Software & Apps Apps 110 110 people found this article helpful AnyDesk 6.1.4 Free Remote Access Software Tool Review Access other computers remotely with no installation by Tim Fisher General Manager, VP, Lifewire.com Tim Fisher has 30+ years' professional technology support experience. He writes troubleshooting content and is the General Manager of Lifewire. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tim Fisher Updated on January 22, 2021 Apps Best Apps Payment Services Tweet Share Email AnyDesk is a free remote access program that supports unattended access, doesn't require installation, can transfer files, and works without having to forward ports on a router. The tabbed browsing experience and condensed, hidden menus make AnyDesk very easy to use. Download AnyDesk Lifewire / Grace Kim Read on for more on all the details about AnyDesk, what we think about the program, and a quick tutorial on how to use it. This review is of AnyDesk 6.1.4 for Windows, which was released on January 21, 2021. Please let us know if there's a newer version we need to review. More About AnyDesk AnyDesk works with Linux, macOS, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows server operating systems, as well as Android, iOS, FreeBSD, and Raspberry PiClipboard contents can be synced across the host and client computerAnyDesk run in portable mode by default but you can install it like a regular program if you likeDuring an active remote connection, various settings are easily accessible from the menu barAnyDesk can alter the connection to create the best possible video quality, speed, or balance between the twoOther settings are also customizable like showing the remote cursor, transmitting sound, disabling control for view-only, turning off clipboard syncing, blocking the other user's input, and taking a screenshotFiles can be transferred with AnyDesk by copying them to the clipboard and then pasting them to the remote computer, but there's also a separate file manager tool included that can be used apart from the remote access toolA remote computer can be restarted, even when AnyDesk is working in portable modeRemote printing is supported; print local files on the remote side and vice versaConnection shortcuts can be saved to the Desktop for quick accessControl can be switched between sides during a sessionYou can record the session to a video fileAll keyboard shortcuts can be sent to a remote computer, even Ctrl-Alt-DelThe user account image in Windows will display as your identification when requesting to connect to another computerA list of past connections display along the bottom of AnyDesk to make opening old connections really easyA system information tab shows information about the remote computerFrom the host's perspective, they can set up AnyDesk to disallow remote users from doing things like locking the keyboard and mouse, restarting the computer, using the file manager, requesting system information, hearing your computer sound, and more Pros & Cons There's plenty to like about this remote access program: Pros: Supports unattended accessUpdates are automaticClean and uncluttered interfaceSmall download sizeComputers can be identified by custom aliasesSupports file transfersAuto-discovers clients on local networksCan run in fullscreen modeIncludes text chat capabilitiesSupports sending keyboard shortcutsThe mobile app can connect to computersPortable option available Cons: Might be a little confusing to use at first How AnyDesk Works Similar to other remote desktop programs like Remote Utilities, AnyDesk uses an ID number to make establishing a connection easy. If you install it instead of just run it portably, you'll be given the option to make a custom alias (like @ad) to share with others, which is a lot easier to remember than a random string of numbers. When both the host and client computer are running AnyDesk, they can share the Remote Desk ID with the other and enter it in the "Remote Desk" part of the program to start the connection. The computer that's sharing their address will be the one the other computer will control. Set up a password in the settings to enable unattended access. You can also define the permissions remote users are given when they connect to you. Permissions allow them to view the monitor, hear the sound of the computer, control the keyboard and mouse, access the clipboard, and lock the user's keyboard and mouse input, among others. To install AnyDesk to your computer, open the portable program and choose Install AnyDesk on this computer. Thoughts on AnyDesk We really like AnyDesk and for a number of reasons. Unattended access is usually a desired feature for a remote desktop program but quick, on-demand access is oftentimes relevant, and AnyDesk makes it easy to do both. Some remote access software require changes to be made to the router, like port forwarding, but AnyDesk doesn't require this. This means that the program can be downloaded quickly and a connection started in just moments. We also like that there's a full file transfer utility built in to AnyDesk. Some remote access tools only support file transfers via copy/paste, but you get a much more intuitive tool in AnyDesk. Download AnyDesk Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit