6 Best Free Remote Access Software for Windows 10/11 [2024]
Among many remote access apps, we pick up the 6 best remote desktop apps for Windows 10/11 users with brief introductions. Keep reading to find your best Microsoft remote access tools.
By Annie / Updated on December 13, 2024
Any recommendation on remote access software for Windows 10?
I need to work from home for a long time. A large amount of necessary data is saved on the office computer. Is there any recommendation on software to access my office PC easily? It is installed with Windows 10. Thanks a lot!”
What is remote access software?
Remote access software allows users to connect to and control a computer or network remotely, usually over the Internet. It enables users to access files, applications, and data from a different location as if they were physically present at the computer. Remote access app facilitates collaboration, technical support, and troubleshooting for individuals and businesses. Therefore, here we list the 6 top remote desktop software for you to choose from.
Top 6 best remote access software for Windows 10/11
Windows 10 and 11 have become the most common operating systems and are widely used by office company computers. You are not always sitting in front of a Windows computer. What to do if you need to use documents/apps or view what is happening on a remote Windows 10/11 computer from a far location for remote work? Windows remote access software, also called remote desktop/remote control software, empowers you to access a remote desktop and control a computer without space limit. Let’s check out the best 6 remote access software for Windows 10/11. All of them support unattended remote access and file transfer.
1. AnyViewer
The first remote control software for Windows 10/11 that was introduced is AnyViewer. It has an intuitive interface that navigates you to easily complete Windows computer remote access even if you are non-tech savvy. It is also compatible with Windows 8.1/8 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2.
✔ Why choose AnyViewer?
- Quick download and installation: It's quick and easy to install and set up. The whole process from downloading to installation can take only tens of seconds.
- High-security: It uses a strong ECC algorithm for end-to-end encryption, preventing data leakage when using the remote access app.
- Flexible connection methods: AnyViewer is built with rich connection methods: one-click control, security code, and control requests for different cases.
- Free version: AnyViewer releases a Free version for personal and business use, which is powerful enough for general Windows computer remote access.
- Mobile device support: AnyViewer has published apps for iOS and Android. Thus, you can access a remote Windows computer with mobile devices from anywhere.
Main features of AnyViewer
- Fast file transfer
- Multi-monitor switch support
- Chat in session
- Resolution adjustment
- Hide wallpaper
- Remote power management
- CMD,Ctrl+Alt+End, Task Manager shortcuts
- Automatic updates
- Access in privacy mode
✖ AnyViewer drawbacks
- Remote audio isn't supported.
- Remote print is unavailable.
- Mac/Linux to a Windows computer isn't supported.
◆ AnyViewer pricing
| Free Version | AnyViewer Professional | AnyViewer Enterprise | |
| Monthly | $0.00 | $9.90 | $29.90 |
| Yearly | $49.95 |
$199.00 |
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| Differences | 2 devices can start sessions simultaneously | 2 devices can start sessions simultaneously | 10 devices can start sessions simultaneously |
| 1 computer can control 2 computers at the same time | 1 computer can control 5 computers at the same time | One computer can control 10 computers at the same time | |
| Assign 3 devices for one-click control | Assign 10 devices for one-click control | Assign 100 devices for one-click control | |
| Business Hour Support | 24/7/365 Support | 24/7/365 Priority Support | |
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2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is the most known remote desktop, remote control, and remote support software with a user-friendly interface and wide compatibility; it works not only on the Windows platform but also for Linux and Mac.
✔ Why choose TeamViewer?
- Free version available: TeamViewer offers a free version with multiple features for personal use.
- Optional installation type: When installing TeamViewer, you can choose among three options for different purposes.
- Greate security: TeamViewer two-factor authentication offers an additional layer of security on TeamViewer accounts.
- Comprehensive features: TeamViewer has many features and can almost do everything you need.
Main features of TeamViewer
- Seamless file transfer
- Multi-monitor support
- Real-time communication
- Session recording
- Remote audio
- Remote printing
- Wake on Lan
- Black screen & block remote input
✖ TeamViewer drawbacks
- Sometimes, your activity will be falsely detected as commercial use.
- Licenses for business use are expensive to some degree.
◆ TeamViewer pricing
| Free Version | TeamViewer Remote Access | TeamViewer Business | TeamViewer Premium | TeamViewer Corporate | |
| Yearly | $0.00 |
$34.90 per month, billed $418.80 per year 1 licensed user |
$50.90 per month, billed $418.80 per year 1 licensed user |
$102.90 per month, billed $1234.80 per year 15 licensed user |
$206.90 per month, billed $2482.80 per year 30 licensed user |
| Differences | No information on the website |
1 user/device can start sessions | 1 user/device can start sessions | 1 user/device can start sessions | 3 users/devices can start sessions |
| 1 computer can control 3 computers at the same time | 1 computer can control 3 computers at the same time | 1 computer can control 5 computers at the same time | 1 computer can control 15 computers at the same time | ||
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3. Zoho Assist
Zoho Assist is web-based remote access and support software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. And it releases a Free version. With an intuitive and simple interface, it allows you to initiate secure remote sessions to troubleshoot computers easily.
✔ Why choose Zoho Assist?
- Access without installation: Log into your Zoho Assist account, and you can request a session without installation.
- Flexible plans: Zoho Assist offers multiple plans for you to choose from.
- Advanced features offered: Session recording, annotation, and diagnostic tools are offered.
Main features of Zoho Assist
- File transfer
- Schedule sessions
- Multi-monitor support
- Live chat
- Screen sharing
- Remote print
- Wake on LAN
- UAC Compatibility
- Session Transfer
- Remote screen blanking
✖ Zoho Assist drawbacks
- Too many features are limited in the Free version.
- Dpends on a good internet condtin.
◆ Zoho Assist pricing
| Free Version |
Zoho Assist Remote Support |
Zoho Assist Remote Support | ||||
| Standard | Professional | Enterprise | Standard | Professional | ||
| Monthly | $0.00 | $12 .00 | $18.00 | $28.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 |
| Yearly | $120.00 | $180.00 | $288.00 | $120.00 | $180.00 | |
| Differences |
✕ Voice chat ✕ Remote screen blanking ✕ File transfer ✕ Remote print ✕ Reboot and reconnect ✕ Session transfer ✕ Screen capture ✕ Schedule sessions ✕ Swap screen ✕ Session notes ✕ Annotation ✕ Remote print ✕ session recording ✕ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✕ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
✓ Voice chat ✓ Remote screen blanking ✓ File transfer ✓ Remote print ✓ Reboot and reconnect ✓Session transfer ✓ Screen capture ✓ Schedule sessions ✓ Swap screen ✓ Session notes ✓ Annotation ✓ Remote print ✓ session recording ✕ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✕ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
✓Voice chat ✓Remote screen blanking ✓File transfer ✓Remote print ✓Reboot and reconnect ✓Session transfer ✓Screen capture ✓Schedule sessions ✓Swap screen ✓Session notes ✓Annotation ✓Remote print ✓session recording ✕ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✕ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
✓Voice chat ✓Remote screen blanking ✓File transfer ✓Remote print ✓Reboot and reconnect ✓Session transfer ✓Screen capture ✓Schedule sessions ✓Swap screen ✓Session notes ✓Annotation ✓Remote print ✓session recording ✕ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✕ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
✓Voice chat ✓Remote screen blanking ✓File transfer ✓Remote print ✓Reboot and reconnect ✓Session transfer ✓Screen capture ✓Schedule sessions ✓Swap screen ✓Session notes ✓Annotation ✓Remote print ✓session recording ✓ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✕ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
✓Voice chat ✓Remote screen blanking ✓File transfer ✓Remote print ✓Reboot and reconnect ✓Session transfer ✓Screen capture ✓Schedule sessions ✓Swap screen ✓Session notes ✓Annotation ✓Remote print ✓session recording ✓ Bulk Deployment via Start-up script and Native tool ✓ Bulk Deployment via Distributor |
4. RemotePC
RemotePC is an inexpensive and secure remote access software for multiple devices including Windows 10 and 11 computers. It is easy to understand and use for PC remote control even if you are unfamiliar with computer knowledge.
✔ Why choose RemotePC?
- Affordable price: The price of RemotePC isn't high and is affordable.
- Flexible plans: Currently, RemotePC offers five different plans to choose from
- Easy operation: You can install and use RemotePC to control PCs without effort.
Main features of RemotePC
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File Transfer
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Text chat
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Remote printing
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Remote sound
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Wake-on-Lan
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Session recording
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Multiple monitor support
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Blank the remote screen
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Computer grouping
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Deployment
✖ RemotePC drawbacks
- No free version
- Drag-and-drop file transfer isn't available
◆ RemotePC pricing
| Consumer | Consumer | SOHO | Team | Enterprise | |
| Price |
$18.38First Year |
$37.12 First Year |
$59.62 First Year |
$224.62 First Year |
$449.62 First Year |
| Differences |
One user license Access 1 computer |
One user license Access 2 computer |
Unlimited user licenses Access 10 computers |
Unlimited user licenses Access 50 computers |
Unlimited user licenses Access 100 computers |
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5. Chrome Remote Desktop
If the Windows 11/10 computer and your local device (the device where you start remote access to the remote Windows computer) have installed Chrome browser, you can have a look at one of the best remote desktop apps, Chrome Remote Desktop. It can work with all platforms that can be installed with the Chrome browser. You can use it to control not only a Windows computer but also a Mac / Linux computer.
✔ Why choose Chrome Remote Desktop?
- 100% free: Chrome Remote Desktop is always free.
- Cross-platform: Remote connection between different platforms is available.
- Two connection methods: PIN for permanent access and code for one-time access.
Main features of Chrome Remote Desktop
- Transfer files via uploading and downloading
- Remote audio
- Resolution change in session
- Ctrl+Alt+Del, PrintScreen, and F11 shortcuts
✖ Chrome Remote Desktop drawbacks
- Remote print isn't supported.
- Chat in session isn't available.
- A Google account is necessary.
◆ Chrome Remote Desktop pricing
- Free
6. Microsoft Remote Desktop
Windows built-in Remote Desktop app for Windows 10/11 is also recommended, enabling a computer to be accessed remotely with a Remote Desktop Client app, like Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC). It works perfectly with Windows 10/11 Professional and Enterprise over LAN.
✔ Why choose Microsoft Remote Desktop?
- Without downloading: It comes with a Windows computer, and you don't need to waste time downloading a remote access app for Windows.
- Completely free: You don't need to pay for it if you are a Windows 11/10 Professional or Enterprise user.
- Easy file transfer: copy and paste is available in an RDP session, which is very convenient to transfer files between the remote and local machine.
Main features of Microsoft Remote Desktop
- Copy and paste
- Drag-and-drop file transfer
- Remote audio
- Remote print
- Drive redirection
✖ Microsoft Remote Desktop drawbacks
- Router configuration is necessary when you access the office PC from an outside work
- The remote computer is locked when it is controlled, and you can't share the same screen with your friend/client.
- No chat function; you need to communicate with the one on the other end using another app/device.
◆ Microsoft Remote Desktop pricing
- Free
How to remote access Windows 10/11 via AnyViewer [3 simple steps]
Among the above 6 apps, the most recommended remote desktop software for Windows 10/11 is AnyViwer. Now, let's see how to use AnyViewer to access the remote desktop from Windows 11/10.
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your and the remote computers. Then sign up for an AnyViewer account and log in to this account on the two computers. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically.
Step 2. On the client computer page, go to Device, click the Windows 10 PC that you need to control, and click One-click control to achieve unattended access with one click.
Step 3. Then, the desktop of the host computer will show up on the client computer. Many operations like Ctrl+ Alt + Delete, Lock, Restart, etc., can be completed on the remote PC during the remote session.
Conclusion
This post has demonstrated the 6 best remote access software for Windows 10/11. For the one who is seeking free, secure, and stable remote desktop software for Windows, AnyVeiwer is a perfect choice. For the one who wants to also needs to occasionally access Linux or Mac computers, TeamViewer, Zoho Assist, or RemotePC can be chosen. For the one who doesn't want to download a third-party tool and access a Windows computer under the same LAN, Windows Remote Desktop will be a nice choice. For the one who wants to access a Windows 10 Home computer that has a Chrome browser, Chrome Remote Desktop is worth trying.
FAQs about Windows remote access software
How does remote access software work on Windows?
Remote access software Windows 10/11 works by installing a client application on the user's Windows computer and a corresponding server application on the target computer. The client connects to the server over the internet, establishing a secure connection that allows the user to control the remote computer.
Is remote access software secure for Windows?
Remote access software can be secure if used properly. It typically employs encryption protocols to secure data transmission over the internet. However, users should ensure they use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication if available, and keep the software updated to mitigate security risks.
Are there any limitations or considerations when using remote access software on Windows?
Users should consider factors such as internet connection stability, system performance, and security when using remote access software Windows 10. Additionally, some software options may have limitations on the number of simultaneous connections or features available in free versions.
