Working daily with two different operating systems can be a problem when organizing, especially when the applications available in one ecosystem are not available in the other, something quite common between Windows and Mac, especially if we talk about small developer applications.
If we find ourselves with this small / big problem on a daily basis, the solution does not go through looking for applications that are available in both ecosystems (because there probably are not), being the only solution remotely connect from Mac to Windows.
Many are the small developer applications available on iOS and macOS that are not available on Windows, and that offer us functions that we cannot find it in other more widespread applications. The same happens in the opposite case.
A clear example is found in RSS applications. While on macOS we have endless great RSS applications, on Windows the number is so limited and the apps are so bad, that there really is no quality solution.
But the motivations that can lead us to connect remotely from Mac to Windows We do not really find it in these types of applications, but in niche applications, business management applications, applications that due to their age are very complicated and expensive to port to other platforms.
If you want to know the best applications for cremotely connect from Mac to Windows for free I invite you to keep reading.
Windows Remote Desktop
Microsoft is aware of the problems faced by many companies and individuals when using specific applications and offers us a completely free solution, a solution that we can consider the best of all, since not only is it completely free, but it also allows us to access the file system to manage system files remotely.
The only but that we find in this application, is that the equipment to which we connect must have a Windows 10 Professional license onwards. If the computer we want to connect to has a basic license (Home), the Windows Remote Desktop application that we must configure in Windows to access from a Mac, will not be available.
Microsoft's Remote Desktop, as the application is called in Spanish, also has a version for Android and for iOS.
What Windows Remote Desktop offers us
- Access resources on the remote computer to which the administrator previously gives us access.
- Encrypted and secure connection.
- Audio and video transmission
- Access to local folders and connected devices such as cameras and microphones.
As I discussed above, Windows Remote Desktop is available for your download completely free through the Mac App Store and does not require any additional payment. The application is available in English, but it is not a problem to get quickly with the application.
TeamViewer
One of the most popular applications when it comes to connect remotely to any device, not just computers. What's more, it's completely free for non-commercial useTherefore, like the solution offered by Windows with Remote Desktop, this is an excellent option to consider.
TeamViewer allows us manage all the resources of the remote computer, that is, it allows us to take full control of the equipment, to make adjustments in the configuration, run applications, transfer files ...
If we regularly connect to the same computer, we can store connection data (username and password) so as not to depend on the new ID and password that is automatically generated every time we open the application to make a remote connection.
To do this, you need to create an account. If we do not want to keep this data, we can use the application without registering. TeamViewer offers us a mobile application with which we can manage other teams remotely from our smartphone or tablet.
How TeamViewer works
TeamViewer works through a Team ID and password. Knowing both data, we can remotely access any computer and manage it remotely, as long as TeamViewer is also running on the remote computer, otherwise it will be impossible to make the connection.
Chrome remote desktop
Another interesting solution, especially for those who have the fair and necessary computer skills, it is offered to us by the Chrome Remote Desktop. Chrome Remote Desktop is nothing more than an extension (we can also use it directly from the browser) that allows us to connect remotely, for redundancy, to another computer or other computers to connect to our computer to receive assistance.
Like the previous two solutions, Chrome Remote Desktop is also available as an app for iOS and Android.
How Chrome Remote Desktop works
The first thing we must do is access this functionality through this link directly from Chrome or used Edge Chromium. Next, if we want to connect to a team, we must open the same web page on the team to be managed, and select Receive Assistance.
At that time, a code will be displayed. This code must be entered in the equipment that will manage remotely, in the section Provide assistance. At that moment, a window will open in the browser with what the remote user is seeing on his computer at that moment.
From that moment on, we will be able to manage the mouse and the applications as if we were in front of the computer. The only downside, compared to the two previous alternatives, is that we can't transfer files, so if this is a necessity, we do not have to have the solution that Google offers us.
More alternatives for remote connection
Although it is true that in the market we can find other quite interesting alternatives such as iperus, Remote Desktop Manager o AnyDesk, The solution offered by the three services that I have mentioned in this article are more than enough to cover the needs of any user, in addition to being totally free, including TeamViewer as long as we use it on a personal and non-professional level.