By Annie / Last Updated October 26, 2022

 

Any recommendation on remote access software for Windows 10?

I need to work from home for a long time. And there is a large amount of necessary data saved on the office computer. Is there any recommendation on software to access my office PC easily? It is installed with Windows 10. Thanks a lot!”

 

Top three free remote access software for Windows 10/11

Remote access software, also called remote control (remote desktop) software, is becoming more and more popular. With such a tool, you can access your office computer from home or other places for remote work, and offers instant support without arriving at the scene. There are various remote access apps in the market and we offer a list of the three most recommendable ones for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. 

1. Windows Remote Desktop [without downloading third-party tool]

The first remote control software for Windows 10 that is introduced is Windows Remote Desktop. It is developed by Microsoft and enables a computer to be accessed remotely with the Remote Desktop Client app. 

Why it should be chosen:
It comes with a Windows computer and you don't need to waste time downloading a third-party remote access tool.
It supports file copy & paste between two connected computers, which makes remote work more convenient.
It supports unattended remote access. Thus you can connect to your office computer without others' help.
Of course, it has its drawback:
Port forwarding or VPN setup is necessary, which is complicated for most users when controlling a PC from a different network.
▶ The host computer is locked during the remote session and you can't share the same screen with your friend or client.
▶ No chat function, you need to communicate with the one on the other end using another app/device.

System requirements:

The host computer (the computer is accessed) needs to run Windows advanced editions, like Professional or Enterprise. Windows 11/10 Home doesn't support Remote Desktop.

  • The client end can run Windows Home, Linux, Mac, Android, or iOS.
  • Now, see how to use Windows Remote Desktop to access a Windows 10 computer on the same network. 

Step 1. Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10 computer that you need to access.

Go to Start Settings > System > Remote Desktop, drag the toggle rightward, and click Confirm.

Remote Desktop

Note: By default, any user who has an administrative account on the client PC is allowed to access it, thus you need to set a strong password for your administrative account on the host computer. 

Step 2. On your local Windows computer, press Windows + R, input mstsc, and hit Enter to open Remote Desktop Connection.

If your local device is installed with other platforms, you need to download a  Remote Desktop client and install it. 

Step 3. In the pop-up RDC window, input the IP address of the host PC. Then, click Connect.

Computer

Step 3. Then, you'll be required to input the user name and password of the host PC account.  Finally, you'll be able to connect to the remote PC. 

2.  Chrome Remote Desktop [Google extension]

If you are using Windows Home Edition or encounter issues like Can't find the computer while using Microsoft Remote Desktop,  have a look at Chrome Remote Desktop.

Why it should be chosen:
It can exist as an extension of the Chrome browser and is free of charge.
▶ It asks for no extra setup when accessing a computer from an outside network.
▶ It won't lock the host PC and both ends can share the same screen.
Of course, it has its drawback:
▶ Unable to reconnect to the remote computer after rebooting it. 
▶ Chat function isn't supported also. 

System requirements:  Chrome Remote Desktop can work on any device that supports the Chrome browser. 

 Now, see how to use Chrome Remote Desktop to access a Windows 10 computer. 

Step 1. On the Windows 10 computer, go to Chrome Remote Desktop, go to Remote Support and click the blue download icon to download the remote access extension in Google

 

Remote Support

Step 2. After that, click Add to Chrome to add the extension to Chrome and follow the next prompts. 

Add to Chrome

 

Step 3. Then set up a name for the host Windows 10 computer and click Next.

Step 4.  Set a six-digital PIN and click Start.

Choose a PIN

Step 5. On the client computer, log in to the same Google account of the host computer. Do the same steps to install Chrome Remote Desktop.

Step 6.  On the Remote Support interface, find out the name of the host computer under Remote Device, click it and input the PIN to access the Windows 10 computer remotely. 

3. AnyViewer [quick to install and easy to use]

The final but not the least recommended remote access software for Windows 10 is AnyViewer. It allows you to take full control or share your screen with others securely and easily. 

Why it should be chosen:
 It is rather easy to download, install and use for accessing PC from the same network or a different network.
▶ It supports unattended remote access and attended remote access, which can satisfy different situations. 
▶ It is built with Chat function in a remote session and offers shortcuts to many useful apps, like CMD and Task Manager.
Of course, it has its drawback:
▶  Remote printing isn't supported. 

System requirements:

  • The host computer: All Editions of Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2. 
  • The client device: All Editions of Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2 or iOS 10.0 and later. 

Now,  free download it and see how to use it to access a remote computer with Windows 10 installed. 

Download Freeware Windows PCs and Servers

Step 1. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and then sign in to this account on the two computers. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically. 

Log in AnyViewer

Step 2.   On the client computer,  go to Device, click the Windows 10 PC that you need to control, and click One-click control to achieve unattended access with one click. 

Devices

Step 3. Then, the desktop of the host computer will show up on the client computer. Many operations like Ctrl+ Alt + DeleteLock, Restart, etc., can be completed on the remote PC during the remote session. 

Operations

Conclusion 

This post has demonstrated the three best remote access software for Windows 10/11. For the one who doesn't want to download a third-party tool and access a Windows computer under the same LAN, Windows Remote Desktop will be a nice choice. For the one who wants to access a Windows 10 Home computer that has a Chrome browser, Chrome Remote Desktop is worth-trying. For the one who needs a secure and easy connection to a Windows computer from Windows or iOS both for remote work and remote support over the internet, AnyViewer should be picked up.