Remote Desktop App for Windows 11: 11 Best Picks Ranked
Remote desktop apps help you troubleshoot any remote PC
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Key notes
- Remote access apps are extremely useful pieces of software used to control computers and other devices in a distant location.
- They can be used for IT purposes or to help others with their computer problems.
- This list points out the best possible remote access apps on Windows 11.
Remote desktop software has to be one of, if not the most useful apps to have ever been invented. It allows you to remotely control another computer and specific aspects of it from anywhere at any time, as if you were there in person.
Now, don’t confuse them with screen-sharing software, which is an app that allows users to share their screen for web conferencing or presentations. Naturally, these don’t offer full control.
How does remote access software work?
All remote access apps work pretty much the same. To be used, you must install the control apps on the computer or server you want to control, known as the host. Then you install it on your own computer, which is used to gain access to the other machine.
In the past, remote access software only allowed you to control one other desktop computer via a master/client association. Still, nowadays, that’s changed to allow access through a smartphone or tablet.
This guide will break down the best remote access software you can get for your Windows 11 computer in 2023. Although they have similar functionality, each app has its own set of features that make it stand out above the rest.
What are the best remote access apps for Windows 11?
Remote Access Plus – Best remote access and assistance
ManageEngine’s Remote Access Plus is unquestionably the best software you can get in terms of remote desktop control and assistance.
This HIPPA-compliant software will even help you run an IT remote assistance business because it also comes with workforce management and session recording of the job tasks.
Actually, Remote Access Plus has all the tools needed to carry out any assistance or remote control task on a Windows, Linux, or Mac computer.
The remote-control function is just one of the multiple features available. You can perform file transfers, control power options, and restrict users.
Remote Access Plus implies the usage of HTML5 RDP clients to access the remote machine no matter where it’s located.
If you want to provide assistance instead of remote troubleshooting, there’s always the option of instant voice and video chat to communicate with the receiving end and offer guidance.
When the IT technician finishes the job, a comprehensive report is generated. That and the session recording will help you assess the quality of the work.
Here are some of its key features:
- Complete remote control and assistance tools
- HIPPA compliance and HTML5 RDP clients
- You may offer assistance to any Windows, Linux, and Mac computer
- Single, cloud-based dashboard, accessible from anywhere in the world
- Multi-monitor support, voice, and video chat
Remote Access Plus
With this smart software, you get all the tools for remote Windows 11 troubleshooting and assistance!Password Manager Pro – Great password management
ManageEngine Password Manager Pro comes with the Secure remote access module allowing access to IT services and maintenance.
This software enables users to launch direct system connections without a plug-in or agent. It directly connects to a desktop and website from native browser extensions.
It allows you to set up connections to remote database servers and secure access to remote systems without showing passwords in plain text.
This password management tool provides granular access controls, strong encryption, and other security features to help organizations protect their critical assets.
With in-built features, you can analyze the strength of passwords and ensure that they meet the organization’s policies.
It enables you to reset your credentials of remote resources from and when required or automatically through scheduled tasks.
This tool has comprehensive audit trials and reporting capabilities, providing visibility into who accessed what credentials and when.
Some key features of this remote desktop app:
- Allows you to define different roles and permissions for users to access and manage passwords
- Offers both scheduled and live backups of the entire database to facilitate disaster recovery
- Automatically log on to the target systems, sites, and apps from the PMP web interface
- Initiates personalized connections to a system using Auto Logon Helper scripts
- Detects and resets the passwords for service accounts linked to domain accounts
Password Manager Pro
Protects sensitive passwords and credentials of your organization with a tool that offers remote access.Zoho Assist – Great for screen sharing
Zoho Assist is a cloud-based remote access software that provides specialized distant support and unattended access, all in an effort to streamline the workflow process. There are multiple versions available, including support plans.
With Zoho, you can share screens and files, plus talk with another user via chat that uses a unique session ID and password. Other features include multi-monitor navigation and the ability to have up to six different connections.
The company behind the app separates its software into two tiers. The Remote Support plans include features like remote printing and customer branding, which are highly useful for support technicians and IT professionals.
More advanced features are available in high-end plans. The top-tier plans include similar features like remote printing, plus access to the service’s mobile apps and the ability to record sessions. And if you ever need any help, Zoho Assist offers on-demand remote support.
Zoho Assist
Try one of the best remote access software to streamline your workflow process.Radmin Remote – Ideal for low-bandwidth connections
As a remote access app, Radmin Remote gives lightning-fast connections between the host computer and multiple clients. It houses a feature called DirectScreenTransfer which uses a special kernel-mode driver to increase the capture rate of screen updates. This means almost no lag in the connection.
Radmin Remote has also been specially optimized for low-bandwidth connections that allow remote control even on dial-up modems. Security is also pretty high as all the data, even mouse movement and keyboard inputs, are encrypted with 256-bit AES.
The latest version of Radmin supports Intel Active Management Technology to control remote computers even if they’re turned off, or the operating system can’t start. That way, the client can view and change the BIOS settings of the host to boot it.
Other features include compatibility with older versions of Windows operating systems, multiple monitor support, and a multi-language interface. Radmin users are given free technical support to all registered customers.
Here are some of its best features:
- 256-bit AES encrypted connection
- DirectScreenTransfer technology for fast connection
- Intel Active Management Technology support
- Compatible with older Windows OS versions as well
Radmin Remote
Try this software today and take advantage of the user-friendly interface and plethora of features for Windows 11.Mikogo – Simple and practical tool
Starting off the list is Mikogo, a very practical remote desktop app that sports a user-friendly interface that easily establishes a remote connection. Mikogo has a specific usage on presentations, team meetings, and web conferencing.
Mikogo can be installed on macOS and Linux computers, plus there are apps on iOS and Android, which is something that much remote access software has. With this particular app, you can organize meetings in advance and send out invitations.
Mikogo is unlike many other remote access apps in that it’s less focused on IT professionals and more focused on casual users. It takes more from conferencing apps like Zoom than anything else. The program isn’t free, unfortunately, but it does have a two-week free trial that you can try.
Setting up is easy as well. All you have to do is download and install the app. The software is immediately launched where you can enter your Mikogo account information so you can get started with scheduling sessions.
Let’s review some of its best features below:
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Dedicated apps for Android and iOS
- Simple and easy to use with a friendly UI
- Dedicated tools for presentations, team meetings, and web conferencing
TeamViewer – Most popular tool
TeamViewer is up there as one of the most popular remote access apps for personal and business use. You can use it to remotely control computers and devices on all the major operating systems like Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chrome OS.
There are also app versions that allow you to control the Android, iOS, and Blackberry systems from your smartphone as the client. TeamViewer also supports multiple remote sessions with the host computer being able to accept multiple requests from different clients.
And that client can also send out multiple requests. Users will be able to conduct virtual meetings over TeamViewer to support up to 25 participants. To facilitate this large group of people, Team Viewer has a chat function where you can communicate directly with clients.
The free version is only meant to be used for personal reasons and not in a business setting. In fact, the software has advanced algorithms that can tell how you’re using the app. Paid versions include new features like the aforementioned multiple requests.
Take a look at some of its key features:
- Can control Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chrome OS remote computers
- Seamless compatibility with Windows 11
- Virtual eating with voice and video communication
- Simple setup for remote access and control
AeroAdmin – Simple to use
AeroAdmin is like a stripped-down version of Team Viewer. If all you want is a basic remote desktop app without all of the bells and whistles that Team Viewer has, then AeroAdmin is the way to go. It has a cleaner user interface that isn’t jammed packed full of features.
The interface includes only a field box where you enter the host ID to start a connection. Other features include file transfer and unattended control, where you can access the other computer without intervention on that end. Plus, remote sessions are encrypted to ensure data security during file transfers.
The free version of AeroAdmin has some solid utility for both a personal and commercial setting. Admittedly, however, this app is best suited for personal use or a medium-sized business. AeroAdmin limits the usage of the free version to 17 hours of connection time every month, but the premium version gets rid of this.
Splashtop Business Access – Ideal for business professionals
Splashtop Business Access was made with business professionals and teams in mind. It can manage multiple users’ remote access as a central hub of sorts. With Splashtop, professionals and teams can access the host and shared systems with any supported device.
Splashtop can be installed on a Windows 11 computer to control other systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chromebook. It’s a versatile remote access program with a wide range of features, high security, and a user-friendly interface.
The app has a multi-monitor feature allowing you to view multiple screens from one or many displays. It also allows two separate users to access the same machine remotely and control who has access to which computer and assign tasks to them.
Set up is also easy to do for a problem-free deployment. There are multiple different plans that increase the number of computers that can be accessed, up to 25 separate machines. The paid versions also have on-demand customer service support.
⇒ Get Splashtop Business Access
Remote Utilities – Multiple platform support
Remote Utilities is a free remote access app that takes a different approach to its implementation. It’s actually two different tools used as one. There’s the host software that you install on the computer you want to control remotely, and then there’s the viewer which goes on the client.
With the two installed, you can have unattended access to eh remote computer while allowed to execute certain tasks like rebooting the host. Remote Utilities also have a portable version for when you need to access a computer quickly but have no time to install the apps.
Even Android and iOS versions allow you to gain a computer from a mobile device. Other features in Remote Utilities include remote printing, file transfer, webcam viewing, live chat, and multiple monitor viewing.
Remote Utilities can control up to ten separate devices and much older systems, going as far back as Windows XP, plus Windows Server 2019, 2012, and 2003.
Chrome Remote Desktop – Great for Google Chrome
Believe it or not, Google has created its own remote access software. It’s called Chrome Remote Desktop and it’s a free tool that allows users to access a computer via the Chrome web browser. It was originally conceived as a browser extension, but over time, it became a standalone tool.
Chrome Remote also allows any user with a Google account to access a computer via iOS or Android device. It does lack a lot of the features that standalone apps have, but its simplicity and cross-platform access make it one of the best free apps out there.
Now, because access happens through the browser, security is limited to HTTPS and includes full support for AES, which is the same protocol businesses use to protect credit card information during online transactions, so it’s not bad, but not amazing either. A PIN is required every time you want to access a remote computer.
Chrome Remote is easy to use and is quite responsive, allowing you to configure key mappings to customize access on a device. It’s a great offset to being light on features and the inability to share files.
LogMeIn – Great for large businesses
LogMeIn can be considered the go-to remote access software for large businesses. The apps come with remote monitoring, remote deployment, endpoint management, and other useful, advanced features.
Like many of the remote access apps on this list, LogMeIn has the standard file transfer capabilities and mobile apps for an immersive experience. The service has unlimited remote access from any and all devices, plus system admin tools so you implement business policies and controls.
The app also gives you access to a whopping 1 TB of cloud storage and LastPass subscribers get the opportunity to save their password in a secure vault of sorts. LogMeIn can also boast lightning-fast access to the host computer, whether it’s a Windows or Mac machine. You can access all the stored files on a computer for easy collaboration.
LogMeIn even has a whiteboard feature, which allows the client user to draw on the host computer if they need to illustrate an action. At first, the whiteboard may be tricky and confusing to use, but fortunately, the service has a helpful guide that teaches how to use the tool.
Are there other useful Windows 11 apps to make browsing more enjoyable?
As a matter of fact, there are many useful Windows 11 apps that make the overall experience much better. If you ever find yourself needing to transfer vast amounts of data from one computer to another, it’s recommended that you download a useful migration tool.
A data migration tool transfers data by preparing, extracting, and transforming data to make sure it’s compatible with its destination. Some of these apps even have the ability to recover files from a damaged computer.
There’s also QT TabBar which adds tabs to the Windows File Explorer. It’s a relatively small, almost inconsequential addition to the File Explorer, but it’s actually an extremely useful app. It makes exploring your computer’s file less annoying when you can just have one window open.
We also recommend reading our selection of the best VPNs for remote desktop computers.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about guides that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features or list guides like this.
