AnyDesk – Fast Remote Desktop Software

What is AnyDesk?

AnyDesk is a fast, lightweight remote desktop application that enables users to access and control computers from anywhere in the world with minimal latency and exceptional visual quality. Developed by AnyDesk Software GmbH, founded in 2014 by former TeamViewer developers, AnyDesk was built from the ground up with a proprietary DeskRT video codec specifically designed for remote desktop performance. This technology allows AnyDesk to deliver smooth, responsive remote connections even over low-bandwidth internet connections, making it a preferred choice for IT professionals, remote workers, and businesses requiring reliable remote access solutions.

Unlike many remote desktop tools that rely on generic video compression, AnyDesk’s DeskRT codec intelligently compresses screen content by understanding which areas change and prioritizing visual fidelity where it matters most. The result is remote sessions that feel nearly indistinguishable from sitting in front of the actual computer—with frame rates up to 60 FPS, latency as low as 16 milliseconds on local networks, and the ability to maintain usable connections even at bandwidth as low as 100 KB/s. This performance advantage has made AnyDesk a go-to solution for graphic designers, video editors, and other professionals who need responsive remote access to workstations running demanding applications.

AnyDesk serves diverse use cases from individual freelancers accessing their home computers while traveling to enterprise IT departments managing thousands of endpoints. The software offers unattended access for servers and workstations, file transfer capabilities, remote printing, session recording, and comprehensive security features including TLS 1.2 encryption and optional two-factor authentication. With native applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even Chrome OS, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi, AnyDesk provides truly cross-platform remote access that works wherever your devices are.

Key Features

• DeskRT Video Codec: Proprietary codec designed specifically for remote desktop delivers smooth visuals at 60 FPS with minimal bandwidth consumption.
• Ultra-Low Latency: Response times as low as 16ms on local networks make remote sessions feel native and responsive.
• Lightweight Client: Tiny 3-5 MB application runs without installation and consumes minimal system resources.
• Unattended Access: Configure computers to accept connections without someone present, ideal for servers and remote workstations.
• File Transfer: Built-in file manager transfers files between local and remote computers with drag-and-drop simplicity.
• Cross-Platform: Native applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome OS, FreeBSD, and Raspberry Pi.
• Remote Printing: Print documents from the remote computer to your local printer seamlessly.
• Session Recording: Record remote sessions for training, documentation, or compliance purposes.
• Address Book: Organize frequent connections with custom aliases and groups for quick access.
• Customizable Security: Whitelist specific AnyDesk IDs, require passwords, and enable two-factor authentication.
• Privacy Mode: Blank the remote screen during sessions to prevent onlookers from viewing sensitive operations.
• Multi-Monitor Support: View and switch between multiple remote monitors or display all monitors simultaneously.
• Wake-on-LAN: Remotely wake sleeping computers before establishing connection.
• Clipboard Sync: Copy and paste text, images, and files between local and remote systems.
• REST API: Integrate AnyDesk management into existing IT infrastructure and automation workflows.

What’s New in AnyDesk 2024/2025

• Enhanced Performance: Further DeskRT optimizations deliver even smoother performance on high-resolution displays and demanding applications.
• Improved Mobile Apps: Redesigned iOS and Android apps with better touch controls and gesture support for remote sessions.
• Advanced Session Permissions: More granular control over what remote users can do during sessions, including keyboard/mouse restrictions.
• Updated User Interface: Refreshed design with improved navigation and clearer settings organization across all platforms.
• Faster Connection Establishment: Reduced time to establish connections through optimized server infrastructure.
• Enhanced Enterprise Features: Improved centralized management, custom client deployment, and reporting capabilities.
• Better Linux Support: Native Wayland support and improved compatibility with modern Linux distributions.
• Strengthened Security: Enhanced encryption protocols and additional authentication options for enterprise environments.
• Custom Namespace for Enterprise: Businesses can use their own domain for AnyDesk IDs and branding.
• Improved File Transfer: Faster file transfer speeds and better handling of large files and folder structures.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows 7 SP1 or later (Windows 10/11 recommended)
• 1 GHz processor or faster
• 512 MB RAM minimum (2 GB recommended)
• 10 MB available disk space (runs without installation)
• Internet connection for remote sessions

macOS

• macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) processors
• 512 MB RAM minimum
• Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions required

Linux

• Most modern 64-bit distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, etc.)
• X11 or Wayland display server
• 512 MB RAM minimum
• Available as DEB, RPM, or generic tarball

Mobile

• iOS 12.0 or later
• Android 5.0 or later
• Optimized for both phones and tablets

How to Get Started with AnyDesk

1. Download: Visit anydesk.com and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
2. Run Without Installing: On Windows, simply double-click the downloaded file to run AnyDesk immediately—no installation required.
3. Note Your AnyDesk ID: The main window displays your unique AnyDesk address (9-digit number) that others use to connect to you.
4. Connect to Remote Computer: Enter the AnyDesk ID of the computer you want to access in the “Remote Desk” field and click Connect.
5. Accept the Connection: On the remote computer, accept the incoming connection request or enter the password for unattended access.
6. Set Up Unattended Access: Go to Settings > Security and set a password to enable connections without manual acceptance.
7. Install for Regular Use: Click “Install AnyDesk” for permanent installation with auto-start and consistent AnyDesk ID.
8. Configure Security: Set up two-factor authentication and access control lists in security settings.
9. Create Address Book: Save frequently accessed computers to the address book with custom names for quick access.
10. Transfer Files: During a session, open the file transfer panel to drag and drop files between computers.
11. Adjust Display Settings: Use the display menu to optimize quality/speed balance and select specific monitors.
12. Explore Mobile Access: Install mobile apps to access your computers from smartphone or tablet anywhere.

AnyDesk vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Performance: DeskRT codec delivers industry-leading smoothness and responsiveness even on slow connections.
• Incredibly Lightweight: Tiny 3 MB download runs instantly without installation, perfect for quick support sessions.
• Low Bandwidth Usage: Maintains usable connections even on very slow internet, ideal for remote locations.
• Free Personal Use: Genuine free tier for non-commercial use without aggressive commercial use detection.
• Cross-Platform: Supports virtually every platform including Linux, Raspberry Pi, and Chrome OS.
• No Account Required: Works immediately with just AnyDesk IDs—no account signup needed for basic use.
• Strong Security: TLS 1.2 encryption, RSA 2048 key exchange, and verified connections by default.
• Portable Mode: Run directly from USB drive or download without affecting the host system.
• Multi-Monitor Support: Excellent handling of multi-monitor setups with flexible viewing options.
• Competitive Pricing: Business licenses significantly cheaper than TeamViewer for equivalent features.

Cons

• Feature Limitations in Free Tier: Some features like address book and custom alias require paid plans.
• Less Brand Recognition: Smaller market share than TeamViewer means some IT environments don’t permit it.
• Commercial Use Detection: Extended sessions may trigger commercial use warnings requiring license.
• Limited Built-in Chat: Text chat feature is basic compared to TeamViewer’s communication tools.
• Wake-on-LAN Setup: Requires additional configuration for reliably waking remote computers.

Who Should Use AnyDesk?

AnyDesk is ideal for:

• IT Support Professionals: Technicians providing remote support who need fast, reliable connections with minimal setup.
• Remote Workers: Employees accessing office workstations from home or while traveling.
• Graphic Designers: Creative professionals who need responsive access to workstations running design software.
• System Administrators: IT admins managing servers and workstations across multiple locations.
• Small Businesses: Companies needing affordable remote access without enterprise software costs.
• Freelancers: Independent professionals accessing multiple client or personal computers remotely.
• Software Developers: Programmers needing access to development environments and testing machines.
• Family Tech Support: Users helping non-technical family members troubleshoot computer issues remotely.
• Low-Bandwidth Users: Anyone with limited internet connectivity who needs functional remote access.
• Security-Conscious Users: Those prioritizing verified connections and strong encryption for remote access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AnyDesk free to use?

AnyDesk is genuinely free for personal, non-commercial use without time limits or session restrictions. Commercial users require paid licenses starting at around $10.90/month for the Essentials plan. Unlike some competitors, AnyDesk’s free tier remains quite functional, though extended or frequent use may trigger prompts to verify non-commercial usage. For occasional personal remote access, the free version is fully capable.

Is AnyDesk secure for remote access?

AnyDesk uses banking-grade security including TLS 1.2 encryption for all connections, RSA 2048 asymmetric key exchange, and verified connections that confirm the identity of remote computers. All connections are end-to-end encrypted, meaning even AnyDesk’s servers cannot view session content. For additional security, you can enable two-factor authentication, whitelist specific AnyDesk IDs, and use session passwords. The software is audited and used by security-conscious organizations worldwide.

Why is AnyDesk faster than other remote desktop tools?

AnyDesk’s performance advantage comes from its proprietary DeskRT video codec, purpose-built for remote desktop use. Unlike generic video codecs, DeskRT understands screen content and optimizes compression accordingly—text remains sharp, smooth areas compress efficiently, and only changed regions are transmitted. This intelligent approach achieves up to 60 FPS at lower bandwidth than competitors, with latency as low as 16ms on fast networks.

Can I access my computer when I’m not there?

Yes, AnyDesk supports unattended access by setting a password in Security settings. Once configured, you can connect to that computer anytime without anyone present to accept the connection. This is perfect for accessing your home or office computer remotely. For extra security, combine unattended access with two-factor authentication and access control lists limiting which AnyDesk IDs can connect.

Final Verdict

AnyDesk has earned its reputation as one of the fastest, most efficient remote desktop applications available by focusing relentlessly on performance without sacrificing features or security. The DeskRT codec delivers a remote experience that genuinely feels responsive enough for demanding work like graphic design, video editing, and software development—something many competitors simply cannot match. Combined with the incredibly small footprint, instant portable mode, and competitive pricing, AnyDesk offers compelling value for anyone who relies on remote access.

While TeamViewer maintains larger market share and broader enterprise features, AnyDesk’s technical superiority in raw performance makes it the better choice for users who prioritize responsiveness and efficiency. The free tier is genuinely usable for personal needs, and paid plans cost significantly less than competitors for equivalent functionality. Whether you’re an IT professional supporting clients, a remote worker accessing your office, or simply someone helping family with tech problems, AnyDesk delivers fast, reliable remote access that just works. Download from anydesk.com and experience the difference a purpose-built remote desktop solution makes.