The most common ways to access another computer from yours

Remote connection means you can see and control another computer's screen from your own machine, as if you were sitting at that desk. The method you choose depends on what you need to do, whether you own both computers, and whether they're on the same network or across the internet.

The three main routes are built-in operating system tools (free, limited features), third-party remote desktop software (more features, sometimes paid), and cloud-based remote access services (works anywhere, requires account setup). Each has different setup steps and security considerations.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows includes Remote Desktop Connection built in; macOS users need third-party software or Apple Remote Desktop, which is free for basic use.
  • Both computers must be on the same network or you must know the remote computer's IP address or hostname to connect across the internet.
  • TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop are free options that work across operating systems and don't require network setup.
  • The remote computer must be turned on, have remote access enabled in its settings, and you need a password or authentication method to connect.
  • Security matters: use strong passwords, keep software updated, and disable remote access when you're not using it.

Using Windows Remote Desktop Connection

If both computers run Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, Remote Desktop Connection is already installed and costs nothing. Home editions do not include this feature. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your computer (search for "Remote Desktop" in the Start menu), enter the IP address or hostname of the computer you want to access, and click Connect.

The remote computer must have Remote Desktop enabled. On that machine, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and toggle it on. You'll see a device name listed—that's what you type into the connection box. You'll be prompted for the username and password of an account on the remote computer. Both machines need to be on the same local network, or you need to set up port forwarding on your router if connecting from outside your home or office.

Once connected, you see the remote desktop and can move your mouse and type as if you're there. You can transfer files by copying and pasting between machines, or by using the Clipboard redirection option in the connection settings.

Using macOS and Apple Remote Desktop

macOS does not have a built-in remote desktop client like Windows does. You can use Apple Remote Desktop, which Apple offers free for basic remote control of other Macs. read it from the App Store on the Mac you'll be controlling from.

On the Mac you want to access remotely, go to System Settings > General > Sharing and turn on Remote Management. You'll see options to allow specific users to control the computer. Back on your controlling Mac, open Apple Remote Desktop, click Add, and enter the IP address or hostname of the remote Mac. Enter the username and password when prompted.

If you need to connect a Mac to a Windows computer or vice versa, the built-in tools won't work. You'll need third-party software instead.

Third-party software that works across Windows, Mac, and Linux

Chrome Remote Desktop is free and requires only a Google account. Install the extension in Chrome on both computers, sign in with the same Google account, and the remote computer appears in your list. Click it to connect. This works across all operating systems and doesn't require you to know IP addresses or set up your router. The downside is you need Chrome open on both machines.

TeamViewer is free for personal, non-commercial use. read and install on both computers, create a free account, and sign in. Your computer gets a TeamViewer ID and password. Share that ID with whoever needs to connect to you, or enter someone else's ID to connect to their machine. TeamViewer handles all the network routing automatically, so it works whether computers are on the same network or on opposite sides of the world.

AnyDesk works similarly to TeamViewer—free for personal use, automatic network routing, and works across operating systems. read, install, create an account, and you're ready to connect using the remote computer's address.

All three of these require the remote computer to be powered on and the software to be running (or at least installed and configured to start automatically). They're simpler to set up than built-in tools because they handle the network complexity for you.

What you need before you connect

The remote computer must be turned on. If it's asleep or in hibernation, you won't be able to reach it. Some software allows you to wake a computer remotely, but that requires extra setup and isn't available on all systems.

You need either the password for an account on that computer, or the remote computer must be configured to allow passwordless access (some software offers this). Write down or securely store the IP address or hostname if you're using built-in tools, or the remote ID if you're using third-party software.

The remote computer must have remote access turned on in its settings. If someone else owns the machine, you need their permission and their help to enable it the first time. After that, you can connect on your own.

Connecting across the internet instead of your local network

If both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network or wired network, connection is straightforward. If they're in different locations, you have two options: use software that handles the routing for you (Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk), or set up port forwarding on your router.

Port forwarding tells your router to send incoming connection requests to a specific computer on your network. This requires access to your router's settings (usually through a web browser or router app), finding the port forwarding section, and entering the IP address of the computer you want to access. Different routers have different interfaces, so you may need to consult your router's manual or manufacturer's support site.

For most people, third-party software is simpler because it avoids router configuration. The trade-off is that you're trusting that company's servers to relay your connection, whereas port forwarding keeps your connection between your two computers only.

Security and best practices

Use a strong, unique password for any account that allows remote access. If you're using third-party software, enable two-factor authentication if it's available. Disable remote access when you're not actively using it—go back to Settings and turn it off, rather than leaving it on all the time.

Keep your operating system and remote access software updated. Security patches close vulnerabilities that could let someone access your computer without permission. If you're connecting to someone else's computer, make sure they trust you and know you're connecting. If someone connects to your computer without permission, disconnect them when ready and change your password.

On public Wi-Fi networks, avoid remote connections if possible. If you must connect, use a VPN (virtual private network) first to encrypt your traffic. Some remote access software includes encryption, but not all, and a VPN adds an extra layer of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect to a computer that's turned off?

No, the remote computer must be powered on. Some enterprise software supports Wake-on-LAN, which lets you send a signal to turn a computer on before connecting, but this requires specific hardware support and network setup. For most home and small office use, the computer must already be running.

What if I don't know the IP address of the remote computer?

If both computers are on the same network, you can find the IP address by going to the remote computer's network settings and looking for "IPv4 Address" (Windows) or "IP Address" (Mac). If the computer is in another location, use third-party software like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop instead—they assign addresses automatically so you don't have to look them up.

Is remote access safe?

Remote access is as safe as your password. Use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication if available, and disable remote access when you're not using it. Avoid connecting over public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Don't share your remote ID or password with people you don't trust, and don't accept remote connections from people you don't recognize.

Can I use remote access on my phone to control a computer?

Yes. TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop all have mobile apps. read the app, sign in with the same account you use on your computer, and you can control a remote computer from your phone. The experience is smaller and slower than using a full computer, but it works for basic tasks.

What's the difference between remote desktop and remote support software?

Remote desktop gives you full control of another computer as if you're sitting there. Remote support software (like TeamViewer's support mode) lets someone else control your computer to help you with a problem, and you can see what they're doing. Most software does both—you can switch between modes depending on what you need.