AnyDesk and TeamViewer: common problems and how RudyDesk solves them
Most people who install RudyDesk are tired of fighting AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Below are the five most common complaints, what RudyDesk does about each and, separately, what it cannot do yet.
“Commercial use detected”
The free versions of AnyDesk and TeamViewer are for personal use only. If the software decides you are working “commercially”, sessions start cutting off after a few minutes, and proving otherwise can be hard.
With RudyDesk two devices are free forever and session length is unlimited. There is no automatic “commercial use” check: a paid plan is needed only when you have more than two devices.
The app is needed on both sides
To help a relative, they first have to install the software — and that is often where it ends.
RudyDesk works right in the browser: opening rudydesk.com/app or an invite link is enough. The desktop app is needed only where you want mouse and keyboard control or unattended access.
Breaches of the services themselves
In February 2024 AnyDesk reported a breach of its servers: it had to revoke its code-signing certificate and reset user passwords. In June 2024 TeamViewer reported an intrusion into its corporate network.
In RudyDesk the server only connects devices. Screen, sound and files go directly and are encrypted with keys created on the devices themselves. A device’s permanent password never reaches the server: sign-in is confirmed with a one-time challenge. Updates are signed, and the app will not install a tampered installer.
“Support” scammers
Scammers often ask people to install remote access software and read out their ID. The software itself suspects nothing.
RudyDesk shows a warning when an unknown ID connects — before the Accept and Decline buttons. You can allow screen viewing only, without control, and the log on the device shows who connected and what they did.
The computer fell asleep — game over
If the remote computer goes to sleep, you can no longer connect to it.
RudyDesk can wake a computer over the network through a neighbouring device on the same network, let it wake itself on a schedule (“mailbox”) and switch on a smart plug. A built-in check tells you what to set up in Windows.
What RudyDesk cannot do yet
- Show the Windows sign-in screen and “Allow changes?” prompts — that needs a system service, which is in progress.
- The installer is not yet signed with a Windows certificate, so SmartScreen may warn on first launch.
- iPhone and iPad cannot share their own screen — an Apple restriction. You can view and control other devices from them.
If these limits don’t bother you, give it a try: download the app at rudydesk.com/download or open rudydesk.com/app in your browser.