VNC Server for Windows: How to Set Up and Use

Hello Dev, are you looking for an easy way to access your Windows computer remotely? In this article, we’ll be discussing how to set up and use VNC server on Windows. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) allows you to control your desktop from a remote location, making it a great tool for remote work, troubleshooting, and collaboration. Let’s get started!

What is VNC Server?

Before we dive into the details of setting up VNC server on Windows, let’s take a closer look at what VNC is and what it can do for you.

VNC is a remote desktop software that allows you to access and control another computer from a remote location. With VNC, you can view the desktop, run applications, and interact with the remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it.

VNC works by transmitting screen updates from the remote computer to your local computer, and transmitting input from your local computer back to the remote computer. This allows you to control the remote computer in real-time, regardless of where you are.

How Does VNC Server Work?

VNC server is the software that needs to be installed on the computer that you want to access remotely. When you install VNC server, it starts listening for incoming connections on a specific port. The client software (such as VNC Viewer) connects to the server using this port and establishes a secure connection.

Once the connection is established, the client can view and control the remote computer’s desktop. All input from the client is transmitted to the server, which then executes the input on the remote computer.

Setting Up VNC Server on Windows

Now that you know what VNC server is and how it works, let’s get started with setting it up on your Windows computer.

Step 1: Download and Install VNC Server

The first step is to download and install VNC server on the computer that you want to access remotely. There are several VNC server software options available for Windows, but we’ll be using RealVNC for this tutorial.

To download RealVNC, go to the RealVNC download page and select the version of VNC server that is compatible with your operating system.

Once you have downloaded the installation file, double-click on it to begin the installation process.

Step 2: Configure VNC Server

After you have installed VNC server, you’ll need to configure it to allow remote access. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the RealVNC Server dialogue box by clicking on the RealVNC icon in the system tray.
2. Click on the “Options” button to open the Options dialogue box.
3. Under the “Users & Permissions” section, click on the “Add” button to add a new user.
4. In the “Add User” dialogue box, enter a username and password for the new user. This will be the account that you use to log in remotely.
5. Under the “Permissions” section, select “Full control” for the new user.
6. Click on the “OK” button to save your changes and close the dialogue box.

Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

If you have a firewall enabled on your Windows computer, you’ll need to configure it to allow incoming VNC connections. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Firewall by clicking on the “Start” button and selecting “Control Panel”.
2. Click on “System and Security” and then “Windows Firewall”.
3. Click on “Advanced settings” in the left-hand pane.
4. Click on “Inbound Rules” in the left-hand pane.
5. Click on the “New Rule” button in the right-hand pane.
6. Follow the wizard to create a new rule for incoming VNC connections. The rule should allow incoming connections on the port that VNC server is listening on (which is usually port 5900).

Step 4: Obtain IP Address

Before you can connect to your Windows computer remotely, you’ll need to know its IP address. To obtain your IP address, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Start” button and select “Run”.
2. Type “cmd” in the Run dialogue box and click “OK”.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
4. Look for the “IPv4 Address” entry under the “Ethernet adapter Ethernet” section. This is your computer’s IP address.

Using VNC Viewer to Access Your Windows Computer Remotely

Now that you have set up VNC server on your Windows computer, you can use VNC Viewer to access it remotely.

Step 1: Download and Install VNC Viewer

To download VNC Viewer, go to the RealVNC Viewer download page and select the version of VNC viewer that is compatible with your operating system.

Once you have downloaded the installation file, double-click on it to begin the installation process.

Step 2: Connect to Your Windows Computer

To connect to your Windows computer remotely using VNC Viewer, follow these steps:

1. Open VNC Viewer on your local computer.
2. Type the IP address of your Windows computer into the “VNC Server” field at the top of the VNC Viewer window.
3. Click on the “Connect” button.
4. Enter the username and password that you created in Step 2 of the “Setting Up VNC Server on Windows” section.
5. Click “OK” to establish the remote connection.

VNC Server for Windows: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is VNC server free?

RealVNC offers both free and paid versions of its VNC server software. The free version includes basic functionality, while the paid version includes additional features and support.

2. Is VNC server secure?

VNC server includes encryption and authentication features to ensure that remote connections are secure. However, it is important to follow best practices for network security, such as using strong passwords and configuring firewalls correctly.

3. Can I use VNC server for remote troubleshooting?

Yes, VNC server is a great tool for remote troubleshooting. With VNC, you can access and control a remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it, allowing you to troubleshoot and resolve issues in real-time.

4. How many users can connect to VNC server at once?

The number of users that can connect to VNC server depends on the version of VNC that you are using. The free version of RealVNC allows one user to connect at a time, while the paid version allows multiple users to connect simultaneously.

5. Can I use VNC server for remote work?

Yes, VNC server is a great tool for remote work. With VNC, you can access and control your work computer from a remote location, allowing you to work from home or on the go.

Conclusion

VNC server is a powerful tool that allows you to access and control your Windows computer from a remote location. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up and use VNC server for remote work, troubleshooting, and collaboration. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to consult the RealVNC documentation or seek help from a qualified IT professional.