True arm64 builds
Native arm64v8 binaries. No x86 emulation, no container layer. Same code as the x64 .deb, relinked for Pi.
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. 39 MB installer, headless-capable, AES-256-GCM encrypted. Version 0.5.2.
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.
Headless via systemd
Runs without an X server. Perfect for IoT gateways, RetroPie boxes, home NAS. Restart-on-failure, PIN persists in the journal.
Honest Pi performance
Pi 4 (4 GB): 1080p @ 30 fps stable. Pi 5 (8 GB): 4K possible, 1080p @ 60 fps. Sub-80 ms latency on LAN. Uses NEON SIMD, no hardware encoder required.
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 39 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_0.5.2_arm64.deb, then sudo apt -f install for any dependencies.
Enable service (headless)
sudo systemctl enable --now windesk-host. The service starts at boot, no display server needed.
Get the PIN
sudo journalctl -u windesk-host -n 50 | grep PIN — or look at the tray icon on the Pi desktop.
Signed-repository variant ships with the next minor release. Until then, direct-.deb as above.
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 — NEON performance falls short for real-time encoding.
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?
Pi 4 (4 GB): smooth 1080p remote control at 30 fps with 5–8 Mbps. Pi 5 (8 GB): 4K possible, 60 fps stable at 1080p. Audio + input latency under 80 ms on local LAN.
How do I install WinDesk on the Pi?
Direct .deb: wget https://app.windesk.ch/storage/releases/host/linux/WinDesk%20Host_0.5.2_arm64.deb and sudo dpkg -i WinDesk\ Host_0.5.2_arm64.deb && sudo apt -f install. Detailed steps below.
Does it work headless without a display?
Yes. WinDesk Host runs as a systemd service without a display server, as long as the Pi has network. Ideal for IoT gateways, home servers or classroom carts.
How big is the install?
The arm64 .deb is around 39 MB. Plenty of room on a 16 GB microSD; on 32 GB or NVMe even more so.
Run a Pi from your desk
39 MB .deb, dpkg -i, done. Same features as on x64.