TightVNC for Windows

Need to reach another PC on your network and control its desktop? The free TightVNC pairs a viewer with a server component that shares a Windows desktop so it can be viewed and controlled from another computer.

How do the Viewer and Server work together?

The server runs on the computer whose desktop will be accessed. The viewer runs on the computer making the connection: enter the server computer’s name or address, connect, and provide the required password. Once connected, the remote desktop appears in the viewer, where mouse and keyboard input can control it.

The two components serve different roles, so a machine needs the server to accept incoming connections and the viewer to initiate them. Access depends on the computers being able to reach each other over a network.

Can TightVNC transfer files during a session?

The Windows viewer includes a file-transfer interface for moving files between the local computer and a connected server that supports the feature. The server’s settings and permissions determine whether file transfer is available.

What viewing controls are available?

Viewer options include a view-only mode, which displays the remote desktop without sending mouse and keyboard input. Image-quality and compression settings can be adjusted to suit the connection. Lowering visual quality can reduce the amount of screen data sent, though it also makes fine details less clear.

System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit

What does TightVNC do?

It lets a viewer connect over a network to a computer running TightVNC Server, display its desktop, and control it remotely.

How do I connect to another computer?

Run the viewer, enter the name or network address of a computer running the server, and connect using the required password.

Can I transfer files through TightVNC?

Yes. The Windows viewer has a file-transfer interface when the connected server supports file transfer.