Taking over a PC remotely is something that has been possible for years, but now it may be more applicable than ever. This way you can help others with computer problems without having to be physically present. We explain how this works with the VNC Connect software.
There are all kinds of remote desktop programs circulating on the web. Many software developers use the vnc protocol for this. This abbreviation stands for virtual network computing and specifically means that users can take over another computer via the internet. This could be your neighbor’s PC, for example, but also a laptop belonging to a friend who lives on the other side of the world. The only conditions are that the system is connected to the internet and that the owner gives permission for the takeover.
With vnc software there is always a server and client (also called viewer). The vnc server runs on the system you want to take over. With a viewer you then have access to the remote desktop. The vnc protocol sends keystrokes and mouse movements to the server, so you can exercise full control remotely. This way, you can watch the desktop together with someone and adjust system settings directly.
A big advantage is that the vnc protocol can be used on different (mobile) operating systems. This way, you can effortlessly take over your own home PC at any location with a smartphone. That way you can find an important document or show someone a nice photo. In addition to providing computer help to acquaintances, vnc programs are therefore also ideal for operating your own systems from outside the home.
Download and install VNC Connect free version
Most vnc programs have a commercial angle and that is no different with VNC Connect (formerly known as RealVNC). Nevertheless, we recommend this program, as alternatives such as UltraVNC and TightVNC regularly face security issues.
The free version of VNC Connect uses an encrypted connection via 128-bit AES encryption and the software is also very user-friendly. This way you don’t have to open network ports in the router to connect to a computer remotely.
While the landing page doesn’t list a free version anywhere, it does exist. Go to www.realvnc.com/en/connect/home to sign up for this. Scroll down a bit and fill under the cup How to get started enter a valid email address in the second step.
Click twice Next and tick the option I am not a robot On. You fill in the requested information on the online form, and for security reasons you come up with a strong password.
It is important that you have the option personal use select. Agree to the conditions at the bottom and confirm with Sign up. You will then enter your personal account. Now open your mailbox and click on the link Verify email to confirm the new account. A fresh web page will open, click on it Got it.
Download and install VNC Connect
There are two programs available from your account page, namely VNC Server and VNC Viewer. The first intention is to install the server on the system that you want to take over remotely. If necessary, switch your computer to complete the installation of VNC Server.
Then go to www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/vncto get the latest version. In addition to the edition discussed here for Windows the server program may also be available for macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi. This is beneficial, because unlike alternatives such as UltraVNC and TightVNC, VNC Connect effortlessly links different operating systems of (mobile) devices together.
Double-click the installation file you just downloaded and choose the language you want. Unfortunately, no Dutch translation is available yet. For that reason, we will work with the English version in this workshop.
Through OK and Next you agree to the terms and conditions. Continue with the button Next all the steps and don’t forget to select the option Add an exception to the firewall for VNC Servertick. This will add an exception to the firewall, so that the affected system allows remote operation without any hassle. Through Next, Install and Finish complete the installation.
login
After installation, the login window of VNC Server will automatically appear. Enter the correct login details for your account and click Sign in. After a while, the program will ask for a new password to be associated with the current computer. This cannot be the same password as the previously created VNC Connect account.
Type a new password twice and click Next. You will now be taken to an overview window with account information. With the free account you can use a maximum of five devices.
You may give the current computer a recognizable name, after which you confirm with Apply, Done and Finish. The main window of VNC Server will now appear. A small pop-up window may also appear. With this, the software company requests permission to forward anonymous user data.
Would you rather not? Remove the tick and confirm with OK. The Windows version of VNC Server nestles in the system tray at the bottom right, so you can easily open the program in the future. The server is now ready for use.
Install VNC Viewer
Once VNC Server is active on a computer, you can easily take over this system from any other machine. The only condition is that this machine is connected to the Internet. The VNC Viewer program connects remotely to the VNC Connect server software.
Go to www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer and click on Download VNC Viewer. Open the file and choose the desired language. Through OK take you with Next through all remaining steps of the installation wizard. Close the dialog with Install and Finish. Within Windows 10 you will find VNC Viewer in the start menu. To do this, navigate to RealVNC and open VNC Viewer.
With the default settings, the program shares anonymous user data with the software company developing VNC Connect. If you object to this, remove the tick in front of it Send anonymous usage data to help improve VNC Viewer. Then click on Got it.
Connecting remote desktop
Using your VNC Connect account, you can easily connect to a PC or laptop remotely. Click at the top right Sign in and enter your account credentials. After you confirm with Sign in, you will receive an email for verification. In the received message, click Continuous signing in. A webpage opens on which you can go via Authorize sign-in confirms the link between both systems.
The name of the machine on which you previously installed VNC Server will now appear within VNC Viewer. Double-click on it to connect and choose in the pop-up window for Continuous. Now enter the password that you previously associated with the computer with VNC Server. Once you get on OK the remote desktop will appear immediately.
You have just established a connection between two systems via your VNC Connect profile. Maybe you want to take over a machine from another person, for example to remotely fix a computer problem. Of course you can pass on instructions for the installation of VNC Server and then share your account information with the contact person.
Would you rather not do that for safety reasons? You can just as easily let contacts create their own account, after which you invite them to your ‘VNC Connect team’. surf to https://manage.realvnc.com/en and log in with your login details.
You navigate to People and Invite people, then enter the email address of a friend, family member or acquaintance. Confirm with Invite. Once the invitation is accepted, your contact will need to install VNC Connect software.
Paid version
Once you get started with the free version of VNC Connect, you may notice some limitations. For example, it is not possible to chat directly with a contact and exchange files between systems. The function to make prints remotely is also blocked. You need a Professional or Enterprise account for this. Such an account is available from 3 or 4.09 euros per month respectively.
Settings and more
You determine the screen size of the remote desktop yourself, because you can adjust the size of the VNC Viewer window to your own liking. To do this, drag the edges of the window as you are used to from other Windows programs. Operation is a piece of cake. As soon as you hover the mouse pointer over the remote desktop, you immediately take over the cursor. For example, open the start menu or settings.
You also use the keyboard remotely, so that you can enter commands or web addresses, for example. Move the mouse pointer to the top of the VNC Viewer window to display additional options in a menu bar. Click the four-arrow icon to use the remote desktop in full screen mode.
Do you want to adopt the exact image format? Then click on the icon with the square and arrow. Via the information icon you can see which server the computer is connected to and whether 128-bit-aes encryption is active.
Use the gear to adjust the image quality if necessary. In that case, select back Picture quality the option High, Medium or Low. If the remote computer is slow to respond, setting a lower image quality usually helps.
VNC Connect for smartphones
Finally, VNC Viewer is also available for iOS and Android. A useful addition, because you can easily control a computer with Windows, macOS or Linux from a smartphone or tablet. On a mobile device, open the App or Play Store and install the VNC Viewer – Remote Desktop application.
After opening the app, swipe the English introduction pages to the left. Then fill in via Get Started and Sign in enter your VNC Connect account credentials. You tap the name of the machine on which VNC Server is running in the main window and enter the corresponding password. Through Continuous you have access to the remote desktop.
The operation on a modest touch screen does take some getting used to. Fortunately, a short interactive manual will help you on your way. You can perform all common actions on the computer via various tap and swipe movements. There is even a virtual keyboard available!
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