In today’s world, remote access to computers has become essential, especially for businesses and organizations.
Remote access allows you to work from anywhere in the world without the need for physical access to your computer.
In this article, we will discuss the 6 best ways to access a computer remotely.
[lwptoc]What is Remote Access?
Remote access is the ability to access a computer from a remote location using a network connection. This can be achieved by using various software and tools that allow you to control your computer from another location.
Benefits of Remote Access
Remote access has several benefits, including:
- Increased productivity: With remote access, you can work from anywhere, which allows you to be more productive and work efficiently.
- Cost-effective: Remote access eliminates the need for physical access to your computer, which can save you time and money.
- Flexibility: With remote access, you can work from anywhere in the world, which gives you more flexibility.
- Easy Collaboration: Remote access allows multiple users to access the same computer, which makes collaboration easier.
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Enhanced Security: Remote access tools come with various security features that help to secure your connection and data.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Remote Access Method
When choosing a remote access method, there are several things that you need to consider, including:
- Security: It is essential to choose a remote access method that comes with adequate security features to protect your data and connection.
- Ease of use: The remote access method should be easy to use and set up, even for non-technical users.
- Compatibility: The remote access method should be compatible with your computer and operating system.
- Cost: The cost of the remote access method should be reasonable, and it should offer value for money.
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Customer support: The remote access method should come with reliable customer support in case you encounter any issues.
6 Best Ways to Access Computer Remotely
Here are the six best ways to access a computer remotely:
1. Remote Desktop Connection
Remote Desktop Connection is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to access your computer remotely.
Remote Desktop Connection is a secure way to access your computer remotely, and it is ideal for business use. It also comes with several security features that help to protect your data.
Here are the simple steps to follow to access Computer Remotely
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Ensure that Remote Desktop is enabled on the computer you want to connect to. To do this, go to the Control Panel, click on System and Security, and then click on System. From there, click on Remote settings and make sure that the “Allow remote connections to this computer” option is checked.
- Find the IP address of the computer you want to connect to. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig” without the quotes. Look for the IPv4 address and write it down.
- On the computer, you want to connect from, open the Remote Desktop Connection app. You can do this by typing “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search bar or by going to Start > Windows Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection.
- In the Remote Desktop Connection app, type the IP address of the computer you want to connect to in the Computer field.
- Click on Connect and wait for the Remote Desktop session to start.
- You may be prompted for your username and password. Enter the username and password of the account you want to use on the remote computer and click on OK.
- Once you are connected, you can use the remote computer just as if you were sitting in front of it.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily set up Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows computer and connect to another computer remotely.
2. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is another way to access your computer remotely. A VPN allows you to connect to your computer using a secure and encrypted connection.
VPN is an ideal way to access your computer remotely, especially when you are using a public Wi-Fi network. It helps to protect your data from hackers and cybercriminals.
Steps to follow to access Computer Remotely using VPN Service
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Choose a VPN service provider that suits your needs and budget. There are many VPN providers available, and you can choose one that meets your specific requirements.
- Install the VPN software on your computer. Most VPN providers offer software that you can download and install on your computer.
- Open the VPN software and log in with your account credentials.
- Choose a server location. Most VPN software allows you to choose a server location from a list of available options. Choose a server location that is closest to the computer you want to access remotely.
- Connect to the VPN server. Once you have chosen a server location, click on the “Connect” button to connect to the VPN server.
- Once you are connected to the VPN server, you can access the remote computer as if you were on the same network.
- To access the remote computer, you will need to know its IP address or hostname. You can find this information by going to the Control Panel, clicking on System and Security, and then clicking on System. From there, you can find the computer’s IP address or hostname.
- Open the Remote Desktop Connection app on your computer and enter the IP address or hostname of the remote computer in the Computer field.
- Click on Connect and enter your username and password when prompted. You should now be connected to the remote computer.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can set up a VPN for accessing a computer remotely and connect to the remote computer securely and easily.
3. Google Chrome Remote Desktop (Recommended Method)
Google Chrome Remote Desktop is a free extension that allows you to access your computer remotely using the Google Chrome browser. To use this feature, you need to install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on both your local and remote computers.
Google Chrome Remote Desktop is easy to use, and it is ideal for personal use. It also comes with several security features that help to protect your data.
Follow these steps to access Computer Remotely using Google Chrome Remote Desktop
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Install the Google Chrome web browser on both the computer you want to connect to and the computer you want to connect from.
- Open Google Chrome on the computer you want to connect to and go to the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for “Chrome Remote Desktop” and install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
- Open the Chrome Remote Desktop extension and click on the “Get started” button.
- In the “My computers” section, click on “Enable remote connections.”
- Follow the prompts to download and install the Chrome Remote Desktop Host on the computer you want to connect to.
- Once the Host is installed, you will need to set a PIN to allow remote access. Enter a PIN and confirm it.
- On the computer you want to connect from, open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome Remote Desktop website.
- Click on the “Remote Access” button and sign in with your Google account.
- Click on the name of the computer you want to access and enter the PIN you set in step 7.
- You should now be connected to the remote computer and can use it as if you were sitting in front of it.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can set up Google Chrome Remote Desktop for accessing a computer remotely and connect to the remote computer quickly and easily.
4. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a popular remote access tool that allows you to access your computer remotely. It is easy to use, and it comes with several features that make remote access easy and secure.
TeamViewer is an ideal tool for businesses and organizations, and it allows multiple users to access the same computer.
Steps to access the Computer from Anywhere using TeamViewer
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Download and install TeamViewer on both the computer you want to connect to and the computer you want to connect from. You can download TeamViewer from their official website.
- Once TeamViewer is installed, open the software on the computer you want to connect to and note down the ID and password displayed on the main screen.
- On the computer you want to connect from, open TeamViewer and enter the ID of the remote computer in the “Partner ID” field.
- Click on “Connect to partner” and enter the password displayed on the remote computer when prompted.
- You should now be connected to the remote computer and can control it as if you were sitting in front of it.
- If you want to save the ID and password for future use, click on “Extras” and then “Options” in the main menu of TeamViewer.
- Under the “Security” section, you can set a personal password to protect the software and your connection.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can set up TeamViewer for accessing a computer remotely and connect to the remote computer securely and easily.
5. LogMeIn
LogMeIn is a remote desktop software that allows users to access their computer from anywhere in the world. It offers a range of features such as remote printing, file sharing, and access to multiple monitors.
LogMeIn is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs.
Follow These Steps to access Computer from Anywhere using LogMeIn
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Sign up for a LogMeIn account on their official website.
- Once you’ve created an account, download and install the LogMeIn software on the computer you want to connect to.
- Once installed, log in to your LogMeIn account on the remote computer.
- Click on “Add Computer” to add the remote computer to your account.
- Download and install the LogMeIn software on the computer you want to connect from.
- Log in to your LogMeIn account on the local computer.
- Click on the name of the remote computer you want to connect to.
- Enter the username and password of the remote computer when prompted.
- You should now be connected to the remote computer and can control it as if you were sitting in front of it.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can set up LogMeIn for accessing a computer remotely and connect to the remote computer quickly and easily.
6. AnyDesk (My Favourite One)
AnyDesk is a remote desktop software that allows users to connect and control a remote computer from anywhere in the world. It was first released in 2014 and has since gained popularity for its ease of use and security features.
Overall, AnyDesk is a reliable and user-friendly remote desktop software that provides fast and secure access to remote computers from anywhere in the world.
Steps to access your Computer from Anywhere using AnyDesk
- Download and install AnyDesk on both local and remote computers from the official website.
- Launch AnyDesk on the remote computer and take note of the AnyDesk ID displayed in the main window.
- Launch AnyDesk on the local computer and enter the remote computer’s AnyDesk ID in the “Remote Desk” field.
- Click on the “Connect” button to initiate the remote connection.
- If prompted, enter the password for the remote computer.
- Once connected, you should see the remote computer’s desktop on your local computer screen.
- You can now control the remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can set up AnyDesk for accessing a computer remotely and connect to the remote computer quickly and easily. Note that you may need to configure any firewalls or security settings on both the local and remote computers to ensure a successful connection.
Conclusion
Remote access to computers has become a necessity, especially for businesses and organizations. In this article, we have discussed the six best ways to access a computer remotely.
Each method comes with its unique features and benefits, and you should choose one that meets your needs and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Remote access can be secure if you use a reliable and secure remote access method that comes with adequate security features.
Yes, you can access your computer remotely using your mobile phone, provided you have a reliable and compatible remote access method.
There are both free and paid remote access software available, and you can choose one that meets your needs and budget.
Yes, multiple users can access the same computer remotely, provided the remote access method supports multiple users.
Yes, you can access your computer remotely from anywhere in the world, provided you have an internet connection and a compatible remote access method. Is remote access secure?
Can I access my computer remotely using my mobile phone?
Do I need to pay for remote access software?
Can multiple users access the same computer remotely?
Can I access my computer remotely from anywhere in the world?