Have you ever thought about controlling someone else’s desktop through your own device? It’s now possible through software that supports Virtual Network Computing, otherwise known as VNC or Remote Desktop Sharing. This kind of technique is often used by people from customer support to efficiently and quickly determine a client’s issues when it comes to their technology. This is used to diagnose, troubleshoot and solve software-related problems without the added hassle. If you’re interested in using VNC software for your own needs, we’ve created a list of the best VNC viewers that you can use for your Windows device.
1. AnyDesk
AnyDesk is the first VNC viewer software on our list because of how reliable it is for Windows users. It is multiplatform software, which allows you to connect to other kinds of platforms that aren’t Windows. You can connect to other devices such as Mac and Linux, among others.
Together with its compatibility, AnyDesk is a highly good option for a VNC because of its simplicity. Simply install Anydesk on both computers that you want to be connected with each other, and share a remote desk address to connect you two. There are no frills or complicated rules.
With AnyDesk, you can transfer files between the two computers and complete other kinds of activities. It also features a chat system for easy communication, as well as a recording feature to record what is happening on the screen being controlled. Finally, AnyDesk also has a blackboard where you can illustrate whatever you want on the desktop you’re connected to.
AnyDesk has certain drawbacks, however. The major con to the software is that it does not work well when the two desktops are not connected with a secure Wi-Fi network. However, AnyDesk remains a solid and user-friendly option for those who want to use VNC software for themselves or for their friends or future clients.
2. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is another popular and reliable option for a remote desktop software. It is a free software that does the job of giving you remote access to any computer or desktop that you want to connect to. Beyond this, it has other great features that make the process less painless. To connect two desktops, you simply need to install TeamViewer on both computers that you want to connect. Then, share the unique ID and password to connect both desktops.
TeamViewer has cross-platform support, making it easy and accessible for you to connect to other desktops that may not be Windows. It’s also another beginner-friendly option for those who are new to using VNCs. If you want an accessible option for a cross-platform and free VNC, TeamViewer is worth checking out.
3. UltraVNC
A great choice for an open-source VNC is UltraVNC, which works best for big organizations like enterprises and companies. Because of this purpose, UltraVNC has a lot of different features that are suited for workers and clients to thoroughly interact with each other using the provided remote network.
The major downside to UltraVNC is that its features are not very beginner friendly. You will need to learn how to properly use the different features of general VNC software to make use of UltraVNC. However, if you are knowledgeable about this kind of software in your work, this VNC software will be greatly advantageous for you
4. TigerVNC
Similar to UltraVNC, TigerVNC is another popular open-source VNC software that people can use to connect computers with each other via a remote network. It has cross-platform support, meaning that you can connect with other types of desktops such as Windows, Linux, and Mac. With TigerVNC, you can perform online conferences and calls by inviting different users to join in a video call with you.
The issue with TigerVNC is that it does not fully protect your activity with built-in encryption. This can be a major concern for those who want to keep their privacy secure, or are normally dealing with sensitive content for their work. Overall, if you are looking for VNC software for Windows with dedicated conferencing features, TigerVNC is a great option for you.
5. RealVNC
RealVNC is a remote desktop software that you can use to take control of another computer in real-time using the network. The software is very reliable for remote connection, and you can easily share files and take control of the system over the virtual network. Also, it comes with cross-platform support, which means that you can connect with computers on other platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. Also, it uses the advanced 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption to ensure that your connection is safe and no one is eavesdropping on it. Overall, if you are looking for a flexible and reliable VNC viewer for Windows, RealVNC is a great option for you.
6. TightVNC
TightVNC is a very popular free VNC software available for Windows and Linux. In this software, you can easily take control of the remote machine and handle all its functions, such as program management, file management, and more. The best thing about TightVNC is that it’s completely free to use, and you can use it for both personal and commercial projects. Also, it comes with cross-platform support, which allows you to take control of machines on other platforms such as Windows and Linux.
When it comes to setting up the software, it’s not very complex, but it’s also not very simple either. If you want to use it, it’s important that you have experience in operating VNC software. So, if you are a beginner, we won’t recommend TightVNC. Overall, if you are looking for a free best VNC viewer for Windows, TightVNC is a great option for you.
7. mRemoteNG
For a more advanced VNC software, you can check out mRemoteNG: a multi-remote software that is compatible with different protocols besides VNC, such as SSH, Telnet, RDP, and more. mRemoteNG is available to use for Windows users, and it is fairly simple to connect two computers together using this software. Like the other VNC software on our list, mRemoteNG is another open-source software that is greatly available. If you are looking for VNC software for Windows with support for multiple protocols, mRemoteNG is a great option for you.
8. Chrome Remote Desktop
If you want a browser-based VNC software, you can check out Chrome Remote Desktop, which is developed by Google. Using this VNC allows you to easily connect with any other computer, no matter where it is. Simply connect the two desktops with each other via Chrome Remote Desktop. Once you’ve connected with the computer you want, you can control managing files, editing documents, using computer features, and even running different programs.
Chrome Remote Desktop also has security protocols to protect your activity when you’re connecting with other computers.
9. Ammy Admin
The final VNC viewer on our list is one of the classics: Ammy Admin. This has been one of the oldest and very first VNC viewers available to the public. Though it’s not as modern and updated as other VNC viewers, it provides features such as displaying connection speed.
You can also choose between a remote control connection, where you can essentially control the activity that happens on the desktop you’re connecting to, or a “just watch” connection, where you will only monitor the activity of the computer you’re connected to. . Another great thing about Ammy Admin is that it’s pretty lightweight, and it doesn’t require installation, which means that you can carry it in a USB and execute the software by just connecting the USB with the system