Top 5 Safe & Legal RDP Wrapper Alternatives [Pros & Cons Included]

Brief introduction of RDP Wrapper

Users of RDP are likely to be familiar with RDP Wrapper. Between the Service Control Manager and Terminal Services, the RDP Wrapper acts as a layer. Alternatively, it might be compared to a pipe that connects Service Control Manager and Terminal Services. It supports a Remote Desktop Host and multiple RDP sessions. Rather than altering termsrv.dll, the original termsrv.dll file is left alone.

However, the security and legality of RDP Wrapper are concerns of many users.

• For security, the RDP Wrapper adds a weakness to the system by opening a gateway for potential hackers to attack and introducing Trojan horse software to steal and take control over a user’s data, which is kind of dangerous.
• For legality, the users have to purchase the necessary CALs and RDS CALs for remote desktop deployments.

Those two drawbacks depress the users a lot and enable them to seek RDP Wrapper legal alternatives.

Top 5 secure and legal RDP Wrapper alternatives [Free]

In this section, you'll discover five free, secure, and legitimate alternatives to RDP Wrapper. Follow the guide to explore these options and enhance your experience.

Option 1. AnyViewer [highly recommended]

Secure remote desktop software is essential for bolstering your security against potential threats. These specialized tools easily integrate with your systems and come equipped with their security features. Among the various options available, AnyViewer, a free and highly secure remote desktop software, is a top choice for robust protection.

AnyViewer distinguishes itself and stands as the best alternative to RDP Wrapper with a range of robust safety measures, ensuring secure remote desktop experiences:

• Advanced Encryption: AnyViewer uses a powerful 256-bit Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm to encrypt remote connections, keeping them secure.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Before granting access, AnyViewer requires a two-factor authentication process, ensuring only authorized users can connect to your remote desktop.
• Device Lock: You can lock AnyViewer's interface to prevent unauthorized changes when you're away or sharing your computer, preserving your settings.
• Privacy Mode: AnyViewer offers a privacy mode that darkens the remote screen and disables the keyboard, ensuring your activities are private and secure during remote sessions.

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer. Go to Log in, and then click Sign up.

Step 2. Fill in the signup information. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you've logged in to.

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.

✍ Note: To access the remote computer in privacy mode, you need to upgrade to an advanced plan. After that, you can enjoy many other rights, including controlling more computers from one computer, enjoying high-quality images, etc.

Pros:

• Fast and Reliable: AnyViewer ensures a speedy and stable connection for remote control, reducing delays and boosting frame rates up to 60 FPS.
• User-Friendly: With an easy-to-use interface, AnyViewer is perfect for everyone, even if you're not tech-savvy. It simplifies remote computer access.
• Solid Security: AnyViewer keeps your data safe with strong ECC encryption and adds an extra layer of protection with two-factor authentication.
• Loaded with Features: AnyViewer offers a bunch of useful tools for free, including file sharing, screen sharing, remote sound, multi-sessions, and text chat.
• Mobile Ready: AnyViewer has a mobile version for iOS and Android users, so you can access your computer remotely on the go.

Cons:

• Cross-Platform Constraint: At the moment, AnyViewer cannot control Mac and Linux computers.

Option 2. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop, a free remote access tool, is usually shown as a Chrome extension, which can be used on a PC or iPhone to access or control another PC from different operating systems. And for the security of Chrome Remote Desktop, we have to say that it’s sufficiently safe.

During the remote session with it, all data will be sent directly from the client to the host. It adopts an encrypted combination protocol and AES encryption algorithm to protect data security. Apart from that, the PIN can be used to safeguard the connection, which is a legal RDP Wrapper alternative. Here are the concrete steps.

Step 1. On the host PC, search for Chrome Remote Desktop. Click on "Remote Access" and then click the blue download button.

Step 2. Follow the steps to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. After that, enter a name and click on “Next”.

Step 3. Choose a PIN with at least 6 numbers, and then enter it twice to start the program. 

Step 4. On the local PC, open the Chrome browser and navigate here. Then log in to the same Google account. Once logged in, you can see the available computers.

Step 5. Click on the computer set up previously, and enter its PIN. Then you could start your remote control.

Pros:

• Easy Setup: Chrome Remote Desktop is a breeze to set up. All you need is a Google account, the Chrome browser, and the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
• Works Everywhere: It's compatible with all devices that support Chrome since it's a Chrome extension.
• Mobile-Friendly: If you're on iOS or Android, Chrome Remote Desktop has a mobile version for you.

Cons:

• Need a Google Account: You must have a Google account, which might not be ideal if you prefer other browsers like Firefox.
• No Chat Function: If you want to chat during remote sessions, Chrome Remote Desktop doesn't have that feature, which can be inconvenient for tech support.

Option 3. TightVNC

TightVNC is a secure remote desktop tool when used with proper precautions. It offers encryption for data protection, allows for strong password usage, and supports various authentication methods. Ensure your firewall and router configurations restrict access to trusted IPs, and keep the software updated for security. While it's generally secure for most use cases, consider more specialized solutions for highly sensitive data or stringent security requirements.

Part 1. Setting Up TightVNC Server on the Remote Computer

Step 1. Download TightVNC from the official website and run the installer. Choose "Custom" when asked.

Step 2. The installer includes both TightVNC Server and TightVNC Viewer, but for the remote computer, you only need the server. Click the hard drive icon next to TightVNC Viewer to make it unavailable.

Step 3. Click "Next" to continue.

Step 4. Keep the default settings as they are; no need to change anything.

Step 5. Set up two different passwords - one for Remote Access and another as the Administrative Password.

Part 2. Preparing TightVNC Viewer on the Local Computer

Step 1. Download TightVNC from the official website and run the installer, just as you did in the previous step.

Step 2. This time, you need the Viewer Server. To select only the Viewer, click on the icon to the left of TightVNC Server, making it unavailable. Then, click "Next."

Step 3. After installation, open TightVNC Viewer. Enter the remote computer's name or IP address in the "Remote Host" box, and then click "Connect."

Step 4. In the "Vnc Authentication" window that appears, provide the "Password for Remote Access" and click OK to achieve connection.

Pros:

• Works Everywhere: It's available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, so it's versatile and fits different users and devices.
• Light on Resources: TightVNC doesn't hog your computer's resources; it's a lightweight application, making it suitable for older or less powerful computers.

Cons:

• Basic Features: It offers only basic remote access and control features, lacking some of the advanced options found in other remote desktop solutions.
• No Unattended Access: The free version usually can't connect to a remote computer without someone on the other end granting permission.
• Complex Configuration. Installing and configuring TightVNC is relatively complex.

Option 4. TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a secure and user-friendly remote desktop tool. It employs strong encryption and authentication methods to protect your data during remote sessions. Regular security updates and the option for multi-factor authentication enhance its safety. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for various users, making it a reliable choice for secure remote access.

Step 1. Download and install TeamViewer on both computers.

Step 2. Open TeamViewer and on its main screen, check "Start TeamViewer with Windows" and "Grant easy access."

Step 3. Log in to your TeamViewer account.

Step 4. Once logged in, you'll see that TeamViewer remote access to unattended computers has been enabled on this device. You can access this host without a password through your account.

Step 5. On the local computer, follow the same steps to enable easy access. Then, go to "Computers & Contacts," select your target computer, and click "Remote control using the password."

Pros:

• High Security: It provides strong security with 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication, and advanced features like conditional access and SSO.
• Wide Compatibility: It works with 127 different mobile devices, operating systems, and embedded devices, covering a wide range of tech.
• Stable & Fast: Offers stable and fast remote access with high-quality visuals.

Cons:

• No Free Commercial Use: The free version is for personal use only; you have to pay for commercial use.
• Expensive Paid Plans: Paid licenses can be costly for both individuals and organizations.
• Limited Free Features: The free version has few features.
• Dependent on Internet: Performance can suffer if your internet connection is poor or unreliable.

Option 5. AnyDesk

AnyDesk is a secure and fast remote desktop tool. It uses strong encryption to protect your data and ensures low-latency connections. With regular updates and an easy-to-use design, it's accessible for all users. AnyDesk is known for its speed and security, making it a reliable choice for secure remote access.

Step 1. Download and install AnyDesk on both computers.

Step 2. Open AnyDesk on the remote device you want to connect to and access Settings.

Step 3. In the Settings, find "Security" and click on "Set password".

Step 4. Create a password for unattended access. Choose "Unattended Access" under Permission Profile and click "Apply".

Step 5. On the local computer, enter the Remote Address of the remote device.

Step 6. Input the password configured on the remote device. To avoid future password prompts, enable the "Log in automatically from now on" option, then click "OK".

Pros:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: AnyDesk supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, iOS, and Android, all without extra costs.
• Smooth Experience: Users enjoy a seamless experience with a swift 60 frames per second (fps) on local networks and most internet connections.
• Efficient Image Transfer: AnyDesk uses DeskRT, an intelligent codec that efficiently compresses and transfers image data between connected computers.
• High-Level Security: The software employs Banking standard TLS 1.2 technology, ensuring protection against unauthorized access to your computer.

Cons:

• Restricted Free Use: The free version is for personal use only; commercial use leads to blocked connections.
• 'Waiting for Image' Problem: Occasionally, users encounter a recurring 'Waiting for Image' issue when connected via a mobile hotspot.
• Not Ideal for Large File Transfers: AnyDesk is less suited for transferring large files.

Conclusion

In this post, we have a brief introduction to the RDP Wrapper and provide five free, secure, and legal RDP Wrapper alternatives, Chrome Remote Desktop and AnyViewer. If you are looking for a less-limited and more efficient one to remotely access a PC, AnyViewer can be the best choice for you.