HopToDesk is a free and open-source remote desktop solution. It allows users to securely share their screen. Users can provide remote assistance. It also enables file transfers across multiple operating systems. It is designed to be a fast, reliable alternative to commercial remote desktop tools, offering true end-to-end encryption for all peer communications. The software is free for both personal and business use, removing common licensing barriers.
In This Article
Quick Start & Pro Tips
Configuring Unattended Access with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Launch HopToDesk and navigate to the main window.
- Go to the Settings tab and select Security.
- Under Unattended Access, set a strong, unique password.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and follow the on-screen prompts to link your authenticator app.
- For maximum security, ensure the Permission level is set to Full Control or a custom profile that restricts sensitive actions.
Why: Enabling 2FA for Unattended Access is critical for securing remote servers and workstations. This multi-layer approach prevents unauthorized access even if the primary password is compromised, leveraging cryptographic security principles.
Optimizing Connection Quality and Bitrate for Remote Sessions
- Before initiating a session, click the Settings icon (gear) on the main window.
- Navigate to Display or Performance settings.
- Adjust the Quality slider or select a specific Bitrate (e.g., 10 Mbps) based on your network bandwidth.
- For low-bandwidth connections, set the Color Format to a lower depth (e.g., 16-bit) to reduce data transmission per keyframe.
- During a session, use the in-session menu to temporarily disable Wallpaper and Visual Effects to prioritize screen refresh rate.
Why: Manually controlling the bitrate and color depth is essential for maintaining a low-latency, responsive remote control session. Lowering the bitrate is a key technique for providing stable remote support over poor network connections, ensuring the user experience remains fluid.
Establishing a Direct IP or SOCKS5 Proxy Connection
- On the main HopToDesk window, locate the Connect field.
- To use Direct IP, enter the remote machine’s public or private IP address instead of the HopToDesk ID.
- To configure a SOCKS5 proxy, go to File > Settings > Network.
- Enter the Proxy Server Address and Port for your SOCKS5 proxy.
- Ensure the IP Whitelisting feature is configured on the remote machine to only accept connections from your specified IP range for enhanced security.
Why: Utilizing Direct IP or a SOCKS5 proxy bypasses the public relay server, which can significantly reduce latency and improve connection speed for users on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a Local Area Network (LAN). This is an expert-level configuration for IT professionals managing internal networks.
Technical Specifications
| Software Name | HopToDesk |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.45.5 |
| License | Free |
| File Size | 7.1 MB |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi |
| Language | Multi-language (includes Finnish translation) |
| Developer | Begonia Holdings LLC |
| Homepage | https://hoptodesk.com |
| Changelogurl | https://hoptodesk.com/changelog |
| Last Updated | January 10, 2026 |
What Sets It Apart
- True End-to-End Encryption (E2E): All traffic, including screen sharing, live chat, and file transfer, is protected with E2E encryption, ensuring that HopToDesk cannot view any shared information.
- Unattended Access and Wake-On-LAN (WOL): Allows for secure access to remote devices without user intervention for maintenance or updates, and supports Wake-On-LAN to power on a sleeping device remotely.
- Advanced Networking Options: Supports direct IP access, IP whitelisting, and SOCKS5 proxy connections for users requiring specific network configurations or enhanced security layers.
- Cross-Platform Remote Control: Provides seamless remote desktop access and control across a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhances security for remote sessions and unattended access by requiring a second verification factor.
- File Transfer and Clipboard Syncing: Enables secure two-way file transfer between local and remote devices and synchronizes the clipboard for easy copy-pasting of text and data.
New in This Version in Version 1.45.5
- Connection stability improvements
- Finnish translation added
For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.
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