By Hester / Last Updated March 13, 2024

How can I access remotely without internet?

 

I am looking for a remote desktop solution (ideally free for personal use) that allows me to make a direct connection from my computer to the remote computer within the LAN (or VPN) without the need to go out on the internet. Any advice will be appreciated!”

- Question from Reddit

Two Remote Computers

Remote access enables users to access resources or services located on a remote network. This could include accessing files stored on a server, controlling IoT devices, or managing a remote computer. Traditionally, remote access relies on internet protocols such as TCP/IP to establish connections between devices over the internet.

However, in situations where internet access is limited or unavailable, traditional remote access methods may not suffice, for example, in some disaster-prone areas. That's when the need for remote access without internet arises. This article explores the solutions and practical applications of remote access without internet.

Popular solutions for remote access without internet

Here are some popular solutions for remote access without internet:

  • Offline Data Syncing

One solution is to implement offline data syncing mechanisms that allow devices to synchronize data when they come into proximity. This could involve using USB drives, external hard drives, or other offline storage devices to transfer data between devices.

  • Peer-to-Peer Networking

Peer-to-peer networking enables devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on centralized servers or internet connectivity. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where internet access is limited or unavailable.

  • Mesh Networking

Mesh networking allows devices to form ad-hoc networks where each device serves as a node, relaying data to other devices within the network. This decentralized approach enables communication even in areas where traditional network infrastructure is lacking.

3 practical applications of remote access without internet

Here we listed the top five practical applications of remote access without internet for your reference.

Option 1. Perform Remote Desktop Connection without Internet

Through RDP, you can achieve a remote desktop connection without internet. Follow the detailed steps below.

Part 1. Preparation work on the remote PC

Here are five things you need to do on the remote PC before being controlled by the other computer.

  • Check Windows version

Step 1. Be aware that RDP does not support Windows Home Editions as host PC. Check your Windows version carefully. Go to Start > Settings > System.

Step 2. Scroll down, find, and click About. Find Windows Specifications at the left, here you'll see your Windows version.

Windows Specifications

  • Enable Remote Desktop

Step 1. Go to: Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

Step 2. Switch on the Enable Remote Desktop option, then click Confirm.

Enable Remote Desktop

  • Allow remote connections to this computer

Step 1. Press Win + Rto evoke the Run box. Enter “sysdm.cpl”.

Run Command sysdm.cpl

Step 2. Go to Remote, tick Allow remote connections to this computer and other related settings if desired.

Remote Desktop Tab

  • Change Windows Firewall settings

Step 1. On the host PC, open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Defender Firewall

Step 2. From the left panel, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

Allow App or Feature

Step 3. Tick Remote Desktop and tick Private. Hit OK after that.

Tick Remote Deskop

  • Note down your Windows computer's IP address or hostname

Step 1. Press Win + R on the host computer to open the Run dialog box. Enter "cmd" and click OK.

run box cmd

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type "ipconfig" and note down the IPv4 Address, which will be used for Remote Desktop.

find the computer name in the console

Step 3. To find the PC name for Remote Desktop, type "query user" in the Command Prompt. Your PC name will be displayed.

find the username in the control panel

Part 2. Establish remote connection via RDP

Step 1. On the local PC, press Win + R and enter “mstsc”.

Run Box mstsc

Step 2. Type in the IP address and username, then click Connect.

General Tab

Step 3. Enter the password and click OK if prompted.

Enter Your Credentials

Option 2. Remotely access devices using SSH

SSH is a network protocol that connects users to a remote computer over a secure connection. Windows client does not support built-in SSH command by default, but we can do this job with the help of the third-party application PuTTY. Here is how to remote access a computer without internet via PuTTY. 

Step 1. Download PuTTY and launch it on your computer.

Step 2. In the Host Name (or IP Address) text box, type the host PC's IP address or hostname. Verify that the Port number corresponds to the SSH server, then click Open.

Putty Windows

Step 3. You will receive a PuTTY security alert concerning the server's host key the first time you connect. Click Yes.

Putty Security Alert

Step 4. Type in your username and password when prompted, then you can connect to the remote server.

Password Windows

Step 5. To close the SSH connection when you are done, type “exit” and then press Enter.

Option 3. Connected remotely over LAN via TeamViewer

With TeamViewer, you can establish remote control sessions over a local area network (LAN) using either the computer's IP address or its name if the network supports DNS resolution.

To utilize this application via LAN connections, you must first enable this feature in the application's settings. Specifically, you need to permit incoming LAN connections, similar to how some remote software requires permission for access via the internet.

Step 1. In TeamViewer, open Options.

Options

Step 2. In the General category, find Network settings, and under Incoming LAN connections, select the Accept exclusively option.

Accept Exclusively

Step 3. In TeamViewer (Classic), your computer's internal IP address will be shown on the main window of your TeamViewer (Classic) application. The individual who wants to connect with you over the LAN can input this IP address into their "Partner ID" field within their own TeamViewer client to establish a connection with you.

TeamViewer ID Is IP Address

Further asking: Which is preferable, remote access with internet or without internet?

Remote access without internet can expand connectivity to remote or rural areas where internet infrastructure is lacking or during emergencies. However, for long-term remote access, it's advisable to opt for remote access with internet, as it offers more secure and stable remote sessions.

AnyViewer stands out as a premier choice among free remote access software solutions. Offering swift and reliable connectivity, it facilitates seamless remote access from any corner of the globe. Whether you're miles away from your target device, AnyViewer ensures a smooth and stable connection, empowering users with unparalleled convenience and efficiency in managing remote systems. 

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both computers.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 2. Navigate to the login section and click on "Sign up" if you haven't already created an account. If you have an existing account, simply log in.

log in anyviewer

Step 3. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on both devices. Then, utilize the "One-click control" feature to establish unattended remote access.

connect-to-my-devices

Here's a tip: For businesses with increased requirements, it's advisable to consider upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise plan. This upgrade provides extended capabilities, such as the ability to monitor multiple devices simultaneously, group management functionalities, mass deployment options, and much more.

The end

In conclusion, remote access without internet presents innovative solutions for scenarios where traditional methods are impractical, such as in disaster-prone areas or environments with limited connectivity. Options like offline data syncing, peer-to-peer networking, and mesh networking offer reliable means to access resources remotely.

Additionally, practical applications such as Remote Desktop Connection through RDP, SSH for secure connections, and TeamViewer for LAN connections demonstrate the versatility of remote access solutions. By leveraging these techniques, individuals can seamlessly connect to remote devices and manage resources even in offline or low-connectivity situations. Thus, empowering users with greater flexibility and efficiency in remote access endeavors.