True arm64 builds
Native arm64v8 binaries. No x86 emulation, no container layer. Same code as the x64 .deb, relinked for Pi.
Swiss company · GDPR-compliant
Raspberry Pi 4 + 5
Remote Desktop for Raspberry Pi
arm64 .deb for Pi OS Bookworm 64-bit. Both Host and Client share the same code base as Windows, macOS and Linux. 43.3 MB installer, AES-256-GCM encrypted. Version 0.5.7.
What is Pi-ready
Host AND Client
Pi as a target (control your home lab) or as a control terminal (Pi on a TV with a wireless keyboard). Both roles in the same package.
Service via systemd
Starts at boot as a systemd service. Needs a graphical session (X11 or Wayland with wlroots, GNOME or KDE). Restart-on-failure.
Honest Pi performance
WinDesk Host runs on Pi 4 and Pi 5 (arm64), without a hardware encoder. Performance depends on resolution and network.
Swiss hosting
Signaling relay in Switzerland, screen data goes direct P2P between the Pi and the other side. Lightnet Multimedia GmbH, no US CLOUD Act.
Only 43.3 MB
arm64 .deb fits on any 16 GB microSD with room to spare. Runtime memory: ~120 MB on Host, ~180 MB on Client.
Install in 5 steps
Prepare the Pi
Flash Pi OS Bookworm 64-bit to microSD or NVMe. Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y.
Download the .deb
Direct download from app.windesk.ch. File ends in _arm64.deb.
Install
sudo dpkg -i WinDesk\ Host_0.5.7_arm64.deb, then sudo apt -f install for any dependencies.
Link the host
The package sets up the service windesk-host.service and starts it; it also starts at boot. Open WinDesk Host, sign in and link the host in the app dialog. The Pi needs a graphical session (X11 or Wayland with wlroots, GNOME or KDE).
Get the PIN
Open the WinDesk Host window on the Pi desktop — it shows the session ID and PIN.
A signed repository will follow with the next minor release. Until then, use the direct .deb as described above.
Use cases on the Pi
- Home lab control: Pi 4/5 as the central hub from which Linux servers, Windows workstations and macOS laptops are operated.
- Classroom cart: Pi 5 with an attached touchscreen as an IT support terminal — teachers call in help from the IT department via a WinDesk PIN.
- Digital signage maintenance: look after Pi-based signage systems remotely, without SSH and without a VPN setup per site.
- RetroPie and media centre support: help parents or customers with operation, without driving out to them.
- Home server and NAS administration: Pi as a permanently running host — reach GUI apps that have no web UI from a Mac or Windows laptop.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pi models are supported?
Raspberry Pi 4 (2 GB / 4 GB / 8 GB) and Raspberry Pi 5. arm64 builds for Pi OS Bookworm 64-bit. Pi 3 is not officially supported.
Which Pi OS do I need?
Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm 64-bit (the official image since 2023). The 32-bit variant will not work — our arm64 .deb packages need a 64-bit userland.
Do both Host and Client run on the Pi?
Yes, both roles are available. Host: Pi as a target system you can connect to. Client: Pi as a control terminal from which you connect to Windows / Mac / Linux machines.
What performance is realistic?
WinDesk Host runs on Pi 4 and Pi 5 (arm64), without a hardware encoder; performance depends on resolution and network.
How do I install WinDesk on the Pi?
Direct .deb: wget https://app.windesk.ch/storage/releases/host/linux/WinDesk%20Host_0.5.7_arm64.deb and sudo dpkg -i WinDesk\ Host_0.5.7_arm64.deb && sudo apt -f install. Detailed steps below.
Does the host run as a service on the Pi?
Yes. WinDesk Host runs as a systemd service that starts at boot. The Pi needs a graphical session for this (X11 or Wayland with wlroots, GNOME or KDE).
How big is the install?
The arm64 .deb is around 43.3 MB. Plenty of room on a 16 GB microSD; on 32 GB or NVMe even more so.
Does it work with the Pi Camera or GPIO?
WinDesk focuses on remote desktop control. GPIO and the Pi Camera are not directly part of the feature set, but can be used through systemd service integration on the Pi without affecting the remote stream.
Run a Pi from your desk
43.3 MB .deb, dpkg -i, done. Same features as on x64.