How to Remote Into a Computer Not on Your Network


Introduction

Remote access allows users to connect to and control a computer from a different location. While it's relatively easy to remote into a computer within the same network, accessing a computer that is outside your local network requires additional setup. This guide will walk you through different methods to securely remote into a computer not on your network.

Step 1: Choose a Remote Access Method

Several remote access tools and protocols can help you connect to an external computer. The most commonly used options include:

  1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – Built to Windows, but requires additional configuration for external access.

  2. Virtual Private Network (VPN) – Securely tunnels into a remote network.

  3. Third-Party Remote Desktop Software – Tools like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Chrome Remote Desktop.

  4. SSH (Secure Shell) and VNC (Virtual Network Computing) – Commonly used for Linux and macOS machines.

Each method has different security implications and setup requirements.

Step 2: Set Up Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) (Windows)

Enable Remote Desktop on the Target Computer

  1. Open Settings on the remote computer.

  2. Navigate to System > Remote Desktop.

  3. Toggle the Enable Remote Desktop switch to ON.

  4. Note down the computer’s public IP address (found at https://whatismyipaddress.com).

Configure Port Forwarding

Since RDP runs on port 3389 by default, you need to configure your router to allow external access:

  1. Log into the router's admin panel.

  2. Locate Port Forwarding settings.

  3. Forward port 3389 to the internal IP of the remote computer.

  4. Save changes and restart the router.

Connect to the Remote Computer

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) on your local computer.

  2. Enter the public IP address of the remote computer.

  3. Enter the username and password.

  4. Click Connect.

For better security, consider changing the RDP port or using a VPN.

Step 3: Use a VPN for Secure Access

A VPN creates a secure tunnel to the remote network, allowing you to access the computer as if it were on your local network.

Set Up a VPN Server

  1. Choose a VPN provider or set up a self-hosted VPN like OpenVPN or WireGuard.

  2. Install and configure the VPN server on the remote network.

  3. Enable client connections and generate VPN credentials.

Connect to the VPN

  1. Install the VPN client on your local computer.

  2. Enter the server details and authentication credentials.

  3. Connect to the VPN and use RDP or other tools to access the remote computer.

VPNs provide added encryption, reducing the risk of cyber threats.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Remote Desktop Software

TeamViewer

  1. Download and install TeamViewer on both computers.

  2. Create an account and sign in.

  3. Note the Partner ID and password from the remote computer.

  4. Enter the ID in TeamViewer on your local computer and click Connect.

AnyDesk

  1. Install AnyDesk on both computers.

  2. Note the AnyDesk address of the remote computer.

  3. Enter the address on your local machine and request access.

  4. Accept the request on the remote computer.

Chrome Remote Desktop

  1. Install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension in Google Chrome.

  2. Enable remote access on the target computer.

  3. Generate a PIN and use it to connect from another device.

These tools are user-friendly and often include security features like two-factor authentication.

Step 5: Use SSH and VNC for Linux and macOS

Enable SSH Access (Linux/macOS)

  1. Open the terminal on the remote machine and run:

    sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

  2. Find the external IP address of the remote machine using:

    curl ifconfig.me

  3. Use port forwarding on the router to allow SSH traffic (port 22).

Connect via SSH

  1. Open a terminal on your local machine.

  2. Use the following command:

    ssh username@remote-ip

  3. Enter the password and gain remote access.

Use VNC for GUI Access

  1. Install a VNC server like TigerVNC on the remote machine.

  2. Configure port forwarding for VNC (default: 5900).

  3. Use a VNC client (e.g., RealVNC) to connect using the remote IP address.

Step 6: Enhance Security

Since remote access can be a security risk, follow these best practices:

  • Use Strong Passwords: Ensure strong authentication credentials.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If using third-party software, enable 2FA.

  • Change Default Ports: Modify default ports (e.g., RDP from 3389 to a random high port).

  • Restrict IP Access: Limit remote access to specific IP addresses.

  • Use Firewall Rules: Allow only trusted connections to remote access services.

  • Monitor Access Logs: Regularly check logs for unauthorized access attempts.

Conclusion

Remotely accessing a computer outside your network requires careful planning and security considerations. Whether you use RDP, VPNs, third-party tools, SSH, or VNC, each method has its benefits and challenges. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a secure and efficient remote connection to a computer not on your network while maintaining security best practices.

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