Software & Apps > Backup & Utilities 23 23 people found this article helpful UltraVNC 1.4.3.6 This free remote access program isn't the easiest to set up, but you'll love all the features once it's ready to go By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 4, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Basic Details Pros & Cons How It Works Final Thoughts Alternatives Trending Videos Close this video player UltraVNC is free remote access software for Windows. Most settings can be fine-tuned, making it perfect for advanced users wanting a remote desktop solution. Transferring files and starting chat conversations are a couple of its basic features. Download UltraVNC Keep reading to see my review of UltraVNC. I've also included the pros and cons of the program, as well as a brief look at how it works. This review is of UltraVNC version 1.4.3.6, released on October 22, 2023. Please let us know if there's a newer version to review. More About UltraVNC Windows 7 is the minimum OS, so it also runs on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8 Unattended access can be set up to always have access to the UltraVNC server Router changes are required on the host's network to allow incoming connections from the client Connection shortcut files can be made for quick access to a remote computer A static IP address must be configured for unattended access File transfer is supported in both the client software and through a browser UltraVNC Pros & Cons While it might not be ideal for basic users, that doesn't mean it's not a tool worth considering: What We Like Text chat and file transfer. Automatic clipboard synchronization Can connect over a browser Send custom keyboard commands Can connect to a remote PC that's in Safe Mode What We Don't Like Router port forwarding is required on the host PC Not designed for spontaneous support Remote printing isn't supported No Wake-on-LAN (WOL) option How UltraVNC Works This program uses a client/server connection like all the other remote access programs out there. UltraVNC Server is installed on the host computer and UltraVNC Viewer is installed on the client computer. A strong difference with this tool is that to allow the server to accept incoming connections, port forwarding needs to be configured. For that to work, the server/host also needs to set up a static IP address. Once the proper prerequisites are completed, the client must enter the server's IP address in the viewer program, followed by the proper port number configured by the server. My Thoughts on UltraVNC UltraVNC is a great program to use if you're wanting to always have access to your home computer. Once everything is configured, you can easily make repeated connection back to your PC to open programs or transfer files. I don't recommend using it for remote support, but instead just remote access. Although they normally mean the same, what I'm saying here is that if you're needing to connect to a remote PC to provide computer support, you'll be trying for hours to get this to work, especially considering remote support normally involves a host PC that is already having problems or is difficult to operate. The last thing you want is to try, especially with inexperienced users, is to set up port forwarding changes! However, again, if you want to set up your own computer for remote access, UltraVNC is a nice choice. You've got advanced settings like cursor tracking, view only mode, and custom encoding options, as well as a file transfer feature. A hidden feature you may not notice at first is that if you right-click the connection window you're working in during a remote session, you can find many advanced options. For example, you can save the current session's information to a VNC file for later use. Then, when you want to connect to that same computer again, just launch that shortcut file to quickly start the session. This is very useful if you use UltraVNC to connect to more than one computer. I like that you can skip using the program and connect to the server through a browser. If you're on a computer that doesn't allow software installs, then using a web browser on the client PC can be helpful. Download UltraVNC The download page can be confusing. Select the link above and then choose the most recent version (the one at the top of the list). Then scroll down a little and choose the 32-bit or 64-bit installer version (x86 means 32-bit) that your computer requires. Finally, accept the conditions and choose Download. UltraVNC Alternatives UltraVNC isn't for the basic user. If you're new to remote access software, and you want to connect to your home computer when away, I recommend Chrome Remote Desktop or AnyDesk. If you're providing quick support to a novice computer user, have them open DWService or Getscreen.me. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit