TeamViewer — The Complete Guide: The Best-Known Remote Control Tool, and the Limits of Free Use
TeamViewer is probably the best-known remote control program. You connect to another computer by ID and password or through an account, control it, transfer files and chat. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS and mobile devices, and there is also a browser web app.
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 vendorWhat you get
- Remote control — work on another computer as if you were sitting at it.
- File transfer — between the computers during a session.
- Chat — talk to the other side during support.
- Account and device list — quick access to your own computers.
- Mobile and browser — connect even without a computer.
What is free and what is not
The free version is for personal use only: connecting to your own private devices and helping family and friends. Use at work, within an organisation or for client support needs a commercial licence — even briefly checking your work computer from home. When the software suspects commercial use it limits connection time until you file a review request on the official form.
Security tip
Scammers phone in the name of a bank or software company and ask you to install TeamViewer “so they can help”. Never give an ID and password to someone who contacted you by phone, message or pop-up, turn on two-factor authentication for your account and switch off unattended access when you do not need it.
Related tools
For an open-source alternative that is allowed for work too — RustDesk. For a lightweight tool with a similar licensing model — AnyDesk. For remote support with a free plan that a small business may use — Zoho Assist.
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
AnyDesk
AnyDesk Software GmbH
Fast, lightweight remote control between computers and mobile devices, free for personal use only.
Get it from the vendor
Zoho 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 vendorChrome 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 vendorThe bottom line
Convenient and familiar for helping at home and in the family. In an office without a licence it will soon get in your way — better to pick a tool that allows commercial use.