Free Screen Sharing and Remote Access Tools - Comments Page 1

On the Chrome Remote Desktop page: "This app is now deprecated. Please use remotedesktop.google.com instead."

When I had Windows Vista I used TeamViewer and quite liked it. It was faster than several others I had tried before, and it supported reconnecting after a remote reboot.

Just an FYI, Bob. Clicking on the link for 'Chrome Remote Desktop app' in your article takes you to that page on the Chrome Webstore. At bottom of the page is it states: "This app is now deprecated. Please use remotedesktop.google.com instead."

I learned a new word - Deprecated means the use is discouraged. It doesn't say discontinued.

I have used TeamViewer for years to help friends. In business use, I use Remote Utilities, which is free for up to 10 computers. But for a one-time fee of $99, I get more than I need - about 20 computers.

The problem with Teamviewer (and it seems to be a recent problem) is that if you get "suspected of commercial use" (in other words, you use the free version too much) you get relegated to under 5 minutes (well under in my experience...heck, under a minute!) of connection time. I used to us TV to contact the computer at my cottage and logged in multiple times a day and did it for years. Recently I got tagged as a commercial use suspect and even after I sent off a declaration stating the reasons I use TV so much, my status was quickly changed back to "suspected commercial use" after a short stint of reinstatement. Thankfully we just sold the cottage so I don't need it anymore. Great product but there needs to be a consumer-friendly price structure...the business license is expensive.

TeamViewer has recently added re-connect time restrictions on their free version. I've used it for years for occasional help to family. Even though my connection time is very minimal (~30 minutes a month), TeamViewer has started sending harassing emails threatening to terminate my account. I'll look for another product.

I can also vouch for the TeamViewer restrictions. The software allows one to log in remotely for approximately 2 minutes before being rudely booted off. "Suspected commercial use" was given as the reason.

Does Avast still include this capability?

Hi Bob,
I had the same "commercial use" problem with TeamViewer. So, I dropped it and I now use AnyDesk (https://anydesk.com): it's free for personal use and I am quite happy with it.
I install the client part on the PCs of my friends and family, so they can very easily call me and give me access to their PC.
Kind regards!

I too have been accused of commercial use. It seems they are trying to discourage users of the free service. They also appear to have removed the QuickSupport option [it fails when trying to communicate with the latest installed version] that allowed access to the other party without the need for them to install TV - useful for those that are already in need of assistance!

AnyDesk is free for evaluation and private use.

Since LogMeIn started charging I've been using RemotePC, at remotepc.com. As I remember, TeamViewer required somebody to be at the system your accessing. RemotePC works like LogMeIn, no one needs to be at the remote system. Also, I can easily go either direction between the 2 systems. That is, either one can be local. It's great if you only need to access one other PC. I've never tried to access a different PC. I don't know if that is free.

I use RemotePC and love it. I have all the computers listed that I might need access to. It is just one click and I'm in. No need to have someone on the other side to let you in.

How come nothing said about Remote PC? Just finished having a root canal (really) and might have missed something in your post. Remote PC works fine, is simple, free.

Good thing about Teamviewer is that you can copy and paste files from the other computer to yours.
You can't do that with Google Remote. Although the work around is to send it by email or upload it to the Google Drive.
Not sure if any of the others do the immediate cut/copy and paste directly. Anyone know this?

I agree on AnyDesk. It's working great for us. TV has definitely taken a turn for the worse and the "commercial use" thing is an issue.

I felt Teamviewer was the best but want to be able to afford it commercially and I don't use it enough for their rates. I then started using Anydesk and for one on one it still works but their site makes it clear is is to be paid for. So lately I started using Zoom.us which is more for communicating but shares screens well and is easy for the client to find and install.

Not long ago I was using Chrome Remote Desktop and felt it was an incredible program. I would access my main PC from my phone on the go, my MacBook when in another room or building and my other PC if ever felt like it. I had read and spoken to people about other remote desktop programs and was confident I'd never switch to another. I was also helping friends online with their computers. Then, they changed from having a simple extension to having a 'Web App.' I'm sure when I get motivated to set things up again, it will be fine but so far, it has been a bit of a frustration. Now definitely considering the other options mentioned above. AnyDesk appears so versatile. Will try it.

One thing I still do appreciate about Chrome Remote Desktop, is they don't have a motivation to get me to 'try' or purchase an upgraded version of their wares which is so nice. I know. They have too much of my data already so why not this area too. LOL

I have used TeamViewer, RemotePC, Splashtop and RemoteUtilities. Hands down, Remote Utilities is superior and is free for up to 10 computers. It has more functionality than the free TeamViewer.

I had been using Teamviewer since version 8 to help many friends and family for free help with Windows computers. Since version 14 I have been getting the "suspected of commercial use" message. Your article is timely, I will try some of the suggested alternatives.
My solution for Windows 10 users is the built in Quick Assist. You have to search for it in the Start Menu. Just type "Quick" and it will pop up. Only the person giving assistance needs to log into their Microsoft Account. It is all done through the Quick Assist APP. It has all the remote assist features that Teamviewer has without the hassle, except both PCs have to be Windows 10.

I like use LiteManager is free for remote access