AnyDesk Unattended Access vs Full Access

With telecommuting on the rise, AnyDesk gives users the option to access computers remotely when physical access to their devices isn’t possible. However, AnyDesk is often used in scams by hackers, so it’s important to understand the permissions settings in the program before using it.

Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do. Read on to learn the difference between Unattended Access and Full Access in AnyDesk.

AnyDesk Unattended Access

When connecting to a remote device, it’s often necessary for someone to be physically present on the device to approve the request. This is where Unattended Access comes in. A profile can be set up in AnyDesk with a password that gives access without input on the remote device itself. This means that a user can access a device in another location, even while it is “unattended.”

AnyDesk Full Access

Full Access allows anyone who knows your username and password to do anything to your computer, including administrative level changes. It’s crucial to be overly cautious with this permissions setting. Full Access is often used in scams because it allows someone to remotely gain access to everything: personal data, program files, and even stored passwords.

In most cases, this level of authorization isn’t necessary for routine tasks. It’s recommended to use the lowest level of permissions required for the benefit of security. Remember that a user with Full Access can change your password and lock you out of your own device.

Uses for AnyDesk Unattended Access

Remote IT support is the most common use for Unattended Access. Not everyone has the benefit of an IT person on their jobsite or close to their home. Most IT personnel work remotely and must be reached by phone. Without being physically present on the device, an IT specialist can work through AnyDesk Unattended Access to fix security issues, settings, permissions, etc.

Management of devices in multiple locations is another use for Unattended Access. Whether maintaining numerous outdoor devices or offices across the nation, remotely accessing them keeps the user from having to travel to each one individually.

People whose jobs involve a lot of travel can also make use of this perk by accessing their home or office desktops when they’re away. Occasionally, something you need on your laptop is stored somewhere at home, and it’s handy to be able to access it without having to ask someone to log on to your home computer.

Uses for AnyDesk Full Access

The main reason Full Access is necessary is if a co-worker, usually an IT specialist, needs total authority of your computer. This should only be given to someone who is employed by the same company as the computer owner and has proven credentials, or to someone who you know personally.

Of course, sometimes it’s necessary to give full access to yourself so that you can log on to multiple devices of your own. Just be sure to maintain a strong password, and don’t give out your login information to anyone.

Full Access is helpful in situations where you need to assist an individual who has limited understanding of computer technology. This can be particularly useful for helping elderly family members or otherwise impaired family members with their computer tech needs from a distance.

How to Enable AnyDesk Unattended Access

Once you decide which level of permissions is right for you, it’s time to set it up. However, Unattended Access isn’t turned on by default in AnyDesk. If you want to set it up, follow the steps below.

If using a non-Windows computer or a version of AnyDesk that is prior to 7:

1. Open the “Settings” menu and select “Security.”
   
2. Choose “Unattended Access.”
   
3. After enabling it, you will be asked to set up a password.
   

If using AnyDesk 7 or newer on Windows:

1. Open “Settings” and choose “Security.”
   
2. Go to “Permissions.”
   
3. Select “Permission Profile.”
   
4. Enable “Unattended Access” and follow the prompts to set up a password.
   

Use this menu to curate the authorization of each profile. Once it’s set up, remote connections to AnyDesk will have the permissions you’re comfortable with and nothing more.

How to Enable AnyDesk Full Access

It isn’t necessary to enable full access if the default settings are still in place. Those who connect remotely with the correct username and password are automatically given Full Access until the permissions are changed.

If you need to reset a profile to full permissions, you can do so through the profile permissions.

1. Open the “Settings” menu.
   
2. Under “Security,” choose “Permissions.”
   
3. Select “Permission Profile” and alter the permissions in each applicable profile.
   

The default is set assuming that you’ll be the only person remotely connecting to your devices. Remember to edit the level of access when you begin to allow others to connect through the AnyDesk client.

Permission Profile

AnyDesk allows multiple profiles to be configured so that individuals can have differing levels of permissions through AnyDesk. Each profile can be customized, but there are four popular profile setups that are helpful to know.

• Standard. The standard settings allow AnyDesk users connecting to your AnyDesk client to have all permissions except two. They can’t create TCP tunnels or enable Privacy Mode.
• Screen Sharing. This is available if you just need to show someone your screen without allowing them to edit anything. Connecting users can view your device and monitor it, but that’s where the permissions end.
• Full Access. As previously mentioned, this gives complete control over your device to anyone who connects. This is strongly recommended for use only by yourself with remote devices.
• Unattended Access. With the use of a password, this allows those who connect to have the level of control that you have previously set up in the Unattended Access area of the client settings.

Examples of Default Permissions

Occasionally a profile will begin with Standard permissions. But in most cases, Full Access permissions are used by default and include the following abilities:

• Hear the computer’s sound output and see the computer’s screen.
• Control the mouse, keyboard, clipboard, whiteboard app, etc.
• Lock devices like the keyboard and mouse
• Restart the computer
• Navigate the file tree and create/edit/delete files
• View system information and saved passwords
• Create TCP tunnels
• Enable privacy mode
• Lock the computer

It is clear why permissions are so important to understand. Keep security in mind to prevent an intruder from taking over your device with full access granted to wreak havoc on your privacy.

Using AnyDesk Unattended Access and Full Access

With a full understanding of AnyDesk permissions, both Unattended Access and Full Access can be fundamental tools for working remotely or getting remote IT assistance. Never again will you be locked out of an important computer function just because you’re not currently sitting at your desk. Set up your AnyDesk profiles and on your next business trip, you’ll have easy access to all your devices.

Do you regularly use Unattended Access and Full Access in AnyDesk? If so, what features do you like best? Let us know in the comments section below.