UltraVNC
| UltraVNC | |
|---|---|
Screenshot of UltraVNC Viewer connection dialog. | |
| Original authors | |
| Developers | |
| Initial release | 5 December 2002[1] |
| Stable release | 1.6.4.0[2]
/ 25 June 2025 |
| Preview release | 1.7.1.11-dev[3]
/ 11 March 2026 |
| Written in | C, C++ and Java |
| Operating system | |
| Platform | |
| Size | About 6 MB |
| Standard | RFB/VNC |
| Available in | |
| Type | |
| License | GPLv3 |
| Website | uvnc |
| Repository | |
UltraVNC (sometimes written uVNC) is an open-source remote-administration/remote-desktop-software utility.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
The client supports Microsoft Windows and Linux but the server only supports Windows.[16] It uses the RFB (VNC) protocol to allow a computer to access and control another one remotely over a network connection.
UltraVNC is a commonly used remote-access program, and has been in development since 2002, the most recent stable release being from 2025. The 1.5x development branch had more than 2 million views and downloads.[17]
Features
UltraVNC allows the use of a remote computer as if the user were in front of it. This is achieved by sending mouse movements and key-presses to the remote computer, and replicating the remote computer's display (subject to differences in resolution) locally in real time. UltraVNC bears a strong resemblance to RealVNC Free Edition. However, in addition to remote control, it adds various features, such as an encryption plugin to secure the client/server connection. It also supports file transfers, chat functionality and various authentication methods. The two computers must be able to communicate across a network, such as a local subnet, internal network, or the Internet. The software is free and distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 3.
UltraVNC is developed in the C, C++, and Java programming languages.
It can use an optional mirror driver installed on the remotely controlled computer for fast and efficient notification of screen changes with very low CPU load,[18] although this is not needed since later versions of Windows 10.[19]
History
UltraVNC is the result of the merger of Vdacc-VNC started by Rudi De Vos in 1999 and eSVNC started by Sam in 2002.[1]
Since release 1.0.6.4, UltraVNC server can work as a Windows service under User Account Control (UAC).
Reverse control
UltraVNC is notable as the base for free no-install remote help desk options including UltraVNC SC (Single Click) and PcHelpWare. These operate by generating pre-configured executables that can be downloaded and run on systems needing support; these applications then connect back to server software running on the system providing support.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g on UltraVNC website.
- ^ "UltraVNC 1.6.4.0 and UltraVNC SC 1.6.4.0 Released".
- ^ "UltraVNC 1.7.1.X-dev - Feedbacks".
- ^ "UltraVNC". Ashley Bischoff. 2003-09-18.
- ^ "UltraVNC – Controllare in remoto uno o più PC". 01net.it (Caterina Camagni). 2007-05-16.
- ^ "Comparatif : maintenance, contrôle et assistance à distance". Generation-NT.com (Cédric G.). 2008-02-21.
- ^ "Avec Ultra VNC". 01net.fr (Christophe Gauthier). 2008-11-11.
- ^ "Use UltraVNC on Windows Server 2008 R2". Andy's handwritten technical notebook. 2011-09-11.
- ^ "Fernwartung leicht gemacht – mit Ultra VNC". PCWelt.de (Stephan Mayer). 2011-11-25.
- ^ "5 alternatives to LogMeIn Free for remote PC access". PCWorld.com (Jon L. Jacobi). 2014-01-28.
- ^ "Controllare il computer da remoto con Windows: guida a UltraVNC Viewer". TurboLab.it (Gianluigi Zanettini). 2014-06-23.
- ^ "Contrôle a distance via UltraVNC". Alex Bacher. 2017-05-16.
- ^ "6 applications gratuites de prise de contrôle à distance". ZDNet.fr (Stéphanie Chaptal). 2019-11-12.
- ^ "Remote support essentials: 4 steps you can take now to keep friends and family connected". ZDNet.com (Ed Bott). 2020-03-20.
- ^ "How to remote-access a Windows 10 PC". PCWorld.com (Alaina Yee). 2021-08-03.
- ^ "UltraVNC Server for Linux". UltraVNC Forum. 2006-02-01.
- ^ "UltraVNC Forum - Version-specific help - 1.5.x". UltraVNC Forum.
- ^ UltraVNC Mirror Driver on UltraVNC Website.
- ^ "UltraVNC Mirror Driver for Windows 10 / 2012". UltraVNC Forum. 2017-02-06.