AnyDesk is essentially a remote access software that allows users to control almost any device and access it from anywhere. The remote desktop application provides platform-independent remote access to personal computers and other devices running the application. Its features include remote control, file transfer, and VPN networking.
Both IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) recognize the importance of remote access tools like AnyDesk. Remote access software is essential for performing tasks such as changing settings, assisting customers and users with support requests, and installing software.
How Does AnyDesk Work?
AnyDesk establishes a secure remote connection between two devices (laptop, desktop, or mobile phone) using the unique AnyDesk ID of the target device. When attempting to create a connection, AnyDesk uses its proprietary DeskRT codec to compress and transmit data, aiming for high graphical fidelity and low latency.
The primary goal of the codec is to facilitate data transfer under low bandwidth conditions, ensuring a clear display regardless of circumstances. AnyDesk employs TLS 1.2 encryption to keep the connection secure, and any data transmitted between devices is safe and private. You can also use other security systems like firewalls and proxy servers to ensure that your remote connection does not cause any security breaches within your company.
AnyDesk is a free remote desktop software, meaning you can create an AnyDesk account and use it for free, but you will be limited to the features of the free plan. If you have more than three devices you want to access without supervision, you will need to upgrade to one of the premium plans.
There are also several other features available only to premium users, such as remote reboot, enhanced support, session recording, and custom branding.
How to Connect AnyDesk
To start an AnyDesk connection, you first need to ensure that AnyDesk is downloaded on both the target device and the connecting device. Now, simply find the AnyDesk ID of the target device (the device you want to access). Next, go to AnyDesk on the connecting device, and paste the AnyDesk ID of the target device in the "New Session" tab.
But wait, if you manage a network of devices, tracking the AnyDesk ID for each device can become quite complicated. But don’t worry, there’s a better way! With Atera, you can manage an unlimited number of devices through a single application. When using Atera with AnyDesk, you’ll see how efficient IT support can be.
- Download and install the AnyDesk application on the target device (if you haven’t done so already) from the Devices page, go to the "Remote Access" column, and click on the dropdown menu "Connect". From the dropdown, select "AnyDesk".
- Click on "Download AnyDesk", then click on the downloaded file.
- Click on "Install AnyDesk".
- When AnyDesk is installed, the AnyDesk Connection screen will appear.
- Click on "Copy and Open AnyDesk". This will copy the session password and take you to the authorization screen.
- When the authorization screen appears, paste the password in the field and click the "OK" button.
How to Use AnyDesk
Now that you have downloaded AnyDesk on both the target and connecting devices, you’ll want to know how to use AnyDesk and its comprehensive features.
When requesting a remote session via AnyDesk, the other user will typically be prompted to accept this session. After that, you can control the remote device. AnyDesk also includes other built-in features, such as chat, a whiteboard on-screen, switching between sides, and blocking user inputs (allowing you to prevent the user on the remote AnyDesk desktop from interfering while you assist them).
You can request access to another device through the native AnyDesk application or from within a remote monitoring management (RMM) tool like Atera. To connect to another device through the native app, simply enter the AnyDesk ID or alias of the target device in your application. Once the target device accepts the connection request, you will be able to access it remotely.
How to Update AnyDesk
Updating software is crucial to ensure your devices and networks run at peak efficiency. The last thing you want is to have to update the software before an important call from your client because you’ve been hitting the "install later" button for weeks (or months... years?!).
If a vulnerability exists in the AnyDesk framework, malicious actors will surely be aware of it as well. And as we know, malicious actors do not hesitate to exploit software vulnerabilities for their benefit. This is where AnyDesk’s automatic updates across all devices in your network come in handy to save you a lot of trouble.
How can you update the AnyDesk software? It’s a straightforward process and almost identical for computers running Windows and Mac. Download the latest version of AnyDesk that is compatible with your operating system from the official downloads page on the AnyDesk website or from your AnyDesk account. Be cautious when downloading from any other pages or third parties claiming to download AnyDesk, as they may be scams or hacks.
If you want to learn how to update AnyDesk in the easiest way, using Atera makes updating AnyDesk (and any other software!) a breeze. With Atera, automating your software updates becomes incredibly easy. From the admin dashboard, under "Patch Management and IT Automation", select the profile (workstation or server) for which you want to set up automatic updates. Choose the software you want to update automatically, or you can use "Update All" to update everything automatically.
How to Get and Grant AnyDesk Access
Learning how to properly use AnyDesk and its features enables IT professionals to provide effective support. Here’s how to grant AnyDesk access and modification rights during a session.
Taking and Granting Access to AnyDesk
To request remote access to another device, simply enter the AnyDesk address of the target device in the address bar (New Session) and press Enter. Your target device will now receive an access request, which will grant you access once accepted. Note: The end user can grant full or partial access from this access request screen.
Once you gain access to the target device, you can request specific permissions if necessary to perform support tasks, such as file transfers or clipboard access.
Editing Permissions
If you want to edit permissions/access within AnyDesk during a session, or if you need your client to grant you specific permissions, don’t worry; it’s not complicated.
Click on the "Permissions" tab in the session toolbar. Here, you will be able to adjust access levels and permitted actions, such as file transfers and clipboard access. If you have your clients' trust, you can simply ask them to enable all permissions so they don’t have to return to this tab to grant you access to anything else.
You can also set default permissions for any future connections under the "Security" tab in the AnyDesk settings. You can also set a password to allow unattended access, where trusted technicians can connect without manual approval. With the access control list, you will be able to specify which devices can connect or cannot connect for added security.
You can also enable or disable session recording for times when you need to see the session in action.
While access can be managed within AnyDesk for each device individually, using a remote monitoring management (RMM) tool like Atera gives you a single centralized place to manage all devices within your network. With AnyDesk, you can also manage remote access across every device.
How to Install AnyDesk on My Laptop
Installing AnyDesk on your laptop is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Your laptop will need at least 1 GB of system memory (also known as RAM), but it’s recommended to have at least 2 GB.
First, go to the official AnyDesk downloads page and download the appropriate version of the application for your laptop, whether it runs on Windows or Mac. Make sure to download it only from the official AnyDesk website. Other sites may have outdated versions, or worse, they may be from scammers or hackers.
Now, open the application, and there you go! You will see your AnyDesk ID, which you can use to allow others to access your laptop remotely. Or you can create a new connection with another laptop using its AnyDesk ID.
How to Allow AnyDesk on Mac
Activating AnyDesk on your MacBook or iMac is also a straightforward process. If you followed the steps above to install AnyDesk on your computer (the same process applies to MacBook or iMac), just open the AnyDesk application and find your AnyDesk ID.
Now, simply give your AnyDesk ID to the person who needs access to your Mac, so they can request the connection. Or if you want to connect to someone else’s Mac, just get their AnyDesk ID and paste it in a new tab titled "New Session".
Once you press Enter, the end user will be prompted to accept the connection request, and you will be able to access their Mac remotely!
If you are in IT responsible for managing a network of Macs, using an easy-to-use dashboard will help you save time and effort. When a Mac device is connected to the network in your Devices list (with AnyDesk installed), just click on "Connect" and enter your credentials, and you’ll be all set!
How to Fix "Display Server Not Supported" Error in AnyDesk
The "Display Server Not Supported" error in AnyDesk indicates an issue with the application’s connection to the system’s display server, which is responsible for rendering graphics on the screen. This issue may arise due to incompatible settings or outdated drivers.
How to Fix AnyDesk Display Server Not Supported Issue on Windows 8, 10, and 11
For most Windows devices that display the "Display Server Not Supported" message from AnyDesk, there may be several options to resolve the issue. So, you may need to review this list and try some solutions before fixing the error.
Update Display Drivers
Sometimes the issue lies with an outdated display driver. Fortunately, updating it is very easy. Just go to Device Manager > Display Adapters. Right-click on the display adapter, then select "Update Driver".
Compatibility Mode
You may also encounter compatibility issues between programs. To fix this issue, simply right-click on the AnyDesk shortcut, select "Properties", then go to the "Compatibility" tab, and check "Run this program in compatibility mode" to ensure that AnyDesk
