Remote Desktop Software Download: Access Any PC

These tools stream the screen of a 'host' machine to a 'client' device and send your mouse and keyboard input back. Some use the standard RDP protocol (built into Windows Pro), while others use their own peer-to-peer or relayed connections that work through firewalls without manual configuration.

• RDP: native to Windows Pro, fast on local networks.
• Relayed P2P tools: easy setup across the internet, no port forwarding.
• Use cases: remote work, IT support, server administration, file access.

Windows has its own Remote Desktop feature, and for many people it is the only tool they need. Microsoft's Remote Desktop guide sets out the key limit: the PC you connect to must run a Pro edition of Windows, while the device you connect from can run any edition, including Home, or a different operating system.

• Turn it on: on the remote PC, open Settings, System, Remote Desktop, switch Remote Desktop on and note the PC name.
• Connect from Windows: search the taskbar for Remote Desktop Connection, enter the PC name and sign in.
• Connect from other devices: Microsoft now points users to Windows App, available for Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android and web browsers. Microsoft's documentation describes Windows App as the replacement for the older Remote Desktop client.

Built-in Remote Desktop is designed for local networks and managed setups. Exposing it directly to the internet by opening ports on your router is risky; for access from outside your home, a VPN set up by your network administrator or one of the relayed tools below is safer.

If you need to reach a Windows Home PC, help a relative, or connect across the internet without touching router settings, use a tool that relays the connection:

• Chrome Remote Desktop: Google's free service runs through the Chrome browser and connects from a computer or an Android or iOS device. Google says it is built on WebRTC and uses its own infrastructure. It suits personal access and quick help sessions.
• RustDesk: an open-source tool for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android that you can use with its public servers or with your own self-hosted server. RustDesk states that rustdesk.com is its only official domain, so ignore downloads offered on other sites.
• TeamViewer and AnyDesk: polished commercial tools with free personal plans, popular for IT support.

Whichever you choose, install it on both machines from the official site, and remove it from computers that no longer need remote access. If you mainly need a separate computer to test software, a local virtual machine may suit you better; see our virtual machine software guide and VirtualBox vs VMware comparison.

Remote desktop tools are legitimate, but scammers use them constantly. Stop and hang up if any of these happen:

• Someone calls, texts or shows a pop-up claiming your PC is infected and asks you to install a remote tool.
• A "refund" or "bank" agent asks you to log into online banking while they are connected.
• You are told to read out a one-time code or session ID to a person you did not contact first.
• A website asks you to download a remote tool from a domain that is not the vendor's own.

If you already let a stranger connect, disconnect from the internet, uninstall the remote tool, run a full scan with your antivirus software or a second-opinion malware removal tool, and change important passwords from a different, clean device. Genuine vendors never cold-call to offer remote support.

Remote access is powerful, which makes it a target. Always enable encryption, use strong unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication where offered. Never share a connection ID and password with an unsolicited 'support' caller, a common scam. Grant access only to people and devices you trust, and review session logs.

Many tools, including TeamViewer and AnyDesk, offer free use for personal, non-commercial purposes and require a paid licence for business use. Licence terms change, so read the current terms on the vendor's own site before relying on a free plan for work. Open-source options like RustDesk can be self-hosted, and its developer also sells a paid server edition with extra management features. Chrome Remote Desktop is free and simple but more limited. Choose based on whether you need commercial rights, self-hosting or advanced admin features.

For smooth control, a stable connection matters more than raw speed. Most modern tools handle multiple monitors, clipboard sharing and file transfer. If you do graphics-heavy work remotely, look for hardware-accelerated codecs and adjust quality settings to balance sharpness against responsiveness.

Download clients only from the official vendor domains listed below. Fake remote desktop downloads are frequently used to install spyware. Verify the publisher's digital signature on the installer, keep the software updated, and uninstall any remote tool you no longer use.