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AnywhereTS vs. Alternatives: The Best Free Remote Desktop Tools

Managing a network of thin clients or old computers can quickly become an IT nightmare. For years, AnywhereTS was a go-to software utility for administrators looking to repurpose aging PCs into efficient, server-based thin clients. By configuration of a simple boot environment, it allowed outdated hardware to connect seamlessly to Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Terminal Services.

However, technology has evolved, and AnywhereTS is no longer the only—or the most modern—solution on the block. Whether you are looking to replace an old AnywhereTS deployment or looking for a free remote desktop tool for standard remote support and access, several powerful alternatives exist today. Understanding AnywhereTS: What It Did Best

AnywhereTS was unique because it was not just a remote control application like TeamViewer. Instead, it was a thin client creation tool.

Thin Client Deployment: It converted old PCs into thin clients that booted directly into a Windows Terminal Server.

Centralized Management: Administrators could manage dozens of workstations from a single, centralized configuration file.

Resource Efficiency: It breathed new life into old hardware, saving businesses thousands in hardware upgrade costs.

While highly effective in the era of Windows Server 2003 and 2008, AnywhereTS lacks modern security protocols, active development, and compatibility with contemporary operating systems. Top Free Alternatives to AnywhereTS 1. Thinstation (The Closest Direct Replacement)

If you specifically used AnywhereTS to convert old hardware into thin clients, Thinstation is your best open-source bet. It is a light, fast, open-source Linux operating system that boots directly from the network (PXE), USB, or local hard drive to connect to a remote server.

Protocols Supported: Citrix ICA, Microsoft RDP, VMware View, NoMachine, and VNC.

Best For: Mass deployment of thin clients using completely free, open-source software.

Advantage over AnywhereTS: Active community support and compatibility with modern network hardware. 2. RustDesk (The Best Open-Source Remote Access)

If your goal is remote desktop access and support rather than thin client booting, RustDesk is the modern gold standard for open-source software. It serves as a self-hosted alternative to proprietary tools.

Full Control: You can use their public dev servers or easily set up your own self-hosted server for maximum privacy and speed.

Cross-Platform: Works flawlessly across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Security: Features end-to-end encryption to keep connections secure. 3. Chrome Remote Desktop (The Simplest No-Fuss Tool)

For quick, browser-based remote access without a complex setup, Google’s free offering is incredibly reliable.

Easy Access: Attaches to a Google account, allowing you to access your home or office computer from any device running a Chrome browser.

Zero Cost: Completely free for both personal and commercial use without annoying timeouts.

Limitations: Lacks advanced IT deployment tools, making it poor for mass thin-client management. 4. DWService (The Best Web-Based IT Management)

DWService is a lesser-known but incredibly powerful free, open-source tool that allows you to access remote systems directly through a web browser.

No Client Software Needed: The controller only needs a web browser to monitor and control remote nodes.

Built-in Tools: Includes a text editor, log viewer, and file manager right in the browser interface.

Resource Friendly: Like AnywhereTS, it runs smoothly on older, resource-constrained endpoint devices. Feature Comparison: At a Glance AnywhereTS Thinstation Chrome Remote Desktop Primary Use Thin Client Booting Thin Client Booting Remote Support / Access Casual Remote Access Cost Free (Discontinued) Free & Open Source Free & Open Source Self-Hosting Active Updates Ease of Setup The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

The best alternative depends entirely on your specific network goals:

Choose Thinstation if you want to duplicate the exact functionality of AnywhereTS by turning a graveyard of old office PCs into a slick, network-booted thin client fleet.

Choose RustDesk if you are looking for a secure, modern, self-hosted tool to remotely connect to and support various workstations across your organization.

Choose Chrome Remote Desktop or DWService if you simply need immediate, hassle-free remote access to a few specific machines without configuring complex server environments. To help tailor this comparison, could you share:

Are you looking to repurpose old hardware via network booting, or do you just need desktop-to-desktop remote control?

What operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS) are running on your host and client machines?