Overview

Remote access tools let you control another computer over the internet. Used for remote work, tech support, and accessing files from anywhere. This guide covers secure setup and best practices.

Step 1: AnyDesk Setup (Recommended for Beginners)

AnyDesk is fast, secure, and free for personal use. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

1

Download and Install AnyDesk

Visit anydesk.com/en/downloads
Click "Download Now" for your operating system
Run installer (no registration required for basic use)
On Windows/Mac, grant necessary permissions when prompted
AnyDesk opens automatically after installation

2

Understanding Your AnyDesk Address

AnyDesk assigns unique 9-digit ID (e.g., 123 456 789)
This ID is displayed in main AnyDesk window under "This Desk"
Share this ID with people who need to connect to your computer
You'll need someone else's ID to connect to their computer

Pro Tip:

Set a custom alias (e.g., "johns-laptop") in Settings → Security → Alias for easier sharing instead of remembering 9 digits.

3

Allow Someone to Access Your Computer

Give your AnyDesk ID to trusted person
They enter your ID in their AnyDesk and click "Connect"
You'll see connection request popup on your screen
Click "Accept" to allow access
Choose permissions: View only or Full control
Session begins, they can see and control your screen

4

Connect to Another Computer

Get AnyDesk ID from person you want to connect to
Enter their ID in "Remote Desk" field
Click red "Connect" button
Wait for them to accept your request
Once connected, you can control their computer
Click "X" or "Disconnect" to end session

5

Set Unattended Access Password

For accessing your own computers without accepting each time:

Settings (three lines icon) → Security
Under "Unattended Access", click "Set password"
Create strong password
Enable "Allow unattended access"
Now you can connect to this computer anytime without manual acceptance

Security Warning:

Only set unattended access passwords on computers you own. Never give this password to anyone unless you completely trust them with full access to your computer.

6

File Transfer During Session

During active session, click folder icon in toolbar
Browse files on both computers
Drag and drop files between computers
Or right-click file → Download/Upload

Step 2: TeamViewer Alternative

TeamViewer is another popular option, similar to AnyDesk but with more business features.

1

Download and Install TeamViewer

Visit teamviewer.com/en/download
Download TeamViewer for personal use (free)
Install and open application
Accept licence agreement (personal/non-commercial use)

2

Your TeamViewer ID and Password

TeamViewer shows "Your ID" (e.g., 1 234 567 890)
Random password generated each session
Share both ID and password with person connecting to you
Password changes after each session for security

3

Connect to Partner

Get partner's ID and password
Enter ID in "Partner ID" field
Click "Connect to partner"
Enter password when prompted
Connection establishes automatically

4

Set Personal Password (Unattended Access)

Click "Set personal password" in main window
Create strong password
This password stays permanent (not random)
Use this to access your own computers remotely

Step 3: Windows Remote Desktop (RDP)

Built into Windows Pro, Education, and Enterprise. Not available on Windows Home edition.

1

Enable Remote Desktop on Host Computer

Settings → System → Remote Desktop
Toggle "Enable Remote Desktop" to ON
Note computer name shown (e.g., "DESKTOP-ABC123")
Click "Confirm" when prompted

Windows Home Edition:

Remote Desktop is not available on Windows Home. Use AnyDesk or TeamViewer instead, or upgrade to Windows Pro.

2

Find Your Computer's IP Address

Press Windows+R, type "cmd", press Enter
Type "ipconfig" and press Enter
Note "IPv4 Address" (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
This works on same local network only

3

Connect from Another Windows Computer

On client computer, search "Remote Desktop Connection"
Enter host computer name or IP address
Click "Connect"
Enter username and password of host computer
Click "Yes" to certificate warning
You're now controlling the remote computer

4

Access Over Internet (Advanced)

Requires router configuration (port forwarding):

Find public IP address at whatismyip.com
Access router settings (usually 192.168.1.1)
Set up port forwarding: External port 3389 to internal IP
Use public IP address to connect from outside network

Security Risk:

Exposing RDP to internet is a security risk. Use VPN or third-party tools (AnyDesk/TeamViewer) for safer remote access from outside networks.

Step 4: Security Best Practices

1

Never Share Access with Strangers

Scammers pose as tech support and request remote access
Real companies (Microsoft, Apple, banks) never call requesting remote access
Only accept connections from people you personally know and trust
End session immediately if anything seems suspicious

2

Use Strong Passwords

Unattended access passwords should be 12+ characters
Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Never reuse passwords from other accounts
Change passwords if you suspect compromise

3

Monitor Active Sessions

Always watch screen during remote sessions
You can see everything remote person does
Disconnect immediately if unexpected actions occur
Check session history in settings

4

Close Software When Not Needed

Exit AnyDesk/TeamViewer when not actively using
Prevents accidental connections
Right-click system tray icon → Exit
Reopen when needed for legitimate remote session

5

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

AnyDesk: Settings → Security → Two-Factor Authentication
TeamViewer: Account settings → Enable 2FA
Requires code from phone in addition to password
Significantly improves security

Business Use:

For commercial use, purchase licenses for AnyDesk or TeamViewer to access additional security features and avoid usage restrictions.