If you’ve ever been in a situation where you needed access to your computer while being miles away, you know the pain of not having the right tools. Whether it’s checking files, troubleshooting, or helping a friend out, remote access is a lifesaver. And this is where AnyDesk comes into play, a lightweight, easy-to-use application for remotely controlling your Ubuntu system or any other machine.
I’ve personally found AnyDesk to be one of the best options for Ubuntu users. However, there are other options too like TeamViewer. In this post, I will explain the complete process of installing AnyDesk on your Ubuntu machine step-by-step. Along the way, I’ll share some tips and insights based on my own experience using AnyDesk for remote work and troubleshooting. So are you ready now?
Let’s get started.
Why Use AnyDesk on Ubuntu?
I can understand, you might be wondering why you should choose AnyDesk over other tools like TeamViewer or Remmina. Here is the reason:
AnyDesk is designed to be lightweight, and it doesn’t consume too many system resources. For someone like me, who often needs to juggle multiple tasks on Ubuntu, this is a huge plus.
It’s not only fast but also offers secure connections, which is critical if you’re dealing with sensitive data. Plus, the fact that it works across platforms – Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS makes it incredibly versatile.
So, now that you know why it’s a great choice, let’s dive into how to get it installed on Ubuntu.
Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu System
First things first, it’s always a good practice to ensure your system is up-to-date before installing new software. Open your terminal (shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the following commands:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis step helps avoid any compatibility issues that might arise due to outdated packages. It’s a small step, but trust me, it saves you from headaches later on. I am telling this because I have faced it.
Step 2: Now Download the AnyDesk Installer for Ubuntu
Now, let’s download the any desk installer from the any desk official website:
- Open your web browser and head over to the official AnyDesk download page. Once you land on the site, you will have an option to Download it on your machine.
- In the Linux section, choose the Ubuntu/Debian option and download the
.debfile. The.debis the installable file extension for Ubuntu or other Ubuntu-based distributions like Debian.
This .deb file is what we will use to install AnyDesk on your Ubuntu system.
Step 3: Install AnyDesk Using Terminal
Once you download AnyDesk on your machine, navigate to your Downloads folder using the terminal by running the following command:
cd ~/DownloadsNow by running the ls command you can check the files available in the Downloads directory of the system.
Next, install the AnyDesk package with the following command:
sudo dpkg -i anydesk_*.debNote: Place the real file name instead of copying my command. So, now you will place your file name instead of [anydesk_*.deb].
If you run into any dependency issues during installation (this is fairly common on Ubuntu), you can easily resolve it by running:
sudo apt --fix-broken installThis command will fix any missing dependencies and complete the installation process. Hopefully, you will be able to install now.
Step 4: Launch AnyDesk
Once the installation is finished, you can start AnyDesk by either searching for it in your applications menu or simply running:
anydeskThis will open the AnyDesk interface, where you’ll see your unique AnyDesk ID. This is the ID that others will use to connect to your computer, or you’ll use to connect to theirs.
A Quick Comparison: Why AnyDesk Stands Out
I’ve used a variety of remote desktop tools over the years, but AnyDesk has consistently impressed me with its speed and ease of use. Here’s a quick comparison between AnyDesk and other popular tools:
| Feature | AnyDesk | TeamViewer | Remmina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Platforms | Linux, Windows, macOS, Android | Linux, Windows, macOS | Linux, Windows |
| Resource Usage | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Free for Personal Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cross-platform support | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
In my personal experience, AnyDesk is perfect for both personal and professional use. Whether I’m helping a family member with their system or accessing my own files while traveling, AnyDesk never disappoints.
Real-Life Example: Using AnyDesk to Troubleshoot
Here’s a real-life example to show you just how useful AnyDesk can be. A few months ago, my cousin, who lives in another city, called me because his Ubuntu system wasn’t booting properly. He was stuck in the terminal with some weird error message he didn’t understand.
Instead of spending hours on the phone trying to walk him through it, I asked him to install AnyDesk on his system (using the same steps I’m sharing with you), and within minutes, I was able to access his machine and fix the issue remotely. The best part? No long explanations or frustrations. Just smooth, remote troubleshooting from the comfort of my own home.
Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls
While the installation process is usually smooth, there are a few hiccups that you might run into. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:
- Dependency Errors: Sometimes, you might get an error about missing dependencies while installing AnyDesk. If this happens, simply run
sudo apt --fix-broken installto resolve the issue. - Firewall Issues: If you can’t connect to a remote machine, your firewall might be blocking AnyDesk. Make sure to allow the necessary ports (usually TCP 6568) for AnyDesk to work.
- Connection Speed: A stable internet connection is key to a smooth AnyDesk session. If your connection is slow, you might experience lag. Make sure both devices are connected to reliable networks.
Table: Key Commands for Managing AnyDesk
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
anydesk | Launches AnyDesk |
sudo dpkg -i anydesk_*.deb | Installs AnyDesk from a .deb file |
sudo apt --fix-broken install | Fixes any broken dependencies after installation |
sudo apt remove anydesk | Uninstalls AnyDesk from your system |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is AnyDesk free to use on Ubuntu?
Yes, AnyDesk is free for personal use on Ubuntu and other platforms. If you need more advanced features for business, you can opt for a paid plan.
2. Can I use AnyDesk to connect between Ubuntu and Windows?
Absolutely. AnyDesk supports cross-platform connections, so you can easily control a Windows machine from Ubuntu or vice versa.
3. How do I uninstall AnyDesk from my system?
To uninstall AnyDesk, just run the following command in your terminal: sudo apt remove anydesk
4. What should I do if AnyDesk isn’t connecting?
First, check your internet connection and firewall settings. AnyDesk requires that the appropriate ports be open for remote access.
5. Is AnyDesk secure?
Yes, AnyDesk uses strong encryption protocols like TLS 1.2 to ensure secure connections. Just make sure to only connect to trusted devices for added safety.
Conclusion: Ready to Take Control of Your Remote Access Needs
And there you have it, Installing AnyDesk on Ubuntu is a quick and simple process, but it’s a powerful tool that can transform how you work or assist others. With a few easy steps, you’re all set to control any system remotely.
If you haven’t already, give AnyDesk a try today and experience the convenience of remote access firsthand. And remember, keeping your system up to date and following security best practices will ensure a smooth and safe experience every time.
For more on managing your Ubuntu system, check out the official Ubuntu documentation.