Goto Remote Access (formerly GoToMyPC) is a cloud-based remote desktop tool that lets you securely access your office or home computer from anywhere with an internet connection. It works by installing a small host application on the computer you want to reach and a client app on the device you’re using, then connecting them through an encrypted tunnel. This guide walks you through the entire process—from setting up your account to connecting and troubleshooting—so you can be up and running in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 computer to be accessed (the “host” – Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- 1 device to access from (the “client” – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or web browser)
- 1 Goto Remote Access account (free trial or paid subscription)
- Internet connection on both devices (broadband recommended)
- Login credentials for the host computer’s user account
- Optional: 2-factor authentication app (e.g., Google Authenticator) for added security
Instructions
- Create your account. Go to the Goto Remote Access website (goto.com/remote-access) and sign up for a free trial or choose a plan. You’ll need to provide an email address and create a password.
- Install the host software. On the computer you want to access remotely, download the host installer from the Goto Remote Access site. Run the installer and follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to enter the email and password you just created. This installs the background service that allows remote connections.
- Verify the host is online. After installation, the host computer should appear as “Online” in your Goto Remote Access account dashboard (accessible from any browser). If it doesn’t, check that the Goto host service is running (on Windows, look for the Goto icon in the system tray; on Mac, check the menu bar).
- Install the client app. On the device you’re using to connect, download the Goto Remote Access app from the App Store, Google Play, or the website. Alternatively, you can use the web client by logging into your account at goto.com/remote-access.
- Log in to the client. Open the app or web client and sign in with the same email and password you used in step 1. If you’ve enabled 2-factor authentication, enter the code from your authenticator app when prompted.
- Select your host computer. You’ll see a list of computers associated with your account. Click on the name of the computer you want to access. The client will attempt to establish a secure connection.
- Enter your computer’s login credentials. When prompted, enter the username and password for the host computer’s operating system (not your Goto account). This is the same login you use when sitting at that computer.
- Start working. Once connected, you’ll see the host computer’s desktop on your screen. You can now use your mouse and keyboard to control it as if you were sitting in front of it. To end the session, simply close the window or click the “Disconnect” button in the toolbar.
Tips
- Keep the host computer awake: If the host goes to sleep, you won’t be able to connect. Adjust the power settings to prevent sleep, or use the Goto “Wake on LAN” feature if your network supports it.
- Use a strong password: Your Goto account password should be unique and complex. Enable 2-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
- Test the connection from a different network: Before relying on it for a critical presentation, test the remote connection from a phone hotspot or a friend’s Wi-Fi to ensure it works outside your local network.
- Optimize for slow connections: If the remote session feels laggy, reduce the screen resolution or color depth in the client’s display settings. This can dramatically improve responsiveness.
Serving Suggestions
Goto Remote Access is perfect for accessing your work desktop from home, checking files on your home PC while traveling, or providing tech support to a family member’s computer. It’s also handy for running software that’s only installed on your office machine, like specialized accounting programs or design tools.
Variations
- Access from a mobile device: Use the iOS or Android app to view and control your computer from your phone or tablet. The touch interface is optimized for tapping and swiping.
- Multi-monitor support: If your host computer has multiple monitors, you can choose to view one or all of them in the client. This is great for complex workflows.
- Print remotely: Goto Remote Access allows you to print documents from your remote computer to a local printer. Just select the “Print” option in the client toolbar.
- Transfer files: Instead of just viewing, you can transfer files between the client and host using the built-in file transfer feature. This is faster than emailing files to yourself.
Storage and Reheating
There’s no food to store here, but think of your remote access setup as a perishable item: Refrigerate within 2 hours—meaning, log off and disconnect when you’re done. Your session remains active until you disconnect, so always log out to prevent unauthorized access. The connection itself is encrypted, but it’s good practice to disconnect when not in use. Your Goto account and host software will remain active indefinitely, but you should review your subscription periodically. If you cancel your subscription, the host software will stop working after the billing period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Goto Remote Access secure? Yes, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and requires login credentials for both your Goto account and your computer’s operating system. You can also enable 2-factor authentication for your Goto account.
Q: Can I use Goto Remote Access for free? Goto offers a 7-day free trial, but after that, you need a paid subscription. There’s no permanent free tier, but the trial gives you full access to all features.
Q: What happens if my host computer is off? You can’t connect to a computer that’s powered off. You can set up Wake on LAN if your computer and network support it, but this requires the computer to be in sleep mode, not completely off.
Q: Can I access my computer from a different operating system? Yes, Goto Remote Access works across platforms. You can access a Windows host from a Mac client, and vice versa. The web client is also platform-independent.
Q: Why is my connection slow? Slow connections are often due to limited bandwidth on either end. Try closing other internet-heavy applications, reducing the screen resolution, or using a wired Ethernet connection for the host computer.
Q: How do I cancel my subscription? Log into your Goto account on the website, go to the billing section, and follow the cancellation instructions. You’ll have access until the end of your billing period.
Related
- Rasgulla in English Name: What It Is & How to Make It
- Poha Protein Per 100g: Nutrition Facts & Recipe
- Poha Recipe in Hindi: Easy Flattened Rice Breakfast
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).