What is Remote Access and Administration?
Remote Access can be of two types as stated below:
- Legal
- Illegal (also known as hacking)
1) Legal remote access services refer to remotely monitoring and managing your system. It only needs to establish a secure connection between the system and the service provider.
Once the connection has established you can access any system from anywhere for checking that.
- The system is up and running efficiently.
- To fix any failure which causes unexpected results.
- Change in settings to optimize system performance.
For Example, if you are working at your workplace and you have some technical issue with your system while working, then you call the concerned person to get rid of such issues. If the person is not at your place, he can make use of remote administration services to access your system by establishing a secure session between your system and the remote server.
They are used to access multiple systems at a given team session to handle multiple tasks with multiple business entities.
2) Illegal remote access (hacking) refers to the unintended manipulation of data or files on your computer.
If you have any malicious software such as Trojan on your system, then it is an open invitation to the hacker to get access to it. Hacker can add, delete or modify your files without your consent on his own.
The hacker can even steal your sensitive data, block your keyboard to deny key access and even make your system almost useless by installing more and more malware on it.
Remote Administration Tools are programs that allow particular kinds of actions from a local PC which means to control different kinds of tools. Our list includes the best RATs for Windows 10 and Windows 11 that are reliable and easy to use. Moreover, it can also be used for hacking reasons through which can clearly see which tool kind of tool can be used to control the desktop remotely.
Today due to technological advancement and deployment of equipment which is thousands of kilometers were no physical access there is a need to remotely connect to all in order to perform different tasks.
We have compiled for you a list of free rat software for remote management, so follow through to know more.
What is a RAT Tool
Do you ever feel that you were not the only person using your PC, this means this was a RAT as it provides access to a person who can access your files, camera, and even turn the device on or off? These can be used legitimately as well as used by the IT guy to access your system and fix the underlying problem.
Ones who use RATs are unfortunately security thefts that harm your device and have access to your system.
Once RATs are installed on the system the security theft can steal all the data, block the keyboard, and install other malware and much more.
There are many things in which RAT can be avoided:
- Be quite careful in opening links and what you are downloading as RATs can be installed unknowingly.
- Be aware of P2P file sharing.
- Make sure to use security software on all your devices and systems such as McAfee LiveSafe which is used to provide protection to your personal data and identity on all systems, Mac, tablets and smartphones.
1. AndroRAT – The king of access
This is an open tool for your Android device. This is a client-server app developed in Java by 4 university developers. Through this, we can perform the following hacks
- Vibrate phone device.
- Open URL in the default browser.
- Send message.
- Get the streaming video.
- Get microphone.
- Capture picture.
- Monitor the status of the phone in real-time.
- Monitor incoming text messages.
- GPS tracking / Red.
- Get all texts.
- Get call logs.
- Get information on contacts.
It runs as a service that starts at the startup due to which users do not have to have any interaction with the service. Server connection can be triggered by a message or even a call (configurable). AndroRAT is also available for Android as an APK to download.
2. NanoCore RAT – Stealth Access
This is yet another option on the list which is quite powerful and advanced PC RAT created for powerful functions. It is capable to take over any target device based on windows. Moreover, it has easy to use graphic user interface. It carries the best yet unique features.
Back in 2017 due to coming malicious activity its developer was arrested by law enforcement companies FBI and declared guilty for making malicious privacy threat and was sentenced to prison for around 33 months.
3. DarkComet RAT – A free tool
This has gained a lot of popularity among users since 2009 due to its complete desktop control with which a user can control a system with GUI. It has many features with which users can have access to the remote computers as an administrator.
Its capabilities include many features such as control of devices like webcams and microphones. These are designed as a legitimate administrative tools but due to their extensive capabilities are used with malicious intent.
4. Chrome Remote Desktop – Trojan alternative
This is used to remotely access a system from another one over the net like you can use the app to access files and apps securely from another system.
It comes with a unique feature that when installed on the remote system and ours will allow us to control the desktop of any system regardless of any kind of OS. It comes with an easy process of installation.
5. TeamViewer – A sensible choice
With this, we can connect to remote desktops easily and efficiently by ID and a random passcode. There are also much better alternatives available to choose from.
All these changes when the session is closed for user safety have been helped by remote control or many other reasons. This can be used on Windows, Linux, macOS X, and others like iPhone.
6. ScreenView – Cross-platform support
This option has been designed primarily with the purpose to work together on a system or perform any kind of service work.
For this, you need to be connected to the net and run it on both systems.
This needs no installation as it is a Java app and can be carried in a USB device. With this, we can connect to another system remotely and display the desktop on another system at the same time using a network connection.
7. Splashtop
If you wish to manage your team in a new diversified way then this one is designed for you. This is able to access all information and perform all we can do on a system, phone or even tablet.
Moreover, with this, we can have access to our usual net browser with support for Flash and Java included. It helps us to see any web page we can be accessed from our team normally.
8. CrossLoop
This is easy to use and compatible with all most all the window versions and can be installed without any administrator privileges.
It comes with a similar operation as TeamViewer. In this again you need to hand over your ID and passcode to the person you wish to manage your system remotely. To be honest, its refresh rate is not up to the mark plus the image is not good as well.
9. VNC
VNC stands for Virtual Network Computing. It is program-free software that is based on a client-server structure. This is also known as Software Remote Desktop.
The best thing about this one is that it does not impose any restrictions on computer server OS with respect to customers. The user is able to share the screen of the machine with any OS which provides support to VNC connection from other systems or devices with a ported VNC client.
10. NjRAT – A sophisticated Trojan
This is a RAT that is distributed using web pages, mails as well we users who can be affected are the ones who make use of any windows OS.
Cybercriminals make use of such tools to control our PC and use it to send spam emails in bulk and perform denial of service attacks against sites and even companies.
11. Final Take: Free RAT Software
As the world is now gone fully remote so are hackers changing their tactics and techniques to target people? This is where you can use the 10 best RAT tools available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 to access any PC remotely. These are open-source, trusted, safe and clean from any viruses or malware. Share your top choices and recommendations below with others.
List of Best Remote Access Software
Here is a comparison of these tools.
We will summarize the above tools at a glance on the basis of its type, revenue, platform, the operating system supported, and licensing. This will help you to differentiate between the functions and features of each tool.
| Name | Type | Revenue | Platform | Operating Systems | License |
| NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM) | Remote Monitoring and Management Software | $30 M-$40 M | Cross-platform | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, & Android | Commercial |
| SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support | Remote Support Software | $833.1 M | Multi-Platform | Windows, iOS, & Android. | Commercial |
| Atera | Remote Monitoring and Management | $31 million | Multi-Platform | Windows, Mac, iOS, & Android device. | Commercial |
| Supremo | Remote Desktop Software |
— | Multi-platform. | Windows, Mac, & Linux. | Free for private use. Commercial Purpose: Purchase a Plan. |
| RemotePC | Remote Access Software | $10-$25 Million | Platform-independent | Windows & Mac | — |
| TeamViewer | Remote Administration Tool | $125 M | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Android, iOS. | Public/Open – Source |
| VNC Connect | Remote Access Tool | $17 M | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux. | Commercial |
| Desktop Central | Remote Access Tool | $6 M | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux. | Proprietary/ Commercial |
| Remote Desktop Manager | Remote Access Tool | $2.9 M | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS. | Proprietary/Commercial |
| Blackshades | Trojan | $300 K | Platform Dependent | Windows | Proprietary |
| jRAT | Spyware | $200 K | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Android. | Commercial |
| Dameware Remote Support | Remote Access Tool | $200 K | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux. | Commercial |
| GoToAssist | Remote Access Tool | $195.3 K | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac OSX, Android, iOS. | Commercial |
| CyberGate | Spyware | $105 K | Platform Dependent | Windows | Commercial |
| Alienspy | Trojan | $200 K | Cross-Platform | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Android. |
1. NinjaOne (Formerly NinjaRMM)
- NinjaOne directly takes control of Windows and MacOS devices with integrated Cloud RDP, TeamViewer, and Splashtop.
- Monitor all your Windows and MacOS workstations, laptops, and servers.
- Remotely manage all your devices without interrupting end-users through a robust suite of remote tools.
- Automate OS and third-party application patching for Windows and MacOS devices.
- Standardize the deployment, configuration, and management of devices with powerful IT automation.
2. SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support
- SolarWinds Dameware Remote Support is an easy-to-use package of remote control and systems management tools.
- It will allow you to reboot systems, start/stop services & processes, copy/delete files, view & clear event logs, etc. through remote access.
- It provides system tools and TCP utilities to help you remotely troubleshoot computers without launching a full remote control session.
- You will be able to remotely access network computers through mobile devices.
- It will allow you to remotely unlock user accounts, reset passwords, and edit Group Policy.
- AD properties, system configuration, and software information can be exported in CSV or XML formats.
- It provides centralized license & user account management and multi-factor authentication.
- This remote support software will allow you to remotely access sleeping and powered-off computers.
3. Atera
- Atera integrates seamlessly with platforms like SplashTop and AnyDesk, thus facilitating instant and on-demand remote access and support.
- The remote access software allows you to access applications, desktops, servers, and files remotely from anywhere through SpalshTop or AnyDesk software.
- Manage all your computers, Macs, Windows servers, etc., from any Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device.
- Allows multiple technicians to access the same device remotely. There is no duration limit to sessions for technicians.
- You can also use the app to securely transfer files from one device to another in attended or unattended support sessions.
- You can provide best-in-class support to your clients with this app, thanks to screen capture and screen recording capabilities.
- Thanks to Atera’s use of TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, you can rest assured that all remote sessions are protected.
4. Supremo
- Supremo is a software for remote desktop access, allowing connection and control of PCs and servers running on Windows, macOS, Linux and also available for mobile on Android and iOS. In terms of security, the data flow is encrypted, at each connection, a new random password is generated and you can also set up access to your PC from specific IDs you consider safe. Supremo allows unlimited installs on an unlimited number of computers i.e. total mobility is total freedom. Among the peculiarities, it should be noted that is a portable software i.e. it doesn’t require installation and you can easily carry it on a USB device to use on any computer wherever you go.
Features:
- It doesn’t require configuration of firewalls or routers and also allows installation as a service to perform unattended access to the remote device. Supremo will start at the Windows boot, ready to let you control the machine without the need for human intervention on the remote screen and asking any authorization to start the connection.
- To keep on working without interrupting your projects, you can easily transfer files between the connected PCs with the integrated File Transfer or using Drag & Drop.
- Both Free and Paid versions to include an Online Address Book. You can add unlimited Supremo contacts to connect to and you’ll be able to share this information with your colleagues for remote collaboration. This is important to manage the devices you connect to more often.
- Online Reports to monitor connections. Reports will detect who is performing support sessions in your organization, the duration of every single connection, and also how many assistances have been carried out by your collaborators.
5. ManageEngine Remote Access Plus
- Remote Access Plus is an enterprise remote desktop access solution that can access devices running on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- This tool enables users to remotely control any device irrespective of time and location.
- Users can zero in on the root cause of the problems effortlessly using Event Viewer, System Manager, File Manager, and much more.
- This tool is available both as an on-premise and cloud solution, having three different editions each (Free, Standard, and Professional) to cater to the requirements of any enterprise.
- Multi-User collaboration, File Transfer, dynamic Remote Reboot, and in-built chat pave the path for a smooth resolution to any issue.
- One-Click Remote Control and the ability to remotely shut down and wake up computers help administrators meet SLAs faster.
- Auxiliary features include- Announcements, Remote Session Screen Recording, Remote Task Manager, Remote Device Manager, Remote Command Prompt, Role-Based Administration, Two Factor Authentication, and managing users and groups.
6. RemotePC
- RemotePC is a solution that will help you to stay connected with your house or work system.
- RemotePC will make it easier to manage files, transfer files, and the printing of information.
- The solution is helpful for small-scale organizations.
- It is a lightweight, secure, scalable, and platform-independent tool.
- It works fast and effectively.
- It provides the functionalities to collaborate, record a remote session, and drag-and-drop local files.
- It provides powerful integration and good compatibility.
7. TeamViewer
- TeamViewer is another remote desktop access tool that is used for accessing any desktop system, Android, or Windows 10 devices.
- This software even supports cross-platform such as PC to PC, mobile to mobile, PC to mobile, and mobile to PC.
- You can access your computer remotely by using your mobile device as well from anywhere at any time.
- Use the file sharing methods of TeamViewer to share any file of any size from any device and even cloud storage.
- Can establish connections with UHD displays efficiently and provide multiple shortcuts to save time.
- TeamViewer is well known for online teamwork and the estimated revenue of this tool is around $125M per annum, In 2016 it was reported as $201M.
8. VNC Connect
VNC Connect is the most popular organizational remote access software that is used for personal use.
It is categorized into 3 subparts such as:
#1) Home: Easy use for the personal purpose which is limited up to friends or family.
#2) Professional: Useful for small business purposes with advanced features and secure remote access.
#3) Enterprise: The most powerful version of VNC Connect, more flexible and more advanced too.
- It contains a remote server app and other supporting programs.
- Is cost-effective reduces time consumption and incorporated real-time services.
- Faster problem identification along with resolution and provides better business support with security functions.
- VNC Connect has been developed by RealVNC which has a population of 90 employees and the yearly revenue is $17.1M.
9. Desktop Central
- This commercial tool is used to access and control mobile devices and servers from a remote location.
- This tool is used to deploy the operating system, software distribution, installing patches, managing assets etc.
- This RAT provides a remote lock to enable passcodes for your system security.
- Comes with a multi-OS support that incorporates with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS etc.
- Its Remote Control feature is used for multi-user collaboration, video recording, file transfer etc.
- Nessus is available with 3 versions which include Nessus Home, Nessus Professional, and Nessus Manager/Nessus Cloud.
10. Remote Desktop Manager
- This tool has been proven to be useful as it provides centralized control over remote machine data, password management, multiple remote connection technologies, and access control.
- Secure sharing and access of system between the entire team, over 335,000 users in 140 countries give $2.9M of revenue per annum.
- They use it to speed up the system and improve security and productivity. This commercial software is available as the free edition with limited features.
- Supports multiple technologies such as RDP, SSH, VPNs, VNC, Telnet, TeamViewer, ConnectWise etc.
- Some advanced features include Role-based security, Two-Factor (steps) Authentication.
11. Blackshades
- Blackshades is a Trojan which is widely used by hackers to gain access to any system remotely.
- This tool frequently attacks the Windows-based operating system for access.
- Until now 500,000 systems have been infected worldwide with this Trojan.
- When a user accesses any unwanted or malicious webpage, he opens the door for this Trojan to enter your system.
- In many cases, it may happen that the Trojan enters your system without your knowledge such as by using any infected external storage device like USB drives.
- Even this tool can spread havoc to other systems by using social networking services of the affected system.
- The hacker can access the files on the system, can perform the denial-of-service attack, and can use the system as the proxy server.
- Blackshades is used by 6000 users worldwide and has around $350,000 revenue per annum.
12. jRAT
- jRAT stands for Java Remote Administration Tool which is a commercial cross-platform remote administration tool which is currently available with Beta version 6.
- This Java written malware can easily control memory usage, fix process listing (UNIX system) etc.
- The tool keeps on updating regularly and adds newer features in it.
- The new module of the systems targets registry, file system, processes, general system actions etc.
- In the above image, you can see a detailed information of the targeted system along with the port and IP address of the system.
13. Dameware
- Dameware Remote Support is a commercial user-oriented administration Tool which provides:
- Remotely managed Windows services and processes.
- Reviewing and clearing Windows event log.
- Reboot crashed systems
- Network Diagnostics
- DRS also includes:
- Mini Remote Control: Can control Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux systems.
- Active Directory Tools: To manage Active Directory objects.
- Windows Administration: To Manage event logs, services, processes, and monitor performance.
- Dameware Exporter: To export Windows config and Active Directory objects to CSV.
- It is available in 3 versions such as Professional, Enterprise and a free version with the revenue of $200,000 per annum.
14. GoToAssist
- GoToAssist is a cloud-based tool for IT organizations for remote access.
- This tool is composed of 3 components such as Remote Support to access and control system from a remote location, IT monitoring and Service Desk Management.
- It allows you to gather system information from a remote system.
- Provides simultaneous sessions and two-way split screen feature to view users as well as clients screen at the same time.
- GoToAssist is a trusted organizational remote access tool which is being used for accessing the end user’s system to resolve the system issue quickly.
- Unattended support session is one more best feature of this tool such as any patch or system update can be installed even if the end user is not present.
- GoToAssist generates $195.3K revenue for every employee.
15. CyberGate
- CyberGate is a fully configurable and Delphi coded spyware which is popular to crack your passwords.
- Using this software one can crack the user’s passwords and can view his screen.
- You can connect to several systems at the same time just by spreading the server file.
- This tool also makes use of the file manager utility to access the user’s data.
- Some important features of CyberGate include HTTP proxy, registry editor, multi-port support, remote desktop, remote webcam view, active ports list, task logs, URL browser, automatic port mapping etc.
- Runs only on the Windows platform as a native application without any framework or link libraries.
16. AlienSpy
- Till now Alienspy has attacked around 400,000 users worldwide.
- This Trojan had attacked the government, educational and financial systems.
- Alienspy uses phishing attack and sends payload link to the victim’s mailbox.
- Once this attachment is loaded on your system as a JAR file then it starts installing itself to control the operations going on.
- This cross-platform malware is written in Java and served with a Plug-in framework.
- Consequently, there are 1600 subscriptions generating a $200,000 revenue estimate.
- It can remotely capture not only the system but other accessories like webcam, microphones, etc
Learn More:
For solution, online support and query email us at .