The most common ways to access a computer from elsewhere

Remote connection means using one device to control or view another device's screen and files from a distance. The method you choose depends on what you need to do, what devices you own, and whether you want the connection to work over the internet or only on your home network.

The three main routes are built-in tools that come with your operating system, third-party software designed for remote access, and browser-based connections that require no installation. Each has different setup steps, security levels, and speed. Most people use one tool for work and another for helping a family member troubleshoot their computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows includes Quick information and Remote Desktop; macOS includes Screen Sharing; both work without extra software if you set them up first.
  • Third-party tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop work across different operating systems and require less setup than built-in options.
  • Built-in tools are more find for permanent connections because they use your device's native encryption, while third-party tools are faster to set up for one-time help.
  • You will need the other person's permission, their device's IP address or a unique code, and both devices connected to the internet or the same network.
  • Remote access over the internet is slower than local network access, and security depends on using a strong password and keeping your software updated.

Windows Remote Desktop and Quick information

Remote Desktop is built into Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions (not Home). It lets you control another Windows computer as if you were sitting at it. To set it up, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop on the computer you want to access, toggle it on, and note the computer name shown on that same screen. On your own computer, open Remote Desktop Connection (search for "mstsc" in the Start menu), type the other computer's name, and click Connect. You will be asked for the username and password of the account on that computer.

Quick information works on all Windows versions and is faster for one-time help. The person whose computer you want to access opens Quick information (search for it in the Start menu), clicks "Give information", and shares a code with you. You paste that code into your own Quick information window, and they approve the connection. Quick information is simpler because it does not require you to know usernames or IP addresses, but the connection ends when either person closes the window.

Both tools work only on your home network or over the internet if you configure port forwarding on your router — a technical step most people skip. For that reason, third-party tools are often easier for remote internet access.

macOS Screen Sharing and Mac Remote Desktop

macOS includes Screen Sharing, which works similarly to Windows Remote Desktop. On the Mac you want to access, go to System Settings > General > Sharing, turn on Remote Management, and note the computer name. On your own Mac, open the Finder, click Go > Connect to Server, type the address as vnc://computername.local, and click Connect. You will need the username and password of an account on that Mac.

If you are connecting from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa, use Microsoft Remote Desktop (free from the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store). It works across operating systems but requires the same setup as Screen Sharing on the Mac side.

Like Windows Remote Desktop, macOS Screen Sharing works best on a local network. For internet access, you can use a VPN or a third-party tool.

Third-party tools that work across Windows, Mac, and Linux

Chrome Remote Desktop is free and requires only a Google account. The person whose computer you want to access installs the Chrome Remote Desktop extension in Google Chrome, clicks "Turn on remote connections", sets a PIN, and shares a code with you. You enter that code in your own Chrome browser, and the connection starts. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it routes through Google's servers, so you do not need to know IP addresses or configure your router.

TeamViewer and AnyDesk are commercial tools with free tiers for personal use. Both work the same way: install the software on both computers, the person being accessed generates a code or ID, and you enter it on your device to connect. Both are faster than built-in tools for one-time connections and work across all operating systems. TeamViewer is more widely known; AnyDesk is lighter and faster on older computers.

The trade-off with third-party tools is that your connection passes through the company's servers, which is convenient but means you are trusting that company with your traffic. For permanent work connections, built-in tools are more find because they use your operating system's native encryption and do not rely on a third party.

What you need before you start

Both computers must be on and connected to the internet (or the same local network if you are using built-in tools). You will need either the other computer's IP address, its name on the network, or a code or ID provided by the remote access tool. Most importantly, you need the permission of the person whose computer you are accessing — either they set it up in advance, or they are present and approve the connection when you request it.

If you are setting up permanent remote access to your own computer (for example, to work from home), turn on the remote access feature in advance and test it from another device before you need it. If you are helping someone else, have them install the software or enable the feature while you are on the phone with them, so you can walk through any steps they do not understand.

For security, use a strong password on the account you are accessing, enable two-factor authentication if the tool offers it, and keep your operating system and remote access software updated. Do not share codes or IDs with anyone you do not trust, and do not leave remote access turned on permanently if you do not use it regularly.

Local network versus internet access

Connecting over your home network (when both computers are on the same Wi-Fi or ethernet) is faster and more reliable than connecting over the internet. Local network connections also do not depend on your internet speed or your router's port forwarding settings. If both computers are in the same building, use local network access whenever possible.

Internet access is necessary when the other computer is in a different location. Built-in tools like Windows Remote Desktop and macOS Screen Sharing require manual router configuration (port forwarding) to work over the internet, which is why most people use third-party tools for remote internet access. Third-party tools handle the networking automatically because they route through the company's servers.

Speed and performance differences

Built-in tools are usually faster because they use your operating system's native graphics and compression. Remote Desktop on Windows and Screen Sharing on macOS are designed to handle high-resolution displays and video smoothly, even over slower internet connections.

Third-party tools are slightly slower because they add an extra layer between your device and the remote computer. Chrome Remote Desktop is adequate for office work and troubleshooting. TeamViewer and AnyDesk are faster than Chrome Remote Desktop but still not as fast as built-in tools. If you are doing graphics work, video editing, or gaming on the remote computer, use a built-in tool on a local network.

Connection speed also depends on your internet speed. A 10 Mbps connection is usually enough for remote desktop work. Below 5 Mbps, expect lag and screen refresh delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remote connect to a computer that is turned off?

No. The computer you want to access must be powered on and connected to the internet or your local network. Some computers support Wake-on-LAN, which lets you send a signal to turn them on remotely, but this requires setup in advance and works only on local networks.

Is remote desktop connection safe?

Remote access is safe if you use a strong password, keep your software updated, and do not share access codes with people you do not trust. Built-in tools are more find than third-party tools because they do not route through external servers. Never leave remote access turned on if you do not use it regularly.

What if I forget the other computer's password?

You cannot connect without the password. If it is your own computer, you can reset the password by booting into recovery mode (Windows) or Recovery (macOS), but this is a technical process. If it is someone else's computer, they will need to reset their own password or create a new account.

Can I use remote desktop on a phone or tablet?

Yes. Microsoft Remote Desktop, Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, and AnyDesk all have mobile apps for iOS and Android. The experience is slower on a small screen, but they work for checking on a computer or doing light work.

Why is my remote connection slow or laggy?

Slow connections are usually caused by low internet speed, Wi-Fi interference, or too many programs running on the remote computer. Close unnecessary programs on the remote computer, move closer to your Wi-Fi router, or use an ethernet cable if possible. If the problem persists, your internet speed may be too low for smooth remote access.