By Ellie / Last Updated October 25, 2022

Which is better Microsoft Remote Desktop vs LogMeIn?

“I want to choose a remote desktop tool among Microsoft Remote Desktop and LogMeIn. Microsoft Remote Desktop vs LogMeIn, who is better?”

-Question from Quora

What Is Remote Access

LogMeIn vs Remote Desktop

Both as remote desktop tools, what are the pros and cons of LogMeIn vs Microsoft Remote Desktop? Let’s get started to learn more about LogMeIn vs Remote Desktop.

LogMeIn

LogMeIn is a third-party remote access software. The most recent information indicates that it changed its name to GoTo on February 2, 2022. Right now, the company’s primary remote access program goes by the name GoToMyPC. It resembles LogMeIn a lot. While similar, the two products don't go up against each other.

LogMeIn

How to use LogMeIn

Let’s get started using LogMeIn.

Step 1. Create a LogMeIn account on its official site.

Sign Up.png

Step 2. Click Download & Install Software to download it and then follow the on-screen steps to install it.

Download

Step 3. On the other device, go to the log in page, and log in to the account you’ve just created.

Log In

Step 4. Then you’ll see this page, click Add computer.

Add Computer

Step 5. Click Download installer to install it on the other device.

Download Installer

Step 6. Then you’ll see the two computers listed here. Click the computer you want to remotely access.

Device List

Step 7. Input the User name and password to achieve remote access.

User Name

What are the pros and cons of LogMeIn?

Let’s see the pros and cons of LogMeIn.

✔ Pros:

  • Ease of connection. Each computer connected to your account is displayed when you sign into the web portal. This makes it very simple to log in and locate the computer you need to remote into.
  • Smooth connection. Connections happen quickly. The refreshes of the screen happen instantly.
  • Remote printing is good. By using LogMeIn, you can easily work on your PC at the office while still in your current location and print to your local PC.

✘ Cons:

  • Not free. You can sign up for a free 14-day trial, but after that, you'll need to purchase a license.
  • File transfer not available during remote session. Not having file transfer on the main remote screen, but having to switch back to the LogMeIn Control Panel.

Remote Desktop

Windows computers come with a remote access tool called Remote Desktop. You must set up Remote Desktop in advance for it to function. You must first obtain the remote computer's IP address and PC name. In order for everything to function properly, you will need to configure port forwarding if your devices are connected to the network.

Remote Desktop Connection Logo

How to use Remote Desktop

Let’s get started using Remote Desktop.

Step 1. On the client computer, search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Search box. And then open it.

remote-desktop-connection

Step 2. Enter the IP address and User name in the Remote Desktop Connection interface to achieve connection.

general-tab

Step 3. In the pop-up Windows Security window, find the user name you just entered and enter the power-on password. If there is no power-on password, click OK.

windows-security

Step 4. In the authentication pop-up window, click Yes directly to realize remote access.

click-on-authentication

What are the pros and cons of Remote Desktop?

Let’s see the pros and cons of Microsoft Remote Desktop.

✔ Pros:

  • No need to download. There’s no need to download Remote Desktop as it is a Windows built-in software.
  • No need to sign up. You don’t need to create an account to use Remote Desktop.
  • Free. Remote Desktop is tally free.

✘ Cons:

  • Limitation on Windows versions. The host computer must be running Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Ultimate versions.
  • Inconvenient to adjust screen size. After a connection has been made, scaling the screen size up or down is not supported. Right now, you can only change the screen size before a connection is made.
  • Not support multiple monitors on one screen. It does not support multiple screens in one view. Currently, you can toggle between multiple screens.

LogMeIn vs Remote Desktop: Who is better? Actually, both of them are great remote access tools. Of course, both of them have their shortcomings. It is hard to answer who is better. You need to make a decision on the basis of your own situation.

For instance, it is suggested that you select LogMeIn if you are a business owner with multiple computers that require remote access. You should pick Remote Desktop if you require a free remote access tool for personal use.

Bonus tip: Professional remote desktop software for Windows

Do you want a remote desktop tool that can make up for all the cons of LogMeIn and Remote Desktop? Try the free remote support software AnyViewer.

It provides users with free service. Every free account can assign 3 devices.
It supports file transfer within or without a remote session.
It supports multiple Windows versions, including Windows Home and Standard versions.
It allows users to adjust screen size during the remote session.
It supports multiple monitors on one screen.
Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both your work and home computer. On the Controller computer, go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

Log in AnyViewer

 Step 2. Fill in the signup information.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to. 

Free Editions

Step 4. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then you can achieve a direct connection by clicking One-click control to achieve unattended remote support.

Connect to My Devices

Step 5. After connecting successfully, you’ll see the remote desktop. Then you can completely control it and provide remote support just like you’re sitting in front of it.

Notes:✎...
You can also upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:
More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote support.
Connect in privacy mode to protect privacy, which means the Controller can black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click.
Faster file transfer speed. Transfer speed for a free account is 500 KB/s, and for a paid account is up to 10 MB/s.

The bottom line

In conclusion, it is hard to say who is better when it comes to LogMeIn vs Remote Desktop. But we do recommend a tool that can make up for all the shortcomings of LogMeIn and Remote Desktop. With AnyViewer, remote access can be easier and more convenient.