AnyDesk: When You Just Need to Get Into a Machine — Fast
Let’s say you’re not in the office. Someone calls — their screen’s frozen, or a script failed, or maybe they just need help finding a buried config file. You don’t want to ask them to install ten things. You don’t want to fight the network. You just want in.
That’s what AnyDesk is good at.
It’s a small app. You can run it straight out of the box — no install, no sign-in. Just send your 9-digit ID, and someone else can connect. Doesn’t matter if it’s Windows or Linux, a desktop or a phone. It works. It’s not open source, and you can’t host your own relay, but for quick, clean remote access, it’s hard to beat.
What It Can Actually Do
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| No install needed | You can run it from a USB stick if you have to |
| Very low latency | Still usable on spotty hotel Wi-Fi or mobile tethering |
| File copy | Grab or send files during the session — no extra tools |
| Clipboard sharing | You can copy/paste between systems as if local |
| Remote printing | Hit “Print” on the remote box, it comes out on your printer |
| Cross-platform | Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS — all covered |
| Session record | Local video log if you need proof or documentation |
| Unattended mode | Set it once and connect later without prompts |
How It Actually Works
– You download a file — around 3 to 10 MB
– Run it — you get your AnyDesk ID right away
– Someone else enters that ID on their side
– You accept the request, and they’re in
If you want to avoid the “accept” part, there’s a password option under security settings. Useful if you’re setting this up on a server or kiosk.
Traffic goes through AnyDesk’s network — there’s no option to self-host. But it’s encrypted, and you don’t need to open ports.
Real-World Use Cases
– Supporting family or clients when they’re stuck
– Fixing a misbehaving workstation without leaving your desk
– Logging into a home PC from the office, or vice versa
– Remotely setting up software or changing settings
– Keeping tabs on test rigs, demo stations, or off-site boxes
Pros (and a Few Cautions)
Things that make life easier:
– Starts up fast — no login, no install screens
– Handles bad connections better than many heavier tools
– Can be explained to a non-technical person in 30 seconds
– Works the same across systems — no mental shift between OSes
– Doesn’t nag with ads (if you’re not flagged as commercial)
Things to know upfront:
– If you use it too often, they might assume it’s business use — and throttle you
– Some features (like address book or session history) are behind the paywall
– You can’t run your own relay or gateway — all traffic uses their cloud
– The Linux version lags a bit behind the Windows one in terms of polish
– Logs are local only — no central audit unless you go full enterprise
Last Words
AnyDesk isn’t perfect. But when you need to connect now — not in five minutes, not after configuring ssh tunnels — it usually works. That’s why a lot of sysadmins and support folks keep it around. Not because it’s fancy. Because it gets them back into the system before the call even finishes.
