This article will help you install the AnyDesk app, register your license, configure essential settings, and initiate your first remote session.

After purchasing a license, follow these steps to get started:

Download and install AnyDesk
Register your license
Set up Unattended Access (optional but recommended)
Start your first remote connection

🦉 For a quick start, you can also read Getting started with AnyDesk or watch the video tutorial.

Step 1. Download and install AnyDesk

Navigate to AnyDesk Downloads page.
Select AnyDesk depending on your operating system.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Repeat on each device you plan to access or manage.

💡 NOTE
AnyDesk can be used as a portable app or fully installed. Installation is recommended for features like {{glossary.Unattended Access}} and startup configuration.

Step 2. Register your license

After purchasing an AnyDesk license, you must register it in the AnyDesk {{glossary.Client}} to unlock all licensed features.

Licenses are linked to your AnyDesk account. You can register your license either by signing in to the AnyDesk client or by entering your {{glossary.License Key}} manually.

Register by signing in to your account

Open the AnyDesk app on your device.
In the upper-right corner, click the user profile icon.
Enter the my.anydesk II credentials sent to your email or used during account registration.
Click Sign In.

Once signed in, your license is activated automatically and you can use the AnyDesk client with all features available in your license.

Register with license key

Sign in to my.anydesk II using the credentials you received to your email.
Navigate to the License tab and in the About section, copy the license key.
Open the AnyDesk app on your device.
In the upper-right corner, click > Change License Key....
In the Change License Key section, paste the license key from my.anydesk II and click Register license key.

Your license will be displayed in the Current License section.

Step 3. Set up Unattended Access

Unattended Access allows you to manage and control remote devices even when no one is physically present at the remote end.

To enable Unattended Access, set up a password on the remote AnyDesk client. You can then use this password to connect from your local device.

To set up Unattended Access:

On the remote device, open AnyDesk and go to Settings > Access.
In the Unattended Access section, click Set password.
Create a secure password and click Apply.

By completing these steps, you will enable Unattended Access on your remote device, allowing you to connect and manage it remotely at any time.

Step 4. Start a session

First, make sure you install AnyDesk on both devices - local and remote.

🦉 To learn more about AnyDesk Address - ID and Alias, see this article.

To start a remote session:

Get the remote device's {{glossary.AnyDesk ID}} or {{glossary.Alias}}.
On the local device, from which you want to connect to the remote device, enter the AnyDesk ID in the Remote Address field and click or press Enter.
Depending on configuration:
- In the Authorization pop-up window, enter the Unattended Access password that you set up on the remote device in Step 3, or
- Wait for the {{glossary.Remote User}} to manually accept the request.

The session will start, and you'll see the {{glossary.Remote Desktop}}. You can now control, transfer files, and interact as needed.

*Connection request pop-up window on the* ***remote*** ***device***

Step 5. End a remote session

You can end a remote session at any time, either from the local (controlling) device or the remote (controlled) device.

End session from the local device

In the AnyDesk client, locate the active session tab at the top.
Click on the session tab.

End session from the remote device

In the session control window, click Disconnect to end the session immediately.

🦉 You can also end a session directly from {{glossary.my.anydesk}} if you have an account. For details, see this article.

Advanced setup

For IT administrators and support teams, AnyDesk provides advanced configuration options to streamline deployment and management across your {{glossary.Organization}}. Use the resources below to set up and customize AnyDesk for your employees:

Configure user and role management - set up your team or organization structure and assign roles.
Set up Single Sign-On (SSO) - enable secure and centralized login for employees using your identity provider.
Create custom AnyDesk clients - pre-configure AnyDesk clients with aliases, permissions, and default settings. You can also set up a custom {{glossary.Namespace}} and apply branding.
Deploy via Group Policy or {{glossary.MSI}} - roll out AnyDesk across multiple devices using standard deployment tools.

Do I need to be at the remote device to start a session?