Free Remote Desktop for Linux

Linux remote desktop capabilities of HelpWire

Compatible Linux systems

HelpWire is compatible with a number of Linux-based systems, such as Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 11+, CentOS 9, RHEL 9, or Fedora 39+.

Wayland support for Linux

Connect to Linux devices running Wayland or X11 sessions and support modern Linux distributions such as Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora, and others, where Wayland is the default. Login screen access is unavailable on Wayland due to operating system security restrictions.

Link-based session start

Use uniquely generated links to establish quick connections to client workstations. There is no need to exchange passwords, tokens, or IDs each time.

Control multiple workstations

HelpWire enables you to provide remote support to your clients simultaneously on multiple remote workstations, using one link on all computers.

Secure file transfer

Drag files into the session window or use the clipboard to copy them between systems.

Multi-monitor support

View and manage multiple remote computer screens simultaneously with HelpWire.

In-session chat

Provide proactive assistance, resolve customer queries faster with accuracy, and increase customer satisfaction using HelpWire Chat that enables efficient on-demand remote support on Linux.

Client management

HelpWire offers a suite of valuable tools, such as detailed client lists, session history, etc. You can also organize a client’s data, like multiple devices and workstations under a single profile.

Team management

Add or remove support team members, any time, to manage your team effectively and adapt to your team’s requirements.

Secure Linux Remote Access

HelpWire protects your business and customer data and IT environment by implementing enterprise-grade security measures and tools. Whether you use macOS, Windows or Linux workstations, your data is in safe hands so you can provide uninterrupted, high-quality customer support and experiences.

Authentication solutions

To safeguard login credentials and authorize user access, HelpWire leverages a trusted single sign-on (SSO) solution for your web applications. This protects you from unauthorized access, possible data breaches, and cyberattacks.

Encrypted connections

HelpWire implements end-to-end TLS and AES-256 encryption to protect data and files transferred between your device and the client. It offers robust data privacy and security while avoiding attacks and data compliance issues.

Secure data centers

HelpWire’s cloud infrastructure is built on top of AWS and is safe with its data security and privacy measures.

Firewall-friendly connectivity

HelpWire uses standard ports and protocols, allowing you to set up remote connections without additional firewall port forwarding or extra configurations, while maintaining optimal network security.

HelpWire for Linux IT professionals, sysadmins, and support teams

System administrators

Linux sysadmins can use HelpWire to connect to Windows or Mac machines for cross-platform troubleshooting – and manage Linux-to-Linux sessions – without configuring VNC or RDP on each machine.
Learn more

Help & service desks

Help desk teams supporting Linux clients can connect directly from a Linux operator machine, with no Windows intermediary needed. Send a link, get access, resolve the issue.
Learn more

Freelance IT experts

Freelance technicians on Linux can support clients running Windows, Mac, or other Linux systems from the same operator app, no separate tool per platform needed.
Learn more

How to use HelpWire for remote desktop connection on Linux

1. Log in to an existing account or register as a new user.

Use the “Log in” button in the upper right to enter your HelpWire credentials. You can create a new account using an email address or your Google profile.

2. Choose an existing client or create a new one.

Select a previously created client from the Clients list. You can also create a new client using the button on the main toolbar.

3. Share the connection link with the client.

Locate the Client app link in the upper toolbar of the client profile. Share the link with the client using a secure communication method like email or instant message.

Send a connection link to access multiple monitors

4. Acquire access permission from the remote client.

Press the “Request Access” button after the client installs and launches the HelpWire Client app, and wait for approval from the client.

5. Use the Linux remote desktop to connect to the remote client.

Establish a connection with the remote client by pressing the “Connect” button in the selected client profile tab.

How to connect to the remote client with multiple monitors

6. Terminate the remote control session when done.

Use one of these methods to end the session:

Close the HelpWire Operator app on your machine.
Close the HelpWire Client app on the remote client.
Press the red button in the HelpWire Operator toolbar.

HelpWire or Remmina? Comparing two leading remote desktop solutions for Linux

Remmina comes pre-installed on Ubuntu and is widely used by Linux users for VNC and RDP connections. Here’s how it compares to HelpWire:

	Feature	HelpWire	Remmina
1	Cross-platform support	Windows, macOS, and Linux	Only Linux Operators supporting Windows clients
2	Price	Free plan available	Free
3	Open-source
4	File transfer	Drag-n-drop or copy-paste	Sharing access to a remote folder and other workarounds, different from copy-pasting or dragging-and-dropping
5	Client management
6	Shared clipboard

Try HelpWire, free remote desktop client for Linux

Connect from Linux to Windows or Mac in seconds – no protocol configuration required, a free plan in place.

Join now – full access

What our users say

4.6 Based on 209 customers' reviews

Version

2.2, 4 Feb, 2026

Compatibility

macOS, Windows, Linux

Price

Free

Public reviews from the IT teams and technicians using HelpWire.

Thea M.

Office admin

G2 Review

I got a gatvol of teamviewer and its issues and moved over to HelpWire and I'm blown away. Fast, effective and doesn't drain my computer's resources. It works really well props to the devs.

Molly

Production worker

Product Hunt Review

My experience with HelpWire has been fantastic! The remote control process is incredibly smooth.

Daniel Domingues

Founder, Lusha

G2 Review

I appreciate HelpWire for its ease of use and comprehensive remote support tools all in one place.

Rabeea Sarfraz

Associate Software Engineer, Coeus Solutions GmbH

G2 Review

HelpWire streamlines the remote support, allowing me to manage multiple clients efficiently, which improved overall service quality and client satisfaction.

Mark V.

Remote Technical Support

G2 Review

The fact that I can easily segregate my clients and have a full history of my connection to them is amazing. I like the fact that I can send a link to them and then talk them through what to do when they receive it (many are elderly and techo-illiterate). The emails and link are professional and give them reassurance. I like unattended access for those clients that need that extra layer of help. Love this app.

Kyle Paterson

CEO, Enspire

G2 Review

The swift setup process and zero- configuration requirement for starting remote support sessions are what I appreciate most about HelpWire. It's remarkable how quickly I can connect with clients and start troubleshooting without any hassle.

Yaroslav H.

Owner

G2 Review

Very good and free alternative to TV. Easy to use and nice concept. No annoying disconnections and forcing to buy premiumbussiness subscription or smth like that.

Muhammad Ammar Z.

Senior Lecturer at Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences

G2 Review

As a long-time TeamViewer user for personal projects and helping family, I grew increasingly frustrated with its frequent disconnections and persistent "commercial use" warnings. I decided to search for an alternative and found Helpwire. I am incredibly impressed. Helpwire provides a stable, reliable connection without any of the interruptions I faced before. The setup is simple, and it just works.

Jonathan B.

IT Director

Capterra Review

Its a great tool for remote support. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of its commercial rivals, but ask yourself how often do you need that stuff ? If you want to help someone out on a PC issue, or connect to a server for some admin this is perfect.

Nilay N.

Senior Education Management, Self-employed

Capterra Review

HelpWire software has been an invaluable asset for streamlining our customer support processes.

Darko V.

SEO specialist

Capterra Review

Probably the best free remote access app. I like seamless remote desktop experience and copy/paste functionality, reliability, and the fact it is free to use.

Samit B.

Senior Communication Executive, Dairy

Capterra Review

The experience is fantastic with a very smooth remote session experience. The optimised performance and smart connectivity feature ensures a seamless remote session with zero-lag.

Ben T

Admin Assistant

Capterra Review

It was handy for the odd occasion that someone needs a hand with their computer while I am not nearby. It was very reliable and able to see the other's screen to provide directions.

Jean K.

Engineer

Capterra Review

Absolutely Brilliant. Having worked on a whole bunch of other remote support software, from solarwinds dameware to anydesk and teamviewer, vnc viewer and the like, I have never had the joy I am having with Helpwire.

Govind P.

Content Writer, Marketing and Advertising

Capterra Review

I've never been more satisfied with the service quality of a remote desktop application in my entire freelancing career. Considering the fact that it's a free remote desktop support solution, HelpWire is really worth a shot!

Richard O.

SoftwareReviews Review

The interface is straightforward, so I can quickly connect to clients' devices and start troubleshooting without jumping through hoops. Plus, the performance is rock solid-no lag or sudden disconnections, which is crucial when I'm in the middle of solving a client's issue.

Adyrosan B.

Business Leader or Manager

SoftwareReviews Review

I appreciate Helpwire for its user-friendly interface and efficient problem-solving capabilities. It's designed to streamline the troubleshooting process, making it easier for people to find solutions to their technical issues quickly.

Anna K.

Sales Marketing

SoftwareReviews Review

HelpWire really stands out for me because it's free and works seamlessly on both Mac and PC. I love how easy it is to get started. Basically, I can send a dedicated link to my colleague or client to initiate a remote session right away. The software is super fast and easy to use.

EJ S.

Business Leader or Manager

SoftwareReviews Review

The Operator Dashboard is easy to use and you can start up a support session in seconds. The fact that it keeps the chat with the customer as well as logs of connections is a nice touch.

DaveRoj

AlternativeTo Review

For nearly ten years I relied on another tool that recently became unusable, and HelpWire has stepped in as the perfect replacement.

Stefan

AlternativeTo Review

How could I not like HelpWire! It ticks all the boxes for a great remote desktop/support service, and best of all, it's free. Real good, and worth more than a try.

Martin Lentz

Email Review

Your software worked just as well as Teamviewer. One thing works better and that is on the client side where they simply just have to grant me access. They don't have to provide me a one use password in order for me to connect.

Luca Albanese

Email Review

Simplicity of use, in particular on the client side that simply require to click on a link and give the required permissions. But the best feature, IMHO, is the ability to share the clients with other team members... and all of this for free! THANK YOU for this amazing app!!

Wilkin Miguel Julio Mercado

Email Review

It's easy to use and I didn't expect there to be a software as good as this one.

Michael Guggenbichler

Email Review

Absolutely Amazing Product for attended Access for individual operators or small teams! And you do not even have to pay!! There are so much remote access solutions, you have to pay tons of money and don't even provide the bare minimum. HelpWire Team, you're doing great! Looking forward to what you will bring in the future.