With everything turning wireless, you may also wish to control a Windows PC with an Android device. Instead of carrying around extra gadgets to remotely control your PC, just use an app on your phone. Then, use your phone to control various aspects of your Windows PC, such as the keyboard, mouse, and media playback.
1. Best Selection of Remotes: Unified Remote
Price: Free with premium options
Unified Remote connects with your Windows PC over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, before you can use it, you need to install the server app on your Windows PC to connect to the Android device. Both apps are free. The app works like a universal remote to control various aspects of your PC. Just select the remote you want, and you’re all set.
Easily perform basic tasks, like using a keyboard or mouse, shut down or restart your PC, stream music, use browsers, media, etc. It also includes light and dark themes and supports single and multi-touch mouse controls. It’s easy to pair with your PC using Bluetooth.
Getting the full version unlocks more than 90 remote controls, widgets, custom remotes, IR actions, NFC, Android Wear controls, voice commands, etc. The free version is limited to just 18 remotes.
Pros
- Connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Features 18 free and more than 90 premium remotes
- Customizable layout and order of remotes
- Works with Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, and Windows
Cons
- Doesn’t work with all devices (devices must support Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connections)
- Banner ads at the bottom in free version
2. Most Secure Option: RealVNC
Price: Free with premium options
RealVNC is one of the easiest ways to control a Windows PC with an Android device. It’s more than just a remote. It gives you full access to your Windows desktop and apps via your Android device. You’ll need to download the RealVNC Lite desktop app as well on any devices you want to control. This is the free, non-commercial version of the premium RealVNC desktop app.
RealVNC is made for businesses and teams, but the individual Lite plan is free and lets you view and control your Windows desktop in real time. Open apps, type, use your phone as a mouse, and much more. The setup is more complex, but it works well when you’re done.
Automatically get a free trial of the premium version (no credit card required). After 14 days, go back to the free version with more basic controls. You must verify a passphrase every time you connect and can also set up two-factor authentication.
Pros
- Several steps to authenticate connections
- No ads in free version
- View and control your entire desktop
Cons
- Lots of scrolling required on small screens
- Some features, such as backups and more than three devices, are premium only
3. Best Remote Viewer: TeamViewer
Price: Free with premium options
Much like RealVNC, TeamViewer is designed with businesses in mind. However, it’s a free remote desktop tool for a variety of devices for single-user, non-commercial use. You just have to create a free account to create connections; otherwise, you’ll get an error.
Download the Android app and the TeamViewer QuickSupport app for Windows. Sign in to both with your free TeamViewer account, enter the client ID and password from Windows into the Android app, and enjoy being able to control a Windows PC from an Android device.
You’ll see your full desktop, though the wallpaper is removed by default. Easily control the mouse (Windows lets you customize the cursor), keyboard, and open apps, and interact with your PC in real time, even if you’re miles away. You can only work with one device at a time in the free version.
Pros
- Remotely control your entire PC
- Change your client password at any time for more security
- Works between Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices
Cons
- Requires an account to work
- Only works with one device at a time (must delete a connection to connect to a new device)
4. Best for Gaming: PC Remote
Price: Free with premium options
If you need to control Windows with Android to play games, PC Remote is complete with several gaming profiles, such as GTA, Assassin’s Creed, and The Legend of Zelda. What’s even better is that you’re free to create your own layouts. Or, just control your PC’s mouse and keyboard from your Android device.
You’ll need to create a free account and install the Monect Remote Desktop app for Windows to use this app. Connect to your PC via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. Then, use your Android device to control media, turn your PC off, control presentations, access files, and even view your full desktop remotely.
Some features are for premium users only, such as a higher resolution remote desktop, screen projector, and an ad-free experience. There’s a little latency with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but a direct connection works best for gaming.
Pros
- Built-in gaming control profiles
- Works as a remote desktop controller
- Control your mouse and keyboard in real time
Cons
- A little lag with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for gaming
- Ads in the free version
5. Best for Basic Keyboard/Mouse Control: Serverless Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse
Price: Free with premium option
The functions and features of the app are almost explained in the app’s name. The Serverless Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse app allows you to control any device, be it smartphone, tablet, computer, or Android TV, as long as it has Bluetooth. It doesn’t require you to install a server app on your Windows PC to work.
Get scrolling support from the touchpad, type using your smartphone’s keyboard, control media players remotely, use voice recognition support, etc. The app has over 33 different keyboard language layouts and offers to send copied text to connected devices.
Some features are locked behind the premium version of the app, like turning your device into an “Air Mouse.” However, basic mouse and keyboard controls are free. In my experience, it may take several tries to successfully connect with Bluetooth, though.
Pros
- No ads in the free version
- Simple interface to control the mouse and keyboard
- Customizable layouts in the premium version
Cons
- Most features are premium only
- Bluetooth doesn’t always connect successfully
Control Windows Even More
Now that you’re able to control a Windows PC with an Android device, you may also want to learn how to install Windows directly from your Android phone. Or, further customize and control Windows by making changes in the Windows Registry. If you want to type special characters as easily in Windows as you do in Android, use these methods to type special characters, emojis, and accents.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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