Over the internet without a VPN
P2P connection without port forwarding, without a VPN, and without an open port 3389. WinDesk is an independent alternative, not the RDP protocol.
Remote desktop
The Swiss alternative to Microsoft RDP
Microsoft RDP is built into Windows but bound to a LAN or VPN: over the internet it is only reachable via port forwarding or a VPN — cumbersome and risky when port 3389 is exposed. WinDesk connects P2P over the internet without a VPN and without port forwarding, cross-platform, with consent and device-token security. WinDesk is an independent alternative and does not use the RDP protocol.
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What to consider with Microsoft RDP
- LAN- or VPN-bound. Over the internet RDP is only reachable via port forwarding or a VPN — without that infrastructure there is no NAT traversal.
- An open port 3389 is an attack target. Directly exposed RDP is a well-known entry point for brute-force and ransomware.
- Windows-centric. An RDP host requires Windows Pro/Enterprise; no native consent flow for non-technical hosts.
If your machines are on the same LAN or corporate VPN, RDP is solid. For access over the internet without open ports, WinDesk is the simpler and safer route.
Where WinDesk is technically better
Cross-platform
Client and host on Windows, macOS and Linux. An RDP host is bound to Windows Pro/Enterprise.
Consent + device tokens
An explicit consent prompt on the host and hardware-bound device tokens instead of an openly exposed port.
Easy for non-technical hosts
Install a signed app and confirm — no firewall rules, no port forwarding, no gateway configuration.
14-day free trial
Free plan with no account, no credit card. Fact-based comparison with Microsoft RDP in the comparison table.
Frequently asked questions
Windows has RDP built in — why pick WinDesk?
Microsoft RDP is built into Windows Pro/Enterprise and strong on a LAN or over a VPN. Over the internet, though, RDP is only reachable via port forwarding or a VPN — a directly exposed port 3389 is a well-known attack target. WinDesk connects P2P over the internet without a VPN and without port forwarding, cross-platform, with consent and hardware-bound device tokens.
Where is WinDesk better than Microsoft RDP?
Access over the internet without a VPN or an open port 3389, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux), an explicit consent flow on the host, and easy setup even for non-technical users. WinDesk is an independent alternative and does not use the RDP protocol.
Where is Microsoft RDP better than WinDesk?
On a LAN or over an existing corporate VPN, RDP is mature, deeply integrated into Windows and Active Directory, and usable without extra software. If your machines are already on the same network or VPN, RDP is a solid choice.