TeamViewer is the critically acclaimed remote control software that you can use to control any computer (anywhere) as if you were sitting right in front of it – even through firewalls. It is engineered to work across your internet connection to allow you to remote into another PC that is connected to the internet. This type of setup is an excellent (and easy) way to provide support to others (such as friends and family). The best part about TeamViewer is that it is FREE for non-commercial use.
Typically, when working with TeamViewer you are working through the TeamViewer’s servers on the internet to make that remote connection happen; BUT, did you know you can setup TeamViewer to manage your computer network at home (through a direct connection) without having to go through the TeamViewer’s servers? For this purpose, you have to configure TeamViewer to accept incoming LAN connections.
The benefit of this is that after you install the TeamViewer software on all of the computers on your home network, you can remote into each of those computers to perform maintenance, transfer files, multi-task by using more than one computer, etc… Recently I have been using and testing the TeamViewer direct connection on my home network over a wireless connection and have found that it works flawlessly. Connections on your local (home) network are initiated via the IP address (or the computer name).
To set this up, you will need to install TeamViewer on each of the computers that are on your network at home and then follow the instructions below. After setting up your connection, configure TeamViewer to start with Windows. This will allow you to perform an unattended remote session with another PC without having someone being present at the PC.
1. Click on Extras / Options / General.
2. For Incoming LAN connections, select the option accept from the drop-down menu. Once you select the “accept” option you will be prompted to generate a password. There may be a slight delay from the time you select “accept” and the prompt to generate a password appears.
How to establish a LAN connection:
1. Start TeamViewer and click on the Remote Control tab.
2. Enter the IP address of the PC you wish to access and click on Connect to Partner.
3. The TeamViewer Authentication dialog opens.
4. Enter the password of the remote computer and click on Log On.
5. The desktop of the other computer should display.
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Hello,
thanks for this great post about using TeamViewer in your home network. We really appreciate it!
If you have any further questions please let me know.
Regards
Inga, TeamViewer
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Inga,
It was my pleasure. TeamViewer is the best!
Thank you,
Rick
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Hi all,
I have a few cctv cameras connected to my desktop pc and monitor them over the Lan using (the brilliant) TV7 on my laptop when around the house. If I leave my laptop connected over Lan – is it possible to connect remotely with my Android phone simultaneously? I.e from the airport?
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what if your computer is on but u close the computer but not from a portable device can u still use the teamviewer or does the computer have to be on the whole time so that you can still use it
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Allen,
The computer does have to be on in order to use TeamViewer…
Rick
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quick question for ya. i saw that youve reviewed both the teamviewer and airdroid and ive yet to find anyone who has tried to use the two in conjunction to view a third device. can you use.teamviewer to access your computer then remotely control a tablet through that connection? or does the password protection setup prevent that sort.of use?
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Matt,
I just checked the TeamViewer site and it appears that you cannot remotely control a tablet PC; however, I did find some info to indicate that this is being worked on.
Rick
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So… Only through a plan connection? Cannot remote access my PC via direct (ad hoc) wireless?
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I’ve never gotten this to work. I have a Win7 laptop, a wireless router, and a Nexus 7. Once I connect to my router from both devices, I launch teamviewer server on the laptop. It never displays the “Your ID” and Password” fields – and in the bottom left it says ‘not connected’ or something like that.
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James,
Since you are using the Nexus, here are two other options I recommend over TeamViewer:
For remote sessions, especially using an android device, I highly recommend Splashtop
Wirelessly Manage and Control Your Android Devices With AirDroid
Rick
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Per their instructions, Splashtop requires an active Internet connection for both devices the first time you log in. Afterwards it is supposed to be able to connect to a “closed” network (no Internet), but mine did not – I think in part because I use incognito browsing and CCleaner, so perhaps a cookie or something is being erased/not saved.
Since both products didn’t connect, I need to look at my setup a bit closer, and firewall, antivirus, etc.
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Hi
i just want to know the technology used for coding teamviewer .
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Hi, question. Do computers have to be on in order to access them from another computer?
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Zuce,
Yes they have to be “on”… It is excellent software.
Rick
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OK I understand I can get my laptop and desktop to work from within the home. Great info above. But lets say I leave home and desktop is on, Can I access my desktop computer thru teamviewer from my laptop using wifi at a cafe.?
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Rhonda,
To help you: http://www.teamviewer.com/en/help/firststeps.aspx
Yes, TeamViewer is actually designed for remote access outside the home.
Rick
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Ammyy Admin is quite useful if you are looking for a remote control program very easy to use and do not give you any annoyance to the configuration of ports, firewalls and more.
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Thanks Eugune… I will have to check this out and sharing this with us.
Be sure to drop by often…
Rick
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Can some one using Teamviewer look at my history or incognito windows or better yet look at previous session on computer
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Yeah, TeamViewer is pretty decent (and easy to use), but I’ve actually found another solution that I like even more… I currently use RHUB for all my online collaboration — including remote access and support — because all the functions I need are bundled into the same device, and it’s only a one-time cost.
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In this way (local network), the connection between the computer and the mobile is through router or just a USB cable? Thanks for your advice.
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Which version of the TeamViewer are you talking about??????? There are so many of them!!!!
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Bula,
It is the Windows version of TeamVeiwer that I had used to do this (back in 2011 when I wrote the article). You can get the Windows Version HERE
TeamViewer is solid software. Thanks for dropping by.
Rick
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I had been using teamviewer to access my remote computer via static ip for quite some time. now I happend to reinstall the teamviewer in the remote computer (win 2003, teamviewer 10) where is no change in any of the versions. After the reinstallation, i could access the remote computer only through the Teamviewer ID rather than with static ip. I get error as ” Connection could not be established. Parter could not be contacted at the given network address”. Can somebody help on this regard?
Thanks
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