Software & Apps Backup & Utilities 87 87 people found this article helpful TeamViewer Review A Full Review of TeamViewer, a Free Remote Access/Desktop Program 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 March 03, 2020 Backup & Utilities Design Cryptocurrency MS Office Windows Linux Google Drive Apps File Types Backup & Utilities View More Tweet Share Email TeamViewer is a free remote access program filled with features you don't normally find in similar products. It's very easy to use and works on pretty much any device. You can download and use TeamViewer on a Windows, Mac, Linux, or mobile device. Download TeamViewer Read on for more on all the details about TeamViewer, what I think about the program, and a quick tutorial on how it works. TeamViewer used to top our list of the best free remote access programs. However, many users have reported that the software, while free for personal use only, falsely identifies that they're using it for commercial use and demands payment. You might not have that experience, but if you do, please consider using a TeamViewer alternative like Remote Utilities or Chrome Remote Desktop. More About TeamViewer TeamViewer is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and 2000, as well as Windows Home Server, Windows Server 2012, 2008, 2003, and 2000It works on Mac and Linux operating systems, plus Android, Windows Phone, iOS, and BlackBerry mobile devicesIf you have an iOS device, you can share your screen with a remote TeamViewer user. Just install TeamViewer QuickSupport and then turn on screen recordingYou can remotely reboot a computer into Safe Mode and then automatically reconnect with TeamViewerNo router configurations are necessary to setup TeamViewerA remote installation of TeamViewer can be updated with easeRemote sessions can be recorded to a video file so you can easily review it laterTeamViewer can share a single application window or the entire desktop with another userFiles, images, text, folders, and screenshots can be transferred to and from two computers using either the file transfer tool in TeamViewer or the regular clipboard functionFiles can also be transferred through TeamViewerA whiteboard lets you draw and highlight objects on a remote screenA remote system information tool is included to easily see the basic hardware, OS, and network information of the computer you're connected toTeamViewer can be used as a portable program for quick access or installed to always accept remote connections Pros & Cons As is probably obvious, there's a lot to like about TeamViewer: Pros: Completely free to useSupports chat (text, video, and voice over IP)Remote printing is allowedSupports Wake-on-LAN (WOL)No port forwarding configurations are necessarySpontaneous supportWorks with multiple monitorsCan start and join meetingsPortable version is available so no install is requiredCan control a remote computer through the desktop program, a mobile device, or an Internet browser Cons: Can not be used for free in commercial settingsMight stop working if it thinks you're using it for commercial reasonsThe "permanent" ID number might change unexpectedly How TeamViewer Works TeamViewer has a couple different downloads you can use to access a remote computer, but they both work nearly the same. You would choose one over the other based on your needs. Each TeamViewer install will give out a unique ID number that's tied to that computer. It actually never changes even if you update or reinstall TeamViewer. It's this ID number you'll share with another TeamViewer user so they can access your computer. Although this ID number is supposed to never change, some users have reported that there's did, in fact, become an entirely new number randomly. If you plan on relying on TeamViewer as your only remote access program, you might consider installing another tool on the side just in case you have to find your ID number while away from your computer. The full version of TeamViewer is absolutely free and is the program you need to install if you wish to set up a computer for constant remote access so you can always make a connection when you're away from it, otherwise known as unattended access. You can log into your TeamViewer account so that you can easily keep track of the remote computers you have access to. For instant, spontaneous support, you can use TeamViewer QuickSupport. This version of TeamViewer is portable, so you can run it quickly and immediately capture the ID number so you can share it with someone else. If you're helping out a friend or family member, the easiest solution would be for them to install the QuickSupport program. When they launch it, they'll be shown an ID number and password that they must share with you. You can connect to the QuickSupport computer with either the full program or the QuickSupport version—they both allow remote connections to be established. So you can actually both install the portable version and still make a solid connection with each other, which would result in the quickest method of remote access for both parties. If you're looking to set up unattended access to connect to your own computer when away, you just need to setup an admin password in TeamViewer that never changes. Once that's completed, you just have to sign on to your account from a browser, mobile device, or computer with TeamViewer installed to make the connection. Thoughts on TeamViewer TeamViewer has been one of my favorite remote desktop programs for a while. The QuickSupport version is so simple and easy to use, it's always my first suggestion when providing remote support to anyone, and it's one of the only remote access programs that lets you remotely view the screen of an iPhone or iPad. The fact that TeamViewer doesn't require you to set up port forwards is a solid plus because most people won't want to go to the hassle to configure router changes to accept remote connections. On top of that, all that has to be shared is the ID and password that's clearly seen when you first open the program, so it's rather simple for everyone to use. If you're looking to always have access to your own computer from afar, TeamViewer doesn't fall short with this demand either. You can setup TeamViewer so you can always make a connection to it, which is wonderful if you need to exchange files or view a program on your computer when away from it. One thing I don't like all that much about TeamViewer is that the browser version is difficult to use. While it is possible to connect to another computer through a browser with TeamViewer, it's just not as effortless as it is with the desktop version. However, I can hardly complain because there is a desktop version available and it is easy to use. Something else about TeamViewer that seems to stop most people from using it (and why we don't recommend it above other remote access tools) is that it might suspect that you're using the program for commercial reasons even when you're not, and will thus stop working until you pay for it. The only other solution you have if that happens is to fill out this Personal Use Verification form. As mentioned above, another odd glitch in this program is that it might one day change your ID number, making it impossible to access your computer remotely unless you know the updated number. This is probably a rare occurrence, but one you should be aware of. Download TeamViewer 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