5 alternatives to LogMeIn Free for remote PC access
VNC
, or Virtual Network Computing, isn’t itself a product, but an open-source remote-control and display technology that’s implemented by Tight VNC (free), Ultra VNC (free) and RealVNC (free and pay), among other parties. VNC isn’t hard to use, but it’s not as simple as Join.me and TeamViewer, which don’t require user knowledge of IP addresses.
VNC is a good option if you need to control multiple PCs regularly.
To use VNC, install it on both the PCs you want to connect and then set them to listening. To control another PC, simply open the VNC viewer (client), enter the PC’s IP address, and have at it. You may also have to open port 5900 on your firewall and router, and to direct said port to the PC you want to control.
You can use VNC to connect to multiple PCs behind a public IP by opening and using more ports. Most VNC implementations install both the server and viewer software by default, so (as with TeamViewer) you can control in either direction.
Though it’s a tad difficult to set up, VNC is cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), and it works extremely well once installed.
Join.me
is a meeting service (free and pay) from LogMeIn that also provides remote control. It’s convenient for impromptu support in that all you need on the controlling PC is a Web browser. The user with the computer that will host the meeting (and offer control) simply surfs to the Join.me site, selects Start Meeting, and downloads a file.
Meeting service Join.me also offers remote access—all you need is a Web browser.
After running said file, the meeting originator passes the provided nine-digit passcode to the user or users on the other end, who in turn enter the passcode in the Join Meeting field on the Join.me homepage. The meeting originator’s desktop will appear in the browser. Once remote control is granted, you can chat, send files, and more. Easy-peasy, but note that Join.me isn’t suited for unattended remote control, which makes it only a partial replacement for LogMeIn.
WebEx Free
Most users think of as a tool for multiuser boardroom meetings, but it’s also perfectly suitable for small-scale, live (not unattended) remote control and support. WebEx works a little differently from Join.me in that installing software is required at both ends, but that’s a relatively painless procedure.
WebEx: Not just for multiuser meetings.
Once users have joined the meeting, initially they can only view the originator’s desktop, but the originator can make another person the presenter, pass control over the mouse and keyboard, and share files, chat, and utilize webcams for face-to-face interaction. There’s a bit of a learning curve if you stray from the main features (available from the usual drop-down panel at the top of the display), but overall WebEx is quite easy to use.
Don’t get spoofed
Because of the popularity of remote-control and remote-meeting services, the Web is rife with spoof sites (those that look very much like the correct one, but aren’t) that will attempt to lure you in if you don’t type the URL correctly. Downloading software from these sites can be dangerous to your computer’s health, as well as to your wallet. Sometimes the bad guys will try to sell you support.
The correct site addresses for the services I’ve mentioned are:
- TeamViewer —
- RealVNC —
- Join.me —
- WebEx Free —
Thanks to the growth in distributed and mobile workforces, the ability to access and control a PC remotely is a must for workers and IT administrators alike. That’s why we’ll all miss LogMeIn Free. But if you really love one of these free alternatives, consider throwing a few bucks to the developer. Who knows: Your contribution could help to keep the program going for everyone.
Remote Utilities is a free remote access program with some really great features. It works by pairing two remote computers together with what they call an "Internet ID." You can control a total of 10 PCs with Remote Utilities.
Host Side
Install a portion of Remote Utilities calledHost on a Windows PC to have permanent access to it. You also have the option to just runAgent, which provides spontaneous support without installing anything - it can even be launched from a .
The host computer is given an Internet ID that they must share so a client can make a connection.
Client Side
The Viewer program is used to connect to the host or agent software.
The Viewer can be downloaded on its own or in the Viewer + Host combo file. You can also download a portable version of the Viewer if you'd rather not install anything.
Connecting the Viewer to the Host or Agent is done without any router changes like port forwarding, making setup very easy. The client just needs to enter the Internet ID number and password.
There are also 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 ), remote file launcher, system information manager, text chat, remote access, and remote webcam viewing.
In addition to these features, Remote Utilities also supports remote printing and viewing multiple monitors.
Unfortunately, configuring Remote Utilities may be confusing on the host computer, as there are lots of different options.
Remote Utilities can be installed on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003.
© Ammyy
Ammyy Admin is a completely portable remote access program that's extremely simple to setup. It works by connecting one computer to another via an ID supplied by the program.
Host Side
Run the Ammyy Admin software on the computer that you'll be accessing. There isn't any installation, so you can get started pretty quickly. The file is only 750 KB in size, so it also downloads fast.
From the menu called Ammyy, you can choose Service and then install the Ammyy Admin service so you can access the PC without having to manually run the program.
You can also just run the program and take note of the ID number so the client can easily connect.
Client Side
To connect to the Ammyy Admin host computer, just launch the portable program and enter the ID of the other computer. The ID is shown on the host computer's Ammyy Admin program.
Now you can do things like use the host PCs clipboard, voice chat, and transfer files to and from the computers.
Only Windows computers are supported as hosts and clients. This includes Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2008, 2003, and 2000.
© UltraVNC
Another remote access program is UltraVNC. UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and vieweris installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server.
Host Side
When you install UltraVNC, 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 the UltraVNC Server as a system service so it's always running. This is the ideal option so you can always make a connection to it with the client software.
Client Side
To make a connection with the UltraVNC Server, you must install the Viewer portion during setup.
After configuring port forwarding in your router, you'll be able to access the UltraVNC server 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 UltraVNC version, and then choose the 32-bit or 64-bit setup file that will work with your edition of Windows.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003 users can install and use UltraVNC.
AeroAdmin is probably the easiestprogram 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.
Host Side
AeroAdmin looks a lot like the TeamViewer program that tops this list. 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.
Client Side
The client PC just needs to run the same AeroAdmin 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, sharing clipboard text, and transferring files.
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.
AeroAdmin can be installed on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP.
© Microsoft
6. Windows Remote Desktop
Windows Remote Desktop is the remote access software built into the Windows operating system. No additional download is necessary to use the program.
Host Side
No software needs to be installed to use Windows Remote Desktop. To enable connections to a computer with Windows Remote Desktop, you must open the System Properties settings and allow remote connections via a particular Windows user through the Remote tab.
You do have to setup your router for port forwarding so another PC can connection to it from outside the network, but this is usually not that big of a hassle to complete.
Client Side
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.
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 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 from XP up through Windows 10.
© Pro Softnet Corporation
RemotePC, for good or bad, is a more simple free remote desktop program. You're only allowed one connection (unless you upgrade) but for many of you, that'll be just fine.
Host Side
Download the Remote Access Host software and install it on the PC that will be accessed remotely. Windows and Mac are both supported.
You must create an account with RemotePC and then login through the host to complete the setup of the host PC.
Client Side
There are three ways to access the RemotePC host from a different computer: via theRemote Access Viewer program you can install on your computer, through the iOS or Android app, or login to your RemotePC account through a web browser.
You'll be able to receive sound from the remote PC, record what you're doing to a video file, access multiple monitors, transfer files, and text chat. Some of those features aren't available if the host and client computers are running different operating systems.
RemotePC lets you have just one computer setup on your account at once, which means you can't keep hold of a list of PCs to remote into like you can with most of the other remote access programs in this list.
The following operating systems are officially supported: Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP, Windows Server 2008, 2003, 2000, and Mac (Snow Leopard and newer).
I tested RemotePC's host software in Windows 10 but was unable to get it running. However, the viewer program runs just fine, which means that while you can use Windows 10 to remote into a different computer, you can't yet use RemotePC to connect to a Windows 10 computer.
© Firnass.com
Firnass is an extremely tiny (600 KB), yet powerful free remote access program that's absolutely perfect for on-demand, instant support.
Host Side
Open the program on the computer that needs to be controlled. After creating an account and logging in, you can add other users through the menu by their email address or username.
Client Side
To connect to the host computer with Firnass, the other user needs to be added as a contact.
Once the two computers are paired up, you can start a voice call or share your screen, an individual window, or part of the screen with the other user. Once screen sharing has begun, you can record the session, transfer files, and run remote commands.
Sharing the screen must be initiated from the client's computer.
Though fully functional, Firnass has been in beta for quite some time, and it doesn't support clipboard syncing.
Firnass uses Java to run. All versions of Windows are supported, as well as Mac and Linux operating systems
Chrome Remote Desktop is an extension for the Google Chrome web browser that lets you setup a computer for remote access from any other Chrome browser.
Host Side
The way this works is that you first install the extension in Google Chrome, then give authentication for remote access to that PC via a personal PIN you create yourself.
This requires you to log on to your Google account.
Client Side
To connect to the host browser, sign on to another Chrome browser with the same Google credentials and install the same extension.
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 is simple copy/paste file sharing but there aren't advanced settings in Chrome Remote Desktop like you see with similar programs. However, it's very easy to setup and lets you or anyone else control and view your computer from another Chrome browser.
Since Chrome Remote Desktop works from completely from within the Google Chrome browser, it can work with any operating system that uses Chrome, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and of course Chromebooks.
© AnyDesk Software GmbH
AnyDesk is a remote desktop program that can be ran portably or installed like a regular program.
Host Side
Launch AnyDesk on the PC you want to connect to and record the AnyDesk-Address or set a manual password.
When the client connects, the host will be asked to allow or disallow sound, control, clipboard use, and the ability to block the host's keyboard/mouse control.
Client Side
On another computer, run AnyDesk and then enter the host's AnyDesk-Address in theRemote Desk section of the screen.
If unattended access is setup in the settings, the client doesn't need to wait for the host to accept the connection.
AnyDesk can enter full-screen mode, balance quality and speed of the connection, transfer files and sound, sync the clipboard, run keyboard shortcuts, and take screenshots of the remote computer.
AnyDesk works with Windows (10 through XP) and Linux.
LiteManager is another remote access program, and it's strikingly similar to, which I explain on the first page of this list.
However, unlike Remote Utilities, which can control a total of only 10 PCs, LiteManager supports up to 30 slots for storing and connecting to remote computers, and also has lots of useful features.
Host Side
The computer that needs to be accessed should install the LiteManagerFree - Server.msi program, which is contained in the downloaded .
There are numerous ways to ensure a connection can be made to the host computer. It can be done through the , computer name, or an ID.
The easiest way to set this up is to right-click the server program the notification area, chooseConnect by ID, erase the contents that are already there, and click Connected to generate a brand new ID.
Client Side
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 , create a demonstration with meeting participating, lock the other person's screen and keyboard, and text chat.
LiteManager's Server and Viewer can also be ran in portable mode, but it does require some manual file copies to get it to work. See more about this at the and page.
There's also a option, which is a portable server and viewer program that makes connecting much quicker than the above method.
I tested LiteManager in Windows 10, but it should also work just fine in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Comodo Unite is another free remote access program that creates a secure VPN between multiple computers. Once a VPN is established, you can remotely have access to applications and files through the client software.
Host Side
Install the Comodo Unite program on the computer you wish to control and then make an account with Comodo Unite. The account is how you keep track of the PCs you add to your account so it's easy to make connections.
Client Side
To connect to a Comodo Unite host computer, just install the same software and then sign on with the same username and password. You can then just select the computer you want to control and begin the session immediately through the VPN.
Files can only be shared if you start a chat, so it's not as easy to use share files with Comodo Unite as it is with the other remote desktop programs in this list. However, the chat is secure within in the VPN, which you may not find in similar software.
Only Windows 7, Vista, and XP (32-bit and 64-bit versions) are officially supported, but I was able to get Comodo Unite to function as advertised in Windows 10 and Windows 8 as well.
ShowMyPC is a portable and free remote access program that's nearly identical to (number 4 in this list) but uses a password to make a connection instead of an IP address.
Host Side
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.
Client Side
Open the same ShowMyPC 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, as well as scheduled meetings that allow someone to connect to your PC via a personal web link that launches a Java version of ShowMyPC.
ShowMyPC clients can only send a limited number of keyboard shortcuts to the host computer.
Choose ShowMyPC on the download page to get the free version.
ShowMyPC works on all versions of Windows.
join.me is a remote access program from the producers of LogMeIn that provides quick access to another computer over an Internet browser.
Host Side
The person who needs remote assistance can download and run the join.me software, which enables their entire computer or just a selected application to be presented to a remote viewer. This is done by choosing the start button.
Client Side
A remote viewer just needs to enter the join.me personal code into their own installation under the join section.
join.me supports full screen mode, conference calling, text chat, multiple monitors, and up to 10 participants viewing a screen at once.
The client can instead visit the to enter the code for the host computer without having to download any software. The code should be entered in the "Join Meeting" box.
All Windows versions can install join.me, as well as Macs.
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.
Host Side
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 install to make a direct connection to the client, bypassing the need for complicated forwarding.
It's probably a better idea for most of you to use the direct, cloud access method to avoid issues with port forwarding.
Client Side
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 to connect to DesktopNow from a mobile device, so trying to view and control a computer can be difficult. However, the website is optimized for mobile phones, so viewing your shared files is easy.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP are supported, even 64-bit versions.
Another free and portable remote access program is BeamYourScreen. This program works like some of the others in this list, where the presenter is given an ID number they must share with another user so they can connect to the presenter's screen.
Host Side
BeamYourScreen hosts are called organizers, so the program called BeamYourScreen for Organizers (Portable) is the preferred method the host computer should use for accepting remote connections. It's quick and easy to start sharing your screen without having to install anything.
There's also a version that can be installed called BeamYourScreen for Organizers (Installation).
Just click the Start Session button to open your computer up for connections. You'll be given a session number you must share with someone before they can connect to the host.
Client Side
Clients can also install the portable or installable version of BeamYourScreen, but there's a dedicated program called BeamYourScreen for Participants that's a small executable file that can be launched similar to the portable one for organizers.
Enter the host's session number in the Session ID section of the program to join the session.
Once connected, you can control the screen, share clipboard text and files, and chat with text.
Something rather unique about BeamYourScreen is that you can share your ID with multiple people so many participants can join in and look at the presenter's screen. There's even anso clients can view the other screen without having to run any software.
BeamYourScreen works with all versions of Windows, plus Windows Server 2008 and 2003, Mac, and Linux. ,
Where is LogMeIn?
Unfortunately, LogMeIn's free product, LogMeIn Free, . This was one of the more popular free remote access services ever available so it's really too bad it went away. LogMeIn also operates join.me, which is still in operation.