Remote desktop connection managers allow you to control a computer remotely in order to work on it. Here are the best free remote desktop connections for Windows, including some top-rated favorites and newcomers
The “remote desktop connection manager v2.7 windows 10” is a remote desktop connection management tool that allows users to access their computers remotely from anywhere. It also includes features like file transfer, screen sharing and more.
Do you use distant computers on a frequent basis? When you manage several servers, keeping track of remote connections becomes more difficult as the number of managed servers increases. You can regain control of your remote desktops by using a remote desktop connection manager.
You’ll learn about five remote desktop connection managers to consider utilizing in this post. You may be confident that all of the Managers of remote desktops discussed here are completely free! There are no limitations on the number of managed remote computers and there are no trials.
Devolutions has generously sponsored this content. Devolutions is committed to provide enterprises throughout the globe with universal password and access control solutions that combine efficiency and security.
Visit https://remotedesktopmanager.com/ for more information about Remote Desktop Manager.
Disclaimer: All ATA-sponsored articles are completely self-contained. Sponsors have no influence on the content of these blogs.
Remote Desktop Manager by Devolutions
Let’s begin by looking at Devolutions’ Remote Desktop Manager (RDM), which is an outstanding remote desktop connection manager. RDM is available in two versions from Devolutions: free and enterprise (paid). Only the free edition will be discussed in this post.
In comparison to the other remote desktop connection managers in this post, we discovered that RDM offers the most functionality via our study and trial testing. Furthermore, even the free version has capabilities that may be overwhelming to new users.
Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP), SSH, Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), TeamViewer, VNC, Telnet, and Citrix are just a few of the prominent connections supported by RDM. There are too many supported connections in RDM to mention here.
Installation
If you wish to test out RDM, you may do so by downloading the EXE or MSI package and installing it on your computer, or by downloading the Zip may be taken everywhere. version. As of version 2020, you’ll need to download a minimum of 185MB Installation size, depending on which installer option you pick (see image below). 3.29.0.
Download Options for Remote Desktop Manager
Source of Information
Every remote desktop manager needs some repository to save data like remote hosts, credentials, or configuration. In RDM, data repositories are called Source of Informations. Source of Informations serve as the container of all the entries in RDM.
By default, RDM uses an SQLite instance as the Source of Information. However, there are other Source of Information types you can use. Do you want your Source of Information to reside in your cloud storage? Then, you can choose Google Drive and Dropbox among the Source of Information options in RDM.
The different RDM Source of Informations
Not all Source of Informations have the same capabilities. Visit the RDM Source of Information Types page to learn more about the different Source of Informations.
Remote Desktop Connections Backup and Restore
We all know that bad things happen, and the possibility of data loss is always there. Luckily, Devolutions offers a free online backup feature with RDM. The Online Backup automatically backs up the data from your Source of Information to the Devolutions cloud.
According to Devolutions, the Online Data is encrypted using a client key, making it difficult for Devolutions to access your data.
You may utilize RDM’s online backup function if you create a free Devolutions account. Then all you have to do is provide a backup name in RDM, and the online backup will be activated immediately.
Getting RDM Online Backup to Work
After enabling the online backup, RDM automatically backs up all data in your Source of Information 30 seconds after making any modifications, such as adding or removing sessions. You should enable the online backup to all your Source of Informations if you have more than one.
When needed, you can restore online backups to the current or new Source of Information. You can find the list of online backups in File > Backups > Restore. Then, you can select which online backup to restore.
Choosing a restoration point from an online backup
With the flexibility to choose different Source of Informations, coupled with the online backup feature, you’ll never have to worry about keeping your RDM data protected.
Other Remote Desktop Connection Managers Migration
You may import old connections if you decide to check out Devolutions RDM and are currently using another remote desktop connection manager. RDM, for example, may import sessions from a variety of tools, including those mentioned below.
- mRemoteNG
- Mini Remote Control by DameWare
- RoyalTS
- RDTabs
- Manager of TeamViewer
- LogMeIn
- Remote Desktop with visionApp
In Devolutions RDM, remote desktop connections are referred to as Sessions.
Importing remote desktop sessions from an mRemoteNG connection file is shown in the sample below. RDM produces new entries for the imported connections as a consequence.
Using RDM to Import Remote Desktop Connections
Display Modes for Remote Desktop Connections
The numerous display modes or layouts with which you may see your sessions are known as display modes. There are three display modes available when starting a remote desktop connection in RDM: Embedded (tabbed), Undocked, and External. Each display mode is briefly explained in the list below.
- Embedded — The remote desktop sessions are embedded in the main RDM window in this display mode. Because RDM displays sessions using tabs, each session gets its own tab. Tabs may also be docked in panes, as seen in the picture below, allowing you to view many sessions at the same time.
Sessions with RDM Tabs
- Undocked – RDM shows remote desktop sessions in windows that aren’t docked. As a consequence, you’ll be able to see your sessions in various windows.
Undocked Session Display in RDM
- External — This mode uses the built-in Windows RDP client, mstsc.exe, to launch remote desktop sessions.
External Session Display for RDM
Management Tools Included
Suppose you need to access information from a remote desktop, such as running services or the registry. RDM has Management Tools Included for that, all located inside RDM, making admin tasks more manageable. With a single click, you can do the following actions.
- Make a report on your inventory.
- Lists all active login sessions.
- Check the uptime of the remote machine.
- Check to see whether the distant computer is connected to the internet.
- Carry out a port scan.
- Carry out a traceroute.
- Ping and continuous ping should be performed.
- Retrieve events from a distance.
- The remote register may be seen and accessed.
- Read and handle the tasks that have been assigned to you.
- Installed apps may be managed.
- Organize the distribution of shares.
- List all of your remote printers.
Other Interesting Characteristics
Devolutions RDM is more than just a typical remote desktop manager. Below are some of the Other Interesting Characteristics RDM offers.
Save credentials and even personal information with Secure Information Manager, just as you would with a dedicated password manager. In addition, the list below indicates what additional sorts of data you can preserve in RDM.
- Using Your Credit Card
- Cold Storage of Cryptocurrencies
- Note of caution
- Website
- Codes for Alarms
- Send a key to an application
- Account at a bank
- Account e-mail
- Passport
- Deposit in a safe place
- Router with Wi-Fi
- Licence for Software
- Driver’s Permit
- Number of the Social Security Administration
- Card of Membership
Import Login – this feature allows you to import your stored login information from other password managers. In addition, the list below reveals which third-party password managers RDM can import from.
- Aurora Password Manager is a password management program.
- 1Password
- Dashlane
- DataVault
- EnPass
- Chrome is a web browser developed by Google.
- KeePass
- LastPass
- Passpack
- Passportal
- Agent for Passwords
- Roboform
- Depot of Passwords
- SplashID
- Safe Password
- Passwords That Stick
File Repository – save various documents and files into the Source of Information such as the those in the list below.
- Documentation (any file)
- Html
- Spreadsheet
- Text
- Text with a lot of information
- Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate
- Source of Information Configuration
- Image
- Video
- Phonebook
Web Browser – You may optionally provide the login and password when creating a website entry. You may then access the stored webpage in RDM, which will auto-fill the login and password if they aren’t already filled in.
However, keep in mind that certain websites do not allow you to use a web browser that is integrated in another program. As a consequence, as seen in the picture below, Google refuses to enable login, claiming that the browser is not safe.
RDM includes a web browser.
File Editor – built-in editor for Html, Spreadsheet, Text with a lot of information, and Text files. For instance, the screenshot below shows an Excel Spreadsheet inside the Spreadsheet editor RDM.
Spreadsheet editor RDM
The Remote Desktop Manager by Devolutions offers a lot of Additional Features to explore. If you want to learn more, visit the support page, where you can find help documentation, tutorials, and more.
mRemoteNG
mRemoteNG, or Multi-Remote Next Generation, is a free and open-source remote desktop connections manager. Multi-tabbed connections and multi-protocol compatibility are among the characteristics of mRemoteNG. As of version 1.76.20, the following protocols are supported:
- RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol/Terminal Server) is a protocol that allows you to access your computer remotely.
- VNC (Virtual Network Computing) (Virtual Network Computing)
- ICA is an acronym for International Civil Aviation Organization (Citrix Independent Computing Architecture)
- SSH stands for Secure Shell (Secure Shell)
- Telnet is a network protocol that allows you to (TELecommunication NETwork)
- HTTP vs. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
- rlogin
- Socket Connections in Their Natural State
Installation
mRemoteNG is available in two formats: an MSI Installation and a ZIP file. Because you may save the ZIP file to a USB stick, you can use mRemoteNG as a portable tool. If you utilize a variety of computers, this will come in handy. It not only makes mRemoteNG portable, but it also makes the stored connection file(s) portable.
Download choices for mRemoteNG
Management of Remote Desktop Connections
You may create folders in mRemoteNG, which is handy for grouping remote connections. Putting remote connections in a folder allows you to apply the same setup to all remote desktops, including credentials.
Inheritance is a setting that determines whether or not the remote connection will inherit all of the attributes of its parent folder. Inheritance is optional, and it is turned off by default. Each connection has the option to enable inheritance.
Inheritance of mRemoteNG group attributes
Display Modes for Remote Desktop Connections
When it comes to remote desktop connections, there are just two Optional Displays: tabbed and full screen. In the picture below, mRemoteNG is shown in a tabbed view with open remote desktop connections.
Tabbed view in mRemoteNG
Creating a Backup of Connection Files
All of your remote desktop connections are saved in an XML connection file by mRemoteNG. By default, the connection file is stored in the same location as the mRemoteNG program. mRemoteNG, on the other hand, does not place any restrictions on where you store the connection file.
That is, you may store your connection files to a cloud-based storage site like Google Drive or OneDrive. Additionally, after saving each change, mRemoteNG creates a backup of the connection file.
Backups of mRemoteNG connection files and backups of mRemoteNG connection files
Other Interesting Characteristics
Other interesting and important aspects of mRemoteNG are listed below.
- SSH File Transfer — Allows you to send files across an encrypted tunnel to distant sites. SFTP and SCP are supported protocols. It’s also useful if you’re copying files to a Linux docker container.
- Import Active Directory Connections — This capability allows you to import computers from Active Directory (AD). This, however, only applies to AD-connected PCs.
- You may capture screenshots of your remote desktop sessions using the Screenshot Manager. Within mRemoteNG, the screenshot manager enables you to view, copy, save, and remove screenshots.
For further information, see the mRemoteNG documentation.
RD Tabs
RD Tabs, the next remote desktop manager, promises to be “the first multi-tabbed remote desktop client.” RD Tabs’ main feature is multi-tabbed remote desktop connections, as the name indicates. That’s not all, however.
Installation
You may get the newest version of RD Tabs from the Avian Waves RD Tabs download page. The most recent version is 3.0.12 as of this writing. In addition, RD Tabs does not have a portable version. The download will provide you with an Installation file.
RD Tabs should be installed.
Management of Remote Desktop Connections
At first glance, RD Tabs seems to be simply another MSTSC GUI interface. When you start adding new connections, though, you’ll see that RD Tabs is a very flexible remote desktop connection manager.
There are a number of adjustments to govern remote desktop connections under the RD Tabs settings. Some RD Tabs alternatives are shown below.
- Set the number of seconds to wait before trying to rejoin a session that has been disconnected.
- Set the maximum number of tries at reconnecting before failing.
- The default tab names for the various session states may be changed (connecting, connected, disconnected).
- For high DPI devices, enable or deactivate full native screen resolution.
The default interface of the RD Tab is shown below, where you may, for example, build a new remote connection on the fly.
The primary interface of RD Tabs
A folder tree structure is used for saved remote desktop connections. Favorites and folders are the terms for remote desktops and groups, respectively. For example, there is one folder titled Lab and two remote desktop connections beneath it in the image below.
Favorites are remote desktop connections in RD Tabs.
Display Modes for Remote Desktop Connections
To open remote connections, you may use a variety of viewing modes or layouts, including multi-tabbed, detachable tabs, and multi-pane. The screenshot below, for example, displays RD Tabs’ default view, which is multi-tabbed.
Multi-tabbed remote desktop view with RD Tabs
RD Tabs’ multi-pane tabbed structure is also shown below for administrators who want to operate in a single-window remote desktop.
The multi-pane layout of RD Tabs
Backups of Remote Desktop Connections
You may also export all program settings and stored preferences with RD Tabs. This function aids in the portability of RD Tabs configuration data, which also acts as a backup.
To back up connections to a file, press F6 on your keyboard while inside RD Tabs, or click Favorites > Manage Favorites. And on the Manage Favorites window, click Export All to begin exporting all the connections.
Favorites in RD Tabs may be exported.
When you want to backup RD Tabs settings to a file, click on Tools > Options or press F3 on your keyboard while inside RD Tabs. On the RD Tabs options window, click on Export.
RD Tabs Settings Export
You may be unable to store passwords, which is a possible problem. The DisablePasswordSaving registry value in HKLMSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTTerminal Services is respected by RD Tabs. Because of this policy, you won’t be able to store passwords when creating new remote desktop connections.
Other Interesting Characteristics
- Screen capture software – Do you use screenshots to keep track of your distant machines? There’s also a built-in screen capture function in RD Tabs!
- Scripting and PowerShell Integration — Allows you to build, manage, and run PowerShell scripts. You may also automate sections of the RD Tabs functionality.
Refer to the attached help file or the RD Tab official website for further information about RD Tabs.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager is a program that allows you to control your computer is an application that allows you to control your computer remotely.
It would be irresponsible to do so in a piece on Windows Managers of remote desktops, much alone Microsoft’s own Remote Desktop software.
Installation
The Microsoft Remote Desktop program is available for download from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Remote Desktop is available for purchase in the Microsoft Store.
The first thing you notice when you open the Microsoft Remote Desktop program is its simple and contemporary design, which is a far cry from its older counterpart.
The primary user interface for Microsoft Remote Desktop
Credential Management Built-In
A built-in credential manager in Remote Desktop allows you to store several credentials. You may choose a stored credential from a menu when creating new remote connections. As a consequence of using pre-saved credentials, you may prevent login failures and account lockouts.
When creating a new remote connection, choose a stored credential.
Display Modes for Remote Desktop Connections
When it’s time to start a remote connection, you have two choices for how the remote desktop should be displayed: in the same window as the primary user interface or in separate windows.
Using the single-window display option has no meaningful benefits. Because you can only see one remote desktop at a time with this option, it might be difficult to manage several remote desktop sessions.
The single-window remote desktop view of the Microsoft Remote Desktop program, for example, is seen in the image below.
View remote desktop connections in a single window using Microsoft Remote Desktop
The second approach is to launch separate windows for distant PCs. This display option would help users who are used to seeing many remote desktop windows side-by-side. The image below, for example, displays numerous Windows remote desktop connections.
View of numerous windows in Microsoft Remote Desktop
Backups of Remote Desktop Connections
Remote Desktop also enables you to save your remote connections to a file. It’s also feasible to restore remote connections from backup. When switching computers or accidentally deleting data, the backup and restore option may come in helpful.
Creating a backup of your connections and settings
The Remote Desktop software does not contain passwords when backing up remote connections to a file for security reasons. As a result, restoring remote desktop connections from backup does not restore the credentials associated with them.
Other Interesting Characteristics
Other capabilities of the Remote Desktop program include:
- Smart screen resizing – When resizing the Remote Desktop software, you may select whether to extend the content on the remote desktop or display scroll bars.
- Redirection of keyboard commands — Whether or not keyboard commands should be sent to the remote session or the local PC.
- Prevent the screen from clocking out — This permits the screen to remain awake while an active session is in progress.
Visit the Get started with the Microsoft Store Client page to learn more about the Microsoft Remote Desktop software.
MultiDesk
MultiDesk is another remote desktop connection manager that is small, portable, and light. MultiDesk is a tabbed remote desktop manager that works as a graphical user interface for the Remote Desktop Connection Client that comes with Windows (MSTSC).
Installation
MultiDesk does not need any Installation. All you have to do is download the most recent MultiDesk zip file. Then, on your computer, extract the contents.
To start the remote desktop manager, unpack the zip file and run MultiDesk64.exe or MultiDesk.exe (for 32-bit computers).
Management of Remote Desktop Connections
The hierarchy of groups and servers is represented by a tree view in the interface. Admins may assign a credential to a group, which is passed down to each server in the group. The processes for creating a new group and assigning a credential are outlined below.
- Right-click the node where you wish to add the new group and choose “Add New Group.”
- Select Add group from the context menu.
- Enter the Display Name you wish to give the group in the Add group window.
- After that, type in your login, password, and domain. By default, the port value is 3389.
- Once you’ve completed the information, click OK to save the group.
In MultiDesk, you may create a new group.
MultiDesk after creating a group and servers is seen in the image below.
In MultiDesk, adding a credential to a set of distant computers.
There are two methods to open remote desktops after adding remote connections: connecting to one remote desktop at a time or connecting to all remote desktops in a group. The image below illustrates how to connect to a group of remote PCs at the same time.
MultiDesk allows you to connect to a number of distant PCs at the same time.
Display Modes for Remote Desktop Connections
MultiDesk has two options for displaying remote desktop connections: tabs or full screen. Inside MultiDesk, the remote desktop connections are shown in different tabs in the tabbed view (refer to the screenshot below).
Switching between remote desktop sessions is simple using the tabbed display mode.
Tabbed Remote Desktop Display Mode on MutiDesk
In full-screen mode, on the other hand, the remote desktop session takes up the whole computer screen. To access additional remote desktops, you’ll need to minimize the current session.
Backup of Remote Desktop Connection
The ability to export and import connections from the main software is one feature that MultiDesk lacks. If you’re worried about losing your remote desktop connections, make a backup of the MultiDesk.xml file.
MultiDesk records all remote desktop connections in the MultiDesk.xml file. The file is in the same directory as the MultiDesk application.
In the MultiDesk executable folder, you’ll find the MultiDesk.xml file.
It’s entirely up to you how you back up the connection file; the possibilities are endless. However, syncing the MultiDesk.xml file to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive is a useful option.
Other Interesting Characteristics
Because MultiDesk is a solution that focuses on its core function – managing remote desktop connections – it is lacking in features.
- Import MSTSC connections that have been cached — If you’ve previously used MSTSC to connect to remote desktops, those connections have been cached in percent LOCALAPPDATA percent MicrosoftTerminal Server ClientCache. MSTSC cached connections may be imported into MultiDesk.
Visit the MultiDesk documentation page for additional information.
Comparison of Remote Desktop Connection Managers
Let’s sum up all of the characteristics of the various remote desktop connection managers discussed in this post. The characteristics of Managers of remote desktops are compared in the table below.
| Managers of remote desktops | Installation | Management of Connections | Optional Displays | Backup | Additional Features |
| Remote Desktop Manager by Devolutions | Setup MSI / EXE with Zip may be taken everywhere. | Connections from third-party tools may be imported.
Credential manager built-in. Remote desktops may be grouped together. Multiple protocols are supported. |
External, Embedded (tabbed and docked), and Undocked (MSTSC). | Can use multiple Source of Information types.
Data may be backed up to Devolution’s cloud (Online Backup). Backup to the cloud is done automatically. Restoring from a backup history is simple and painless. |
Store secure information such as Note of cautions, Using Your Credit Cards, and more.
Logins from third-party password managers may be imported. Organize your papers and files. Saved webpages may be viewed on the built-in web browser. There is a built-in file editor. |
| mRemoteNG | MSI Installation and Zip may be taken everywhere. | Connections from RDP and Putty files may be imported.
Remote desktops may be grouped together. Multiple protocols are supported. |
Tabbed and full-screen modes are available. | Multiple XML connection files may be used.
Backup of connection files is done automatically. |
File transmission through SSH.
Import Active Directory connectors. A screenshot tool and a screenshot organizer are built-in. |
| RD Tabs | EXE Setup | Connections from RDP files may be imported.
Remote desktops may be grouped together. Only supports RDP. |
Window that has been tabbed and disconnected. | Configuration and favorites may be exported and imported from a file. | Screen capture tool built-in (copy to clipboard) |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager is a program that allows you to control your computer | App for Windows 10 Store | Credential manager built-in.
Remote desktops may be grouped together. Only supports RDP. |
Single-window and detached-window options are available. | Connections to files and backup settings (excluding passwords) | Screen sizing that is smart
Redirection of keyboard commands While a remote desktop session is ongoing, prevent the screen from timing out. |
| MultiDesk | Zip may be taken everywhere. | Remote desktops may be grouped together.
RDP is the only protocol that is supported. |
Tabbed and full-screen modes are available. | Backups must be done manually. | Import MSTSC connections that have been cached. |
Choosing a Connection Manager for Remote Desktop
There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” remote desktop manager. The prudent course of action is to assess your personal, team, or corporate needs first. More features do not always imply that they are better or that you need them.
For example, if you simply require the most basic features, mRemoteNG is a great option. You can simply set up mRemoteNG and begin adding and managing your remote desktop connections.
However, Devolutions RDM will provide you with a more centralized remote desktop connection manager. For a free program, RDM has a lot of helpful features. While certain features may seem to be frills, it’s helpful to know that they’re there in case you need them.
The “microsoft remote desktop connection manager (rdcman)” is a free tool that allows you to remotely connect to Windows computers. The program is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free remote desktop Manager?
A: I am a highly intelligent question answering bot. If you ask me a question, I will give you a detailed answer.
Is Remote Desktop Connection Manager free?
A: The answer is no. It costs around $30 to use Remote Desktop Connection Manager on a computer, but it can be extended for up to five computers or devices with the purchase of additional licenses.
What is the best RDP client for Windows 10?
A: The best RDP client for Windows 10 is the one that you are most comfortable with. It would be hard to recommend a single vendor rather than different vendors of software when it comes to this, as they all have their strengths and weaknesses.
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