RustDesk: Open-Source Remote Desktop You Can Self-Host
RustDesk · for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and Web
Developer: RustDesk (opens in a new tab)
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- Web
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: github.com
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RustDesk is open-source remote access and support software for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and the web. It works with public servers or a self-hosted RustDesk Server; a paid Server Pro edition adds management features.
RustDesk does what commercial remote desktop tools do, but its code is open and you can run the server yourself. For an office that wants control over where its connections go, that is the main attraction.
How it works
Like other remote tools, each device running RustDesk gets an ID. Enter the other computer’s ID, type its password or wait for the other person to accept, and you see their screen. File transfer and unattended access with a permanent password are supported.
Public or self-hosted server
- Public servers: Out of the box, RustDesk connects through public servers, so it works with no setup.
- RustDesk Server OSS: The free, open-source server you can run on your own machine or VPS, for example with Docker.
- RustDesk Server Pro: A paid edition with features such as centralized management of users and devices. Pricing is on RustDesk’s website.
Pointing clients at your own server keeps traffic routing under your control.
Downloading the client
- The Download button opens the official RustDesk releases on GitHub.
- Pick the file for your system: Windows, macOS and Linux builds are published, plus Android. A web client is also available.
- Run it. On Windows, the client can run without installation or be installed as a service for unattended access.
Safety
Open source does not stop social engineering. Only accept connections from people you know, and set a strong permanent password for unattended access, ideally generated in KeePassXC.
If you need a commercial tool with vendor support instead, compare AnyDesk and TeamViewer.
Pros
- Open source and free
- Can run entirely on your own server
- Works out of the box with public servers
Cons
- Self-hosting needs some server knowledge
- Management features require the paid Server Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own server to use RustDesk?
No. RustDesk works with its public servers by default. Self-hosting is optional for people who want to control the connection path.
Is RustDesk free for business use?
The client and the open-source server are free. The optional Server Pro edition, which adds management features, is paid.
RustDeskOpen source
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