With the rise of teleworking, AnyDesk offers users the option to access computers remotely when physical access to their devices is not possible. However, hackers often use AnyDesk in scams, so it’s important to understand the program’s permission settings before using it.
Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do. Continue reading to learn the difference between unattended access and full access in AnyDesk.
Unattended access to AnyDesk
When connecting to a remote device, it is often necessary for someone to be physically present at the device to approve the request. This is where unattended access comes into play. A profile can be set up in AnyDesk with a password that provides access without logging into the remote device. This means that a user can access a device in another location, even when it is “unattended.”
Full access to AnyDesk
Full access allows anyone who knows your username and password to do anything on your computer, including administrative-level changes. It is essential to be overly cautious with these permission settings. Full access is often used in scams because it allows someone to gain remote access to everything: personal data, program files, and even stored passwords.
In most cases, this level of authorization is not necessary for routine tasks. It is recommended that you use the lowest level of permissions required for the sake of security. Remember that a user with full access can change your password and lock you out of your own device.
Uses of AnyDesk Unattended Access
Remote IT support is the most common use of unattended access. Not everyone has the benefit of having an IT person at their workplace or near their home. Most IT staff work remotely and must be contacted by phone. Without being physically present on the device, an IT specialist can work through AnyDesk Unattended Access to troubleshoot security, settings, permissions, etc.
Managing devices in multiple locations is another use of unattended access. Whether maintaining numerous outdoor devices or offices across the country, remote access to them saves the user from having to travel to each of them inpidually.
People whose jobs involve a lot of travel can also take advantage of this benefit by accessing their home or office desks when they are away. Occasionally, something you need on your laptop is stored somewhere in your home and it’s helpful to be able to access it without having to ask someone to log in to your home computer.
Uses of AnyDesk Full Access
The main reason full access is necessary is if a coworker, usually an IT specialist, needs full authority over your computer. This should only be given to someone who is employed by the same company as the computer owner and has verified credentials, or to someone you know personally.
Of course, sometimes you need to give yourself full access to be able to log in on multiple devices of your own. Just be sure to keep a strong password and don’t give your login information to anyone.
Full access is useful in situations where you need to help a person who has limited knowledge of computer technology. This can be particularly helpful in assisting elderly family members or family members with other disabilities with their remote computer technology needs.
How to enable AnyDesk unattended access
Once you decide which permission level is right for you, it’s time to configure it. However, unattended access is not enabled by default in AnyDesk. If you want to set it up, follow the steps below.
If you are using a non-Windows computer or a version of AnyDesk earlier than 7:
- Open the “Settings” menu and select “Security.”
- Choose “Unattended Access.”
- After enabling it, you will be asked to set a password.
If you are using AnyDesk 7 or newer on Windows:
- Open “Settings” and choose “Security.”
- Go to “Permissions.”
- Select “Permission Profile.”
- Enable “Unattended Access” and follow the instructions to set a password.
Use this menu to select authorization for each profile. Once set up, remote connections to AnyDesk will have whatever permissions you are comfortable with and nothing more.
How to enable full access to AnyDesk
There is no need to enable full access if the default settings are still in effect. Those who connect remotely with the correct username and password automatically receive full access until permissions are changed.
If you need to reset a profile to full permissions, you can do so through the profile permissions.
- Open the “Settings” menu.
- Under “Security,” choose “Permissions.”
- Select “Permission Profile” and modify the permissions in each applicable profile.
The default value is set assuming that you will be the only person remotely connecting to your devices. Remember to edit the access level when you start allowing others to connect through the AnyDesk client.
Permission profile
AnyDesk allows you to set up multiple profiles so that people can have different levels of permissions through AnyDesk. Each profile can be customized, but there are four popular profile settings that are useful to know.
- Standard. The standard configuration allows AnyDesk users connecting to your AnyDesk client to have all but two permissions. They cannot create TCP tunnels or enable privacy mode.
- Share screen. This is available if you just need to show someone your screen without allowing them to edit anything. Users who log in can see your device and monitor it, but that’s where permissions end.
- Full access. As mentioned above, this gives full control over your device to anyone who connects. It is strongly recommended that you use it yourself only with remote devices.
- Unattended access. With the use of a password, this allows those who connect to have the level of control that you have previously configured in the Unattended Access area of the client settings.
Examples of default permissions
Sometimes a profile will start with standard permissions. But in most cases, Full Access permissions are used by default and include the following capabilities:
- Listen to the computer’s sound output and view the computer screen.
- Control mouse, keyboard, clipboard, whiteboard app, etc.
- Lock devices like keyboard and mouse
- Restart the computer
- Browse the file tree and create/edit/delete files
- View system information and saved passwords
- Create TCP tunnels
- Enable privacy mode
- Lock the computer
It’s clear why understanding permissions is so important. Keep security in mind to prevent an intruder from taking over your device with full access granted to wreak havoc on your privacy.
Using AnyDesk Unattended Access and Full Access
With a complete understanding of AnyDesk permissions, both Unattended Access and Full Access can be critical tools for working remotely or obtaining remote IT support. You will never again be locked out of an important computer function just because you are not sitting at your desk. Set up your AnyDesk profiles and on your next business trip you’ll have easy access to all your devices.
