Connecting to Your Other Computers Using RustDesk

RustDesk is an easy, free, and open source solution to initiate simple screen sharing between Mac and Windows machines. While there are other solutions remote desktop that you can try, I've found that RustDesk's free tier works very well for remote tasks and administration. Best of all, it requires virtually no setup, so you can get started in minutes. ⏱️😊

To get started, you'll want to install RustDesk software on each of your client machines. From there, the path to screen sharing is pretty straightforward. One of the great things about RustDesk is that the software is virtually identical on both platforms, so once you learn how to use it on one system, you don't have to learn how to use it on the other. 👍

When connecting from a machine, you'll need the remote machine ID and one-time password. Simply enter the ID in the "Enter Remote ID" field and select "Connect," then enter the one-time password.

Alternatively, if you are sitting in front of the remote machine, you can also select “OK” when prompted.

Once connected, you can use the remote machine as needed. Along the top of the RustDesk control window are some drop-down options. You can enter full-screen mode and pin the toolbar so it doesn't auto-hide.

If needed, you can initiate certain actions on the remote machine, such as Ctrl+Alt+Del, and also select certain display preferences, start a chat, and record your session. Once your remote session is complete, select the red "X" to disconnect.

The remote user also has significant control over permissions, ensuring both functionality and security. For example, you can prevent someone from using mouse or keyboard input on your machine. This is useful if you just want to show the other person what you're talking about. 👀✋

You can also restrict clipboard use, copy and paste, audio streaming, and disable screen recording. Finally, you can prevent someone from remotely rebooting your machine, and if you need to disconnect, simply select "Disconnect."

Settings You Might Want to Know About

RustDesk has several settings for changing things like theme, language, security, display, and account. Feel free to explore these options at your convenience. For now, I want to draw your attention to a couple that I found immediately useful. 🔍

Assigning Permanent Passwords

RustDesk typically uses a one-time password for connections, which changes with each session. This is ideal for occasional use, such as helping a friend or family member. However, for frequent access to devices on your private network, you'll want to set a permanent password. 🔒

Open RustDesk's settings and select Security (you may need to log in). Under Passwords, select "Set Permanent Password" to assign a permanent password to that computer. Repeat this process for each device running RustDesk if you want to connect to them more easily.

Setting Your Default Display Style

Another option I find important is "Default Display Style" under the display settings. I like to select "Responsive" to restrict the remote computer to a resizable window. I find this much easier to use, such as when connecting from a lower-resolution display like 1080p to a higher-resolution display like 4K. 🖥️➡️📺

Connecting to Computers with Multiple Displays

If the remote computer has multiple displays, RustDesk lets you choose which display to view or display all of them as separate windows. This feature ensures a cleaner, more focused experience. 🎨✨

As you can see, RustDesk is a versatile and easy-to-use solution for remote screen sharing, offering robust features without the cost of Windows Professional or the complexity of setting up VNC. Whether you're helping someone or accessing your own devices, it provides a seamless experience with flexible configurations to suit your needs. 🙌

Tools like RustDesk unlock simple, secure, and cost-effective remote access across devices, making collaboration and troubleshooting easier than ever. Whether you're managing your own machines or lending a helping hand to someone else, you've acquired the skills to stay productive and connected, no matter where you are. 🌟💻