RustDesk is open-source remote desktop software for accessing computers and providing remote support. Its clients run on Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile devices, with different control capabilities on each platform. A connection can use RustDesk’s public servers or an organization’s own ID and relay servers, so the desktop client and the infrastructure that connects devices can be managed separately.
Remote sessions
RustDesk identifies each device with an ID. The person connecting enters that ID, then completes the receiving device’s chosen approval method. Incoming connections can require a password, manual acceptance or both. Temporary passwords suit sessions arranged with someone at the other end; a permanent password allows repeat access without sharing a new temporary password each time.
The receiving device also controls what the session permits. View-only access lets someone see the screen without operating it, while full or custom access can allow keyboard and mouse input. Clipboard, file transfer, audio, recording and remote restart have separate permission controls.
RustDesk on Android and iOS
Mobile support is directional. Android can operate a remote computer using mouse or touch input modes, and it can share its own screen and accept control when the necessary permissions are granted. Screen capture and input permissions must be requested again when RustDesk starts on Android. The iOS client can initiate connections, but an iPhone or iPad cannot be controlled remotely through RustDesk.
How RustDesk connects devices
The ID server keeps track of the network address of each connected RustDesk device. When one client requests another device by ID, the server helps the two endpoints attempt a direct connection through their routers. If that connection cannot be established, a relay server carries the session traffic instead. RustDesk’s peer-to-peer connections use end-to-end encryption.
Self-hosting moves these ID and relay services onto infrastructure the operator manages. The free Server OSS provides both components; clients are pointed to that server through their network settings. Running the servers also makes their configuration and availability the operator’s responsibility.
Desktop display
RustDesk offers original-size and adaptive views of the remote desktop. A screen can be viewed at its own dimensions or fitted to the available viewing area. For computers with several displays, remote screens can appear in individual windows, and a session can use all the controlling computer’s displays. Cursor options can show the remote pointer or follow its position and window focus.
Image-quality presets provide a starting point for the transmitted picture, while custom settings expose image quality and frame rate. Codec selection includes software and hardware options, with availability depending on the devices involved.
Sharing files and recording sessions
Text clipboard synchronization carries copied text between the two devices. File transfer has its own permission, and Windows sessions also support file copy and paste when enabled. On Android, the transfer view separates local and remote directories: selected files or folders can be pasted into a destination on the other device.
RustDesk can record incoming and outgoing sessions automatically and save the resulting videos in a chosen directory. Recording has its own receiving-side permission, separate from the ability to control the screen. Audio can likewise be enabled or muted independently of the desktop picture.
Device administration
RustDesk Server Pro adds a paid management layer to self-hosting. Its web console lets administrators organize devices and users, assign access permissions, maintain shared address books and apply settings through strategies. A strategy can target devices, users or device groups, allowing the same client policy to reach several machines. The console also provides connection, file-transfer and administrative audit logs.
Pro features depend on the license tier. The Individual plan includes the console and centralized settings, while Basic adds multiple users, OIDC single sign-on, LDAP integration, access between groups and custom client generation. The browser-based administration console is distinct from the web client used to start remote sessions; web-client eligibility is a separate plan condition.
