Advice on Remote Access Software

bigcheese on 05/06/2022 - 16:03

Hi,
I'm after your recommendations please on remote access software.

My parents are very much novices when it comes to computers and when they have a problem they usually just call me up and I either talk them through it or go around to their house and fix it there.
I'm no expert but can generally work out what I need to either from experience or a simple Google search.

This past week they have both had Covid and when they had some problems today I was unable to go around to sort it out.
In the end we got there but it was a long painful phone call to talk them through things.

This got me thinking that if I could just remote into their laptop then things would be much simpler.
Both our laptops are running Windows 11 Home edition.

What would you recommend as relatively easy to use, free software to do this?

I see WIndows has a remote desktop application but from what I can tell you need to be using the Pro edition of Windows to use it.

Thanks for your help.

General Discussion

Comments

  • wellydeal on 05/06/2022 - 16:28
    +2

    There is a built in quick assistant that works really well.

    • bigcheese on 05/06/2022 - 16:44

      That looks perfect - thanks.
      Too easy.

  • ace310 on 05/06/2022 - 17:23
    +1

    You can install anydesk. I have been using it since 6-7 years without issue. Just have to setup unattended access once installed. Just keep the username and password on yours and all good to go.

    They even have ios/android app which works really well. I have it installed on my home server and my parents laptop. Very easy to use, just open app and select the favorite to logon.

    It is free for personal use.

  • CheapAzChips on 05/06/2022 - 18:17
    +2

    Another idea is something like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Chances are they already use that, the programs both have screen sharing features and you can request control of the screen. Just be aware that you won't be able to click on anything that's running as Administrator, eg. to install drivers or change global computer settings.

  • rkl on 05/06/2022 - 20:21
    +2

    Could also look at chrome remote desktop. free and runs off the browser

  • bigcheese on 05/06/2022 - 21:55

    Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
    This gives me plenty of options to try out.

  • Elvino on 05/06/2022 - 23:35
    +2

    Add teamviewer into the mix if the others don’t work out. Good luck!

  • seifer on 06/06/2022 - 01:17
    +1

    I use Steam Link for remote desktoping tp my PC for work while I'm on the go. The touchscreen controls in the mobile app are great and highly customizable so I highly recommend it (although your parents may wonder why you are installing a gaming platform on their PC)

  • Drcspy on 06/06/2022 - 04:33
    +1

    after years of being a computer tech I must say one of the easiest things i've used for remote access is 'ammyadmin' . It's free and VERY simple to setup and it's very safe.

  • kiwijunglist on 06/06/2022 - 07:16
    +1

    Recommend team viewer (free) as well

  • razza on 06/06/2022 - 19:01
    +1

    when it comes to free anydesk is superior no nags to upgrading or blocking you if you use it a lot unlike TeamViewer. Can enable 2FA for extra security.

    • ace310 on 06/06/2022 - 20:09

      Good to know someone else here also uses anydesk. Been using this since almost when they launched. It's great.

  • NightRaven797 on 06/06/2022 - 23:55
    +1

    I would suggest TeamViewer too for personal use and ease of setup etc.. if you are more advanced and have time to setup port forwarding etc, you can try UltraVNC. However its not as smooth as TeamViewer and requires a static IP or someway to find their Dynamic IP address.

    • kiwijunglist on 07/06/2022 - 13:42

      Yea team viewer just works also it has a portable install option, IE you can just run the software without having to install it.

      • ace310 on 07/06/2022 - 14:10

        Same goes with Anydesk. No install required unless you want to setup unattended access.

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