Can you remote access a computer that is off

Remote computer access is the ability to access another computer or network that isn’t in your physical presence. Remote computer access allows an employee to access a computer desktop and its files from a remote location. This helps enable an employee who is working from home, for instance, to work effectively.

With the 2020 outbreak of the novel coronavirus, remote computer access has taken on increased importance. Remote computer access can allow employees to continue doing their jobs away from their physical workplace, which can help keep businesses running.

Remote access to computers isn’t new. It can have advantages for people at work and in their private lives. Here are two examples.

• Remote access software is helpful when you’re in a meeting at another office with your laptop — or telecommuting — and need an important file that’s on your office computer.
• Remote computer access can help you assist someone in your personal life who might be far away. You might want to help elderly parents finish their tax returns, for instance. You’ll be able to access their computer and their financial documents if you have remote access set up on your respective computers.

It can be helpful to learn how remote computer access works, what are the possible security risks, and how you can access other computers and networks remotely and safely. Here’s what you need to know.

What is remote computer access?

Many people take their laptops with them to do things like finish a business presentation while waiting for a flight at the airport. But a lot of those laptops may not have bigger, important files on them. You might leave those files at work or at home on your desktop computer.

What if you need access to those files? What if you need access to your network? If so, remote computer access can help.

Remote computer access software lets you access networks and computers remotely. It can enable file sharing. It’s like having a remote control for a computer or system that isn’t near you. You’ll be able to remotely download files and applications from your desktop or another person’s computer onto your laptop or your cell phone. Remote access also gives you control over that remote device

Remote access offers several benefits, including these.

• The ability to troubleshoot quickly.
• Easy monitoring and control of devices connected to the same network.
• Efficient file-sharing.
• The ability of your device to mirror the original device, including files and applications.

How does remote computer access work?

Remote computer access requires a reliable internet connection. You’ll need to activate or install software on the device you want to access, as well as on the device — or devices — you want to use to get that access.

For instance, you could install the software on your home computer and another device you’ll use remotely. That allows you to create the remote connection that lets you to access your home desktop from anywhere

Remote access solutions fall under two categories: one, those provided by the same company as your operating system; and, two, third-party solutions.

There are a variety of third-party options on the market for remote access software. The program that’s right for you may depend on your platform. For instance, there are Windows-only and Mac-only programs if your computers and devices all use the same operating system.

Remote access software options also range in price, and some are free. Here are a few options*.

TeamViewer. This is a cross-platform software solution that’s free for personal use. Here’s how it works. You’ll need to create an account, and then download and install TeamViewer software onto both your home computer and your remote computer or device. TeamViewer can be installed on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Chrome OS. It also has apps for Windows Phone, Blackberry, iOS, and Android.

LogMeIn. This is another cross-platform option, available at a cost. You can only access it from a web browser, and it includes several file-sharing features.

Splashtop. This option has functionality comparable to TeamViewer, but it’s only free if you want local access between devices. If you aren’t only interested in local connections, this could be a more expensive choice. But the product features high-quality video and audio. If that’s important to you, the cost could be worth it.

UltraVNC or TightVNC (available on Linux). These are screen-sharing clients that enable you to connect from a Windows computer to a Mac computer

Both Windows and Mac operating systems have built-in remote desktop solutions.

Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – This is a built-in, remote desktop connection that’s supported by Windows and third parties. If you have Windows Professional or higher, you won’t need additional software. While this solution may be free, a possible downside is that set-up must be done on the home computer. If you’re doing this for someone who isn’t tech-savvy, the initial set-up could be challenging

Also, Windows RDP will only work on your local network. You’ll need to either forward ports on your router to access it over the internet, or use a VPN. More on that, below.

Mac OS Screensharing. Mac OS X has built-in screen-sharing that enables you to share between Macs. It lets you connect in several different ways that include logging in, using your Apple ID, sending a connection request, or using a Virtual Networked Computer connection.

What are the security risks of remote access?

You might be concerned about the security of remote access. The big question? Does remote access also make it easier for cybercriminals to access your computer and personal data?

It could. Remote access solutions could leave you vulnerable. If you don’t have proper security solutions in place, remote connections could act as a gateway for cybercriminals to access your devices and data.

Hackers could use remote desktop protocol (RDP) to remotely access Windows computers in particular. Remote desktop servers connect directly to the Internet when you forward ports on your router. Hackers and malware may be able to attack a weakness in those routers.

How can I protect my computer when using remote access?

There are ways to help protect your computer, network, files, and data when using remote access. Many of these ways are similar to those you would follow with other types of web activity

Here are some steps you can take to help protect your computer and data while relying on remote access.

Maintain strong passwords. Set unique and complex passwords that are made up of at least 12 characters consisting of a random combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Proactive steps like always resetting default passwords, changing your passwords regularly, and never sharing or using the same password, will help prevent cybercriminals from figuring them out.

Use multi-factor or two-factor authentication (2FA). Controlling access with 2FA adds another layer of protection. 2FA will involve setting a username and password, along with a unique code that might be sent to you via SMS text message. Multi-factor authentication takes this a step further by using biometrics like facial or fingerprint recognition.

Set up an account lockout policy. To help guard against hackers implementing brute-force attacks with automated password-guessing tools, it’s important to set your computer to lock your accounts when someone enters an incorrect password a set number of times.

Use a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). If you set up a VPN, your remote desktop server won’t be connected directly to the internet. It will only be exposed on your local network, which could leave it less vulnerable to hackers.

Maintain firewalls. Firewalls can be your first line of defense in network security by limiting those who have remote access. You should set up firewalls to restrict access using software or hardware or both.

Update your software regularly. Make sure your software updates automatically so you’re working with the latest security fixes. This will ensure the most current security patches are running. This can help protect you from new malware and other malicious viruses.

Limit the number of remote access users. Limiting the number of users who can log in can help maintain security. One way to do this is by enabling a restricted mode for administrators.

Remote computer access can help businesses, individuals, and families in a variety of ways. But it’s important to make remote access secure. That way, you can enjoy the benefits and minimize the risks.

* The inclusion of websites, links, products, or service providers does not imply endorsement or support of any company, product or provider listed herein. The content herein is listed to assist consumers when considering product offerings and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of features, services, or prices which may or may not apply to each vendor listed, and features, services and prices are subject to change.

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. Unlike some remote access programs, you don't have to open the screen sharing tool to do things like send/receive files or run commands.

The full list of tools you have access to as the client are Files and Folders, Text editor, Log watch, Resources, Screen, and Shell. 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.

The DWAgent tool for the host can be installed on several operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. There's also a dedicated Android app, but it works through a mobile web browser, too.

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.me. 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.g., switch users, open Run box, open File Explorer), a system information viewer, full-screen mode, audio calling, and clipboard sharing.

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.me is to simply open the program and share the public link. 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.

The host can dictate whether a few permissions are allowed, like if the client can control the mouse/keyboard, capture sound, and make audio calls.

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. For example, only two computers can be linked to your account at once, you can't record the connection, Wake-on-LAN won't work, and file transfers max out at 50 MB per file.

It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. You can send controls from any device with a web browser.

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 that another PC can connect 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.

You can open Remote Desktop through the Run dialog box (open it with the Windows Key + R shortcut); just enter the mstsc command to launch it.

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.

Windows Remote Desktop can be used on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

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.e. accept incoming remote access requests).

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 that 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 32-bit or 64-bit setup file that will work with your edition of Windows.

Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 users can install and use the latest software version. Older Windows versions can install an earlier edition of the software.

This is another completely portable remote access program. It's also 100 percent free for both personal and commercial use, which is rare to find.

The computer that will be controlled by the client simply needs to share its 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 2008, 2003, and 2000. There's also an Android app that can work as the host or client.

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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.

When the client connects, the host will be asked to allow or disallow the connection and can also control permissions, like to allow sound, clipboard use, and the ability to block the host's keyboard/mouse control.

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. You can also connect to the host from AnyDesk's web client.

If unattended access is set up, the client doesn't need to wait for the host to accept the connection. 

The program auto-updates and can enter full-screen mode, create a balance between quality and speed of the connection, transfer files and sound, sync the clipboard, record the remote session, run keyboard shortcuts, take screenshots of the remote computer, and restart the host computer.

It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. There's also an app for iOS, Android, Chrome OS, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi.

AeroAdmin is probably the easiest program to use for free remote access. There are hardly any settings, and everything is quick and to the point, which is perfect for spontaneous support.

Just open the portable program and share your IP address or the given ID with someone else. This is how the client computer will know how to connect to the host.

The client PC just needs to run the same program and enter the ID or IP address into their program. You can choose View only or Remote Control before you connect, and then just select Connect to request remote control.

When the host computer confirms the connection, you can start controlling the computer and share clipboard text.

It's great that AeroAdmin is absolutely free for both personal and commercial use, but it's too bad there isn't a chat option included, and really too bad that you can't transfer files.

Another note that needs to be made is that while the program is 100 percent free, it does limit how many hours you can use it per month.

It can be installed on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and XP.

Iperius Remote is one of the easiest to use remote desktop programs with some awesome features like a robust file transfer tool and chat application. It also lets you connect to a computer remotely with their mobile app.

Open the program and select Allow connections to see your password. Share that and the ID next to it with the client so that they can connect to the computer.

Enter the host computer's ID into the second text box, press Connect, and then enter the password when you see the password prompt.

This free remote access program is perfect for on-demand access. You and the other person can download and start using Iperius Remote in just a minute or two.

The program interface is extremely simple and easy to understand. During a remote connection, you can send the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut, choose which display to view, switch to full screen mode, and open the file transfer or chat utility.

If you want more control, you can open the settings to enable continuous access, a custom password, a proxy, etc.

Supported operating systems include 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, as well as Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, and 2012. There's also an app for macOS, Android, and iOS.

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From the popular software company AOMEI is AnyViewer. It installed for us in less than five seconds and has a really simple user interface that's easy for anyone to understand right off the bat.

Share the device ID and security code with the client. The security code is created by the program and will, by default, change every time the software restarts. You can have it change more or less frequently by editing the program's settings—you can even set the code yourself if you want the client to be able to access the computer in the future with the same code.

Put the host's device ID into the Start Control box, and then press Connect. On the prompt that pops up, either choose the option to send a control request to the host, and then wait for them to accept it, or enter the security code.

During a session, the client can change the resolution to better fit the display, and swap between high and low image quality to optimize quality or speed over the other.

The Operation tab during a remote session includes shortcuts to common actions: Ctrl+Alt+Del, lock, log out, restart, shut down, This PC, Task Manager, and Command Prompt. You can also auto-lock the device when you end the session, and if you pay, you have the added options of disabling the host's mouse/keyboard and making the recipient's screen black.

You can make a user account if you want to manage unattended devices and see the connection history. Otherwise, you can connect to the host right away after installation, so it's great for both one-off sessions and repeat users.

Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 are supported, as is Windows Server 2022 through 2012 R2, and iPad and iPhone.

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Zoho Assist is yet another remote access tool that offers several editions for personal and commercial use. However, only one limited version is free. You can share screens and files, and chat remotely with another user through a unique session ID and password.

The host needs to select Share My Screen on the Zoho Assist website, and then START NOW to get a session ID and password to give to the client. You can copy the ID and password manually, share a unique URL with the client, or just enter their email address to have the connection info emailed to them.

The host also needs to download a small tool so that the client can remotely access in order to control the computer. Use the Download button to save ZA_Connect.exe to your computer, and then open it to install it.

Once the host computer is fully set up and ready to go, the client needs to access the Join Screen Sharing Session page and enter the ID and password of the client computer.

Or, if the host shared the information over email or the URL, then, of course, the client can just use that information to connect to the host.

By default, the client doesn't have full control rights, only viewing permissions. To change this, the client needs to go to Session > Request Control, and wait for the host to click Yes.

Some other features included in this program are clipboard sharing, a pause button for the host, and an annotation tool so that the host and client can draw on the screen.

It's said to run on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, plus Windows Server 2019 through 2003.

The free Quick Assist remote access program is easy to understand and doesn't require a download because it's built-in to Windows 11 and 10. Search for it through the Start menu, or browse the Windows Accessories Start menu folder, to open the program (use the link below if you can't find it).

Type into the text box the 6-digit code that the client's computer generated, and then select Share screen. Once the client has done their part, you need to confirm that they can have access to your computer before the connection can be established.

Choose Assist another person and then log in to your Microsoft account. Give the security code to the host and then choose Take full control or View screen to get remote access to their computer.

Once the client has connected to the host, they can change which monitor to control, annotate directly on the screen, restart the computer, and quickly open Task Manager.

LiteManager is strikingly similar to Remote Utilities. However, unlike that program, which can control a total of only 10 PCs, this one supports up to 30 slots for storing and connecting to remote computers, and also has lots of useful features.

The computer that needs to be accessed should install the LiteManager Pro – Server.msi program (it's free), which is contained in the downloaded ZIP file.

There are numerous ways to ensure a connection can be made to the host computer. It can be done through the IP address, computer name, or an ID. 

The easiest way to set this up is to right-click the server program in the notification area of the taskbar, choose Connect by ID, erase the contents that are already there, and click Connected to generate a brand new ID.

The other program, called Viewer, is installed for the client to connect to the host. Once the host computer has produced an ID, the client should enter it from the Connect by ID option in the Connection menu to establish a remote connection to the other computer.

Once connected, the client can do all sorts of things, much like with Remote Utilities, such as work with multiple monitors, transfer files silently, take full control or read-only access of the other PC, run a remote task manager, launch files and programs remotely, capture sound, edit the registry, create a demonstration, lock the other person's screen and keyboard, and text chat.

There's also a QuickSupport option, which is a portable server and viewer program that makes connecting much quicker than the above method.

We tested LiteManager in Windows 10, but it should also work just fine in Windows 11, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. This program is available for macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, too.

DesktopNow is a free remote access program from NCH Software. After optionally forwarding the proper port number in your router, and signing up for a free account, you can access your PC from anywhere through a web browser.

The computer that will be accessed remotely needs to have the DesktopNow software installed.

When the program is first launched, your email and a password should be entered so you can use the same credentials on the client side to make the connection.

The host computer can either configure its router to forward the proper port number to itself or choose cloud access during the install to make a direct connection to the client, bypassing the need for complicated forwarding.

It's probably a better idea for most people to use the direct, cloud access method to avoid issues with port forwarding.

The client just needs to access the host through a web browser. If the router was configured to forward the port number, the client would use the host PCs IP address to connect. If cloud access was chosen, a specific link would have been given to the host that you'd use for the connection.

DesktopNow has a nice file sharing feature that lets you download your shared files remotely in an easy-to-use file browser.

There isn't a dedicated application for mobile devices, so trying to view and control a computer from a phone or tablet can be difficult. However, the website is optimized for mobile phones, so viewing your shared files is easy.

64-bit versions of Windows are supported. This includes Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

ShowMyPC is portable and similar to some of these other programs, but uses a password to make a connection instead of an IP address. ShowMyPc isn't free, but they do offer a 30-day free trial.

Run the ShowMyPC software on any computer and then choose Show My PC to get a unique ID number called a Share Password.

This ID is the number you must share with others so they can connect to the host.

Open the same program on another computer and enter the ID from the host program to make a connection. The client can instead enter the number on the ShowMyPC website (in the "View PC" box) and run a Java version of the program within their browser.

There are additional options here that aren't available in UltraVNC, like webcam sharing over a web browser and scheduled meetings that allow someone to connect to your PC via a personal web link that launches a Java version of ShowMyPC.

Clients can only send a limited number of keyboard shortcuts to the host computer.

It works on all versions of Windows.

Remote Utilities is a remote access program that isn't free, but it offers a 30-day, fully-functional free trial of the Viewer component. (The other components are free.) It works by pairing two remote computers together with an Internet ID. Control a total of 10 computers with this program.

Install Host on a Windows computer to gain permanent access to it. Or just run Agent, which provides spontaneous support without installing anything—it can even be launched from a flash drive.

The host computer obtains an Internet ID that a client uses to make a connection.

The Viewer program connects to the host or agent software.

Download Viewer on its own or in the Viewer + Host combo file. Download a portable version of the Viewer if you'd rather not install anything.

Connecting the Viewer to the Host or Agent doesn't require any router changes like port forwarding, making setup very easy. The client just needs to enter the Internet ID number and password.

There are 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.

Remote Utilities can be installed on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008, and 2003. There's also a version for Linux and macOS, but both are in beta and might not work as well as the Windows edition.

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