AnyDesk — The Complete Guide: Fast Remote Control, and What the Free Version Allows
AnyDesk is a lightweight remote control program: you run or install it, share its number, and the other side connects after you approve. It stays quick even on a slow connection and runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Raspberry Pi.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk Software GmbH
Fast, lightweight remote control between computers and mobile devices, free for personal use only.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Fast connections — image quality adapts to the available bandwidth.
- File transfer — between the two computers during a session.
- Audio — sound from the remote computer.
- Run without installing — handy for one-off help.
- Many devices — computers, phones and Raspberry Pi.
What is free and what is not
The free version is allowed for personal, non-commercial use only: reaching your own private computer and helping family and friends. Any work-related use — connecting to an office computer, supporting clients or reaching a work device — needs a paid licence (Solo and up). Only the person who starts the session needs a licence.
Security tip
AnyDesk is a favourite tool of scammers. If someone calls in the name of your bank, your phone company or “Microsoft support” and asks you to install AnyDesk and read out the number — hang up. Never approve a connection from someone who contacted you, set a strong password and turn off unattended access when you do not need it.
Related tools
For an open-source alternative that is allowed for work too — RustDesk. For the long-standing tool with the same licensing model — TeamViewer. For free access with no paid tiers — Chrome Remote Desktop.
RustDesk
RustDesk (Purslane Ltd. and community)
Open-source remote desktop tool, an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk, with the option to run your own relay server.
Get it from the vendor
TeamViewer
TeamViewer SE
The best-known remote control and support tool, free for personal use only, with automatic detection of commercial use.
Get it from the vendor
Chrome Remote Desktop
Remote access to your own computers and one-off support for a colleague from the browser, free with no paid tiers.
Get it from the vendorZoho Assist
Zoho Corporation
Remote support and unattended access from the browser, with a free plan for one technician and five unattended computers.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
Excellent for helping family and reaching your home computer. For a work computer you need a licence, or an open-source alternative such as RustDesk.