RemotePC is a remote desktop service from IDrive. It lets you connect to a Windows, Mac or Linux computer from another device. You can work on that computer as if you were sitting at it. You can connect from Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone, iPad and Android apps, or from a web browser. RemotePC is a paid subscription service with plans for individuals, small offices and larger organizations, each available as a free trial.
Always-ON access and the Personal Key
For unattended use, you install RemotePC on the computer you want to reach, give it a computer name and, optionally, a Personal Key. The Personal Key is a second password for that one machine. It is stored only on the computer itself, not on RemotePC servers. You receive a prompt for it the first time you connect to that computer.
Configured machines appear in the app’s Always-ON list, filtered by online, offline or in-session status. Several people can connect to one computer at once, and the host can disconnect any of them. You can also set connection requests to need approval at the host. Unanswered requests are either declined or connected automatically.
Attended sessions with a session code
For one-off help, the computer owner runs a small attended access host program, which generates a 9-digit session code. The helper enters that code in the RemotePC desktop or web app and takes control while the owner watches. If Windows administrator rights are needed, the helper can reconnect as admin. The remote user has to confirm it.
Viewers, monitors and display quality
RemotePC offers two viewers. The Performance Viewer streams at close to 60 frames per second in 4K, supports 4:4:4 color for sharper text and images, and can handle 5K Retina displays. The Classic Viewer remains available as an alternative.
When the remote computer has several monitors, you can switch between them, show all of them in one window, or open each in its own window. You can play remote audio on your side. On Windows and Mac, you can pass your local microphone through to the remote computer.
Moving files and printing remotely
RemotePC transfers files and folders in both directions, including files on mapped drives. You can start a transfer from the toolbar during a session or drag files between the two desktops. You can also open the File Transfer window without starting a session at all, entering only the Personal Key.
Remote printing works during a session. You print from the remote computer and choose RemotePC Printer. The job goes to a printer attached to your local machine.
USB device redirection makes a local USB device act as if it were plugged into the remote computer. The RDP Connector add-on reaches Windows machines over RDP without a VPN.
Session tools for both sides
- Chat sends messages and attachments between the two computers.
- Whiteboard lets you draw on the remote screen with pens, shapes and text.
- Session recording saves sessions as MP4 files on your local computer, on demand or automatically.
- Blank Host Screen blacks out the remote display so nobody near the host can see your work. Block Remote Input stops anyone there from using the keyboard and mouse.
- Lock locks the host immediately or when the session ends, or signs the user out.
Waking and restarting computers
Wake-on-LAN starts an offline computer so you can connect to it. RemotePC sends the wake signal through another computer on the same network or through a forwarded public IP address and port. Macs cannot be woken this way. Remote Reboot restarts a Windows computer in normal or safe mode from the app or the web dashboard.
Browser and mobile access
RemotePC Viewer Lite runs in a web browser, so you can connect from a device without installing anything. It handles Always-ON connections, file transfer, remote printing, monitor switching, chat and screen blanking, and can open several computers at once.
The iOS and Android apps give access to remote computers from a phone or tablet. They include an extended keyboard with function keys, file transfer, screen blanking and the ability to reboot a logged-off computer. You can also view or control Android devices from another device, and you can view Chromebooks.
Plans and team management
The plans differ mainly in how many computers and users they cover and in the administration tools they add.
| Plan | Computers and users | Added management features |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 computer, 1 user | All core remote access tools |
| Pro | 10 computers, 1 user (more as add-ons) | Adding and organizing users |
| Team | 50 computers, unlimited users | Active Directory and SSO, identity provider sync, HelpDesk on-demand support |
| Enterprise | 100 computers, unlimited users | Scheduled access, computer groups, remote deployment, role-based permissions |
Enterprise administrators can deploy RemotePC to many machines with a deployment code or an MSI package through NinjaOne. Headless Linux servers can be set up from the command line.
Encryption and sign-in protection
RemotePC encrypts sessions and file transfers with TLS 1.2 and AES-256. Sign-in can require a two-factor code by email, SMS or authenticator app, or approval of each new device through an email link. Administrators can turn either option on per user.
