This post primarily introduces four free Remote Desktop alternatives and analyzes the pros and cons of each. Choose the one that suits you the most.
Microsoft Remote Desktop is a software application that allows users to remotely access and control a Windows-based computer or server from another device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. It enables users to work on their computer from a different location, accessing files, applications, and resources as if they were physically present at the remote machine.
Remote Desktop empowers users to:
While Remote Desktop boasts numerous advantages, such as bandwidth reduction, smart card authentication, and robust encryption, it's crucial to consider its drawbacks. Here's why exploring alternatives to Microsoft RDP is essential:
Limited Administrative Access: Acquiring RDP access without administrative privileges presents challenges. The ideal solution involves setting up a Remote Desktop Protocol server or requesting specific software installation from the provider.
Complex Setup Process: Setting up RDP can be daunting, especially for extending its usage beyond a local network, such as in remote work scenarios. Its lack of scalability adds to the complexity.
Absence of Multi-Monitor Support: Unlike platforms like TeamViewer, RDP cannot utilize multiple screens within the terminal server environment, hindering seamless display switching.
Impaired Multimedia Performance: RDP is optimized for text and image transmission, making it less suitable for tasks requiring advanced graphic capabilities like 3D rendering or video editing. Basic audio and video playback may suffer from performance issues, affecting the user experience.
Compatibility Limitations: RDP functionality is limited to specific Windows editions like Pro, Business, and Ultimate, excluding Windows Home editions from accepting remote desktop connections.
Single User Restriction: By default, RDP restricts access to a single user for a remote desktop session, posing challenges for collaborative scenarios or accommodating multiple users.
As the pioneer in remote desktop software, Remote Desktop has faced growing competition from several emerging competitors in recent years. Here are the top four Windows Remote Desktop alternatives that you can choose from.
AnyViewer is a free Windows remote desktop software that provides secure remote access and remote support for almost all Windows versions, including Windows Home and Windows Standard editions. Besides, it is easy to use. Once both computers are logged into the same AnyViewer account, the user can start unattended remote access from one device to another with one click.
Besides, AnyViewer also supports iOS and Android for free. You can remotely access a computer from an iPhone or an Android phone without paying.
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Let’s see how to remotely access another computer without permission via AnyViewer, one of the best Windows remote desktop alternatives free.
Step 1. Install and run AnyViewer on both of your computers. Navigate to Log in and then Sign up on the Controller computer (if you have already registered on the official website, you can log in directly).
Step 2. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.
Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices. On the Controller computer, you can click One-click control to achieve a direct connection to the remote computer, or click File transfer to share files between computers.
Chrome Remote Desktop is a remote control software developed by Google. It is widely compatible with different operating systems, like macOS, OS X, Chrome OS, Windows, and Linux. It only requires you to have Google Chrome installed on both computers and have a Google account, you can add Chrome Remote Desktop as an extension and start remote connection via it.
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Step 1. On both computers, sign in to the same Google Account if you are not logged in. Then, open the Chrome Remote Desktop web page.
Step 2. Click Remote Access first and then click the blue download button.
Step 3. Click on Add to Chrome to add the Chrome Remote Desktop in your Chrome browser.
Step 4. Click Add extension to confirm the download.
Step 5. Click Accept & Install.
Step 6. Enter a name for your computer and then click Next.
Step 7. Choose a PIN with at least 6 numbers, and then enter it twice to start the program.
Step 8. After both computers have successfully created their PINs, you can see the available computers here on the client computer. Click the computer you want to connect to.
Step 9. Enter the PIN of the host computer, then click the blue arrow. Then you can start to control it.
Jump Desktop is made to function flawlessly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android-based devices. While it is paid for Mac, iOS, and Android, it is free for Windows computers. So if you use a Windows system and need to connect to a Windows computer, you can choose Jump Desktop.
But Jump Desktop for Mac, iOS, and Android charge differently, and the payments don’t share. That means if you need to connect to a Mac from an iOS device, you need to purchase it twice. This is not very friendly for multi-device users.
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Step 1. Download Jump Desktop Connect from its official site on your device, and install and open it.
Step 2. Click the Add a remote access user link and sign into your Jump Desktop account.
Step 3. When you're done, Jump Desktop Connect will list you as a remote access user.
Step 4. Download the Jump Desktop app on another device. Launch the app and sign into the same Jump Desktop account you used when setting up your computer. Then tap your computer's icon to connect.
TeamViewer is another application that can be used for remote control. It has a free version for private use. But if you use it for commercial purposes, you need to buy a paid license.
We should note you that situations like a customer paying you for providing support and accessing a company computer for work-related activities will be detected by TeamViewer for a commercial purpose. It will block your connection after a few minutes. Therefore, if you need to work from home, TeamViewer may not be the best choice.
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Download and install TeamViewer on the client and host computers respectively. Launch it and then follow the step below.
Step 1. Select the purpose (commercial or personal) for downloading this software during installation. Here, take the free version of individual users as an example.
Step 2. Run TeamViewer on both computers. Select Login in the main interface. You need to create your own TeamViewer account for the first time. Click Next to complete account registration (you also need to verify the account before use).
Step 3. Click Remote Control on the left side of the TeamViewer main interface on the client computer, enter the ID of the host computer under Partner ID, and click Connect.
Step 4. Enter the password of the host computer in the TeamViewer Authenticationwindow to realize the remote control.
In summary, Microsoft Remote Desktop lets you control a Windows computer from afar. But it has some limits, like needing special access and being tricky to set up. That's why it's smart to look at Remote Desktop alternatives. The four we talked about—AnyViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Jump Desktop, and TeamViewer—all have their perks. They make it easy to work on computers from anywhere. Pick the one that fits your needs best, and enjoy hassle-free remote access!
