ShowMyPC for Windows

Product snapshot

ShowMyPC is a remote-access and screen-sharing application that aims to let users connect one computer to another over the internet. The program is available for free and presents itself as open-source, offering basic remote-control and display-sharing capabilities. It supports connections to multiple machines, which can be handy for online meetings, but several typical remote-access conveniences are missing or limited.

Getting started

1. Download and install the client on your computer.
2. Launch the app to begin a session.
3. Invite meeting attendees — they normally must install the same software to join.
4. If you prefer not to require an install, a web-link option exists but only with the paid plan.

To begin sharing your screen, press the Start a Meeting control. You can choose whether attendees can interact with your keyboard, mouse, or files. The application then generates a session password that others use to join.

If you want to view someone else’s machine, select View Remote PC and enter the one-time password provided by the host. ShowMyPC uses SSH port forwarding for its connections, so you don’t need to supply an IP address — the session password is the only credential required.

Key capabilities

• Screen sharing that supports multiple viewers at once, provided they have the app and the session password.
• Remote-control functionality that can grant a participant control of mouse and keyboard when permitted.
• A mirrored shared folder (on the remote-desktop side) that lets host and controller exchange files.
• Remote printing ability when using the remote-desktop features.
• Uses 256-bit encryption and does not retain user passwords on its servers; screen-share passwords are generated per session.

Important limitations

• Audio is not supported in the free tier.
• Text chat through the program is restricted to premium subscribers.
• No built-in file transfer on the screen-sharing side — only the remote-desktop mirrored folder supports file exchange.
• Voice-over-IP is not offered.
• Many remote-access capabilities require an upgraded plan; the free version is restricted.
• Users frequently report noticeable lag and delays when controlling a remote machine, which can make precise interactions difficult.

Security and connection notes

ShowMyPC relies on session-based passwords and SSH forwarding, so you won’t have to configure target IP addresses manually. The service encrypts remote sessions with 256-bit encryption and avoids storing passwords on its servers. Despite straightforward setup and reasonable security measures, real-world performance can be sluggish — expect some input delay and slower screen updates compared with higher-end competitors.

Verdict and alternatives

If you need a simple tool that handles both screen sharing and remote control in a single package, ShowMyPC can work, especially for occasional use. It’s straightforward to set up and lets you connect multiple computers, but it doesn’t particularly excel in either function: key features like audio, chat, and full file-transfer are limited or gated behind the premium plan, and responsiveness can be an issue. There are other low-cost options that provide richer feature sets and smoother performance; Mikogo is one alternative worth evaluating.