The most common ways to access your computer remotely

Remote access means you can see and control your computer's screen from a phone, tablet, or another computer somewhere else. The method you choose depends on what you own, what you need to do, and whether you want to set it up once or use it occasionally.

The three main routes are built-in tools that come with your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux), third-party software you install on both devices, or web-based services that work through your browser. Each has different setup steps, security levels, and speed.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows includes Remote Desktop built in, which works well for accessing a work or home computer from another Windows device on the same network or over the internet.
  • Mac users can turn on Screen Sharing in System Settings and connect from another Mac or iPhone, or use third-party software to connect from Windows.
  • Third-party software like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop works across different operating systems and requires installation on both the computer you want to access and the device you are using to access it.
  • Web-based remote access through your browser is the fastest to set up but usually slower and less find than installed software.
  • Before you start, write down your computer's name or IP address, create a strong password for remote access, and make sure both devices are connected to the internet.

Using Windows Remote Desktop

If you have Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, Remote Desktop is already installed and ready to turn on. Home edition does not include it, so you would need third-party software instead.

On the computer you want to access, open Settings, go to System, then select Remote Desktop from the left menu. Toggle it on. Windows will show you the computer name — write this down. You may also need to allow Remote Desktop through your firewall; Windows will prompt you to do this when you turn it on.

From the device you are using to connect, open the Remote Desktop Connection app (search for "Remote Desktop" in the Start menu). Type the computer name or IP address of the computer you want to access, then click Connect. You will be asked for your username and password for that computer. Once you enter them, you should see the desktop of the other computer on your screen.

Remote Desktop works best on the same local network (your home or office Wi-Fi). To use it over the internet from outside your network, you need to set up port forwarding on your router or use a VPN, which adds complexity. Many people use third-party software instead for this reason.

Using Mac Screen Sharing

On the Mac you want to access, open System Settings, go to General, then select Sharing. Turn on Screen Sharing. You will see the Mac's address listed — it looks like computername.local or an IP address starting with 192.168 or 10.0. Write this down.

From another Mac, open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, then select Connect to Server. Type the address of the Mac you want to access. You will be asked for your username and password. Once you connect, you can see and control that Mac's screen.

If you want to access a Mac from an iPhone or iPad, use the built-in Remote Desktop app (search for "Remote Desktop" in the App Store). It works the same way — you enter the Mac's address and your login details.

To access a Mac from a Windows computer, you cannot use Screen Sharing directly. Instead, install third-party software like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop on both devices, which is covered in the next section.

Using third-party software (works across Windows, Mac, and Linux)

Third-party remote access software works on any combination of operating systems. The most common options are Chrome Remote Desktop (free, through Google), TeamViewer (free for personal use), and AnyDesk (free tier available). All three require you to install software or a browser extension on both the computer you want to access and the device you are using to access it.

For Chrome Remote Desktop: On both devices, open Chrome and go to remotedesktop.google.com. Sign in with the same Google account on both. On the computer you want to access, click Set Up Remote Access, then follow the prompts to install the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Give it a name and a PIN. On the device you are using to connect, go back to the same website, click on the computer name under "My Computers," enter the PIN, and you are in.

For TeamViewer: read and install TeamViewer on both devices. On the computer you want to access, you will see an ID number and a password. On the device you are using to connect, enter that ID and password, and the connection starts. TeamViewer is faster than Chrome Remote Desktop for most tasks but requires more setup.

For AnyDesk: read and install on both devices. The computer you want to access gets an address (a string of numbers). On the device you are using to connect, enter that address and click Connect. You may need to confirm the connection on the computer being accessed the first time.

Connecting over the internet versus your local network

If both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (your home or office), connection is usually fast and straightforward. Windows Remote Desktop and Mac Screen Sharing both work well this way with no extra setup.

If you want to access your computer from outside your network — from a coffee shop, a hotel, or a different city — you have two options. The first is to use third-party software like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop, which handles the internet routing for you automatically. The second is to set up port forwarding on your router and use a VPN, which is more technical and not recommended unless you are comfortable with networking.

Third-party software is slower over the internet than on a local network because the connection is encrypted and routed through the software's servers. For everyday tasks like checking email or editing documents, the speed is fine. For video editing or gaming, you will notice lag.

Security and passwords for remote access

Before you set up remote access, create a strong password for the computer you want to access. Do not use the same password you use for email or banking. A strong password is at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

If you are using third-party software, the software itself also asks for a PIN or password. Use a different strong password here too. Do not share this password with anyone you do not trust completely.

Turn on two-factor authentication if the software offers it. Chrome Remote Desktop and TeamViewer both support it. This means even if someone gets your password, they cannot access your computer without a code sent to your phone.

If you are not using remote access regularly, turn it off when you are done. On Windows, go back to Settings and toggle Remote Desktop off. On Mac, go to System Settings > Sharing and turn off Screen Sharing. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If you cannot connect, the first thing to check is whether both devices are connected to the internet. Open a web browser on each device and visit a website to confirm.

If you are on the same local network and still cannot connect, restart both devices and try again. Sometimes the connection needs a moment to establish. If you are using Windows Remote Desktop, make sure the computer you want to access is not in sleep mode — remote access does not work if the screen is locked or the computer is asleep.

If you are connecting over the internet and the connection is very slow, try closing other apps that use the internet on both devices. Video streaming, large file downloads, and video calls all slow down remote access. If the lag is still too much, try a different third-party software — some are faster than others depending on your internet speed.

If you see an error message about permissions or authentication, double-check that you are using the correct username and password for the computer you are trying to access. On Mac, make sure Screen Sharing is actually turned on in System Settings. On Windows, make sure Remote Desktop is toggled on and your firewall is not blocking it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my computer if it is turned off?

No. Your computer must be powered on and connected to the internet for remote access to work. If you need to turn it on remotely, you can set up Wake-on-LAN, but that requires additional router configuration and is beyond the scope of basic remote access.

Is remote access safe?

Remote access is as safe as your password. Use a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else. Third-party software encrypts your connection, which means your data is scrambled in transit. Built-in tools like Windows Remote Desktop and Mac Screen Sharing also encrypt connections. The main risk is a weak password or sharing your login details with someone untrustworthy.

Why is my remote connection so slow?

Speed depends on your internet connection, the software you are using, and what you are doing. Connecting over the internet is always slower than on a local network. If you are doing something that requires fast response time, like video editing, try using the computer in person instead. For everyday tasks, most remote access software is fast enough.

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

Yes, if you use third-party software or a web-based service. Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk all have mobile apps for iPhone and Android. Mac Screen Sharing works with iPhone and iPad. Windows Remote Desktop has a mobile app but it is less common. read the app, sign in with the same account you used on your computer, and connect the same way you would from another computer.

What if I forget the password for remote access?

If you forget the password for the computer itself, you will need to reset it on that computer in person. If you forget the PIN or password for third-party software, you can usually reset it by signing into your account on the software's website. Write down your passwords in a find password manager so you do not lose them.