Alternative To Microsoft Remote Desktop

TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few. Microsoft Server RDS can do this, of course, but requires licensing Server OS and buying some CALs. Is there an alternative software that is either free or inexpensive that offers a similar service? I'm not looking to use TeamViewer or a similar program to remote into a computer.

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The Remote Desktop web client lets users access your organization's Remote Desktop infrastructure through a compatible web browser. They'll be able to interact with remote apps or desktops like they would with a local PC no matter where they are. Once you set up your Remote Desktop web client, all your users need to get started is the URL where they can access the client, their credentials, and a supported web browser.

Important

The web client does support using Azure AD Application Proxy but does not support Web Application Proxy at all. See Using RDS with application proxy services for details.

What you'll need to set up the web client

Before getting started, keep the following things in mind:

Make sure your Remote Desktop deployment has an RD Gateway, an RD Connection Broker, and RD Web Access running on Windows Server 2016 or 2019.
Make sure your deployment is configured for per-user client access licenses (CALs) instead of per-device, otherwise all licenses will be consumed.
Install the Windows 10 KB4025334 update on the RD Gateway. Later cumulative updates may already contains this KB.
Make sure public trusted certificates are configured for the RD Gateway and RD Web Access roles.
Make sure that any computers your users will connect to are running one of the following OS versions:
- Windows 10
- Windows Server 2008R2 or later

Your users will see better performance connecting to Windows Server 2016 (or later) and Windows 10 (version 1611 or later).

Important

If you used the web client during the preview period and installed a version prior to 1.0.0, you must first uninstall the old client before moving to the new version. If you receive an error that says 'The web client was installed using an older version of RDWebClientManagement and must first be removed before deploying the new version,' follow these steps:

Open an elevated PowerShell prompt.
Run Uninstall-Module RDWebClientManagement to uninstall the new module.
Close and reopen the elevated PowerShell prompt.
Run Install-Module RDWebClientManagement -RequiredVersion <old version> to install the old module.
Run Uninstall-RDWebClient to uninstall the old web client.
Run Uninstall-Module RDWebClientManagement to uninstall the old module.
Close and reopen the elevated PowerShell prompt.
Proceed with the normal installation steps as follows.

How to publish the Remote Desktop web client

To install the web client for the first time, follow these steps:

On the RD Connection Broker server, obtain the certificate used for Remote Desktop connections and export it as a .cer file. Copy the .cer file from the RD Connection Broker to the server running the RD Web role.
On the RD Web Access server, open an elevated PowerShell prompt.
On Windows Server 2016, update the PowerShellGet module since the inbox version doesn't support installing the web client management module. To update PowerShellGet, run the following cmdlet:
Important
You'll need to restart PowerShell before the update can take effect, otherwise the module may not work.
Install the Remote Desktop web client management PowerShell module from the PowerShell gallery with this cmdlet:
After that, run the following cmdlet to download the latest version of the Remote Desktop web client:
Next, run this cmdlet with the bracketed value replaced with the path of the .cer file that you copied from the RD Broker:
Finally, run this cmdlet to publish the Remote Desktop web client:
Make sure you can access the web client at the web client URL with your server name, formatted as https://server_FQDN/RDWeb/webclient/index.html. It's important to use the server name that matches the RD Web Access public certificate in the URL (typically the server FQDN).
Note
When running the Publish-RDWebClientPackage cmdlet, you may see a warning that says per-device CALs are not supported, even if your deployment is configured for per-user CALs. If your deployment uses per-user CALs, you can ignore this warning. We display it to make sure you're aware of the configuration limitation.
When you're ready for users to access the web client, just send them the web client URL you created.

Note

To see a list of all supported cmdlets for the RDWebClientManagement module, run the following cmdlet in PowerShell:

How to update the Remote Desktop web client

When a new version of the Remote Desktop web client is available, follow these steps to update the deployment with the new client:

Open an elevated PowerShell prompt on the RD Web Access server and run the following cmdlet to download the latest available version of the web client:
Optionally, you can publish the client for testing before official release by running this cmdlet:
The client should appear on the test URL that corresponds to your web client URL (for example, https://server_FQDN/RDWeb/webclient-test/index.html).
Publish the client for users by running the following cmdlet:
This will replace the client for all users when they relaunch the web page.

How to uninstall the Remote Desktop web client

To remove all traces of the web client, follow these steps:

On the RD Web Access server, open an elevated PowerShell prompt.
Unpublish the Test and Production clients, uninstall all local packages and remove the web client settings:
Uninstall the Remote Desktop web client management PowerShell module:

How to install the Remote Desktop web client without an internet connection

Follow these steps to deploy the web client to an RD Web Access server that doesn't have an internet connection.

Note

Installing without an internet connection is available in version 1.0.1 and above of the RDWebClientManagement PowerShell module.

Note

You still need an admin PC with internet access to download the necessary files before transferring them to the offline server.

Note

The end-user PC needs an internet connection for now. This will be addressed in a future release of the client to provide a complete offline scenario.

Microsoft Remote Desktop For Mac

From a device with internet access

Open a PowerShell prompt.
Import the Remote Desktop web client management PowerShell module from the PowerShell gallery:
Download the latest version of the Remote Desktop web client for installation on a different device:
Download the latest version of the RDWebClientManagement PowerShell module:
Copy the content of 'C:WebClient' to the RD Web Access server.

From the RD Web Access server

Follow the instructions under How to publish the Remote Desktop web client, replacing steps 4 and 5 with the following.

You have two options to retrieve the latest web client management PowerShell module:
- Import the Remote Desktop web client management PowerShell module:
- Copy the downloaded RDWebClientManagement folder to one of the local PowerShell module folders listed under $env:psmodulePath, or add the path to the folder with the downloaded files to the $env:psmodulePath.
Deploy the latest version of the Remote Desktop web client from the local folder (replace with the appropriate zip file):

Connecting to RD Broker without RD Gateway in Windows Server 2019

This section describes how to enable a web client connection to an RD Broker without an RD Gateway in Windows Server 2019.

Setting up the RD Broker server

Follow these steps if there is no certificate bound to the RD Broker server

Open Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services.
In Deployment Overview section, select the Tasks dropdown menu.
Select Edit Deployment Properties, a new window titled Deployment Properties will open.
In the Deployment Properties window, select Certificates in the left menu.
In the list of Certificate Levels, select RD Connection Broker - Enable Single Sign On. You have two options: (1) create a new certificate or (2) an existing certificate.

Follow these steps if there is a certificate previously bound to the RD Broker server

Open the certificate bound to the Broker and copy the Thumbprint value.
To bind this certificate to the secure port 3392, open an elevated PowerShell window and run the following command, replacing '< thumbprint >' with the value copied from the previous step:
Note
To check if the certificate has been bound correctly, run the following command:
In the list of SSL Certificate bindings, ensure that the correct certificate is bound to port 3392.
Open the Windows Registry (regedit), go to HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerWinStationsRDP-Tcp and locate the key WebSocketURI. Next, set the value to https://+:3392/rdp/.

Setting up the RD Session Host

Follow these steps if the RD Session Host server is different from the RD Broker server:

Create a certificate for the RD Session Host machine, open it and copy the Thumbprint value.
To bind this certificate to the secure port 3392, open an elevated PowerShell window and run the following command, replacing '< thumbprint >' with the value copied from the previous step:
Note
To check if the certificate has been bound correctly, run the following command:
In the list of SSL Certificate bindings, ensure that the correct certificate is bound to port 3392.
Open the Windows Registry (regedit) and navigate to HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerWinStationsRDP-Tcp and locate the key WebSocketURI. The value must be set to https://+:3392/rdp/.

General Observations

Ensure that both the RD Session Host and RD Broker server are running Windows Server 2019.
Ensure that public trusted certificates are configured for both the RD Session Host and RD Broker server.
Note
If both the RD Session Host and the RD Broker server share the same machine, set the RD Broker server certificate only. If the RD Session Host and RD Broker server use different machines, both must be configured with unique certificates.
The Subject Alternative Name (SAN) for each certificate must be set to the machine's Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). The Common Name (CN) must match the SAN for each certificate.

How to pre-configure settings for Remote Desktop web client users

This section will tell you how to use PowerShell to configure settings for your Remote Desktop web client deployment. These PowerShell cmdlets control a user's ability to change settings based on your organization's security concerns or intended workflow. The following settings are all located in the Settings side panel of the web client.

Suppress telemetry

By default, users may choose to enable or disable collection of telemetry data that is sent to Microsoft. For information about the telemetry data Microsoft collects, please refer to our Privacy Statement via the link in the About side panel.

As an administrator, you can choose to suppress telemetry collection for your deployment using the following PowerShell cmdlet:

By default, the user may select to enable or disable telemetry. A boolean value $false will match the default client behavior. A boolean value $true disables telemetry and restricts the user from enabling telemetry.

Remote resource launch method

Note

This setting currently only works with the RDS web client, not the Windows Virtual Desktop web client.

Alternative To Microsoft Remote Desktop Free

By default, users may choose to launch remote resources (1) in the browser or (2) by downloading an .rdp file to handle with another client installed on their machine. As an administrator, you can choose to restrict the remote resource launch method for your deployment with the following PowerShell command:

By default, the user may select either launch method. A boolean value $true will force the user to launch resources in the browser. A boolean value $false will force the user to launch resources by downloading an .rdp file to handle with a locally installed RDP client.

Reset RDWebClientDeploymentSetting configurations to default

To reset a deployment-level web client setting to the default configuration, run the following PowerShell cmdlet and use the -name parameter to specify the setting you want to reset:

Troubleshooting

If a user reports any of the following issues when opening the web client for the first time, the following sections will tell you what to do to fix them.

What to do if the user's browser shows a security warning when they try to access the web client

The RD Web Access role might not be using a trusted certificate. Make sure the RD Web Access role is configured with a publicly trusted certificate.

If that doesn't work, your server name in the web client URL might not match the name provided by the RD Web certificate. Make sure your URL uses the FQDN of the server hosting the RD Web role.

What to do if the user can't connect to a resource with the web client even though they can see the items under All Resources

If the user reports that they can't connect with the web client even though they can see the resources listed, check the following things:

Is the RD Gateway role properly configured to use a trusted public certificate?
Does the RD Gateway server have the required updates installed? Make sure that your server has the KB4025334 update installed.

If the user gets an 'unexpected server authentication certificate was received' error message when they try to connect, then the message will show the certificate's thumbprint. Search the RD Broker server's certificate manager using that thumbprint to find the right certificate. Verify that the certificate is configured to be used for the RD Broker role in the Remote Desktop deployment properties page. After making sure the certificate hasn't expired, copy the certificate in .cer file format to the RD Web Access server and run the following command on the RD Web Access server with the bracketed value replaced by the certificate's file path:

Diagnose issues with the console log

If you can't solve the issue based on the troubleshooting instructions in this article, you can try to diagnose the source of the problem yourself by watching the console log in the browser. The web client provides a method for recording the browser console log activity while using the web client to help diagnose issues.

Select the ellipsis in the upper-right corner and navigate to the About page in the dropdown menu.
Under Capture support information select the Start recording button.
Perform the operation(s) in the web client that produced the issue you are trying to diagnose.
Navigate to the About page and select Stop recording.
Your browser will automatically download a .txt file titled RD Console Logs.txt. This file will contain the full console log activity generated while reproducing the target issue.

The console may also be accessed directly through your browser. The console is generally located under the developer tools. For example, you can access the log in Microsoft Edge by pressing the F12 key, or by selecting the ellipsis, then navigating to More tools > Developer Tools.

Get help with the web client

If you've encountered an issue that can't be solved by the information in this article, you can report it on Tech Community. You can also request or vote for new features at our suggestion box.

Whether for work or personal purposes, you or members of your team will likely need to access your computer without being physically present in front of it. This might be because you’re working from home or a temporary office, because you’re working abroad, or simply because you spend a lot of time commuting.

In recent years, remote access software and unattended access tools have become more advanced. In addition to desktop sharing and screen sharing, many tools can now conduct file transfers and offer secure remote computer access. With more people working from home than ever before, having the right remote desktop access software has become very important for businesses. AnyDesk is a well-known remote desktop software solution, but if you’re still researching for the best option, you may wonder if there are alternatives better suited to your requirements.

This article explains the basics of AnyDesk and helps businesses looking for alternatives to AnyDesk by providing a list of pros and cons for the most effective remote support tools available in 2021. For those who don’t have the time to read the full list, we rank SolarWinds^® Dameware^® Remote Everywhere (DRE) and SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support (DRS) highest as the easiest to use and most sophisticated AnyDesk alternative. DRE and DRS offer a comprehensive range of functionalities capable of meeting the needs of businesses looking for a fast, simple, and enterprise-grade remote desktop connection AnyDesk alternative.

What Is AnyDesk?

AnyDesk is designed as a lightweight remote assistance and home office tool appropriate for large or small companies. It’s intended to be useful for software vendors or app developers looking for a way to solve customer or client problems remotely. It also lets users connect from home to their office computers using the Unattended Access feature. Users gain features like file transfer, remote printing, and session recording.

AnyDesk is built to offer high performance and security. In terms of performance, AnyDesk users can expect frame rates of 60 fps for most internet connections, though the software is built for low latency even with low bandwidth. AnyDesk also claims its DeskRT codec feature, which compresses and transfers images, is unique among competitors. For security, AnyDesk uses TLS 1.2 technology and RSA 2048 asymmetric key exchange encryption, and you can “whitelist” trusted users.

If you choose AnyDesk, you can expect flexibility, with compatibility for Linux, Windows, Mac OS, FreeBSD, iOS, and Android, with the mobile app included. Users can adjust some of the software’s features to suit their brand identity. The tool is also scalable, and charges only for active “seats.” While you can use AnyDesk as a cloud tool, it’s also possible to set up and use an Enterprise Network instead.

Top Alternatives to AnyDesk

SolarWinds DRE is a comprehensive, all-in-one remote computers access solution with a wide range of features. While AnyDesk doesn’t specify connection speed, DRE is designed to let you establish active sessions typically in less than eight seconds, potentially saving you time otherwise spent creating connections with workstations.

DRE is also designed as a secure remote access tool, but unlike AnyDesk, uses FIPS 140-2 validated encryption. DRE uses advanced AES-256 encryption protocols (which are the foundation of TLS 1.2, used by AnyDesk). AnyDesk and DRE both offer multi-factor authentication options.

Unlike AnyDesk, which allows for user support but doesn’t include built-in ITSM features, DRE has a lightweight ticketing system that lets you monitor end-user requests and resolve issues quickly and easily as they arise. Both DRE and AnyDesk function as a remote computer-to-computer access tool, with support for all major operating systems, whether you’re looking for an AnyDesk alternative for Mac or Windows.

With DRE, support technicians can connect with your users through either in-session or pre-session communication, by using VoIP or initiating video calls (not included in AnyDesk). As in AnyDesk, live chats can be established without interrupting active sessions, allowing you to communicate seamlessly and in real time. To help you keep track of communications between you and your users, messages are saved automatically to safe and searchable session logs, similar to AnyDesk.

DRE is an easy-to-use AnyDesk alternative that, like AnyDesk, is designed to scale with your company as it grows. This makes it ideal for even small organizations. However, DRE might not be the best fit for your company if you’re only looking for a basic remote access solution. This AnyDesk alternative offers an all-in-one solution plus help desk and ticketing features.

Here’s a brief overview of DRE’s pros and cons:

Pros

Lightweight ticketing system
Useful in-session features
Support for multi-level permissions and two-factor authentication

Cons

Perhaps not suitable for businesses that already have a help desk and are only looking for a remote desktop solution
No mobile application

A 14-day free trial is available.

DRS is another popular SolarWinds remote desktop connection AnyDesk alternative, designed to integrate with help desk software. This solution delivers quick, easy, and safe remote access and control capabilities, helping you get to the root cause of problems in as little time as possible. Like AnyDesk, DRS provides multi-platform remote access to laptops and servers, including Windows, Linux, and macOS computers. Similarly, this AnyDesk alternative is Android- and iOS-compatible and comes with an intuitive mobile application for establishing remote connections through your mobile devices.

One difference between AnyDesk and DRS is DRS is designed to explicitly offer more built-in features for remote admins. While AnyDesk emphasizes features like file transfer and remote printing, you can use the remote access capabilities in DRS to copy and delete files, view and clear event logs, start/stop services and processes, reboot systems, and more. This could make IT remote support administration activities simpler for your team, which reduces the need to make house calls to troubleshoot user problems. DRS is a safe remote desktop connection tool with advanced authentication methods, and like AnyDesk includes the option of using Smart Card logon to enforce multi-factor authentication in sensitive environments.

This flexible and complete solution allows you to deliver remote support from anywhere and at any time. As with AnyDesk, you can create safe over-the-internet remote connections both inside the LAN and across the internet. Because of this, DRS is a good option for companies with employees who are likely to be working off-site.

Like DRE, DRS is an all-in-one remote access and systems management suite of tools. If you’re looking for a tool with a narrower range of features, to complement rather than replace the tools you already use, then DRS may not be the right AnyDesk alternative for your business.

Pros:

Two-factor authentication
Remote access mobile application with support for Android and iOS
Useful admin features for pinpointed access

Cons:

Less suitable for businesses looking for a narrower suite of tools

A 14-day free trial of SolarWinds DRS is available for download.

Chrome Remote Desktop is among the most popular remote desktop connection AnyDesk alternatives. If you simply want to share your screen quickly and easily, it’s a straightforward option. If, however, you’re looking for an enterprise-grade remote desktop tool with a fully functional mobile application—like AnyDesk—then this tool may not be suited to your needs.

This tool can be installed by users as an application from the Chrome Web Store on their computer or, if you’re using your Android mobile device, from the Google Play app store. While Chrome Remote Desktop is built to offer enterprise-grade performance and accessibility, the mobile application doesn’t provide the same level of functionality as the desktop tool. This limits your ability to use the solution from your mobile devices. With AnyDesk, the mobile and computer tools are both highly functional, and you download them both from their website. As with AnyDesk, this Chrome application supports most major platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Pros:

Simple and fast
Multi-platform

Cons:

Limited functionality

This AnyDesk alternative is free to use, making it an affordable option, but it may not be entirely suited to business use.

Microsoft Remote Desktop among the most notable free competitors of AnyDesk because it’s very well-known and easy to use. However, it is generally more limited in functionality than AnyDesk. This solution works similarly to Chrome Remote Desktop—you simply install the client on your computer and, if you’d like to use the mobile application, download the app from your mobile device’s app store. This will allow you to connect your devices and establish remote access, with video and audio streaming (as with AnyDesk). A key benefit of using Microsoft Remote Desktop is you don’t need a Google Chrome installation for this tool to work on Windows devices.

Although the Microsoft alternative to AnyDesk can facilitate remote access to desktops reasonably easily, functionality is limited. For instance, you can only create a connection profile or search for an existing one to connect to it. Microsoft Remote Desktop can also be inflexible, because it doesn’t allow you to modify the experience themes or settings.

Pros:

Google Chrome installation isn’t necessary
Simple and easy setup

Cons:

Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant

Limited functionality
Inflexible

If you’re looking for an AnyDesk alternative effective at establishing access from a mobile device, then Parallels Access may be a good option. This tool was designed specifically for remote computer access from mobile devices and its mobile application is highly functional. Parallels Access features a unique, user-friendly mobile user interface, with support for iPad multitasking and full-screen applications, as well as Samsung DeX and S Pen. AnyDesk is not mobile-first but offers a widely compatible mobile application.

One of the best things about this solution is its clean user interface. Instead of showing your desktop screen on your mobile device, the Parallels Access mobile application presents a modified, mobile-friendly version. Although this tool supports connections between computers, most of its capabilities are mobile-centric.

Parallels Access offers several features similar to AnyDesk, like screen sharing, file transfer, and session chat. But it doesn’t let you initiate remote control of another computer from your mobile device, which AnyDesk allows. In addition, the security features differ, as Parallels Access doesn’t offer Smart Card authentication.

Pros:

Excellent mobile application
Support for iPad multitasking
User-friendly interface

Cons:

Limited computer-to-computer access capabilities

A free trial of Parallels Access is available.

TeamViewer is another popular remote desktop application with remote access capabilities. Like AnyDesk, TeamViewer offers a mobile application for connecting to your computer from your mobile device and, although the setup for TeamViewer is a little complex, the app itself is simple and functional.

TeamViewer offers a range of sophisticated features similar to those offered by AnyDesk, including file transfers in both directions, real-time sound and HD video transmission, and enterprise-grade encryption protocols plus two-factor authentication. However, TeamViewer emphasizes a wider range of remote control software features than AnyDesk. You can connect to multiple computers at the same time, have an integrated service desk, use VoIP, and more. Unlike with AnyDesk, the app is free for personal use, but you’ll need to pay for a subscription if you want to use it for your business.

Pros:

High-security encryption
Real-time sound and HD video transmission
Support for file transfers in both directions, plus more useful features

Cons:

Complicated setup

A 14-day free trial of the business edition of TeamViewer is available.

Splashtop is an AnyDesk alternative with more than 15 million users across the world and is one of the more well-known remote desktop connection tools. Multiple versions of Splashtop are available, including editions for school and classroom use, personal use, business use, and enterprise use. Some versions are somewhat pricier than others.

Splashtop is a powerful remote desktop connection AnyDesk alternative, featuring some tools included in AnyDesk—like remote print, chat, and session logging—and some features that aren’t, including drag and drop file transfer, multi-to-multi-monitor support, and auto-login. However, some reviews note issues with how the display functions, so starting with a free trial may make sense. One unique feature Splashtop provides is Active Directory integration, unlike AnyDesk. The security protocols are similar, however, as it uses TLS and AES-256 encryption.

Pros:

Multi-device compatibility
File transfer with drag-and-drop interface
Session recording

Cons:

The visual display could be more user-friendly, according to some reviews

You can access a free trial of Splashtop here.

AirDroid is an all-in-one file sharing and multi-screen sharing solution. This tool lets you access numerous devices simultaneously from almost anywhere, with support for all major operating systems. In addition to allowing you to manage your computer from a mobile device, AirDroid also lets you pick up calls and send messages from your desktop using the mobile application. But one fallback of AirDroid is a significant delay when sending SMS messages via a desktop.

Other key AirDroid features include phone screen recording and screen sharing from both sides, with lots of customizable settings. Unlike AnyDesk, AirDroid also allows you to make or receive calls on your computer and supports notification sharing for all connected devices, which ensures you’re kept in the loop. Both tools allow for encrypted file transfer. To keep you safe, AirDroid provides secure backup and synchronization for your phones and desktop computers.

AirDroid is a personal-use tool for a home office, but AirDroid Business is also an option. It allows businesses to remotely control Android devices. Only the Business version includes two-step verification, an admin console, and other remote control features. Both AnyDesk and AirDroid Business are scalable solutions (AirDroid for personal use is limited to four or 10 devices depending on your plan). All versions of AirDroid have more limited compatibility options than AnyDesk.

Pros:

Safe backup and synchronization
Screen recording and screen sharing from both sides
Customizable settings

Cons:

Alternative To Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection

Personal version has limitations
Limited compatibility

You can download a free 14-day trial of AirDroid business edition here.

Getting Started With a Remote Desktop Connection AnyDesk Alternative

Hopefully, this review of the best AnyDesk alternatives will save you some time by giving insight into the most popular and effective tools on the market in 2021. Overall, we recommend SolarWinds DRE and DRS most highly. These solutions offer an impressive range of powerful capabilities and are very intuitive, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced pros. They’re also suitable for enterprise use and are highly scalable, making them a good choice for small and large businesses alike. You can access a free trial of DRE here and a free trial of DRS here.

If you’re still not sure which of these AnyDesk alternatives is right for you, take advantage of their free trials. No matter your reasons for choosing an AnyDesk alternative, one of the solutions featured in this list should meet your business’ specific needs.

*As of September 2020