Microsoft is officially killing off the Remote Desktop app. It’s unfortunate since it is/was one of the easier ways to connect to your PC while on vacation. System admins also rely on it to connect to PCs and servers remotely. However, starting May 27th, 2025, the RDP app for Windows will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store. It also won’t be supported or available for installation. Instead, the company is moving RDP to the free Windows App (yes, a terrible name), which also includes other features.

But you might not want to change apps and prefer to use something else with more features or something that is a cinch to use. Luckily for all of us, there are free alternatives on the market that you can use to remotely connect PCs and other devices, including Mac and Linux, or mobile platforms like Android and iOS remotely.

4 Windows App

Microsoft’s new RDP app

While the traditional RDP app will leave Windows in a couple of months, Microsoft wants you to use its new Windows app instead. It’s currently an app aimed at enterprise customers and students. You need a work or student email account to sign in until the company updates the app.

It includes features like file sharing, unified access to Windows services, multi-factor authentication, USB redirection, account switching, and customizable start screens. The Windows app lets you connect to Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Unfortunately, it leaves Linux users in the cold. It is also a way to connect to Microsoft services like Windows 365 or Azure using your school or enterprise account.

3 RustDesk

A free, open-source remote desktop tool

RustDesk is quickly becoming one of the most popular remote software applications. It is available for major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. It also includes compatibility with iOS, Android, and even Raspberry Pi systems. With that kind of compatibility, it makes for a great solution for users who work with mixed OS environments on a regular basis.

In addition, its open-source nature of code transparency is appealing to those who want to access the source code on GitHub to inspect or modify it. RustDesk is also customizable, so you can tailor its settings. That makes it a winning choice when compared to proprietary tools like TeamViewer or the closed-source Chrome Remote Desktop.

2 Chrome Remote Desktop

A good choice for occasional use

Google’s solution for remote device access is also free and available on any computer or device that can run the Chrome browser. Overall, it’s free, fast, and available virtually anywhere that runs Chrome. That makes it a true cross-platform remote solution on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android — even Raspberry Pi systems with Google Chrome installed.

It supports one-off screen sharing and unattended access. While you get free, unlimited connections to control devices remotely, its file transfer feature isn’t the greatest. You can transfer files, but it lacks chat functionality and support for multiple display setups. It also doesn’t include video or audio-sharing support and only runs via a Chrome browser. It’s actually fine for occasional personal use, but if you’re an IT pro, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

1 HelpWire

A free TeamViewer alternative that’s easy to use

HelpWire is an easy-to-use remote desktop app with a straightforward, responsive interface. It allows you to remote into Windows, Mac, and Linux. Like others on this list, the experience is straightforward and responsive.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make remote software stand out. The actual connection process can be done without IDs, passwords, or on-screen codes. The user only needs to install the client using the URL you share to establish a connection. HelpWire also includes encryption, third-party app integration, file sharing, custom branding, and more. It might not have all the features you want from remote desktop software, but it provides more than Chrome Remote Desktop, and its simplicity is welcome. If you need a remote software solution for personal use, you really can’t go wrong with HelpWire. Especially if you are helping your parents or grandparents fix their computers.

Free remote desktop app alternatives to Microsoft’s RDP

Even though Microsoft is getting rid of its RDP app, you are not out of luck. You can still use the official poorly named Windows App from the company. However, the issue is that it is currently only available for business and student email account holders. For individual use, the company needs to allow signing in with your Microsoft account.

Luckily, there are a good handful of other free alternatives you can use. If you want simplicity that even beginners can figure out, you can’t go wrong with HelpWire. Or, for a free, open-source solution that is packed with features and is easy to use, you might want to go with the rising remote software star, RustDesk. It’s also free, cross-platform, and can be self-hosted. If you are unsure, try each of them out until you find the right fit.