AnyDesk 8.0.10 Free Remote Access Software Tool Review

AnyDesk is a free remote access program that supports unattended access, doesn't require installation, can transfer files, and works without editing settings in your router.

The tabbed browsing experience and condensed, hidden menus make AnyDesk easy to use. I recommend this program for both unattended access and spontaneous connections.

Read on for more on all the details about AnyDesk, what I think about the program, and a quick tutorial on how to use it.

More About AnyDesk

Before I get into the pros and cons and other details, check out all these awesome features:

• AnyDesk works with Linux, macOS, Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows server operating systems, as well as FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi
• Control your PC from your phone on Android or iOS
• Clipboard contents can be synced across the host and client computer
• It can be used in portable mode or you can install it like a regular program
• During an active remote connection, various settings are easily accessible from the menu bar
• AnyDesk can alter the connection to create the best possible video quality, speed, or balance between the two
• A remote computer can be restarted, even when AnyDesk is working in portable mode
• Remote printing is supported; print local files on the remote side and vice versa
• Connection shortcuts can be saved to the Desktop for quick access
• Control can be switched between sides during a session
• You can record the session to a video file
• All keyboard shortcuts can be sent to a remote computer, even Ctrl-Alt-Del
• The user account image in Windows will display as your identification when requesting to connect to another computer
• A list of past connections display along the bottom of AnyDesk to make opening old connections really easy
• A system information tab shows information about the remote computer
• From the host's perspective, they can set up the program to disallow remote users from doing things like locking the keyboard and mouse, restarting the computer, using the file manager, requesting system information, hearing your computer sound, and more
• Other settings are also customizable like showing the remote cursor, transmitting sound, disabling control for view-only, turning off clipboard syncing, blocking the other user's input, and taking a screenshot
• Files can be transferred with AnyDesk by copying them to the clipboard and then pasting them to the remote computer, but there's also a separate file manager tool included that can be used apart from the remote access tool

AnyDesk Pros & Cons

There's plenty to like about this remote access program:

How AnyDesk Works

Similar to other remote desktop programs like Remote Utilities, AnyDesk uses an ID number to make establishing a connection easy. If you install it instead of just run it portably, you'll be given the option to make a custom alias (like @ad) to share with others, which is a lot easier to remember than a random string of numbers. 

When both the host and client computer are running AnyDesk, they can share the Remote Desk ID with the other and enter it in the "Remote Address" part of the program to start the connection—the web client works, too. The computer that's sharing their address will be the one the other computer will control.

Set up a password in the settings to enable unattended access. You can also define the permissions remote users are given when they connect to you. Permissions allow them to view the monitor, hear the sound of the computer, control the keyboard and mouse, access the clipboard, and lock the user's keyboard and mouse input, among others.

To install AnyDesk to your computer, open the portable program and choose Install AnyDesk on this device.

My Thoughts on AnyDesk

I really like AnyDesk for a number of reasons. Unattended access is usually a desired feature for a remote desktop program, but quick, on-demand access is oftentimes relevant. AnyDesk makes it easy to do both.

Some similar software programs require changes to be made to the router, like port forwarding, but AnyDesk doesn't require this. This means the program can be downloaded quickly and a connection started in just moments. This is important if you or the person you're using this software with don't know how to set up port forwarding.

I also like that there's a full file transfer utility built in. Some remote access tools only support file transfers via copy/paste, but you get a much more intuitive tool in AnyDesk.

I've used lots of programs like AnyDesk over the years, but this is one of the few I keep returning to. I prefer this one over most of the others for unattended access into my own computer, but I've had no issues using it for spontaneous, on-demand access as well, like when a friend needs my help.

AnyDesk Alternatives

AeroAdmin is similar if you're looking for another program like AnyDesk, and I'd be remiss to not also recommend Chrome Remote Desktop.

If you plan to help out a friend with a computer issue, I recommend programs that are super easy to start up, especially if the person isn't very knowledgeable about how to use a computer. Getscreen.me and DWService are my typical choices.