RustDeskLinux
vs
Quick AssistWindows
RustDesk as a Linux alternative to Quick Assist
Updated
Our verdict
RustDesk can replace Quick Assist for most users who need a free, cross‑platform remote‑desktop tool. It offers the same core functions—screen sharing, mouse/keyboard control, and end‑to‑end encryption—while adding the option to self‑host for full data control. It is ideal for small teams, developers, or home users who want a lightweight, open‑source alternative. Users who rely on Windows‑only features such as built‑in RDP support or tight integration with Windows Security Center may find it less convenient.
- License
- AGPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.5.0 (September 30, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Cross‑platform clients (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
- Remote screen viewing and input control
- End‑to‑end encryption (NaCl)
- Peer‑to‑peer connection with relay fallback
- Free and open‑source
What is different
- RustDesk does not use the native RDP protocol; it relies on its own protocol and optional VNC compatibility
- No built‑in Windows‑only features like Windows Security Center integration
- Requires a self‑hosted relay or server for full control over data (though a public relay is available)
- No direct support for Windows‑specific clipboard or file transfer protocols used by Quick Assist
- No official Windows‑only installer—portable binary is used
Opening your Quick Assist files
Quick Assist does not produce portable files that can be opened by other remote‑desktop tools. Sessions are created on the fly and managed through the Windows UI. Therefore, there is no file format to import or export into RustDesk.
Switching from Quick Assist to RustDesk, step by step
- 1. Download the latest RustDesk release from the official site or Flathub.
- 2. Install the Linux package (deb, rpm, or flatpak) or run the portable binary on Windows.
- 3. On the target machine, open RustDesk, note the ID and password, and share them with the helper.
- 4. On the helper’s machine, enter the ID and password in RustDesk to start the session.
- 5. If you want end‑to‑end encryption, keep the default settings; for additional security, set up a self‑hosted relay server and configure both clients to use it.
Key features of RustDesk
- Cross-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Web)
- Supports VP8, VP9, AV1, H.264, and H.265 video codecs
- End-to-end encryption using NaCl (Networking and Cryptography library)
- Peer-to-peer connections with optional relay fallback
- Self-hostable server for full data control
- No installation required on Windows (portable mode)
- Local or remote privilege escalation
- Simple setup focused on usability
How to install RustDesk on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.rustdesk.RustDeskFrequently asked questions
Is RustDesk safe to use over the internet?
Yes. All traffic is encrypted with NaCl end‑to‑end encryption. Peer‑to‑peer connections are used when possible, and a relay server can be self‑hosted for privacy.
Can I use RustDesk without installing anything on Windows?
Yes. The Windows portable binary does not require admin rights and can be run from a USB stick.
Does RustDesk support file transfer between hosts?
Yes, it supports drag‑and‑drop and clipboard sharing, but it uses its own protocol rather than the Windows RDP file transfer mechanism.
3 other alternatives to Quick Assist
RemminaRemmina is a Linux remote desktop client supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, and X2Go for connecting to remote systems…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRemmina vs Quick Assist
KRDCKRDC is a KDE remote desktop client that connects to Windows or Linux machines via RDP or VNC.Open sourceFreeFlatpakKRDC vs Quick Assist
VinagreVinagre is a GNOME remote‑desktop viewer for VNC, RDP, SSH and SPICE, now discontinued.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedVinagre vs Quick Assist