How To use VNC

Setting up direct connections

If you have an Enterprise subscription, you can establish direct connections to computers you want to control. This is in addition to, or instead of, cloud connections.

If you have a Home or Professional subscription, only cloud connectivity is available. No connection set up is required; you do not need to follow the instructions on this page. See how to get connected.

To establish a direct connection, you’ll likely need to configure the network environment of the remote computer, particularly when routing over the Internet. Follow the appropriate infographic below.

Establishing a direct connection over a local network (LAN or VPN)

You will need:

1. A computer to control:
   
2. A device to control from:
   
3. Both devices connected to the same local network:
   

Now do this:

1. 
   Download VNC Connect to the computer you want to control and choose an Enterprise subscription.
   
2. 
   Use VNC Server to look up the private (internal) IP address of the computer.
   
3. Download VNC Viewer to the device you want to control from.
   
4. Enter the private IP address in VNC Viewer to establish a direct connection.
   
5. Enter the user name and password you typically use to log on to the VNC Server computer.
   

Establishing a direct connection over the Internet

You will need, in addition to the above:

1. Both devices connected to the Internet:
   
2. Make and model of your router:
   

Now do this:

1. Configure the VNC Server computer’s firewall to add an exception for VNC.
   
2. Configure the VNC Server computer’s router to forward port 5900.
   
3. Look up the VNC Server computer’s public (external) IP address.
   
4. Enter the public IP address in VNC Viewer to establish a direct connection.
   
5. Enter the user name and password you typically use to log on to the VNC Server computer.