RustDesk

by RustDesk · Cloud sync & remote access

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

Open-source remote desktop you can self-host.

Official download from rustdesk.com (opens in a new tab)

Opens rustdesk.com, RustDesk's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is RustDesk?

RustDesk is an open-source alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. It works with public relay servers or your own self-hosted server.

Key features

  • Open source
  • Self-hostable relay server
  • File transfer
  • End-to-end encryption

Good to know: As with any remote-access app, only accept connections you started yourself.

Best for

  • Self-hosters
  • Small IT teams
  • Privacy-conscious remote support

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install RustDesk

  1. 1Open the official RustDesk download page on rustdesk.com.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask rustdesk

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub com.rustdesk.RustDesk

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download RustDesk safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on rustdesk.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

RustDesk alternatives

Other cloud sync & remote access apps, closest platform match first.

All cloud & remote

FAQ

RustDesk questions

Where can I download RustDesk safely?

Download RustDesk only from RustDesk's official site at rustdesk.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is RustDesk free?

Yes. RustDesk is open-source software and free to use.

Does RustDesk work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

RustDesk is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check RustDesk's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install RustDesk from the command line?

Yes, with Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask rustdesk); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub com.rustdesk.RustDesk). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to RustDesk?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full cloud sync & remote access list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.