HopToDesk: Lightweight Remote Desktop With Privacy Built In
HopToDesk is a free, peer-to-peer remote desktop tool that emphasizes simplicity and user privacy. It doesn’t require port forwarding, account registration, or a central server in the traditional sense — connections are brokered securely, and video/audio streams go directly between peers.
While it’s not aiming to replace enterprise RDP solutions, it provides a simple alternative to TeamViewer or AnyDesk for individuals and small teams who need quick access across systems without handing over control to a proprietary backend.
Where It Works Well
| Feature | Benefit |
| Peer-to-peer connections | Remote sessions stay between endpoints — no relaying through vendor infrastructure |
| No installation required | Portable binaries for Windows, macOS, and Linux |
| Unattended access | Set a persistent ID and PIN for repeat sessions |
| Open-source | Inspect, modify, or self-host parts of the stack |
| Cross-platform | Works seamlessly across major desktop OSes |
Used In
Remote desktop support in privacy-conscious environments
Connecting to home systems from work (or vice versa)
Technical troubleshooting for family or clients
Bypass of restrictive firewalls without complex VPN setup
HopToDesk isn’t built for large deployments or integration into AD — but for quick, secure remote access with minimal configuration, it’s surprisingly capable and refreshingly transparent.