TeamViewer

TeamViewer is remote access and remote support software for help desks, IT departments, MSPs and home users who need to reach computers and mobile devices across the internet without VPNs or port forwarding. A TeamViewer download gives you the full client for controlling other devices, while lighter modules (QuickSupport for one-off help, Host for unattended machines) cover the other end.

It is shareware (conditionally free): personal, non-commercial use is free, and any business use needs a paid licence. The current product is branded TeamViewer Remote, with the older classic interface still available as an option on Windows.

TeamViewer at a glance

What it does

• Connects by TeamViewer ID and password or session code, through TeamViewer’s routing network, so neither side needs inbound firewall rules.
• Attended support via the QuickSupport module: the user runs it, reads out the ID, and nothing is installed permanently.
• Unattended access via the Host module and device assignment to your TeamViewer account (Easy Access), so no password has to be shared.
• File transfer, clipboard sync, multi-monitor switching and remote reboot with automatic reconnection.
• Remote control and screen sharing for Android devices, and screen sharing from iOS devices.
• Mass deployment of customised Host or Full clients through MSI parameters on business licences.
• A web client for connecting from a browser when you cannot install software.

How IT teams use it

Support a user who has nothing installed

1. Ask the user to run TeamViewer QuickSupport (or the full client without installing).
2. They read out their ID and password, or you send them a session code from your account.
3. Connect from your client, fix the problem, and close the session; the user’s QuickSupport window closes with it.

Deploy the Host module to company PCs

1. In the management console create a custom Host module and copy its configuration ID and assignment ID.
2. Push the MSI silently with your deployment tool:

start /wait MSIEXEC.EXE /i "TeamViewer_Host.msi" /qn CUSTOMCONFIGID=YOUR_CONFIG_ID ASSIGNMENTID=YOUR_ASSIGNMENT_ID

3. Devices appear in your account and can be reached without a password through Easy Access. Add CLASSICUI=1 if you deploy the full client and want the classic interface.

Open the right firewall rules

1. Allow outbound TCP and UDP 5938, which TeamViewer prefers for speed and reliability.
2. Allow outbound TCP 443 as the fallback; TCP 80 is a last resort that is slower and does not reconnect automatically.
3. No inbound ports are required on either side.

Install and first run

Windows. Install the full client for daily use, or choose “run only” for a single session. Admin rights are needed to install the background service used for unattended access and to see UAC prompts. ARM64 devices have their own MSI.

macOS. After installing, grant Screen Recording and Accessibility (and, when asked, Full Disk Access for file transfer) in System Settings > Privacy & Security. Without them you will see a black screen or be unable to control the Mac.

Linux. DEB and RPM packages are available; install with your package manager, for example sudo apt install ./teamviewer_amd64.deb, so dependencies are resolved. Check that the teamviewerd service is running if the client shows “not ready”.

Mobile. On Android use the Remote Control app to control other devices, QuickSupport to receive help and Host for unattended phones or tablets. The iOS Remote Control app controls computers; an iPhone or iPad can share its screen but cannot be controlled in the same way.

Security. Bulletin TV-2026-1010 (29 September 2026) lists five high-severity vulnerabilities (CVSS 7.0–8.8) in the Full client and Host on Windows, macOS and Linux, fixed in 15.82 and in patched 15.64, 14.7 and 13.2 legacy builds. TeamViewer reports no evidence of exploitation, but you should update now. Enable two-factor authentication on accounts and avoid sharing permanent passwords.

Limitations

• The free licence is only for private use; if TeamViewer suspects commercial use, free sessions can be restricted.
• Business features such as mass deployment, mobile device support, user management and reporting depend on the licence tier.
• All connections are brokered by TeamViewer’s infrastructure; there is no self-hosted server for the standard product.
• Its popularity makes it a favourite tool in tech-support scams; teach users never to run it for an unsolicited caller.
• The client and services are heavier than single-purpose tools such as VNC viewers.

TeamViewer vs alternatives

AnyDesk is the closest rival, with a smaller client and similar personal-use-only free licence. Chrome Remote Desktop is free for any use but lacks file-transfer depth, deployment tools and multi-user management. RustDesk is free and open source and can run on your own server, which suits teams that want to avoid vendor-hosted brokers. For MSP workflows, ScreenConnect offers more technician tooling.

FAQ

Is TeamViewer free?

It is free only for private, non-commercial use. Any work-related use, including helping clients or colleagues, requires a paid licence, so it is shareware (conditionally free).

What are the TeamViewer free version limitations?

The free licence excludes commercial use, and sessions can be limited if commercial use is suspected. Features such as mass deployment, mobile device support and management tools need a business licence.

Is there TeamViewer for Mac?

Yes. Version 15.82.6 is available for macOS. Grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions after installing so the Mac can be viewed and controlled.

What is TeamViewer QuickSupport?

A small module for the person receiving help. It runs without installation, shows an ID and password, and allows incoming connections only, which makes it ideal for one-off support.

What is TeamViewer Host?

A module for unattended computers and devices. It runs as a service, accepts incoming connections around the clock and is usually assigned to a company account rather than protected by a shared password.

TeamViewer vs AnyDesk: which is better?

Both offer ID-based remote control with a personal-use free licence. TeamViewer has broader platform support and more mature deployment tools; AnyDesk has a smaller client. Test both on your own connections before buying.

What is a good TeamViewer alternative?

RustDesk if you want free, open-source and self-hostable; Chrome Remote Desktop for simple free access; AnyDesk or ScreenConnect if you need a commercial product with management features.

Last checked against official sources: 1 October 2026 (developer website: teamviewer.com). Versions and licence terms change — confirm on the developer's site before deploying in production.