Best Remote Desktop Software of 2026

Most professionals working in a corporate environment are familiar with contacting IT support for technical glitches in their systems. In such scenarios, they usually begin with the tedious task of explaining the issue they are facing, which at times they themselves don’t fully understand.

This poses a challenge to the person seeking help as well as the person providing help, as offering assistance remotely can be tricky when the problem is unclear. Additionally, remotely instructing the complainant on how to fix the issue can be taxing and time-consuming for the IT support staff.

This is where remote desktop software comes in. Using this software, an IT support person can request access and control of a remote computer system. It allows them to operate the system remotely to find and troubleshoot the issue, after which they can transfer the control back to the original user.

While this is a classic use case of remote desktop software, it is not the only one. The tool can be used by technology vendors, software developers, independent professionals, and almost anyone who needs remote access to systems.

The tool has many uses and benefits such as reduced hardware costs and faster query resolution. We will discuss these and other essential details about the tool in this buyers guide.

Here's what we'll cover:

• What is remote desktop software?

• Common features of remote desktop software?

• What type of buyer are you?

• Benefits of remote desktop software

• Key considerations for selecting remote desktop software?

What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software is a tool that provides access to one or more computer systems that are not physically present on-site. This helps with activities such as accessing files, fixing technical glitches, or printing documents on remotely located systems.

The tool is provided either by the respective operating system vendor, such as Microsoft or Apple, or by a third-party vendor in the form of an app.

Remote desktop view in ConnectWise Control (Source)

Common features of remote desktop software

In this section, we’ll look at some of the common features of remote desktop software. These features will help you understand the basic capabilities a solution must offer for effective access to remote systems.

What type of buyer are you?

There are two key types of buyers of remote desktop software. They differ based on their requirements and primary concerns.

Buyers looking for a commercial tool: Commercial remote access software is usually purchased by, but not limited to, business organizations. These tools are available for a fee and offer advanced features commonly required by businesses and enterprises.

Buyers looking for a free tool: Free remote access solutions are great for independent professionals or users that need the tool for personal use. These buyers usually have limited feature requirements and lack the budget needed for premium subscriptions.

Benefits of remote desktop software

The following are the key benefits of remote desktop software. These benefits enlist the business functions that are positively impacted by the tool and how they may improve.

Faster issue resolution: Ability to access computer systems remotely allows IT support teams to provide tech assistance as they would do in person. Being able to view and control computers remotely allows them to make changes to resolve technical issues.

Improved productivity: With this tool, employees can work from anywhere by accessing their computer systems remotely. This is particularly useful for software developers who may not be able to access or run code stored on their system without remote access.

Increased savings: Investing in additional hardware and servers to provide systems to geographically-scattered or on-the-move employees can put a strain on the IT budget. Businesses can avoid these costs by providing remote system access to employees while they use their personal systems to access the work computers.

Key considerations for selecting remote desktop software

As the last step to selecting a tool, keep a few additional factors in mind. These will help select a tool that is best suited to your business goals.

Usability: Before purchasing the tool, it’s essential to check if the tool can be operated without advanced IT knowledge or skills. For users without extensive technical know-how, the tool should provide remote access within a few simple steps and not after a complex and elaborate procedure.

Data security: It is essential to check if the vendor has been a victim of any data breach or hacking in the past as this can put your sensitive business or personal data at risk. A vendor with a clean record is always a safer option. Also, go through their data security features and check if they comply with the latest industry standards.

Connectivity speed: The more geographically-dispersed servers a vendor has, the better will be the connectivity. So check with the vendor about the count and location of servers.

Note: The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.