AnyDesk 3.4.1 Free Remote Access Software Tool Review

AnyDesk is a free remote access program that supports unattended access, doesn't require installation, can transfer files, and works without having to configure a router.

The tabbed browsing experience and condensed, hidden menus make AnyDesk very easy to use.

Download AnyDesk
[Anydesk.com | Download & Install Tips]

Note: If you aren't seeing the download link for your specific operating system, see the AnyDesk Platforms download page.

Read on for more on all the details about AnyDesk, what I think about the program, and a quick tutorial on how to use it.

Note: This review is of AnyDesk 3.4.1 for Windows, which was released on July 13, 2017. Please let me know if there's a newer version I need to review.

More About AnyDesk

• AnyDesk works with Linux, macOS, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows XP operating systems
• Clipboard contents can be synced across the host and client computer
• AnyDesk run in portable mode by default but you can install it like a regular program if you like
• During an active remote connection, various settings are easily accessible from the menu bar
• AnyDesk can alter the connection to create the best possible video quality, speed, or balance between the two
• Other 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 screenshot

• Files can be transferred with AnyDesk by copying them to the clipboard and then pasting them to the remote computer
• Connection shortcuts can be saved to the Desktop for quick access
• Control can be switched between sides during a session
• All keyboard shortcuts can be sent to a remote computer, even Ctrl-Alt-Del

• The user account image in Windows will display as your identification when requesting to connect to another computer
• A list of past connections display along the bottom of AnyDesk to make opening old connections really easy
• A system information tab shows information about the remote computer

Pros & Cons

There's plenty to like about this remote access program:

Pros:

• Supports unattended access
• Clean and uncluttered interface
• Small download size (just over 1 MB)
• Connection IDs are easy to remember
• Supports file transfers
• Can run in fullscreen mode
• Includes text chat capabilities
• Supports sending keyboard shortcuts
• Portable option available

Cons:

• Might be a little confusing to use at first

How AnyDesk Works

Similar to other remote desktop programs, like TeamViewer and Remote Utilities, AnyDesk uses an ID number to make establishing a connection easy. If you install AnyDesk instead of just run it portably, you'll be given an AnyDesk-ID, which is created automatically and based on the name of the computer (like myPC@ad) instead of on numbers.

When both the host and client computer are running AnyDesk, they can share the AnyDesk-Address 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.

To install AnyDesk to your computer, open the portable program and click "Install AnyDesk on this computer..." from the "New Connection" tab.

My Thoughts on AnyDesk

I really like AnyDesk and for a number of reasons.

Unattended access is usually a desired feature for a remote desktop program but I also think 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.

The file transfer ability in AnyDesk is unlike most other remote access software in that you must copy the files to the clipboard and then paste them onto the remote computer's screen to make the transfer. Because there isn't a dedicated file transfer window, you can't view the progress or pause/cancel the transmission.

Download AnyDesk
Download & Install Tips]