RustDesk self-hosting keeps access fully yours
An open-source remote desktop you can run on your own server
To use RustDesk, download the client on both machines, note the ID and password on the remote device, type that ID into the host machine, and you'll be connected. Once the session is live, you get a toolbar with useful extras: screen recording, file transfer, remote terminal, and even a camera viewer for the remote device's webcam. The interface is consistent across platforms, so once you learn it on Windows, it feels the same on Linux or macOS.
To self-host, you need Docker running on a machine you want to use as the server. If you've set up Docker containers for other self-hosted services, this will feel familiar. Start by creating a directory for RustDesk and moving into it: ... //
RustDesk's self-hosted server comes in two versions: the free open-source edition and a paid Pro tier. The free version handles all the core functionality. You get the relay server, the ID server, end-to-end encrypted connections, and unlimited device access. There's no cap on how many machines you can connect, and no per-user licensing.
What the free tier lacks is the web-based management console. On the Pro version, you get a browser GUI for managing devices, users, and permissions from a central dashboard. If you're running an IT helpdesk or managing remote access for a team, that kind of visibility is worth the cost. But for a home lab or personal use, when you're connecting to a handful of machines you already know, the web console is a convenience, not a necessity.
