Remote access is useful for many things, for example, if you want to help someone who lives miles away, or if you want to take control of your PC when you are far away from it. But what does remote access actually mean?
Well, it means that what you are thinking; controlling someone else’s PC with your keyboard and mouse just like it’s your PC over the internet. Sounds amazing? It surely does, and it is amazing when you do it in practice. You can remotely control the computer(s) by installing a corresponding software that will allow you to do so, and in today’s article, I’ll introduce you to 10 of the best Remote Access tools.
Best Remote Access Software
This software will let you easily gain access to your partner’s computer over a secure connection. Most of them work based on a username password model. But few are different. So, you do not have to worry about someone else accessing your data without your permission. Such remote access will provide all the features of a PC over the internet connection. Nothing will be cut down or you are not limited to any features including the sound, it’s drivers, etc. So, here is the best remote access software.
1. TeamViewer
Team Viewer is the best remote access software, hands down. It’s easy to install, doesn’t require any firewall or router configuration and it’s very simple to use. So how to connect to the computer using TeamViewer? Well, you need to have TeamViewer installed on both PC and get PIN and IP Address from the PC you want to connect to. Type those data into blank spaces in TeamViewer and you are connected. TeamViewer is available for Mac and Linux, aside from Windows, which results in better compatibility and reliability.
2. AeroAdmin
Being the second place on the list, AeroAdmin works very similar to TeamViewer, and it’s very easy to install and configure. On the left side of the app, you have your IP address and ID that you can share with the person you want to take control of your PC and vice versa. However, the only requirement here is that both client and host PC have the SAME version of AeroAdmin, so the connection can be provided. Upon connection, you have a full access to the PC, meaning that you can control it, transfer files, sharing clipboard and much more.
3. Windows Remote Desktop
Did you know that Windows Remote Desktop comes with your Windows operating system? Well, yes, you can use this program also, but it’s a little more complicated than the previous two. You must open System Properties tab, then allow remote connections in a Remote tab, then set up your router for port forwarding. This will allow other PCs to connect to your PC from outside the network. Or you can do it on the PC you want to connect to. Windows Remote Desktop is available for Windows versions beginning with XP all the way to 10.
4. Remote Utilities
Remote Utilities is a free remote access software, with great features. The app works by pairing the two PCs with “Internet ID” as they call it, and it allows you to control up to ten computers, which is amazing! The ease of use is also amazing, as you just need to install this app on your host PC, and the client PC needs to install the program called Viewer, to connect the host and the software. But, that’s just it; no router changes, no port forwarding, and no complicated settings. Just get your ID and IP address, and you can control everything from task manager and file launcher to power control for rebooting and file transfer.
5. RemotePC
Unlike Remote Utilities which offer tons of connections, RemotePC is a simplified version and allows for just a single connection, which I’m sure is enough for a majority of users. RemotePC is available for Windows and Mac users, and the only thing you’ll need here is this app, ID and IP Address and you’re good to go. You can then access multiple monitors, text chat, file transfers and even get the sound from the PC that’s controlled, which is amazing from my experience.
6. UltraVNC
UltraVNC boasts a similar workflow to Remote Utilities, so you install server and the viewer on your PC and the PC you want to control, and viewer controls the server. Fortunately, UltraVNC has both server and viewer integrated, so no need to download anything separately. Just choose to install both when prompted. UltraVNC offers great remote access features, but the only downside is the need for configuring port forwarding on your router, so minus goes to ease of use.
7. Chrome Remote Desktop
Did you know that you can control the PC from your browser? That’s right. If you are a Chrome user, you can take advantage of Chrome Remote Desktop. If you want to control the other PC, log in your Google account, and create a custom PIN. On the other PC, do the same, with the same credentials, and boom! You’ve set it up. However, Chrome Remote Desktop doesn’t allow advanced features, but just simple copy/paste of files and basic sharing. By using Chrome Remote Desktop, you can even see if somebody is controlling your PC from another Chrome browser, so it’s great for overall security.
8. Seecren
Who would imagine that this 500KB executable could be so powerful? Seecren is another simple app for remote access, where you create your account, sign in, and add the other users via their email. This way you can choose the account (computer) you want to control, and to all the advanced stuff with it. However, the remote control must be initiated by the client here, which is great, as you can allow or forbid controlling of your PC easily.
9. Lite Manager
Lite Manager expands where Remote Utilities stopped, adding up to 30 slots for remote access! Then, the connection can be established in many ways; whether it’s ID, computer name, IP address it’s all up to you. The client also needs to install the app, and there are zero settings here. Just provide the ID and pass to the one who needs to control the computer and vice versa, and you’re pretty much done. Lite Manager also has the advanced features that will let you control multiple monitors, task manager, capture sound, edit registry, etc.
10. ShowMyPC
ShowMyPC is a small, portable and free app for remote access. It works very simple and doesn’t even need to install, as it’s portable. Just click on Show My PC to get your ID and share it with the others to control your PC. The same applies if you want to control the other computer, but there are several drawbacks in terms of features. For example, you can only send a limited number of keyboard shortcuts to the host computer, and there aren’t some of the advanced features.