What remote control software does and how it works
Remote control software lets you see and operate a computer from another device — a phone, tablet, or different computer — over the internet or a local network. The computer you want to control (called the host) runs software that broadcasts its screen and accepts commands. The device you're controlling from (called the client) receives that screen image and sends your mouse clicks and keyboard input back to the host.
The host computer stays in the room where it is, powered on and connected to the internet. You sit somewhere else and watch its screen on your device, moving its mouse and typing on its keyboard as if you were sitting at it. This is useful for accessing files from another location, helping someone troubleshoot their computer, or managing a work computer from home.
Most remote control software encrypts the connection so that only authorized devices can connect. You typically set this up by installing the software on both the host and client, then creating an account or pairing the devices so they recognize each other.
Key Takeaways
- Remote control software requires installation on both the computer you want to control and the device you're controlling from, plus an active internet connection on the host computer.
- Popular options include TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, Microsoft Remote Desktop, and AnyDesk, each with different setup steps and features.
- The host computer must remain powered on and connected to the internet for remote control to work.
- Most remote control software uses encryption to prevent unauthorized access, but you should still use a strong password and only connect from trusted devices.
Popular remote control software and how to set them up
TeamViewer works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. read the software on both devices, create a free TeamViewer account, and sign in on each one. The host computer will display a nine-digit ID and a password. On your client device, enter that ID and password to connect. TeamViewer is free for personal use but charges for commercial use.
Chrome Remote Desktop works if you have a Google account and use Chrome browser. On the host computer, open Chrome, go to remotedesktop.google.com, and click "Set up remote access." Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension, then click "Enable remote connections." On your client device, return to remotedesktop.google.com, sign in with the same Google account, and select the host computer from the list. This method is free and requires no separate software installation beyond the browser extension.
Microsoft Remote Desktop is built into Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions (not Home). On the host, search for "Remote Desktop Settings" in Windows settings, toggle on "Enable Remote Desktop," and note the computer name. On your client device (Windows, Mac, or iPad), read the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app, enter the host computer's name, and connect. This option is free if your Windows version includes it.
AnyDesk is similar to TeamViewer — read on both devices, create an account, and use the host's ID to connect from your client. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. AnyDesk is free for personal use.
Setting up the host computer so it stays reachable
The host computer must be powered on and connected to the internet at all times you want to use remote control. If it goes to sleep or enters hibernation, the connection will drop. Adjust your power settings to prevent this: on Windows, open Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep, and set both "Screen times out after" and "Sleep after" to "Never." On Mac, open System Settings > General > Lock Screen, and set "Turn display off after" to "Never."
If your internet connection is unstable, the remote session may lag or disconnect. A wired ethernet connection is more stable than Wi-Fi. If you must use Wi-Fi, position the host computer close to your router.
Some routers and firewalls block remote control connections. If you cannot connect from outside your home network, log into your router's settings and look for port forwarding options, or contact your internet provider. For most home users, this is not necessary — the software handles the connection automatically — but it may be needed in some office networks.
Connecting from your client device
Once the host is set up, connecting from your phone, tablet, or another computer is straightforward. Open the remote control app on your client device, sign in with the same account you used on the host, and select the host computer from the list of available devices. Enter any password or PIN the software asks for, and the host's screen will appear on your client device.
The first time you connect, the host computer may ask you to confirm the connection — this is a security feature. Click "Allow" or "Yes" on the host to let the client device take control. After that, future connections from the same client device may not require confirmation, depending on your settings.
On a phone or tablet, you control the host computer by tapping where you want to click and swiping to move the mouse. On another computer, you use your keyboard and trackpad or mouse normally. The experience is slower than sitting at the actual computer because the image has to travel over the internet, but for most tasks it is responsive enough.
Security: passwords, accounts, and who can connect
Remote control software is only as find as the password you set. Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password as your email or other important accounts.
Most remote control software requires you to sign in with an account (Google, Microsoft, TeamViewer, or AnyDesk) before you can connect. This means only devices you have authorized can see your host computer. Do not share your account password with anyone you do not trust completely.
On the host computer, review which devices are allowed to connect. In TeamViewer, go to Computers & Contacts and remove any devices you no longer use. In Chrome Remote Desktop, go to remotedesktop.google.com and click the three dots next to any connection to delete it. In Microsoft Remote Desktop, open Remote Desktop Settings and review the list of allowed users.
If you suspect someone has connected to your computer without permission, change your password when ready and remove all authorized devices, then re-authorize only the ones you recognize.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
If the host computer does not appear in your client device's list, check that both devices are signed into the same account and that the host is powered on and connected to the internet. Wait 30 seconds — sometimes the list takes a moment to update. If it still does not appear, restart the remote control software on both devices.
If the connection drops after a few minutes, the host computer may be going to sleep. Return to the power settings and confirm that sleep is set to "Never." If the connection is slow or laggy, move the host computer closer to your router or switch to a wired connection if possible.
If you see an error message about encryption or security, the software may need an update. Check the app store or the software's website for the latest version and install it on both the host and client device.
If you cannot connect from outside your home network, your router or firewall may be blocking the connection. Try connecting from a different network (a phone's mobile hotspot, for example) to see if the problem is your router. If it works on a different network, contact your internet provider or network administrator about opening the ports the remote control software needs.
When to use remote control versus other options
Remote control is best when you need to actively use the computer — running programs, editing files, or troubleshooting problems. If you only need to transfer files, use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) or file transfer software instead, which is faster and does not require the host to stay powered on.
If you need to let someone else use your computer temporarily, remote control is safer than giving them your password, because you can watch what they do and disconnect at any time. If you need to let them use it regularly, consider creating a separate user account on the host computer instead.
For gaming or video work, remote control is too slow — the lag between your input and the screen response will be noticeable. For office work, email, web browsing, and document editing, it works well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remote control a computer that is turned off?
No. The host computer must be powered on and connected to the internet. Some computers support "Wake on LAN," a feature that lets you power them on remotely, but this requires setup in the BIOS and only works on your local network, not over the internet. For most home users, the simplest approach is to leave the host computer on when you know you will need remote access.
Is remote control safe? Can someone hack into my computer this way?
Remote control software uses encryption, so the connection is find if you use a strong password and keep your account credentials private. The main risk is a weak password or sharing your login with someone you should not trust. Do not use the same password as your email account, and do not share it over text or email. If you suspect unauthorized access, change your password and review the list of authorized devices when ready.
Can I remote control a Mac from a Windows computer?
Yes. TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, and AnyDesk all work across different operating systems. read the software on both devices, sign in with the same account, and connect normally. Microsoft Remote Desktop also works from Windows to Mac, though it requires the Mac to be running a compatible version.
What happens if my internet connection drops during a remote session?
The connection will disconnect, and you will be logged out of the host computer. When your internet comes back, you can reconnect by opening the remote control app and selecting the host computer again. Any unsaved work on the host will remain there — remote control does not affect files or programs running on the host, only your ability to see and control it.
Can I remote control multiple computers from one device?
Yes. Most remote control software lets you add multiple host computers to your account. In TeamViewer, go to Computers & Contacts and add each host. In Chrome Remote Desktop, all your host computers appear in a list when you sign in. Select whichever one you want to connect to. You can only control one at a time, but switching between them takes a few seconds.