9 Best FREE Cloud PC & Virtual Desktop Service Online 2025

Virtual Desktop solutions allow for easy remote access to workstations, servers, and various other environments. Most DaaS have high costs, unreliable connections, and lack controls. Some virtual desktop solutions might not be compatible with your tech stack and integrations as well. That’s why it is important to choose the best virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) for your needs.

An ideal DaaS will enable users to access apps, and data, transfer information and run actions with minimum delays. You can use these desktop virtualization solutions to centralize your device management, improve security, and manage access. I have invested over 120 hours in reviewing 21+ Best Free Virtual Desktop Solutions and shortlisted the top option based on their unique features, including free and paid choices. My well-researched and credible guide provides a comprehensive look at pros and cons, security, and pricing. This may help you find the most suitable solution for your needs. Dive into the full article for exclusive insights. Read more…

Best Free Cloud PC (Virtual Desktop Services): Top Picks!

Name	Best for	Performance Monitoring	Multi-Monitor Support	Device Support	Free Trial	Link
Remote Access Plus	IT support and troubleshooting	✔️	✔️	Windows, Linux, Mac OS	30 Days	Learn More
RemotePC	Remote work and personal use	❌	✔️	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	7 Days	Learn More
Site24x7’s VM	Infrastructure and performance monitoring	✔️	❌	iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux	30 Days	Learn More
Zoho Assist	Remote support and access	❌	✔️	Windows, Mac, Linux, Mac OS, Android	15 Days	Learn More
Shells	Personal cloud computing and development	❌	✔️	Linux, Mac OS, Windows, Android, iOS.	7 Days	Learn More

1) Remote Access Plus

Remote Access Plus made it possible for me to connect with every computer in my corporate network. I could monitor the devices spread across the globe without any issue. It allowed me to communicate with users using voice, video, and text chat, which I found particularly helpful. You can use it to gather technicians and troubleshoot issues as a team. Additionally, this free remote desktop tool includes powerful troubleshooting tools that can resolve issues within seconds.

Features:

• Device Manager: I found the Device Manager extremely helpful when managing multiple endpoints across our network. It provides a detailed list of all connected hardware and installed software. You can easily drill down into specifics without physically accessing each system. You will notice it saves time when cross-referencing hardware specs or tracking software compliance across departments.
• Switch Monitors: This feature makes remote control much smoother, especially when users have dual or triple monitor setups. You can toggle between monitors without interrupting the user or logging out. I appreciated how fluid the transitions were, even on slower connections. While testing this feature, I suggest ensuring your own monitor setup mirrors the client’s layout for more intuitive control.
• Event Viewer: The built-in Event Viewer lets you access system logs from any remote computer without logging in manually. It’s a must-have for diagnosing startup errors or system crashes. I once used it to pinpoint a service failure that only triggered on boot, saving hours of guesswork. There is also an option that lets you filter logs by severity, which helped me prioritize what to fix first.
• Remote Task Manager: With Remote Access Plus, managing background processes remotely becomes far less frustrating. You can view CPU and memory usage for each running task. I used this to terminate resource-heavy apps without interrupting the user session. While using this feature, one thing I noticed is that it’s great for identifying stealthy startup apps that degrade performance over time.
• Advanced Features: Using this remote access app, you can perform administrative operations using Quick Launch, diagnose computers without hindering productivity, and access Command Prompt using a system account.
• Advanced Remote Control: It is a HIPPA-ready remote desktop manager that can troubleshoot computers on the go. Remote Access Plus lets you create files and folders in the remote desktop. It also has a drag and drop feature to move the files to your onsite PC.

👉 How to Get Remote Access Plus for Free?

• Go to Remote Access Plus
• Select “Free Trial” to sign up and enjoy a 30-day trial with full access.

Visit Remote Access

30-Days Free Trial

---

2) RemotePC

Best for high-performance Desktop as a Service

RemotePC is a top choice for virtual desktop services. During my analysis, I noticed that it aims to anonymize data via a private gateway, making privacy a top priority. It helped me manage employee access seamlessly, providing or revoking permissions with full control in just one click. You are not required to install RemotePC if you are in a hurry. This remote access feature offers you the freedom to conduct remote desktop sessions right from your browser.

Features:

• Centralized User Management: RemotePC makes managing users effortless. You can add unlimited users, create functional user groups, and set granular access controls—all from a single web-based console. This streamlines administration across multiple virtual desktops. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how helpful it is to set up user groups by department—it speeds up permission mapping drastically.
• Remote Deployment: You can deploy software, settings, or even updates across all virtual desktops without physically accessing them. It minimizes manual tasks and boosts IT efficiency. I used this feature to push a browser extension to 40+ systems in one go—it worked seamlessly. I suggest scheduling deployments during off-hours to avoid workflow interruptions.
• Live Video with AR Support: This feature stands out. You can share live video feeds and overlay augmented reality elements to guide users beyond screen-based issues. It’s particularly useful for guiding users on physical hardware tasks. I once used this during a printer setup issue—it saved a technician visit and resolved the problem remotely.
• Secure Data Transmission: RemotePC encrypts all data transfers using TLS v1.2 and AES 256-bit encryption, matching top-tier industry standards. Whether you’re transferring files or controlling a desktop remotely, your session stays protected. This level of security gave me confidence when accessing sensitive project data from a hotel Wi-Fi.
• Remote Reboot: You can reboot systems in both normal and safe mode remotely. This becomes a lifesaver when a device becomes unresponsive or needs a clean restart. The tool lets you queue a reboot post-update so you don’t have to monitor it manually.
• Session Recording: Recording sessions can be crucial for compliance or training. RemotePC allows you to save full remote sessions and review them later. I’ve used recordings to train junior team members on handling common support queries, and it saved a lot of repeat explanations.

👉 How to Get RemotePC for Free?

• Go to RemotePC
• Click on “Get Started” to sign up and begin your 7-day free trial.

Visit RemotePC >>

7-Days Free Trial

---

3) Site24x7’s VM

Best for Monitoring Cloud Virtual Desktops at Scale

Site24x7’s VM is an exceptional tool for overseeing and optimizing cloud-based workstation environments. During my exploration of its features, I found it particularly powerful for IT teams or businesses already managing virtual desktops across platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, or Nutanix. Its unified monitoring dashboard makes it easy to maintain performance, detect anomalies, and scale infrastructure efficiently.

I was especially impressed by its automation capabilities. Site24x7 automatically discovers your VMs and resources, monitors performance in real time, and provides predictive insights for capacity planning. It integrates well with modern cloud and virtual desktop environments such as AWS, Azure Virtual Desktop, or VMware Horizon.

Features:

• Auto-Discovery of VMs and Hosts: The tool automatically detects virtual machines and associated hosts in your environment, saving you the effort of manual setup. This reduces configuration time and helps new users onboard faster. I suggest running the discovery after major infrastructure updates to keep your dashboard current without extra effort. It also ensures new additions don’t go unmonitored.
• AI-Powered Performance Monitoring: Site24x7 uses machine learning to detect performance anomalies and forecast future resource demands. This proactive insight helps prevent downtime before it happens. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed is that anomaly detection learns your infrastructure behavior over time, so early alerts might require manual review initially. Once tuned, it becomes extremely reliable.
• Custom Dashboards & Reporting: You can create detailed dashboards with widgets tailored to your environment. This allows teams to monitor key metrics in real-time. Reports are easily shareable, making collaboration across departments much smoother. The tool lets you clone dashboards across projects, which saved me hours when setting up multiple environments.
• Threshold-Based Alerts: You can configure alerts for specific CPU, memory, disk, or network thresholds. Alerts are sent via multiple channels, including email, Slack, and even automated voice calls. This multichannel alerting ensures no critical incident is missed. I once set up CPU thresholds on a weekend deployment — and the voice alert helped us respond before customers noticed any impact.
• Resource Optimization & Capacity Planning: Site24x7 identifies over- or under-utilized resources and helps right-size your infrastructure. This leads to cost efficiency and better system performance. While using this feature one thing I noticed is that right-sizing reports become more actionable when paired with monthly trend data. That gave me better planning insight for budget reviews.
• Agent & Agentless Options: You have the flexibility to deploy with or without agents. Agent-based monitoring offers deeper insights, while agentless is ideal for environments with installation restrictions. I used the agentless method for a client in a strict compliance zone, and it still provided solid network-level visibility.

👉 How to Get Site24x7’s VM for Free?

• Go to Site24x7’s VM
• Sign up for their free trial, which gives full access to many features for a limited time.
• No credit card is required initially, making it risk-free to explore.

Visit Site24x7 >>

30-Days Free Trial

---

4) Zoho Assist

Best for secure, privacy-friendly screen sharing

Zoho Assist is one of the top picks for the best virtual desktop services. During my research, I discovered how simple it was to set up remote support and access solutions. I particularly liked the instant chat feature, and the screen-sharing functionality offered me a smooth experience.

This virtual desktop tool integrates with several IDP tools, allowing me to use my existing SAML for user authentication. Zoho Assist allows you to shut down, log off, and restart computers remotely without direct access for smooth operation. Zoho Assist focuses on product development and serves over 80 million customers worldwide.

Features:

• Remote Session Features: I could start or schedule remote support sessions without hassle. The tool let me manage systems, initiate chat or video calls, and even reboot machines during a session. While using this feature one thing I noticed was the seamless handover between remote control and conferencing tools—it made collaboration feel natural.
• Voice and Video Communication: Zoho Assist’s built-in voice and video chat helped me clarify issues in real time. This eliminated the need for third-party conferencing tools. I recommend enabling the video feed when guiding non-technical users—it builds trust and improves session outcomes.
• Multi-Monitor Navigation: I worked with devices that had multiple screens and could toggle between monitors effortlessly. It kept my focus on the exact window or task I needed. This helped reduce diagnostic time, especially during software debugging.
• Reboot and Reconnect: I tested the reboot feature and was impressed that it maintained the session post-restart. This meant I didn’t need to reconnect manually each time. It’s especially useful when deploying updates that require a reboot.
• File Transfer: I transferred large files securely—even up to 2GB—with no drop in performance. This improved collaboration, especially when sharing software patches and logs. There is also an option that lets you organize transferred files into specific folders, which I found handy for audits.

👉 How to Get Zoho Assist for Free?

• Go to Zoho Assist
• Click on the “Start My Free Trial” button to get 15-day free trial, No credit card required.

Visit Zoho Assist >>

15-Days Free Trial

---

5) Shells

Best for large-scale deployment and scalability

Shells is a great free cloud PC hosting service. As I evaluated it, I found that it uses many advanced servers, which are great for desktop virtualization, even on older devices. I was able to get help from the support team with setup and fixing connection issues. It helped me quickly access apps on different devices, like using Excel on an iPad or playing PC games on a Mac.

Shells automatically take off-site backups of your data in the cloud. The end-to-end encryption and firewalls keep all your data safe and protected. You can use auto-save to ensure the shell keeps running in case of an unexpected crash or power outage.

Features:

• Scalable Infrastructure: Shells makes it simple to scale your virtual desktop resources up or down. This flexibility suits freelancers, developers, and businesses managing remote teams. I recommend setting auto-scaling thresholds if you’re anticipating unpredictable workloads to ensure performance stability without manual intervention.
• Rapid Deployment: You can launch a complete desktop environment in less than five minutes. I personally tested this with a new Ubuntu setup and had it running faster than some local VMs I’ve built. It’s ideal when you need quick access for a client project or temporary dev work.
• Terminal: Using the terminal, I accessed Git, Curl, and Docker right away. It gave me the power to configure services and deploy containers without limitations. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how smooth package installations were compared to other virtual desktops I’ve tried.
• Automatic Daily Backups: Your workspace is backed up every day without needing extra configuration. I once reverted my environment to a backup from two days earlier after a misconfigured Python package broke dependencies. This feature gave me peace of mind during testing and debugging.
• Unmetered Bandwidth: Shells provides unlimited data transfer, so you can download updates or push large codebases without concern. It’s a strong advantage if you’re syncing with GitHub frequently or running data-intensive workloads. There is also an option that lets you track network usage per session, which I found useful when troubleshooting connectivity issues.
• SPICE Protocol Integration: SPICE makes remote sessions feel responsive and intuitive. I experienced fluid cursor movement and minimal latency, even when using graphic-heavy apps. This protocol is a great alternative to RDP, especially on lower-spec devices or constrained network.

👉 How to Get Shells for Free?

• Go to Shells
• Purchase any plan. We recommend you buy the cheapest one.
• Claim a refund under their 7-day money back guarantee.

Visit Shells >>

7-Day Money-back Guarantee

---

6) Amazon Workspaces

Best for Advance Virtual Desktop features and Scalability

Amazon Workspaces is a top-rated virtualized desktop service. In the course of my review, I found that it is great for smooth audio and video delivery on Windows. According to my research, its algorithms and protocols provide an amazing user experience. I was able to get help with a custom pricing plan for my needs. It also provides Linux-based access to business intranet and SaaS apps.

The AWS End User Computing services are easily scalable according to your requirements. It strengthens security by implementing no-log policies and supporting Zero Trust encryptions and proofs. You can use AWS IQ to connect with certified freelancers with vast experience seeking consultation.

Features:

• AV Plugin: I found the audio/visual plugin helpful in achieving native AV performance in PCoIP WorkSpaces. It dramatically improves video and audio sync, especially during meetings or screen-sharing. While testing this feature, I noticed smoother playback compared to similar VDI tools I’ve used in the past.
• Intune Enrollment: Enables WorkSpaces Personal desktops to enroll in Microsoft Intune with ease. This makes it simple to apply compliance policies and enforce security configurations. There is also an option that lets you automate this during initial setup, saving time in large deployments.
• Secure Remote Access: Offers fully encrypted access to your desktop environment from any location. It ensures that enterprise-grade security protocols are followed even on personal devices. I’ve used it while traveling and felt confident in the data protection it offered.
• Geographical Redundancy: These free virtual desktops span multiple AWS regions and availability zones. It ensures minimal downtime and offers a responsive experience for global users. You will notice consistent performance even when working from locations with moderate latency.
• Integration with Active Directory: Seamlessly integrates with on-premises AD, allowing employees to use their regular credentials. This means fewer password resets and smoother onboarding for teams. I’ve deployed this setup for clients who needed centralized access controls.
• Monitoring: Proactively monitor performance and security using AWS Personal Health Dashboard and Trusted Advisor. These tools provide predictive insights and recommendations for improvement. I recommend setting up custom alerts to catch anomalies early and avoid major disruptions.

👉 How to Get Amazon Workspaces for Free?

• Go to Amazon Workspaces
• Click on “AWS Free Tier” to register and create a lifetime free account.

Link: https://aws.amazon.com/workspaces-family/

---

7) V2 Cloud

Best for small and medium-sized businesses

V2 Cloud is an ideal virtual desktop service. During my research, I discovered that its control panel provides access to cloud features, billing, and user settings. The tool made it easy for administrators to manage each user’s rights in large teams. It allowed me to set up virtual desktops without special skills. The finance model offers cost-efficient data safety with triple-replication. I particularly liked that multi-user support gives each person their own desktop.

V2 Cloud is integrated with built-in real-time malware protection and scans. All Ransomware attacks can be retained and prevented with this software. The servers run on the latest hypervisor updates with an all-inclusive UFW firewall to ensure the best possible experience. It ensures optimal speed and capacity utilization by creating Pools of VMs for load distribution.

Features:

• Manage Programs: I was able to publish specific applications directly to end-users, which reduced distractions and boosted their focus. It prevents users from navigating the full desktop, ensuring data security. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how easily I could restrict access to tools irrelevant to a user’s role.
• Access: The web and mobile apps are incredibly intuitive, allowing instant access to your cloud desktop with SSL encryption. I tried logging in from different devices, and the experience remained consistent. I recommend bookmarking the login portal on mobile browsers for even faster access in emergency cases.
• MFA: V2 Cloud supports integrating various multi-factor authentication methods, including OneLogin, Okta, and V-KEY. I set up MFA using my existing Okta credentials, and it worked without a glitch. This additional layer makes your Cloud PC much harder to compromise.
• SSO: The platform allows integration with leading SSO providers like Azure SSO. Once configured, my team accessed their desktops with a single click, eliminating password fatigue. It’s a must-have if your users already rely on a unified identity platform.
• Disaster Recovery: V2 Cloud includes automatic disaster recovery that restores services in minutes after unexpected downtime. I tested this by simulating a failure, and the system switched to backup resources seamlessly. This peace of mind makes it especially useful for remote teams with critical uptime needs.
• White Labeling: The ability to customize the environment with your logo, colors, and company name creates a branded experience for users. I used this to deliver a seamless virtual workspace to clients. There is also an option that lets you rebrand the client portal itself, which makes it feel like a native extension of your services.

👉 How to Get V2 Cloud for Free?

• Go to V2 Cloud
• Tap “Start Your Risk-Free Trial” to register and activate your 7-day trial without any commitment.

Link: https://v2cloud.com/

---

8) Microsoft Azure

Best for pay-as-you-go pricing plans

Microsoft Azure is an excellent tool for pay-as-you-go pricing. As I evaluated it, I discovered that it charges per minute, which is great for managing costs. I could access advanced encryption features that kept my data secure and scanned for vulnerabilities. The dashboard made it easy for me to monitor and track activities. In my experience, the analytics offered were ideal for optimizing performance and costs.

Microsoft Azure provides curated reports, diagnostic tools, and resources for application performance tracking. You can also explore data-rich performance statistics and parameters through a centralized log system. It has been specifically optimized for Windows virtual desktop services making it ideal for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 users.

Features:

• Management: You can centralize and streamline all your virtual desktop workloads through Azure’s powerful management console. It allows detailed monitoring, policy enforcement, and seamless scaling. I recommend grouping workloads by region and priority to reduce latency and improve resource utilization.
• Access: I used Azure to manage access roles for a distributed team across four countries. Its role-based access control (RBAC) let me assign precise permissions without over-provisioning. Combining it with Azure Blueprints helped standardize policy enforcement company-wide.
• Templates: You can deploy large-scale virtual desktop environments quickly using Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates. These templates define infrastructure as code, improving consistency. I suggest saving reusable templates in a shared Git repo if you’re managing deployments across multiple clients.
• Encryption: Azure uses advanced encryption to safeguard your virtual desktops and sensitive data across storage, network, and workloads. It helps ensure compliance with global standards like HIPAA and ISO/IEC 27001. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed is how smoothly Azure integrates encryption at rest and in transit without impacting performance.
• Connections: Azure lets you create secure app-to-app connections using virtual networks and built-in tools like Network Watcher. The application map is especially useful to visualize live dependency flows. This helped me troubleshoot bottlenecks between services in real time.
• Security: Azure Security Center continuously monitors for threats and non-compliance across all virtual desktop assets. It also offers just-in-time access controls and adaptive application controls. The tool lets you integrate third-party SIEM tools easily, which I found helpful for extending visibility across hybrid environments.

👉 How to Get Microsoft Azure for Free?

• Go to Microsoft Azure
• Click “Get started with Azure” to sign up and begin your 30-day free trial with no upfront commitment—cancel anytime.

Link: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in

---

9) Citrix Workspace

Best for Zero-trust end-to-end security approach

Citrix Workspace is a great tool for delivering scalable applications. During my evaluation, I found that it works well across multiple devices and is quick to deploy. Its advanced security detects vulnerabilities and acts against threats. I could access its machine-learning tools to find and fix issues. In my opinion, ZTNA for all apps is great for boosting security. The client is also compatible with employee devices, which is very helpful.

Citrix’s Zero Trust Network Access ensures that remote workforces can work with critical data without hackers intercepting them. The adaptive authentication tools are ideal for distributing access based on individual requirements and job roles. During an attack, you can lock down critical data like user information to safeguard your systems.

Features:

• Deployment: I managed to get private access to my deployed cloud systems, which helped me in defending against network threats. It gave me full control over resource allocation and access restrictions. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed was that it helped me avoid exposing admin endpoints to the public internet, which is critical for compliance-heavy environments.
• SSO: FAS is deployed in a customer-managed environment and leverages Active Directory to issue certificates and enable SSO. It made logging in secure and seamless for my users. The tool lets you integrate with your existing identity provider, which reduced password reset requests significantly in my case.
• HDX Technology Optimization: Ensures high-performance user experiences by optimizing audio, video, and graphics over any network. I tested this over a 4G mobile connection and still got smooth rendering. The frame drop was minimal and voice latency was barely noticeable.
• Application Layering: Enables streamlined app delivery and updates by separating applications from the OS. I used this to push updates without needing to reimage or restart desktops. This approach saved time and eliminated most user disruptions during maintenance windows.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics: Provides actionable insights into performance, user behavior, and system health. The alerts are highly customizable and I could track resource spikes with precision. There is also an option that lets you correlate user activity with system performance, which helped me identify underperforming apps quickly.
• Fast Provisioning Tools: Speeds up the setup of new virtual desktops using templates and cloning. I created an onboarding workflow for interns and had their desktops ready in minutes. This helped reduce IT workload and ensured every user started with a consistent environment.

👉 How to Get Citrix Workspace for Free?

• Go to Citrix Workspace
• Purchase any plan. We recommend you buy the cheapest one.

Link: https://www.citrix.com/platform/citrix-app-and-desktop-virtualization/

How Did We Choose Best FREE Virtual Desktop Solutions?

At Guru99, we prioritize accuracy and objectivity to provide credible, reliable content. I dedicated over 120 hours to evaluating 21+ of the best free Virtual Desktop Solutions, shortlisting the top options based on unique features, including both free and paid choices. My guide offers a well-researched overview, covering pros and cons, security, and pricing to help you find a suitable solution. Check out below important factors. Choosing the best free virtual desktop solutions can be challenging, but our detailed research focuses on key aspects like features, usability, and support for an exceptional user experience.

• Feature Analysis: We focused on tools offering robust features like remote access and multi-device support.
• User-Friendly Interface: It is essential to pick solutions with a simple and intuitive interface, making navigation easy.
• Security: Always prefer services with the highest standards to ensure your remote access cannot be misused.
• Customer Support: Choosing a tool with responsive customer support that can quickly address all your needs and requirements is recommended.
• Pricing: You should always choose a service that provides excellent value for money and fulfils your needs.
• Device Compatibility: Your tool should work nicely with all your devices and platforms.
• Free Features: We paid attention to the free plan benefits, making sure they provide essential functionalities without limitations.
• User Feedback: We considered user reviews, typically looking for reliability and satisfaction ratings.

Verdict

Virtual desktop services enable me to work remotely by providing access to workstations, servers, and diverse environments without physical constraints. These solutions offer customizable features, high security, and impressive cross-platform compatibility. I appreciate tools that are robust and user-friendly, especially when they cater to specific needs like scalability and affordability. Check my verdict below.

• Remote Access Plus provides a secure, comprehensive solution with efficient remote troubleshooting capabilities, even for complex setups.
• RemotePC offers reliable cross-platform support with robust encryption and easy file transfer features, making it ideal for diverse user needs.
• Site24x7’s VM is an exceptional tool for overseeing and optimizing cloud-based workstation environments.

FAQs