AnyDesk vs Microsoft Remote Desktop

March 19, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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AnyDesk
Remote Desktop Software That Actually Works. Connect to a computer remotely, be it from the other end of the office or halfway around the world. AnyDesk ensures secure and reliable remote desktop connections for IT professionals and on-the-go individuals alike.
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Microsoft Remote Desktop
With the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, you can connect to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere. Experience the power of Windows with RemoteFX in a Remote Desktop client designed to help you get your work done wherever you are.

AnyDesk and Microsoft Remote Desktop share a fundamental truth of the universe: humans will always want to poke around in computers that are not in the same room. Both let you do exactly that. You can shuffle files back and forth, gaze lovingly at multiple monitors from a distance, and, most importantly, take control of a faraway machine as if you were sitting in front of it—provided, of course, that the internet gods are in a good mood that day.

AnyDesk, created by clever Germans in 2014, takes pride in being fast—so fast, in fact, that it almost feels like magic, which is a rare thing in the realm of IT support. It was designed for people who need to reach a computer on a slow connection, whether for work, play or the sheer joy of meddling. It has a codec named DeskRT, which sounds like something from a dodgy sci-fi movie but is, in reality, what makes everything look smooth and crisp, even when your internet is having a minor existential crisis.

Microsoft Remote Desktop, on the other hand, has been around since 2001, which in software terms is practically prehistoric. It was built with businesses in mind, which is why it demands a certain level of corporate seriousness—like running on Windows Pro or Enterprise and playing nicely with Active Directory. It’s based on RDP, a protocol that works brilliantly if you live in a world where everything is Windows and nothing else matters. If AnyDesk is a sleek hovercar built for speed, Microsoft Remote Desktop is a well-aged but reliable company shuttle bus—great for getting to the office but not quite as fun.

See also: Top 10 Remote Support software
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email [email protected]