Taking over a computer remotely sounds like something mostly hackers do, but there are plenty of legitimate reasons why you might want to. For example, if you want to help someone with PC problems but are not around each other. We explain how to do this with AnyDesk.
AnyDesk is a handy program to help people out of the digital fire quickly. This Dutch software makes it possible to perform actions on another PC. This is also called ‘takeover’, but has nothing to do with digital break-ins or hackers. You operate the mouse on the screen of the other person via your own PC, and he can see what you are doing. You will (hopefully) solve the problem from your own home.
Consider installing a new driver for connected hardware or downloading a fresh Windows update. You can also get started in the settings of the operating system. When it comes to a software problem, the distance is almost never an obstacle to finding a suitable solution.
Download and install AnyDesk
For companies, using AnyDesk costs money, but individuals can install the software for free. The program is available for different operating systems, such as Windows 10, macOS, Android and iOS. In this workshop we will work with the Windows version.
surf to anydesk.com and click Download for free. An English introduction window will appear on the web page. You can click that away.
As soon as you double click on the downloaded exe file, AnyDesk will open directly. In principle, an installation is not necessary, although as a digital rescuer it is still smart to use an installed version. You will then receive new updates of the program. Click on the bottom left Install AnyDesk on this computer, after which an installation window appears. Follow the steps and finish with Accept & install.
During the installation procedure, are you asked if you want to add a print driver? This section is only useful when you want to print remotely. You can use it to connect to your home PC from your work address or while on the train, for example, and perform a print job. That way, a stack of sheets is ready for you when you get home.
Make a connection
After installation, AnyDesk will display a welcome window. Through And start! return to the screen you first saw. With the part External desktop you can easily connect to another PC or laptop. Refer your friend, family member or acquaintance to the AnyDesk website and ask if they want to download the program. Then your contact only needs the file AnyDesk.exe to open.
At the part This workplace there is a nine-digit code. You need this as a digital care provider, so ask your contact person to pass this code on to you. Enter the number sequence in the field below External desktop and click To connect.
The person on the other end of the line will now receive a connection request. After granting this request, the desktop of your friend, family member or acquaintance will appear.
The operation of the remote desktop is very simple. As soon as you hover the cursor over the AnyDesk window, you are active on the contact’s system. For example, you can call up the Windows settings or open a specific program via the start menu. You take over the mouse from the client. Incidentally, they can also operate their own system with the mouse. In that case, two cursors can be seen simultaneously.
In addition to the mouse, the remote keyboard also functions. So you can effortlessly surf to a specific website or type a command in the Command Prompt. For greater ease of operation, you can maximize the AnyDesk window to see the remote desktop in large format.
Adjust picture quality
With the default settings, the image quality of the remote desktop is already quite decent. Icons, menu buttons and texts, for example, are perfectly legible. Fortunately, the high image quality is not at the expense of speed, because the system responds quickly to commands from your mouse and keyboard. Do you wish an even sharper image? No problem, but keep in mind possible delays.
Click at the top of the toolbar Display settings (icon with a monitor) and select In accordance with the original. Do you experience a slow connection with the default settings? In that case, make up for the image quality and mark the option For quick response.
Normally, AnyDesk shows a scaled-down representation of the original, with the desktop automatically scaling to the window size of the program. Through Original size alternatively adopt the format of the remote desktop. This usually has a favorable effect on the image quality.
Only part of the desktop appears on the monitor? Use the option Adjust resolution to set a lower resolution on your contact’s computer. Finally, decide whether or not you want to display the external mouse pointer.
Chat with each other
Since you are working on someone else’s computer via a direct connection, it is pleasant to discuss certain matters. For example, discuss whether or not to change a certain setting or install a specific program. You don’t have to have a phone at hand, because AnyDesk has a handy chat function.
Click in the toolbar Chat (icon with a speech bubble), then type a text at the bottom. The person on the other end of the line receives the message in the open connection window. The person can directly send an answer here. As soon as you receive a chat message yourself, you will notice this by the red marking of the speech bubble.
Share files
AnyDesk is ideal for exchanging files remotely between different computers. The direct connection is ideal for sharing large files.
Click in the toolbar Traffic jams (icon with an arrow). A new window will open with folder structures of both PCs. On the left is the file browser of the current system, while on the right are the folders of the remote computer.
On the current machine, browse to the location of files or a folder you want to transfer. It is important that you select the correct data. Does it concern multiple files or folders? Hold down the Ctrl key and click on the desired items to select them. To select the entire folder contents, use the shortcut Ctrl + A. You then scroll within the right pane to the target location of the other PC or laptop. Through upload then transfer the data.
You can also go the opposite way and copy data from the remote PC to the current machine. In that case, use the button To download. On the right, you can follow the progress of the file transfer. Click in the toolbar Monitor 1 to return to the main window.
Stop session
To a certain extent, you can do whatever you want on the other person’s computer. Nevertheless, ultimate power rests with the owner of the PC or laptop. This allows the person to end the help session at any time. In addition, a number of rights are listed in the connection window. The client decides for himself which rights he or she assigns to you. Consider, for example, assigning the mouse and keyboard and allowing file transfers.
Finally, the program also includes a function to turn the tables. To do this, click on in the toolbar Actions (icon with a lightning bolt) and choose Reverse access direction. Handy when you need help yourself!
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