Everything you need to know about choosing and using remote desktop software for your Windows PC — from built-in RDP to third-party solutions like GoDeskFlow.
Choosing the right remote desktop solution for your PC can feel overwhelming given the number of options available. Windows includes a built-in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) feature, but it is limited to Pro and Enterprise editions — leaving millions of Windows Home users without native remote access. Third-party tools fill this gap and often surpass the built-in functionality in ease of use, security, and cross-platform support.
The built-in Windows RDP is a solid choice if both machines run Windows Pro or Enterprise and are on the same network. It delivers excellent performance with low latency since it is tightly integrated with the operating system. However, using RDP over the internet requires port forwarding on your router and exposing port 3389, which is a well-known target for brute-force attacks. You also lose cross-platform compatibility — there is no native way to connect from a Mac or Linux machine without additional software.
Third-party remote desktop tools solve these problems by routing connections through secure relay infrastructure. You do not need to configure firewalls, set up VPNs, or worry about which Windows edition you are running. GoDeskFlow, for example, works on all Windows editions including Home, and connects through port 443 — the same port used by HTTPS — so it works on virtually any network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide to setting up remote access on Windows.
When evaluating remote desktop software for your PC, pay attention to these criteria: ease of setup (can you connect in under a minute?), security (is the connection encrypted end-to-end?), performance (does the remote session feel responsive?), and features (file transfer, clipboard sync, multi-monitor support). GoDeskFlow checks all of these boxes while remaining free for personal use with a single device. For a broader comparison of your options, check our roundup of the best free remote desktop software.
For most PC users, the best approach is straightforward: download GoDeskFlow, install it on both machines, and connect using the generated device ID. The entire process takes less than a minute, requires no technical expertise, and works regardless of your Windows edition or network configuration. If you need unattended access to your office PC from home, simply set a permanent password in the settings and connect anytime.