KRDCLinux vs Windows Remote AssistanceWindows

KRDC as a Linux alternative to Windows Remote Assistance

Updated October 27, 2026

Our verdict

KRDC is a decent replacement for Windows Remote Assistance if you're helping someone already running an RDP or VNC server. It supports encrypted connections, remote control, and works across platforms. However, it lacks built-in invitation and firewall traversal features, so it's less ideal for non-technical users needing quick, ad-hoc help. Best suited for Linux users familiar with remote desktop protocols or in environments where RDP/VNC is already set up.

Feature parity65%

License: GPL-2.0+
Price: Free
Latest version: 26.04.3 (July 2, 2026)
Rating: —

Install KRDC Website ↗

What works the same

Supports remote desktop viewing and full control
Uses encrypted connections (TLS for RDP)
Cross-platform: can connect to Windows, Linux, or other systems
Graphical interface with display scaling and full-screen mode
Requires user consent if server is configured to prompt

What is different

No built-in invitation system or easy link/file sharing for quick access
No automatic NAT traversal or firewall punching
Does not integrate with Windows Remote Assistance (.msrcincident) files
Setup assumes user knows server address and credentials
KDE-centric; may feel out of place on non-KDE desktops

Opening your Windows Remote Assistance files

KRDC does not support Windows Remote Assistance .msrcincident files. These files are specific to Windows and contain connection metadata for the Remote Assistance invitation system, which KRDC does not implement. There is no tool to convert or open these files on Linux. Users must extract connection details manually (if possible) and connect via RDP or VNC using the remote machine's IP and port.

Switching from Windows Remote Assistance to KRDC, step by step

Install KRDC via your distro's package manager or Flatpak
Ensure the target machine runs an RDP (e.g., xrdp, Windows Remote Desktop) or VNC server
Configure the server to require and prompt for user consent
Use KRDC to create a new connection with the remote IP and port
Save the connection as a bookmark for future use
Test control and encryption settings

Key features of KRDC

Supports both RDP and VNC protocols
KDE‑styled graphical interface
Bookmark management for frequent connections
Full-screen and windowed modes
Keyboard shortcut support (Ctrl+Alt+Shift for remote input)
Dynamic scaling of remote display
TLS encryption for RDP sessions
Integration with KDE Wallet for password storage

How to install KRDC on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.kde.krdc

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install krdc

Debiansudo apt install krdc

Fedorasudo dnf install krdc

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S krdc

openSUSEsudo zypper install krdc

Frequently asked questions

Can KRDC connect to a Windows machine without extra software?

Yes, if Remote Desktop is enabled. Windows includes an RDP server by default, which KRDC can connect to using the machine's IP and credentials.

Is user consent required when connecting with KRDC?

It depends on the server. On Windows, the user must approve incoming RDP sessions if Fast User Switching is enabled. VNC servers vary—some require manual approval, others don’t.

Can I use KRDC on non-KDE desktops like GNOME or XFCE?

Yes, KRDC runs on any Linux desktop, though it uses KDE libraries and may feel less integrated on non-KDE systems. The interface remains functional.