Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Microsoft Remote Desktop VS MeshCentral

Compare Microsoft Remote Desktop VS MeshCentral and see what are their differences

Microsoft Remote Desktop logo Microsoft Remote Desktop

Once that's done, another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client, can connect to the host and control it. Don't let the technical aspects of remote desktop software scare you away.

MeshCentral logo MeshCentral

The open source, multi-platform, self-hosted, feature packed web site for remote device management.
  • Microsoft Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09
  • MeshCentral Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-07

A complete web-based remote monitoring and management web site. Once setup you can install agents and perform remote desktop session to devices on the local network or over the Internet.

Microsoft Remote Desktop features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Microsoft Remote Desktop provides a user-friendly interface that is simple to set up and navigate, making it accessible for users of varying technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing for versatile usage across different devices.
  • Performance
    Offers reliable and relatively fast performance with the ability to handle complex applications and operations through remote connections.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft services and products, such as Azure and Office 365, enhancing productivity for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Security
    Includes robust security features like network-level authentication, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication, ensuring secure remote connections.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    For non-technical users, the initial setup can be challenging and may require additional resources or support to configure properly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Performance and usability heavily depend on a stable and high-speed Internet connection, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Licensing Costs
    Some advanced features and integrations require specific Windows licenses or Azure subscriptions, which may incur additional costs for businesses and individual users.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running remote desktop sessions can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the performance of both the client and the host machine, especially on older hardware.
  • Limited Customization
    The application may lack some customization options found in other remote desktop solutions, making it less flexible for users with specific needs and preferences.

MeshCentral features and specs

  • Open Source
    MeshCentral is an open-source platform, which means users can contribute to its development and customize it as per their requirements, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    MeshCentral supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it versatile for various IT environments.
  • Remote Management
    It provides comprehensive remote management capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor, control, and troubleshoot devices from virtually anywhere.
  • Secure Connections
    The platform uses encrypted connections for all communications, ensuring a high level of security for remote access and management tasks.
  • Active Community
    The platform has an active community that offers support, plugins, and resources, which enhances the usability and capabilities of MeshCentral.
  • Scalability
    MeshCentral can be scaled to manage a small number of devices or a large enterprise network, making it suitable for diverse IT needs.

Possible disadvantages of MeshCentral

  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex, especially for users who are not familiar with networking or server environments, potentially requiring a steep learning curve.
  • Limited Built-in Features
    Compared to commercial remote management solutions, MeshCentral might lack some advanced built-in features or integrations out of the box.
  • Community Support Dependent
    Being an open-source platform, official support might be limited, relying heavily on community support which may not always be immediate.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running a MeshCentral server may require significant system resources, especially for large-scale deployments with many connected devices.
  • Security Updates Responsibility
    Users are responsible for applying security updates and patches, which requires regular maintenance and knowledge of security best practices.

Analysis of Microsoft Remote Desktop

Overall verdict

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is generally considered a reliable and effective tool for remote access to Windows machines, particularly for those already using Microsoft services or within a Windows-centric IT environment. Its full compatibility with Windows devices makes it a strong choice for personal and professional use.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is widely regarded as a solid solution for those needing to access and manage their Windows environments remotely. It benefits from integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, offering good performance, security features, and ease of access. Users appreciate its seamless connection to Windows PCs and servers, efficient resource management, and straightforward setup.

Recommended for

  • IT professionals needing to manage Windows servers and workstations remotely.
  • Employees who require access to their office desktops from home or during travel.
  • Organizations using cloud-based environments such as Microsoft Azure.
  • Users already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem seeking integration with other Microsoft products and services.

Microsoft Remote Desktop videos

How to use Chrome Remote Desktop

More videos:

  • Demo - Windows 11 Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) | 2023

MeshCentral videos

MeshCentral - free, open source RMM / RDP / Remote Control option - How to install and Configure it.

More videos:

  • Review - MeshCommander + MeshCentral
  • Demo - MeshCentral Demonstration

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Microsoft Remote Desktop and MeshCentral)
Remote Desktop
88 88%
12% 12
Remote PC Access
86 86%
14% 14
Remote Control
77 77%
23% 23
Group Chat & Notifications

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Microsoft Remote Desktop and MeshCentral

Microsoft Remote Desktop Reviews

Top 10 Android Remote Access Tools
Microsoft Remote Desktop is very similar to Chrome Remote Desktop and provides the functionality necessary to access remote Windows computers. Since this software was developed by Microsoft, it is compatible with all of the companyโ€™s applications and versions of the Windows OS. Users who need to simply connect to distant Windows systems may find this to be the best free...
25 Best TeamViewer Alternative Software (Free/Paid) in 2021
Remote desktop software needs to be installed on both the client as well as server-side. It uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to Windows systems. Once installed, it captures inputs like mouse and keyboard from the clientโ€™s computer and sends them to the server computer. This way, the client can use and manage the server-side computer from a remote location. It...
Source: www.guru99.com
Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program thatโ€™s available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but itโ€™s the best free software weโ€™ve come across and is a great option for personal use.
10 Best Free Remote Desktop Tools You Should Know
Remote desktop tools and features have been around for years. Most such tools and features were built with IT administrators and managers in mind โ€“ they make it easy for IT support personnel to access connected computers via a โ€˜masterโ€™ computer. But with the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, the average user also feels the need to access their home or work PC...
13 Best TeamViewer Alternatives Of 2019
If you are looking for a free desktop sharing tool for your Windows platform, then you might not need to look any further than the built-in tool known as Remote Desktop Connection. It enables Windows users to connect their desktop to another Windows based computer securely over LAN or via the internet.
Source: www.rankred.com

MeshCentral Reviews

We have no reviews of MeshCentral yet.
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Microsoft Remote Desktop and MeshCentral, you can also consider the following products

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

AnyDesk - AnyDesk is the world's most comfortable remote desktop application. Access all your programs, documents and files from anywhere, without having to entrust your data to a cloud service.

LogMeIn - LogMeIn gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile...

Rustdesk - Discover RustDesk, The best open source remote desktop software. It is an alternative of TeamViewer and AnyDesk. You have full control of your data, no concern of security.

TightVNC - TightVNC - VNC-Compatible Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software. Download TightVNCDownload TightVNC 1. 3. 10ย - TightVNC Serverย - F. A. Read more about TightVNC.

Remmina - Remmina is a remote desktop client written in GTK+, aiming to be useful for system administrators and travellers, who need to work with lots of remote computers in front of either large monitors or tiny netbooks.