Pc remote access tools

If you have to pay more for each technician, you need to get more productivity and value out of each and every support team member. Therefore, centralizing IT services and using remote administration tools is essential. RATs also include automated systems that rollout software bundles to newly acquired PCs and keep all operating systems and software up to date. RATs can take care of all of the mundane administration tasks of an IT system without manual intervention, releasing valuable man-hours for more intricate tasks.

Each qualified technician can provide even more value for money by delivering services to a number of companies. Managed service providers could not exist without remote administration tools. Thanks to RATs an MSP located in a low-cost area, such as a rural region or a foreign country, can bid for clients anywhere in the world.

MSPs are able to exploit cost-cutting strategies without reducing the quality of their services thanks to RATs. There are many remote administration tools on the market and they range from standalone communication interfaces to full suites of support systems. In order to provide a list of the best RATs available for remote IT support , we have covered every niche in the market. We reviewed the market for remote administration software and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:.

Dameware Remote Support is implemented as on-premises software. Those who would prefer a SaaS remote administration system should opt for Dameware Remote Everywhere.

The Dameware environment is built for use by teams. A management user account stores all of the access credentials for each remote device. Instead, when a manager grants a technician account a task to access a specific device, the Dameware software in the management account shares those credentials directly with the nominated technician account.

The remote access software receives this information without the necessity for the technician to see it. With this remote administration system, technicians can access the operating system of the remote device and also directly access key applications such as Active Directory through the Dameware console.

The operator is also able to manage log files, run diagnostics, and launch a remote startup or reboot. You can access it on a day free trial. The different utilities built into the management and technician user account types enables an IT department or MSP to guarantee full confidentiality and security to the user community without the danger of a rogue technician disclosing or mismanaging user credentials.

Start day Free Trial: dameware. Atera is a SaaS platform that bundles together all of the software that an MSP needs in order to operate. The RMM section of Atera includes remote access and management automation tools.

The remote access system available in Atera is actually a third-party tool, called Splashtop. This facilitates operating system access by technicians and also remote desktop control.

A nice feature that Atera promotes is that the clients of the MSP can utilize the Splashtop remote access system as well for their own purposes. This allows users working from home to access their desktop computer in the office and fulfill their work obligations without needing to store or process the information on their own home computer.

This is a useful service during the Covid pandemic but it also has long term implementation possibilities for field agents.

The RMM system includes other remote administration tools such as patch management and device onboarding. Atera is a subscription service with a rate per technician per month.

There are no setup fees or minimum service periods, so it is a very flexible service that is suitable for MSPs of all sizes. You can check out Atera on a fully-functioning free trial. N-able RMM is designed for use by managed service providers. This gives the option of performing investigations or essential maintenance without interrupting the user and also the possibility to let the user watch the actions of the technician on the device, which is a good training communication tool.

Each technician connection is managed by the RMM system so that there is no need for any access passwords to be revealed to the operating user. The sessions can be recorded both for training purposes and to prevent malicious behavior, and sessions can be transferred between technicians. The remote control connection option includes a side chat window so the technician can communicate with the user of the remote device in order to investigate a problem and explain a solution.

All of these chat sessions are automatically stored for future reference. The package also includes cybersecurity software to protect all remote endpoints and a system content firewall, a patch management system, task automation processes, diagnostic tools, a backup and recovery manager, mobile device management software, and a risk intelligence system.

The N-able RMM package includes a service desk system that enables users to raise issues. This includes team management and work scheduling utilities.

The RMM also includes a full system monitoring service with automated asset discovery. This is a very comprehensive bundle of tools that are delivered as a cloud service and so it can be accessed through any standard browser. Start 14 Day Free Trial: dameware.

ISL Online is a cloud-based remote access system that is also available for on-premises installation. The on-premises version is charged for with a one-time invoice and the online service is billed by subscription. The software drivers for the system are divided into two groups: services for technicians and remote access agents.

This gives the technician access to a hosted control panel that enables sessions to start and run. Both sides of the connection can also be supported by mobile apps for Android , iOS , and Windows 10 Mobile. As well as giving technical remote access to client computers, ISL Online includes a remote desktop feature that enables Help Desk operators to provide live support to users. The screens for the service can be customized and it is also possible to white-label them, enabling you to put your branding on the dashboard.

You not only get a live chat feature within the remote desktop program, live chat software is also included in the ISL Online license at no extra cost. All connections between the dashboard, the ISL Online system, and the user device are protected by best practice security settings, bit AES encryption, and support for two-factor authentication.

The software will also integrate with your existing access rights managers to create a single sign-on environment. ISL Online is available for a day free trial which offers unlimited use during the trial period and includes all features of the paid system. Remote Access Plus is a suite of tools that facilitate remote access of client computers and includes a remote desktop module. The utility is available as a cloud-based service , hosted on the ManageEngine servers, or it can be installed on Windows and Windows Server on-premises.

The tool facilitates remote access to client computers that have the corresponding agent software installed on them. The requirement for an agent requires a level of permission to be given by the owner of the remote computer. Once the agent is active, the technician using the controller console is able to perform a range of maintenance tasks on the remote computer both manually and through script-driven automation. The remote desktop facility is augmented by a chat facility that offers text, voice, and video chat between the technician and the user of the remote device.

As well as accessing computers for exploration, technicians can turn the computer on or off remotely. Remote Access Plus is available in three editions and one of these is free. The Free version is limited to the control of ten client computers. The remote shutdown and Wake-on-LAN features are only available with the higher of the two paid plans, called Standard and Professional.

Zoho produces a wide range of business software and the company also owns ManageEngine , which is a leading supplier of IT infrastructure management software. Zoho Assist is a cloud-based package of remote access services that is ideal for help desk and MSP technicians. All communications are protected by bit AES encryption. The Zoho Assist package includes a live chat system and an integrated file transfer utility. The technician can open up multiple sessions on the same remote machine, enabling user-visible actions in one window and operating system actions in another.

It is also possible for the technician to show the customer his own screen in the interests of giving a system tour or usage instructions without having to grant that prospective buyer an account. Apart from the remote desktop utility, Zoho Assist includes full remote access features that include automation for bulk research and updates across endpoints.

For a completely free remote desktop system, check out the Free Edition of Zoho Assist. This package will operate for one technician and allows contact to five remote computers, but only one at a time. This is a particularly interesting service for independent, freelance support technicians because it includes all of the tools needed to communicate with a user that needs help. The service is delivered from the cloud and is charged for by subscription with a rate per technician per month.

That means that the entire system is available to independent technicians as well as teams working for MSPs and large organizations.

It is also possible to access the operating system without going through the desktop of the remote device. The Take Control system is available at two levels, with the higher level being called Take Control Plus. The higher level is particularly useful for supervised technicians because it includes session monitoring and technician performance reporting functions.

Take Control Plus also includes a user survey to evaluate the competence of each technician. The service can be paid for by the month or by the year. The annual payment plan works out cheaper. However, be aware that you have to pay for the service period in advance. SolarWinds offers it on a day free trial. TeamViewer is an industry leader.

This remote desktop system has been installed more than two billion times , which shows its popularity. We put this remote desktop system near the top of our list because it is a very comprehensive commercial product that allows free use by private individuals.

However, if you need a remote desktop program for business use, you will have to pay. As the name suggests, TeamViewer is aimed at team collaboration and has a number of group communication features that make this more than just a remote desktop sharing tool. These include video conferencing utilities and demonstration broadcasting. The remote connection tool relies on two-factor authentication to enhance security and all transmissions are protected by bit AES encryption.

The controller software can be accessed from Android mobile devices. The system also includes a secure file transfer facility and script execution capabilities in the console. Although you have to pay for the Business Edition of TeamViewer, you can get it for free for an assessment on a day free trial. Atera is a support package for managed service providers MSPs. Another utility in the package is a Help Desk system , which includes a portal for access by the user community and a dashboard for use by technicians when they are working on a ticket.

There are also client applications that can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android users. Different modules can be used from the viewer so you can actually access a computer remotely without even viewing the screen, though screen-viewing is definitely Remote Utilities' main feature.

Here are some of the modules Remote Utilities allows: A remote task manager , file transfer, power control for remote rebooting or WOL, remote terminal access to Command Prompt , remote file launcher, system information manager, text chat, remote registry access, and remote webcam viewing.

In addition to these features, remote printing and viewing multiple monitors is also supported. Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities can be confusing on the host computer since there are lots of different options. There's also a version for Linux and macOS, but both are in beta and might not work as well as the Windows edition. DWService is a free and open-source project that truly simplifies remote access.

The host installs or temporarily runs the program, and the client logs in via any web browser to run commands, control the screen, or control files and folders. The host has two options: download the DWAgent , and then run it for on-demand, one-time access great for tech support , or install it for permanent remote access ideal if it's your own computer.

If you choose the run option instead of the install option, you're given a user code and password that the client needs to reach the computer. Otherwise, enter the code and provided by the client so that they can have always-on access to the host computer. The client has it easy if the host uses the on-demand option. Log in through the link below and enter the code and password that shows on the host's DWAgent program window.

That's it! If the host installed the program, the setup procedure is a little more involved. Make a user account through the link below it's totally free , and then add a new agent to your account.

Give the code to the host during the program installation. DWService has a handful of tools. They let you create all sorts of text-based files; browse through the file system to make, edit, or remove files, and upload or download files to and from the host; run Command Prompt commands; view basic system information, shut down tasks, and start or turn off services. Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Chrome browser that lets you set up a computer for remote access.

The way this works is that you install the extension to either get a random code you can share with someone else for spontaneous support get that code here , or a PIN that you can use to get on the computer at any time from your own Google account.

To connect to the host browser, sign on to Chrome Remote Desktop through another web browser using the same Google credentials or using a temporary access code generated by the host computer.

Because you're logged in, you can easily see the other PC name, from where you can simply choose it and begin the remote session. There isn't a chat function like you see with similar programs, but it's very easy to configure and lets you connect to your computer or anyone's from anywhere using just your web browser. What's more is that you can remote into the computer when the user doesn't have Chrome open, or even when they're completely logged out of their user account.

Since it runs entirely within Chrome, it can work with any operating system that uses that browser, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. For a simple tool with some great features, you might consider the free remote access service Getscreen.

If you need to quickly get into someone's computer without messing around with logins or installations, this is what you're after. There's file sharing, a built-in chat window, buttons for common keyboard shortcuts e. The computer that will be connected to needs to download and open the software. Installation is not required, but it can be fully installed if this computer will need to be accessed remotely permanently.

There are two ways to get the client connected. One is to log in to the client's user account with their email and password, a great option if they'll be getting into this computer a lot. The other way to use Getscreen. With this anonymous session, whoever you give the link to will have access to your computer without needing a password. This is perfect for spontaneous technical support, but know that the connection time is limited when the program is used anonymously like this.

There are a couple of ways to access the remote computer. If you logged in to your account in the host program, then you have permanent access which means you can visit the link below to log in to the same account in a web browser to access the other computer. Another way is if the host didn't log in to the account. The host can provide a URL that you can open from your device to automatically have access to the remote PC without needing your account information.

Free users are faced with a few limitations that can be lifted only if you pay: just two computers can be linked to your account at once and file transfers are limited to 50 MB per file. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can control the computer from any device with a web browser or through the dedicated Android app. Windows Remote Desktop is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system.

No additional download is necessary to use the program. To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings accessible via Settings W11 or Control Panel and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user.

You do have to set up your router for port forwarding so another PC can connection to it from outside the network, but this is usually not that big of a hassle to complete. The other computer that wishes to connect to the host machine must simply open the already installed Remote Desktop Connection software and enter the IP address of the host.

Most of the other software in this list have features that Windows Remote Desktop doesn't, but this method of remote access seems to be the most natural and easiest way to control the mouse and keyboard of a remote Windows PC. Once you have everything configured, you can transfer files, print to a local printer, listen to audio from the remote PC, and transfer clipboard content. However, while all versions of Windows can connect to other computers that have incoming connections enabled, not all Windows versions can act as a host i.

If you're using a Home Premium version or below, your computer can only act as a client and therefore cannot be accessed remotely but it can still access other computers remotely. Incoming remote access is only allowed on Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate versions of Windows. In those editions, others can remote into the computer as described above. Something else to remember is that Remote Desktop will kick a user off if they're logged in when someone connects to that user's account remotely.

This is vastly different from every other program in this list—all the others can remote in to a user account while the user is still actively using the computer. UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and viewer is installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server. At installation, you're asked if you wish to install the Server , Viewer , or both.

Install the Server on the PC you wish to connect to. You can install Server as a system service so it's always running. This is the ideal option so you can always make a connection to it with the client software. To make a connection with the Server , you must install the Viewer portion during setup.

After configuring port forwarding in your router, you'll be able to access the host computer from anywhere with an internet connection—either via a mobile device that supports VNC connections, a PC with the Viewer installed, or an internet browser. All you need is the Server's IP address to make the connection. UltraVNC supports file transfers, text chat, clipboard sharing, and can even boot and connect to the server in Safe Mode.

The download page is a little confusing—first select the most recent version of the software, and then choose the bit or bit setup file that will work with your edition of Windows. Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 users can install and use this software. This is another completely portable remote access program. The computer that will be controlled by the client simply needs to share their ID and password with the other computer. For the computer that will be performing the remote access, press Connect and enter the host's ID and password.

The tabs at the top of the program let you open multiple connections at once. Once you're connected to the other computer, you can send files to and from them and communicate over text or using your voice.

Passwords are generated automatically, but you can also choose your own to make it easier to remember. The program is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, Vista, and 7, as well as Windows Server , , and Might limit connection time or address book entries because there are also paid versions of the program. AnyDesk is a remote desktop program that you can run portably or install like a regular program.

Launch it on the PC you want to connect to and record the 9-digit number, or custom alias if one is set up. On another computer, run AnyDesk and then enter the host's Remote Desk ID or alias in the Remote Address section of the program, and wait for the host to accept the connection.