Remote desktop software is an easy way to access programs and resources on a remote PC as if you were actually working on it. It allows for free screen sharing, making the experience seamless. We've put together this quick guide for you. It explains how to connect to another computer running VNC Server, using VNC Viewer to do it. You will also find out more about the ways to connect, as well as securing your account. We'll even discuss how to use VNC Server for Raspberry Pi. VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. It is a cross-platform screen sharing system that was created to remotely control another computer. This means that a computer’s screen, keyboard, and mouse can be used from a distance by a remote user from a secondary device as though they were sitting right in front of it. In 2016,RealVNClaunchedits latest VNC-based remote access product:VNC Connect.This software combines the convenience of a cloud service with the flexibility ofofflineconnectivity(also known as direct)andprovides an optimized strategy for every size of business. Since its initial release,the product has continued to evolve, with features such ashigh-speed streamingandremote audiobeing added to the mix, along with continual tweaks to further refine the product to meet the needs of our customers. VNCConnect’skey features include intuitive remote control, cross-platform support, attended and unattended access, file transfer, multilingual support, online team management and virtual desktop management under Linux. Its sessions are encrypted end-to-end using up to 256-bit AESencryptionprovidingmulti-factor authentication, single-sign-on (SSO), granular access control and rich session permissions. But let's start with the beginning and discuss all these topics one at a time. After you've created your free RealVNC account, next on the list will be to download VNC Viewer. However, another thing would be advisable before you remote control a computer. This will make managing computers and user permissions much easier. You can manage them in a much simpler fashion if you set up a team in VNC Connect. Setting up teams will make it much easier to control who has access to each remote computer. It will also improve security in the process. While we're on the topic of security, you will want to secure your RealVNC account as much as possible. It would be ideal to do this before you start making the most out of your VNC Connect subscription. Here are the main points when configuring VNC Connect for comprehensive security: · How to turn on multi-factor authentication · How to blank your screen · How to authorize your device Let's take these one at a time. First, MFA - multi-factor authenticationwill make sure no unauthorized access happens. You will need a code from an app on your phone, apart from your password. Unless you meet the two conditions, no remote access will happen. Blanking your screen is pretty self-explanatory. Enable it and nobody will see anything on the screen of the machine running VNC Server. Of course, only while it's controlled. When it comes to authorizing your device, this is an out-of-the-box security measure. If a new device connects to your account, you get an email to your registered address. That way, nothing happens without your knowledge. You will definitely want to know how to set up a Direct Connection (also known as "offline") if you use VNC Connect in a secured environment. With this method, connections are not brokered through the cloud. This means that everything happens solely on your own network. VNC Connect does offer 256-bit encryption for Enterprise subscriptions. However, Direct Connections give you more peace of mind if your environment requires an additional layer of security. It does also mean that you'll need to have information such as IP addresses and port numbers. You might also arm yourself with access to your router or firewall. In an IT support environment, Instant Support makes the most sense. Once you've set up Instant Support, you won't need VNC Server on the machine you want to connect to. Your user will visit a webpage and download a little piece of software. They will then input a code that you generate, give their consent and you're connected. The best part is that the user doesn't need to install or license any software. So there is no footprint of an installer; it's just a small, disposable app, which can be deleted when the session ends. Deletion of the app will leave no traces whatsoever on the system, so there are no potentially dangerous circ*mstances for the user. No configuration is required, as the cloud service does that for you. It all happens with end-to-end encryption and across platforms. However, this is not a feature that any VNC Connect user would need. Therefore, your company's subscription needs a Technician license added to it. You can find out all about licensing here. Remote printing is one of the most convenient features of VNC software. Can you imagine something as annoying as needing to transfer every file you need to print? If there are a lot of files involved, that's what you'll be doing with your afternoon. Luckily, the ability to print a file from a remote machine on a local printer is available on VNC Connect out of the box. Working on a remote computer will sometimes mean that you will need to quickly transfer a file. For example, you will need to transfer a file if you only have a piece of software for it on the other machine. As long as you are running VNC Viewer and you connect to a VNC Server on the other machine, this is a very easy task. The ability to transfer a file remotely can be set up and used in a few minutes and a couple of clicks. Many users wonder how to use VNC Connect on Raspberry Pi. With good reason; the little piece of hardware is gaining more popularity every day. If you have a Raspberry Pi, you should know that it comes with VNC Viewer and VNC Server preinstalled. You follow a simple set of steps to enable it and you'll connect to your Raspberry Pi in no time. You can also use VNC Viewer on it to connect to other machines. The good news is that a partnership between RealVNC and Raspberry Pi exists. This grants you some special privileges on your Home license. Namely, you have access to both cloud and direct connections. VNC Viewer for Android is a great way to control a Windows, Mac, or Linux machine, straight from your iPhone or Android smartphone. The best part is that the Android VNC app couldn't be easier to set up. And so is downloading VNC Viewer from the iOS App Store and using it to control your remote machine. More information on how to use VNC on Android can be found here. You can also find out how to control your PC from your iPhone here. Want to try VNC Connect for yourself? We offer a free trial!How to use VNC Viewer and Server
How to set up a team in VNC Connect
How to configure VNC Connect for maximum security
How to set up a Direct (or offline) Connection
How to set up an Instant Support session
How to print a file to a local printer using remote access
How to transfer a file remotely
How to set up VNC Connect on Raspberry Pi
How to use VNC to remote control a PC from a smartphone
FAQs
How to connect remote desktop using VNC? ›
- Install VNC on the Remote Windows Server. Log in to your Remote Windows Server. ...
- Make sure to allow the VNC Server through Windows firewall of the Remote Windows Server. ...
- Install VNC Viewer on you local devices. ...
- Use VNC to access the remote Windows server.
- Download RealVNC Server to the computer you want to control.
- Use RealVNC Server to look up the private (internal) IP address of the computer.
- Download RealVNC Viewer to the device you want to control from.
- Enter the private IP address in RealVNC Viewer to establish a direct connection.
Simply download the latest versions of the VNC Viewer and VNC Server apps to all your local and remote devices. Once installed, you'll get the performance boost automatically.
How does VNC connect work? ›Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop-sharing system that uses the Remote Frame Buffer protocol (RFB) to remotely control another computer. It transmits the keyboard and mouse input from one computer to another, relaying the graphical-screen updates, over a network.
Is VNC good for Remote Desktop? ›Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a screen-sharing system that works across many platforms. It uses the Remote Framebuffer Protocol (RFB) to control another computer remotely. VNC is platform-independent, making it a good choice for connecting different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How to remotely connect to another computer using Remote Desktop? ›Use Remote Desktop to connect to the PC you set up: On your local Windows PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect.
Does VNC work without internet? ›Most VNC-based open-source software only allows for offline connectivity. VNC connect offers both offline (also known as "direct") connections as well as cloud connections, so you can choose whichever one is most suited to your business requirements.
How do I get VNC to work? ›- Download the RealVNC Connect setup app.
- Click the Download for Windows button.
- Click the Accept and Install button.
- Once the download and installation process completes, choose one of: ...
- Your web browser will open automatically. ...
- Review the settings shown, then click Launch.
- Become superuser or assume the root role.
- Start the VNC server. # /usr/bin/vncserver.
- Enter the VNC server password. ...
- From another machine, run the vncviewer command with the address reported by the vncserver command. ...
- Type the password you provided to the vncserver script.
- Signing in to your RealVNC Connect portal.
- Signing into the RealVNC Viewer app on your computer or mobile device.
- Using RealVNC Viewer to establish a cloud connection to a remote device.
How can I improve my remote desktop connection? ›
- Use a fast and stable Internet connection. Remote desktop requires a fast and stable Internet connection. ...
- Optimize the graphics settings. ...
- Close unnecessary programs. ...
- Increase the amount of RAM. ...
- Use lightweight clients. ...
- Use cloud services. ...
- Use hardware acceleration. ...
- Use local resources.
- Solution 1. Change the encoding options on the local PC.
- Solution 2. Turn on JPEG compression on both 2 PCs.
- Solution 3. Change the resolution settings on both PCs.
- Solution 4. Disable scaling and adapt to network speed.
- Open Event Viewer.
- Select Windows Logs > Application.
- Select Filter Current Log and choose VNC Server as the Event sources:
VNC by default uses TCP port 5900+N,[5][6] where N is the display number (usually :0 for a physical display).
How do I connect to a virtual machine using remote desktop? ›- Create a Windows account and password if you do not have one yet.
- To connect over the internet, use the external IP address. ...
- Open Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Connection on your Windows machine. ...
- In the Computer box, enter the IP address.
- Click the Start menu from your desktop, and then click Control Panel.
- Click System and Security once the Control Panel opens.
- Click Allow remote access, located under the System tab.
- Click Select Users, located in the Remote Desktop section of the Remote tab.
- On the host computer, open the Windows Start menu. Search for Remote Desktop Connection and click the best match option.
- Enter the IP address and computer name. Once done, click Connect.
- Enter the password of the remote computer and click OK.