What interactive access does in AnyDesk

Interactive access in AnyDesk lets you control another computer in real time — moving the mouse, typing, opening files, and running programs as if you were sitting at that machine. Without it enabled, you can only view the screen. With it on, you have full control.

The person at the remote computer can see everything you do and can take back control at any moment. This is why AnyDesk asks for permission before granting interactive access — it's a security boundary. You need to enable it on the computer you want to control, and the person there needs to approve the connection.

Interactive access is what you need for remote support (when someone helps you fix a problem), remote work (when you log into your office computer from home), or managing a server or device from a distance. If you only need to see the screen without touching anything, you don't need to enable it.

Key Takeaways

  • Interactive access must be enabled on the computer being controlled before a remote user can do anything beyond viewing the screen.
  • The person at the remote computer will see a permission prompt the first time you try to take control, and they must approve it.
  • You can enable interactive access in AnyDesk's settings under Security, or the remote user can request it during an active session.
  • Disabling interactive access is a way to let someone view your screen for troubleshooting without giving them the ability to move your mouse or type.

Enable interactive access before a session starts

If you want to set up interactive access ahead of time, open AnyDesk on the computer that will be controlled. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then select Settings.

In the Settings window, click the Security tab on the left side. Look for the section labeled Permissions. You will see a toggle or checkbox next to "Interactive access" — turn it on. Some versions of AnyDesk also show a separate option for "File transfer" and "Clipboard" — you can enable or disable these independently depending on what you want the remote user to do.

Click OK or Apply to save your changes. The setting stays in place until you change it again. Now when someone connects remotely, they will be able to request interactive access without being blocked by a permission denial.

Request interactive access during an active session

If you are already connected to a remote computer and interactive access is not yet enabled, you can request it. In the AnyDesk toolbar at the top of the remote screen, look for a button labeled Request Control or Interactive Access — the exact label depends on your AnyDesk version.

When you click it, the person at the remote computer will see a notification asking them to allow interactive access. They can approve or deny the request. If they approve, you will immediately gain control of the mouse, keyboard, and screen. If they deny it, you remain in view-only mode.

This request method is useful when you are already in a support session and realize you need to do more than just look at the screen. The remote user stays in control of whether to grant that permission.

What happens when interactive access is denied

If interactive access is disabled on the remote computer and you try to move the mouse or type, AnyDesk will block the action. You will see a message saying something like "Interactive access not permitted" or "Permission denied." The remote screen will remain visible, but you cannot interact with it.

This is a deliberate security feature. It prevents accidental or unauthorized control of a computer. If you need interactive access and it is blocked, you have two options: ask the person at the remote computer to enable it in their Security settings, or ask them to approve your request if you are already connected.

Interactive access and file transfer are separate permissions

AnyDesk treats interactive access and file transfer as two different permissions. You can enable one without the other. For example, you might allow someone to control your computer but not transfer files to it, or vice versa.

If you want to let a support person view your screen and move your mouse but not copy files off your computer, enable interactive access but leave file transfer disabled. If you only want to send files to someone without letting them control your screen, enable file transfer but disable interactive access. Check your Security settings to see which permissions are currently on or off.

Temporarily disable interactive access for security

If you are concerned about security or want to limit what a remote user can do, you can disable interactive access in your Security settings at any time. This does not disconnect an active session — it just prevents the remote user from controlling your computer going forward.

If someone is already connected and has interactive access, disabling the setting will not immediately revoke their control. However, if they disconnect and try to reconnect, they will not be able to request interactive access again until you re-enable it. For an immediate revocation during an active session, you can simply close the AnyDesk window or disconnect the session manually.

Troubleshooting interactive access problems

If you have enabled interactive access but the remote user still cannot control your computer, restart AnyDesk on both machines. Sometimes the permission change does not take effect until the application reloads. Close AnyDesk completely (not just minimize it) and open it again.

If the problem continues, check that you are logged into the same AnyDesk account on both computers, or that you are using the correct connection method (direct IP address or AnyDesk ID). Some network setups, firewalls, or corporate security policies can block interactive access even when it is enabled in the settings. If you are on a work network, contact your IT department to confirm that AnyDesk remote control is allowed.

On Windows, make sure AnyDesk is running with the correct permissions. If you are trying to control a computer that is logged in as Administrator, AnyDesk may need to run as Administrator on the remote machine as well. On Mac, check System Preferences under Security & Privacy to confirm that AnyDesk has permission to control your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enable interactive access only for certain people?

AnyDesk does not have per-user permission settings. When you enable interactive access in Security settings, it applies to anyone who connects to your computer. If you want to restrict access, you can disable interactive access and only enable it when you are expecting a specific person to connect, then disable it again afterward.

What if I enable interactive access but the remote user still sees a permission prompt?

Some versions of AnyDesk show a permission prompt the first time a new user connects, even if interactive access is enabled in settings. This is a one-time confirmation. The remote user should click "Allow" on the prompt. After that, they will have interactive access without being asked again.

Does enabling interactive access let someone see my passwords or private files?

Interactive access gives someone control of your mouse and keyboard, so they can navigate to and open any file or program you can access. They can see what is on your screen. If you are concerned about privacy, do not enable interactive access for people you do not trust, and do not leave a session unattended while someone has control.

Can I use AnyDesk without interactive access?

Yes. You can keep interactive access disabled and use AnyDesk in view-only mode. This is useful if you want to show someone your screen for troubleshooting or demonstration purposes but do not want them to touch your keyboard or mouse.

What is the difference between interactive access and remote control?

In AnyDesk, "interactive access" is the technical term for the permission that allows remote control. They mean the same thing. When interactive access is enabled, the remote user has remote control. When it is disabled, they can only view the screen.