Quick Start
This guide covers every AnyDesk feature:
- Getting Started — Create your account and install AnyDesk
- How to Use Mobile Device Support — Control a PC from your phone or tablet
- How to Use Access & Control — Connect to any remote desktop in seconds
- How to Use Administration & Customization — Deploy and manage devices across your organization
- How to Use Security & Privacy — Lock down remote sessions with encryption and 2FA
- How to Use Collaboration — Share screens and work together in real time
- How to Use Customizable Remote Access — Set up unattended access for always-on connections
- How to Use Remote Work Software — Work from anywhere with full desktop access
- How to Use Remote Access For Corporations — Scale remote support across your enterprise
- How to Use Remote Access for Students — Access lab computers from your dorm or home
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used AnyDesk for over two years and tested every feature covered here.
This how to use AnyDesk tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff.
Every section includes clear steps you can follow right away.
AnyDesk is one of the most powerful remote desktop tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
AnyDesk Tutorial
This complete AnyDesk tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
AnyDesk
Connect to any remote device in seconds with banking-standard encryption. AnyDesk delivers low-latency remote desktop access across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Start your free trial today — no credit card required.
Getting Started with AnyDesk
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes to install AnyDesk and get connected.
Watch this quick overview first:
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to the AnyDesk website at anydesk.com.
Click “Sign Up” or “Download” on the homepage.
Enter your email address and create a strong password.
You can choose to sign in with your email or a third-party account.
AnyDesk can be used as a portable app or fully installed on your machine.
The portable version runs without admin rights on Windows.
For full features, the installed version is recommended.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email from AnyDesk.
Step 2: Download and Install the App
Navigate to the AnyDesk Downloads page from the main menu.
Select the version for your operating system — Windows, Mac, or Linux.
The download file is small and takes only seconds on most connections.
Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation process.
On Windows, double-click the downloaded file and click “Install.”
On Mac, drag the AnyDesk icon into your Applications folder.
On Linux, use the package manager or run the installer from terminal.
Log in with the account you created in the previous step.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main desk with your unique 9-digit AnyDesk ID.
Step 3: Register Your License
After purchasing a license, you must register it in the AnyDesk client.
Sign in to the client and your license activates automatically.
You can also register with a license key from your my.anydesk account.
To register manually, sign in to my.anydesk using your credentials.
Go to the Change License Key section and paste your key.
Click “Register license key” to complete the activation.
Your license will appear in the Current License section after registration.
Once signed in, all licensed features become available in the client.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use AnyDesk Mobile Device Support
Mobile Device Support lets you control a PC from your phone or tablet.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Download the Mobile App
Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your device.
Search for “AnyDesk” and tap Install.
The app is free to download on both Android and iOS.
Mobile devices can control a PC using AnyDesk right away after the install.
Grant the app notification permissions when prompted during setup.
Step 2: Connect to a Remote Device
Open the app and enter the remote device’s 9-digit ID.
Tap the connect button to start a session.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the remote desktop on your mobile screen.
Step 3: Use Touch Gestures to Navigate
Swipe to move the cursor and tap to click.
Pinch to zoom in on small interface elements.
You can end a remote session at any time from either device.
✅ Result: You can now access and control any PC from your mobile device.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable “Mouse Mode” in the mobile app for more precise cursor control when working on small buttons or menus on remote devices.
How to Use AnyDesk Access & Control
Access & Control lets you connect to any remote desktop and take full control.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Get the Remote Device’s AnyDesk ID
Each device displays a unique 9-digit AnyDesk ID on the main screen.
This ID is shown in the “This Desk” section of the AnyDesk window.
Ask the person at the remote device to share their ID or alias.
To start a remote session, you just need that ID — nothing else.
Step 2: Enter the ID and Connect
Type the 9-digit ID in the “Remote Address” field on your AnyDesk window.
Click the connect button to start a remote session.
For attended access, a request pop-up must be accepted on the remote device.
The remote user will see a dialog asking them to accept or reject your connection.
Once accepted, you gain full view and control of the remote desktop.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the remote desktop on your screen with full control.
Step 3: Transfer Files or Control the Desktop
Users can transfer files during a session via a built-in file manager.
Click the file transfer icon in the toolbar to open the file browser.
Drag and drop files between the local and remote file panels.
You can also sync clipboards between local and remote machines.
Copy text on one machine and paste it on the other instantly.
The DeskRT codec ensures high frame rates and low latency for smooth control.
✅ Result: You now have full remote desktop access with file transfer capabilities.
💡 Pro Tip: Use clipboard sync to copy text or images between your local and remote machines without opening the file manager — it saves time during remote support sessions.
How to Use AnyDesk Administration & Customization
Administration & Customization lets you deploy and manage AnyDesk across your organization.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open the Administration Center
Sign in to my.anydesk.com with your admin account credentials.
Navigate to the administration center from the main menu.
The center gives you a full view of all registered devices and users.
IT administrators can configure user and role management from this dashboard.
You can organize teams, assign permissions, and track session activity.
Step 2: Create Custom Clients and Set Permissions
Custom AnyDesk clients can be pre-configured with aliases and default settings.
Set up your team structure and assign roles for each user.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your custom client configurations listed in the center.
Step 3: Deploy Across Multiple Devices
AnyDesk can be deployed using Group Policy or MSI for standard deployment.
Advanced configuration options help you manage devices at scale.
✅ Result: Your organization now has AnyDesk deployed with custom settings on every device.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up Single Sign-On (SSO) to enable secure and centralized login for employees — it removes the need for separate AnyDesk passwords.
How to Use AnyDesk Security & Privacy
Security & Privacy lets you lock down every remote session with encryption and permissions.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Review Your Security Settings
Open AnyDesk and go to Settings from the main menu.
Click on the “Security” tab to view your current security configuration.
AnyDesk uses TLS 1.2 and AES-256 encryption by default on every session.
This is the same encryption standard used by banks worldwide.
No extra setup is needed — encryption is active from the first connection.
You can also review which devices have connected to yours recently.
Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Go to Settings and find the security section.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see 2FA enabled in your security settings.
Step 3: Configure Granular Permissions
Set which features remote users can access during a session.
Control clipboard access, file transfer, and input permissions separately.
You can allow screen viewing only without giving keyboard or mouse control.
This is useful for presentations where you want to show but not share control.
Permissions on Mac may need to be granted for Screen Recording and Accessibility.
Go to System Settings and add AnyDesk to both permission categories.
✅ Result: Your remote sessions are now secured with encryption, 2FA, and custom permissions.
💡 Pro Tip: Disable clipboard and file transfer permissions for remote support sessions where you only need to view the screen — it adds a strong layer of privacy.
How to Use AnyDesk Collaboration
Collaboration lets you share screens and work together in real time with your team.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Start a Remote Session
Connect to the remote device using their AnyDesk ID or custom alias.
Both users must have AnyDesk open on their machines to collaborate.
Once connected, the toolbar at the top gives you access to all collaboration tools.
Step 2: Use the Whiteboard and Chat
Click the whiteboard icon in the toolbar to draw on the shared screen.
Use arrows, highlights, and freehand drawing to point things out.
The whiteboard is great for training sessions and visual explanations.
Use the text chat feature to send messages during the session.
Chat messages stay visible until the session ends.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the whiteboard overlay and chat panel on screen.
Step 3: Record the Session
Click the record button in the toolbar to start capturing the session.
Session recordings are saved locally on your machine for later review.
You can play them back to review steps or share them with teammates.
Recordings include everything visible on the remote desktop during the session.
✅ Result: You can now collaborate in real time using whiteboard, chat, and session recording.
💡 Pro Tip: Use session recording during training calls — it creates a video tutorial your team can watch later without scheduling another meeting.
How to Use AnyDesk Customizable Remote Access
Customizable Remote Access lets you set up unattended access for always-on connections.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open Unattended Access Settings
Open AnyDesk on the remote device you want to manage remotely.
Go to Settings and then select the Access tab from the left sidebar.
This is where you configure all unattended access options.
Step 2: Set a Password for Unattended Access
In the Unattended Access section, click “Set password.”
Create a strong password with at least 12 characters.
Mix uppercase letters, numbers, and special symbols for security.
This password is what you will enter from your local device to connect.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see unattended access enabled with a green checkmark.
Step 3: Connect Using the Password
From your local device, enter the remote device’s AnyDesk ID.
Click connect and enter the unattended access password when prompted.
The connection will start immediately without anyone accepting a request.
You can now manage that device at any time — no one needs to be present.
This is ideal for managing servers, office PCs, or remote workstations.
✅ Result: Unattended access is active and you can connect to remote devices anytime.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up unattended access on all your office machines before going on a trip — you will have full access to every device from anywhere.
How to Use AnyDesk Remote Work Software
Remote Work Software lets you work from anywhere with full desktop access to your office PC.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Office Computer
Install AnyDesk on your office Windows, Mac, or Linux machine.
Make sure the app is set to launch automatically when the computer starts.
Enable unattended access so you can connect without someone at the desk.
Note your office machine’s AnyDesk ID — you will need it from home.
Step 2: Connect from Home
Open AnyDesk on your home computer, laptop, or even your phone.
Enter your office machine’s AnyDesk ID in the Remote Address field.
Type your unattended access password to connect instantly.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your office desktop on your home screen.
Step 3: Work as If You’re at the Office
Use all your office apps, files, and tools remotely as if you were there.
Open spreadsheets, run software, and access your company network.
Transfer files between your home and office machines using the file manager.
The DeskRT codec keeps everything smooth even on slower connections.
Your workflow stays the same — just from a different location.
✅ Result: You now have a full remote work setup with access to your office PC from home.
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark your office machine’s AnyDesk ID in the address book for one-click access every morning — it cuts your daily remote login to under 10 seconds.
How to Use AnyDesk Remote Access For Corporations
Remote Access For Corporations lets you scale remote support across your entire enterprise.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Set Up Your Corporate Namespace
Sign in to the administration center with your corporate account.
Create a custom namespace so all company devices share a unified alias.
For example, all devices could be named “companyname@ad” for easy identification.
This keeps your device list organized and easy to manage at scale.
Step 2: Deploy to All Corporate Devices
Use MSI or Group Policy to push AnyDesk to all corporate machines at once.
Pre-configure each client with your corporate settings and permissions.
Set default security rules so every device follows company policy from day one.
This eliminates the need for manual setup on each individual machine.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see all corporate devices listed in your administration center.
Step 3: Manage User Roles and Access
Assign roles to IT staff, managers, and end users based on their needs.
Control who can start sessions, transfer files, and view screens.
Restrict sensitive actions like unattended access to senior IT team members only.
Use session logs and audit trails for compliance and accountability.
✅ Result: Your corporation now has AnyDesk deployed and managed across all devices.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable session logging for your IT team — it creates an audit trail for compliance and helps track remote support performance.
How to Use AnyDesk Remote Access for Students
Remote Access for Students lets you access lab computers from your dorm or home.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Install AnyDesk on Your Personal Device
Download AnyDesk on your laptop, tablet, or phone from the official site.
The app is lightweight and takes less than a minute to install.
You do not need admin rights to run the portable version on Windows.
Step 2: Connect to the Lab or School Computer
Get the AnyDesk ID from the school computer you need to access.
Your school’s IT department may provide this ID or set up an alias for you.
Enter the ID in the Remote Address field and click connect.
Accept any permission prompts that appear on your device.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the lab computer’s desktop on your personal screen.
Step 3: Run Lab Software Remotely
Use specialized software installed on the lab machine from your dorm room.
Run engineering, design, or data analysis tools that are only on the lab PC.
Transfer files between your personal and lab devices to save your work.
This saves you a trip to campus for quick tasks or late-night assignments.
✅ Result: You can now access your school’s lab computers from anywhere on campus or at home.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your school’s IT department if they offer AnyDesk licenses for students — many universities provide free access for educational use.
AnyDesk Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing AnyDesk for over two years, here are my best tips to help you learn the updated features.
These shortcuts and hidden features will save you time every day.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle fullscreen mode | Ctrl + Enter |
| Send Ctrl+Alt+Del to remote device | Ctrl + Alt + Del (in toolbar) |
| Switch between monitors on remote device | Monitor tabs in toolbar |
| Open file transfer window | File Transfer icon in toolbar |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Address Book: Save frequently used device IDs so you can connect with a single click instead of typing the 9-digit code every time.
- Custom Aliases: Replace your numeric ID with a readable name like “johns-laptop” — much easier for colleagues to remember and type.
- Wake-on-LAN: Power on a sleeping remote machine over the network before connecting — no need for someone to physically press the power button.
- Session Permissions Presets: Save your preferred permission combinations so you can apply them with one click instead of configuring each session manually.
- Auto-Discovery: Find other AnyDesk devices on your local network automatically — no need to exchange IDs when you are on the same network.
AnyDesk Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Sharing Your AnyDesk ID with Strangers
❌ Wrong: Giving your 9-digit AnyDesk ID to someone you don’t know who claims to be “tech support.”
✅ Right: Only share your ID with trusted people and always verify who you’re connecting with before accepting a session request.
Mistake #2: Leaving Unattended Access Without a Strong Password
❌ Wrong: Setting a simple password like “1234” for unattended access on your work machine.
✅ Right: Use a strong password with at least 12 characters, mix letters, numbers, and symbols, and enable 2FA for added security.
Mistake #3: Not Granting Mac Permissions Before a Session
❌ Wrong: Starting a session on Mac without granting Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions first.
✅ Right: Go to System Settings on your Mac and grant AnyDesk permissions for Screen Recording and Accessibility before your first session.
Mistake #4: Using the Free Version for Business
❌ Wrong: Running the free version of AnyDesk for commercial work — this violates the terms of service.
✅ Right: Purchase a paid license starting at $32.31/month for any business or professional use to stay compliant.
Mistake #5: Not Updating AnyDesk Regularly
❌ Wrong: Running an outdated version of AnyDesk with known security patches missing.
✅ Right: Keep AnyDesk updated to the latest version on all devices to get the newest security fixes and features.
AnyDesk Troubleshooting
Problem: Connection Fails or Times Out
Cause: A firewall or antivirus is blocking AnyDesk’s connection.
Fix: Add AnyDesk to your firewall’s allowlist and check that port 443 is open on both devices.
Problem: Remote Screen Is Black or Frozen
Cause: A GPU driver conflict or missing screen permissions on the remote device.
Fix: Update the GPU drivers on the remote machine and restart AnyDesk on both ends.
Problem: File Transfer Is Extremely Slow
Cause: Low bandwidth or a congested network between the two devices.
Fix: Switch to a wired ethernet connection and close other bandwidth-heavy apps during the transfer.
Problem: “Session Limit Reached” Error
Cause: Your license allows a limited number of concurrent sessions and they are all in use.
Fix: Close any unused sessions or upgrade to a plan with more concurrent connections.
Problem: Mac Screen Appears Black to Remote User
Cause: Screen Recording permission has not been granted to AnyDesk in macOS settings.
Fix: Go to System Settings then Privacy and Security, click Screen Recording, and enable AnyDesk.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact AnyDesk support for help.
What is AnyDesk?
AnyDesk is a remote desktop tool that lets you access and control any computer from anywhere in the world.
Think of it like having your office PC screen on your home laptop.
AnyDesk is a lightweight, high-performance remote desktop app featuring low-latency connections.
It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android with full cross-platform support.
It offers file transfer, clipboard sync, and secure encryption with TLS 1.2 and AES-256.
The software was created by former TeamViewer developers in Germany.
Today it serves millions of users and organizations around the globe.
Whether you need remote support, remote work, or team collaboration, AnyDesk handles it all.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Mobile Device Support: Control any PC from your phone or tablet using the AnyDesk app.
- Access & Control: Connect to remote devices using a 9-digit ID with full keyboard and mouse control.
- Administration & Customization: Deploy custom clients and manage user roles across your organization.
- Security & Privacy: Banking-standard encryption with optional 2FA and granular permissions.
- Collaboration: Whiteboard drawing, text chat, and session recording for team workflows.
- Customizable Remote Access: Set up unattended access so you can connect anytime without someone present.
- Remote Work Software: Work from home with full access to your office desktop and files.
- Remote Access For Corporations: Scale remote support with MSI deployment and corporate namespaces.
- Remote Access for Students: Access lab computers from your dorm or home for coursework.
For a full review, see our AnyDesk review.
AnyDesk Pricing
Here’s the updated AnyDesk pricing for 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $32.31/month | Small teams needing attended remote support |
| Advanced | $70.11/month | IT departments with unattended access and deployment needs |
| Ultimate | Custom | Enterprises requiring full customization and on-premises options |
Free trial: Yes — 14-day free trial with full features, no credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: Contact AnyDesk support for refund requests within the trial period.
💰 Best Value: Standard at $32.31/month — it covers attended remote support with session recording, custom aliases, and personal tech support for small teams.
AnyDesk vs Alternatives
How does AnyDesk compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnyDesk | Low-latency remote access | $32.31/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Getscreen | Browser-based remote access | $16/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| TeamViewer | Enterprise-grade remote support | $24.90/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Splashtop | Budget-friendly remote desktop | $8.25/mo | ⭐ 4.7 |
| RemotePC | Always-on remote access | $3.95/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| RealVNC Connect | Security-focused remote access | $3.50/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| GoTo Resolve | IT helpdesk and remote support | $57/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| ISL Online | On-premises remote support | $29/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| BeyondTrust | Privileged access management | Custom | ⭐ 4.4 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: AnyDesk — fastest connection speeds with the DeskRT codec and cross-platform support.
- Best budget: RemotePC — full remote desktop starting at just $3.95/month.
- Best for beginners: Splashtop — simple setup with an easy-to-navigate dashboard.
- Best for enterprise security: BeyondTrust — privileged access management with full audit trails.
🎯 AnyDesk Alternatives
Looking for AnyDesk alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Getscreen: Browser-based remote access that works without installing any software on the client side — great for quick support sessions.
- 🏢 TeamViewer: The industry standard for enterprise remote support with meeting and AR features built in.
- 💰 Splashtop: Full-featured remote desktop at up to 40% less than AnyDesk with strong multi-monitor support.
- ⚡ RemotePC: Always-on remote access at a fraction of the cost with unlimited users on higher plans.
- 🔒 RealVNC Connect: Security-first remote access with HIPAA compliance and ISO 27001 certification built in.
- 🔧 GoTo Resolve: IT helpdesk and remote support combined in one platform with ticketing and device management.
- 🌟 ISL Online: On-premises deployment option for organizations that need full control over their remote access infrastructure.
- 🧠 BeyondTrust: Privileged access management with session monitoring and credential injection for enterprise security teams.
For the full list, see our AnyDesk alternatives guide.
⚔️ AnyDesk Compared
Here’s how AnyDesk stacks up against each competitor:
- AnyDesk vs Getscreen: AnyDesk offers faster performance via the DeskRT codec, while Getscreen wins for browser-based access with zero installs needed.
- AnyDesk vs TeamViewer: AnyDesk is lighter and cheaper, but TeamViewer has more enterprise features like AR support and built-in meetings.
- AnyDesk vs Splashtop: Splashtop is significantly cheaper with similar features, but AnyDesk has lower latency for real-time remote control.
- AnyDesk vs RemotePC: RemotePC is the budget winner at $3.95/month, but AnyDesk offers smoother performance and better collaboration tools.
- AnyDesk vs RealVNC Connect: RealVNC leads on security certifications like HIPAA and ISO 27001, while AnyDesk delivers faster frame rates.
- AnyDesk vs GoTo Resolve: GoTo Resolve includes IT helpdesk ticketing, while AnyDesk focuses purely on fast remote desktop connections.
- AnyDesk vs ISL Online: ISL Online offers true on-premises hosting, while AnyDesk is cloud-first with optional on-premises on the Ultimate plan.
- AnyDesk vs BeyondTrust: BeyondTrust is built for privileged access management at the enterprise level, while AnyDesk is a general-purpose remote desktop tool.
Start Using AnyDesk Now
You learned how to use every major AnyDesk feature:
- ✅ Mobile Device Support
- ✅ Access & Control
- ✅ Administration & Customization
- ✅ Security & Privacy
- ✅ Collaboration
- ✅ Customizable Remote Access
- ✅ Remote Work Software
- ✅ Remote Access For Corporations
- ✅ Remote Access for Students
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Access & Control to connect to a remote device.
It takes less than 5 minutes to start your first remote session.
Download AnyDesk, enter a 9-digit ID, and you are connected.
Once you are comfortable, explore unattended access and collaboration tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyDesk safe to use?
Yes, AnyDesk is safe. It uses TLS 1.2 and AES-256 encryption for all sessions, which is the same standard used by banks. You can also enable two-factor authentication and set granular permissions to control exactly what remote users can access on your device.
What is AnyDesk used for?
AnyDesk is used for remote desktop access, IT remote support, working from home, online collaboration, and accessing school lab computers. It lets you connect to and control any device from anywhere using a 9-digit ID.
Can anyone access my PC using AnyDesk?
No one can access your PC without your permission. For attended access, you must accept a connection request pop-up. For unattended access, the connecting user must know your password. Never share your AnyDesk ID or password with people you don’t trust.
Is AnyDesk free or paid?
AnyDesk is free for personal, non-commercial use. Business and professional use requires a paid license starting at $32.31/month for the Standard plan. All paid plans are billed annually and include a 14-day free trial.
How much does AnyDesk cost?
AnyDesk costs $32.31/month for Standard, $70.11/month for Advanced, and custom pricing for Ultimate. All plans are billed annually. A free plan is available for personal use only.
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