How to Remotely Access Desktop from Laptop: 2 Easy Ways
Learn 2 simple ways to access a desktop from a laptop, from one-click AnyViewer remote access to built-in methods like Windows RDP.
By Ricardo / Updated on June 26, 2025
How to access my desktop from my laptop?
Currently, I need to work from laptop anywhere for several days. The problem is that some apps and files that are necessary for my work are stored on my office desktop, and I don't want to install these apps on my laptop. Are there any apps that allow me to remote access desktop from laptop? The office PC is running Windows 10 Pro, and my laptop PC is running Windows 11. "
- Question from Quora
2 quick ways to remotely access desktop from laptop for free
Compared with a desktop PC, a laptop PC is lighter and portable. Thus, you can use a laptop as a tool to access your desktop during a trip or at home. All you need is a reliable remote desktop program for laptop-to-desktop remote access. Keep reading and learn how to complete the operation.
Way 1. Remote access desktop from laptop over the Internet with AnyViewer
The first way to control desktop from laptop is to use professional remote desktop software, AnyViewer. It enables you to remotely access a desktop computer from a laptop without port forwarding, even when the two devices are located on different networks. Whether the desktop that you want to access is running Windows 11 Home or Windows 8, AnyViewr can work smoothly.
▶ Easy to set up. You don't need to figure out the IP address of the host computer, and you don't need to perform port forwarding even if the two computers are on different networks.
▶ Secure: The whole remote connection via AnyViewer is secured by 256-bit ECC encryption, which is very strong.
▶ Flexible: It offers three connection methods: one-click control, security code, and remote request, satisfying different demands.
▶ Built with File Transfer: It features File Transfer, enabling you to transfer files easily between two connected computers.
▶ Live chat is supported: Once a remote session is established over AnyViewer, you can chat with the one on other end.
▶ Cross-platform compatibility: AnyViewer supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android for cross-device remote control.
Now, free download AnyViewer, install and keep it running on the desktop and the laptop. Then see how to use it to control desktop with laptop.
Importance: If you need to access a desktop remotely from an iPhone/iPad or Android device rather than a laptop, you can use AnyViewer mobile edition.
Step 1. On the desktop PC that you want to control from your laptop, click "Log in" and click "Sign up" to create an AnyViewer account.
Step 2. Make sure that you have logged into the same AnyViewer account on the desktop and the laptop PC.
Step 3. On your laptop, go to "Device" and locate the desktop that you want to access. Click it and click "One-click control".
- To connect in privacy mode, you can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise for assigning more devices for secure one-click remote access, high-quality images, etc. are available.
- This way is for regularly accessing your unattended remote computer; if you don't plan to access your computer often, you can log into an AnyViewer account only on the computer where you start the remote session and access the remote PC via security code.
- To offer one-time remote support to your clients or friends, you can choose to send a remote control request, and the other end needs to accept your request.
Way 2. How to remote into my desktop from my laptop over LAN using Windows RDP
Windows allows you to connect to remote computer through its Remote Desktop Connection. Once Remote Desktop has been enabled on the remote computer, you can access it from your laptop with Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) over LAN.
Notes:
- If the desktop and the laptop aren't within the same network, you need to perform port forwarding or set up a VPN to establish a remote connection via RDC.
- To only access some specified folders on a desktop or laptop within the LAN, you can set the folders as shared folders.
Step 1. Press "Windows" +"R", input "mstsc" and press the "Enter" key to open RDC on Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 laptop.
Step 2. In the "Remote Desktop Connection" window, input the IP address of the remote desktop and click "Connect".
Step 3. Type in the user name and the password of the account of the remote computer and click "OK". After a while, you can connect to the desktop from a laptop in a success.
Conclusion
If you want to access desktop from laptop on a different network securely and easily, you can use AnyViewer. If you need to access a desktop with Remote Desktop enabled from a laptop in the same network, it's easy to use Remote Desktop Connection, which doesn't require you to download a third-party app.
In addition, AnyViewer is the standout choice due to its secure, one-click, and cross-network capabilities. It works seamlessly across all Windows versions (even Home editions) without the need for complex setup like port forwarding or VPN configuration. It also supports file transfer, chat, and multiple connection methods, making it a powerful yet user‑friendly remote access solution.
