscription per technician. You can get a day free trial and test the Atera system before you sign up for a subscription.

You can use a Google Chrome browser as a remote desktop viewer. The device that is being accessed needs a program installed on it. This is the agent program. Once that is running you can allow access to anyone by giving them a PIN. The viewer is browser-based and accesses any device over the internet.

The system will work on any operating system that can open Google Chrome and there are also apps for Android and iOS devices. Communications over the internet are protected by HTTPS , which is the same security system that protects credit card information when you buy things on the web. Microsoft produces a remote desktop connection system that is free to use and grants access to computers running the Windows Professional , Windows Enterprise , or Windows Server operating systems.

You can access a remote machine from a mobile device as long as it runs Windows Mobile. It is also possible to use an Xbox One as either the remote device or the accessor. You can access up to ten devices with one Microsoft account through this program. A big advantage of this system is its easy integration into the operating system of your computer. There is no user profile restriction on the use of this software, so businesses can use it for free.

Remmina is an open-source project. Individuals and businesses are allowed to use this remote desktop system for free. There are services on this list that are only available for Windows. The console has a tabbed interface, so you can open connections to many remote computers at once.

As it is an open-source system, you can also download the code and adapt it to your own requirements. It is hard to go past Dameware and N-able Take Control as dedicated tools for achieving full control over a network full of remote workstations. The fastest remote desktop software can be hampered by poor connections or overloaded CPUs on the host or the agent device. Be careful when reading the sales copy on websites selling remote desktop software because nearly all of them claim to be the fastest in the industry.

In practice, sufficient speeds to provide almost instant response times can be achieved with any commercial remote desktop software. Our research reveals that the top five remote desktop tools for remote assistance are:. Any internet-connected application can create security weaknesses if it's not properly configured or kept up to date.

Apply all available protection measures, such as 2FA, and update the software whenever a patch becomes available to keep TeamViewer secure. A terminal emulator opens up a session on a remote server. This usually involves giving access to an authorized user on that remote server through an account that has already been allocated to that person. A terminal emulator also usually just gives access to the command prompt on the remote device.

A remote desktop system serves the desktop environment to the user. This diverts the image usually sent to a screen attached to the computer to the computer that runs the remote desktop controlling software.

However, it is also available for Macs. So, you can install this service on your Mac and remotely access a Windows computer. There are many remote desktop packages that run on Windows. Microsoft Remote Desktop is the obvious choice because it is already available within the operating system. However, probably the best system that you could opt for would be Dameware Remote Everywhere.

Terrible article mostly focused on free trials, which by definition is NOT free. Best part was a suggestion by one of the commenters not the author of this article. It is very sadly when the article lists only the well-known products. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Comparitech uses cookies. More info. Menu Close. We are reader supported and may receive a commission when you make purchases using the links on our site.

Need to remote access your work computer while telecommuting? Or log in to network devices to solve technical issues and deploy software? We show you the best free remote desktop software available. Stephen Cooper. This system is also available as on-premises software for installation on Windows and Windows Server.

Two options for business with a day free trial. TeamViewer A widely-used paid remote desktop system that is free to use for private individuals. Chrome Remote Desktop A straightforward, easy-to-access remote desktop system that runs through a Google Chrome browser. Microsoft Remote Desktop Free utility provided by Microsoft that enables remote desktop access to devices running Windows.

How does a remote desktop work? Remote desktop software has two components. The console and the agent. The best free remote desktop software This list of remote desktop software is a mixture of utilities for business and personal use. What should you look for in free remote desktop software? We reviewed the market for remote desktop software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria: The option to upgrade from a limited free version to a higher paid edition A tool that offers direct access to the remote operating system as well as the desktop The ability to manage connections to multiple devices simultaneously Options for sessions to be attended by the user or unattended A system that includes live channels to communicate with the user A system that offers team operations for use by support departments An easy to use technician console.

Pros: Available either on-premise or as a subscription SaaS, giving it more flexibility than competing products Accessible via browser, allowing for easy access to the dashboard Can support Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a solid option for networks with diverse operating systems No limit on the number of devices, allowing businesses to scale as they hire more technicians Can sort, filter, and group remote devices easily.

Cons: Would like to see a longer trial period. Cons: Would like to see a longer 30 day trial period. Pros: Offers a suite of tools designed for support technicians alongside the remote access features Offers both on-premise and cloud-based deployments Uses an easy to navigate interface to browse devices by client, network, or custom grouping Offers an ample trial period for testing Supports features such as Wake On Lan, live chat, and Take Control options.

Cons: While most features are easy to use, some of the more advanced features can take time to fully explore and learn. Pros: Cloud-based installation makes deployment simple with no need for on-premise onboarding Is a white-labeled product, ideal for MSPs Features automation tools that empower technicians to script solutions Can execute commands prior to remotely connecting Offers mobile report support for both iOS and Android.

Pros: Built with MSPs in mind, the product can be white-labeled and is designed for multi-tenant use Offers a built-in service queuing and ticketing system, making this a good option for newer helps desks looking for those features Pricing based per technician, not device Supports user surveys to help measure customer satisfaction Good fit for both small and large help desk teams.

Cons: Would benefit from a longer trial period. Pros: Incredibly easy to use Uses 2FA to initiate sessions Works well over limited bandwidth connections. Cons: Its popularity makes it a popular target for attackers Free version often terminates early and falsely detects commercial use Both versions of Teamviewer must be on the same version in order to start a connection. Pros: Built for MSPs and larger helpdesk teams Works to be an all-in-one solution for remote management Available as a lightweight cloud service, lowering startup costs for MSPs.

Cons: Popular vector of attack for hackers Misconfiguration could lead to compromised accounts Lacks basic support features like chat Only one session can be initiated at once, starting a remote session will kick out the other user. Cons: Interface is outdated and can slow down busier helpdesk teams No paid support option, reliant on the open-source community Not a great fit for businesses looking for all-in-one helpdesk solutions.

What is the fastest remote desktop software? What is the best VNC remote desktop software for remote assistance?