Access Your Computer from Anywhere | Remote Access

You have your dream desktop at home. Tailored to your specifications, it's equipped with the applications you're accustomed to, and your files are neatly arranged just the way you prefer. It's personalized in every aspect that you desire. Ideally, it's the device you'd love to bring everywhere. However, as we know, physically carrying a desktop computer around isn't feasible. Fortunately, there's an alternative that allows you to access your desktop. That's right, you can access your computer from anywhere using remote access software. Be it from a different computer on the other side of the world, or even your friend's laptop or a computer in an internet cafe, you can easily access it.

Wondering how you can access your computer from anywhere? The solution lies right here in this article. We will explore three key methods.

1. 1. Using the TeamViewer application
2. 2. Using Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDP)
3. 3. Creating a portable Windows USB drive

There are numerous choices and tools available, but these three are the most recommended. TeamViewer is the simplest tool for remote access. It can be easily downloaded and set up with just a few steps. However, it is a third-party application. If you prefer a native tool, Remote Desktop Connection is the ideal choice, though configuring it might be somewhat complicated if you're not well-versed in the Windows platform. The third option is to use a portable Windows USB drive, which is a more specialized method. The advantage of this approach is that you can carry your Windows installation with you wherever you go, making it a genuinely portable solution. We will examine each of these options in more detail in the upcoming sections.

How to Use TeamViewer for Remote Access to Your Computer from Anywhere

The best part about TeamViewer is that it can be used on both Mac and Windows computers. Keep in mind that you need to install the application on both the home computer and the one you'll use for remote access. Additionally, you'll need to create a TeamViewer account.

Is it free? Yes, they are free for personal use only. This means you can utilize it to connect home devices or assist family members and friends. However, if the usage is for commercial purposes, you would need to opt for the paid version. An example of this would be providing remote technical support to one of your clients using TeamViewer, which cannot be classified as personal use.

Step 1. Log in with your account using your ID and password.

Step 2. Enter the Partner ID of the computer you want to access. Here, you can choose to have a remote control or simply transfer files between two computers.

Step 3. Click "Connect" to initiate the connection process, allowing you to remotely access your computer.

Note: As can be seen from the above steps, to remotely access your computer, it's necessary to keep the target computer powered on and connected to a stable Internet connection.

One of the main drawbacks of this tool is that users have reported that remote access gets disconnected if the internet speed decreases even slightly.

How to Set Up Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection

Windows offers several tools and options for remote connectivity, but if you're seeking a native application with minimal complexity, Remote Desktop Connection is the way to go. However, bear in mind that to utilize this feature, you must be using Windows Professional or a higher edition. It won't be available for Windows Home users.

Step 1. Before beginning, make sure the option "Allow remote access to this computer" is activated. You can find this option by searching in the Start search bar and enable it. Alternatively, you can access System Properties and then click on the Remote tab to enable this option.

Step 2. Next, open the Remote Desktop Connection on your computer.

Step 3. Once the application opens, type the name of the computer you want to connect to. This should be the same name you assigned to the computer when you installed Windows. If you can't recall it, right-click on "My Computer" and check the name. Click on the connection, and after a successful connection, it will ask for the username and password of the remote computer.

This method can function with the fewest complications if you're accessing the system within the same network. However, if you're accessing it from outside the network, you'll need to take additional steps that require some technical knowledge. You'll have to set up port forwarding on the router through which you're accessing the remote desktop. Additionally, you'll need to know the public IP address of the home computer. If the connection resets after you've left your home, the public IP address might change, and you won't be able to connect to the previous IP anymore. Therefore, this method works seamlessly and without issues if you're connecting from the same network. But if you're accessing it from another network, it would necessitate extra configurations and more information.

Create a Portable Windows USB Drive

You might assume that accessing a remote desktop relies heavily on a stable internet connection. But what if the connection is poor? Or what if the location you're visiting has no internet access? If you have a portable Windows USB drive, these scenarios wouldn't pose an issue.

A portable Windows USB drive can be regarded as an exact clone of your computer's system drive. It contains all the system and boot files, enabling any computer to boot from the USB drive. The utility called OS2Go is a tool that aids in creating a portable USB drive. Here are the reasons why it stands out:

• Simple to use - just a few straightforward steps are required to create a portable USB drive.
• Low requirements - no advanced computer knowledge is needed to use OS2Go, and you don't have to keep your home or office computer turned on when you're not there.
• Portable - after creating a portable Windows USB drive, if you need to use your own system, all you need to carry is a USB drive.

If you're interested in this tool, download it from the button below and follow our guide to learn how to create a portable Windows USB drive for remote access to your computer.

Step 1. Install OS2Go on your Windows computer. It will show the used space on your system drive. Insert a USB drive with a capacity larger than the used space on the system drive. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the following action will erase all data on your drive. Make sure you've backed up all important data. Click Continue to proceed.

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also edit the layout to suit your needs. Check the option if you're using a Solid State Drive as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the portable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and restart your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10...) to access BIOS. Select to boot from the USB drive.

Note: Please ensure that the boot mode (either UEFI or Legacy) of the portable USB and your target computer are identical, or else you might not be able to boot.

Conclusion

All three tools provide distinct advantages for remote access. Undoubtedly, OS2Go is the simplest and easiest method among these three, albeit not a conventional remote access solution. On the other hand, Remote Desktop Connection is the most secure, as it employs native Windows security features. However, connecting from a different network might present a different set of challenges.