Remote access is no longer just a backup plan for working from home. UK businesses use it for hybrid work, after-hours maintenance, technical support and secure access to office computers without copying files onto personal devices. The best remote desktop software in the UK should therefore do more than mirror a screen. It should make access easy to control, work across the devices you use and give administrators enough visibility to manage risk.
The right choice depends on whether you need unattended access, file transfer, support for multiple devices and strong administrative controls. A freelancer connecting to one office PC has very different requirements from an IT team supporting dozens of staff laptops.
What to look for in remote desktop software
Start with security rather than speed. Encryption should sit alongside multi-factor authentication, device approval, access controls and sensible session policies. The UK Information Commissioner’s Office advises organisations to keep remote access software updated, use strong authentication and consider multi-factor authentication where possible.
Then check practical features. Unattended access matters if you need to reach a computer when nobody is present. File transfer, multi-monitor support, remote printing, wake-on-LAN and session logging may also be valuable. If your team mixes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS or Chromebooks, platform support deserves close attention.
Best remote desktop software for UK users
TeamViewer: best for mature business controls
TeamViewer is a strong all-round choice for organisations that want remote access and remote support software in one platform. It supports unattended access, file transfer, multi-monitor use and remote administration. Its business security controls include multi-factor authentication, trusted devices, allowlists and blocklists, granular permissions and conditional access on suitable plans.
Its main advantage is depth. A small company can use it for straightforward PC remote control, while a larger IT department can manage devices and access policies centrally. TeamViewer also uses end-to-end encryption for remote sessions. The drawback is that its wider feature set can be more than a home user or very small team needs.
Splashtop: best balance of remote work and IT features
Splashtop is a strong option for users who want capable remote access software without immediately moving into a heavyweight enterprise environment. It supports unattended access to Windows, Mac and Linux computers, with connections from desktop and mobile devices. File transfer, remote printing, remote reboot and wake-on-LAN are available across its remote access range.
Security features include TLS 1.2, AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, device authentication, session idle timeout and access logging. For a UK hybrid team that mainly needs staff to reach office PCs securely, Splashtop combines everyday usability with controls that can scale as the organisation grows.
AnyDesk: best for lightweight, flexible access
AnyDesk suits users who want a lightweight client for both attended support and unattended access. It runs across major desktop and mobile platforms, and an installed client can remain reachable after restarts or sign-outs. File transfer is available during sessions, with a dedicated file manager on supported desktop systems.
AnyDesk supports two-factor authentication for unattended access and can restrict incoming connections with an access control list. Its sessions use TLS-based encryption. It is a practical fit for small IT teams, independent technicians and users who regularly connect between different device types.
Zoho Assist: best for help desks and customer support
Zoho Assist is particularly well suited to support teams that need both on-demand sessions and unattended access. Technicians can configure unattended access on supported computers, while the service works across a broad range of operating systems. File transfer is built into support sessions and can be controlled around customer consent.
That makes it a sensible choice for an MSP, internal help desk or software company that regularly troubleshoots another person’s computer. Its workflow is more support-focused than a simple employee-to-office-PC setup, which can be an advantage when multiple technicians and customers are involved.
Chrome Remote Desktop: best for simple personal access
Chrome Remote Desktop is simple. It lets you set up remote access to Windows, Mac or Linux computers and connect from another computer or mobile device. It also supports one-time remote support sessions for helping a family member or accessing a home computer while away.
Its strength is simplicity rather than deep administration. Businesses that need detailed logging, technician permissions or structured support management will usually prefer a commercial platform. For occasional personal access, however, it remains convenient and easy to set up.
Which option is best for your situation?
Choose around the workflow rather than the brand. A design studio may value smooth unattended access and multi-monitor support. An IT provider will care more about attended support, technician permissions, logging and controlled file transfer. A sole trader who occasionally needs a file from a home PC may need little more than Chrome Remote Desktop.
A useful test is to run the same task on two shortlisted products. Set up an office PC, enable multi-factor authentication, connect from a laptop over normal home broadband, transfer a file, restart the remote computer and reconnect. This exposes real friction that a feature table cannot show.
It is also worth reviewing your secure hybrid working setup, password manager policy and remote working checklist. Weak passwords, shared accounts and outdated endpoint software can undermine even a well-protected connection.
Security points UK organisations should not skip
Treat remote access as privileged access. Enable multi-factor authentication, remove accounts when staff leave, avoid shared technician credentials and keep both the remote access client and operating system patched. If unattended access is enabled, restrict it to the devices and users that genuinely require it.
Organisations handling personal data should also consider how the provider processes connection metadata, what contractual terms apply and whether session recordings or transferred files create additional retention obligations. Using reputable remote desktop UK software does not automatically make a deployment compliant; configuration, policies and staff behaviour still matter.
FAQ
What is the best remote desktop software for small UK businesses?
Splashtop, TeamViewer and AnyDesk are all strong candidates. Splashtop offers a good balance of remote work features and security controls, TeamViewer provides deeper business administration, and AnyDesk is attractive when lightweight cross-platform access is the priority.
Can remote desktop software work without someone at the other computer?
Yes. This is called unattended access. TeamViewer, Splashtop, AnyDesk and Zoho Assist all provide unattended access options when the remote device has been configured in advance.
Is remote desktop software safe for business use?
It can be when configured properly. Look for encrypted sessions, multi-factor authentication, device controls and access logging, then combine those features with strong passwords, software updates and least-privilege access policies.
Do I need a VPN as well?
Not always. Many cloud-based remote access platforms create their own encrypted connection without a traditional VPN. Some organisations still use VPNs for wider network access or internal policy reasons.
Final thoughts
There is no single winner for every user. TeamViewer is strongest when central controls matter most; Splashtop is a well-rounded choice for secure hybrid work; AnyDesk suits flexible, lightweight access; Zoho Assist is built around support workflows; and Chrome Remote Desktop is ideal for simple personal use. Match the software to your real workflow, test it on your own devices and make security settings part of the selection process.
