What interactive access means in AnyDesk
Interactive access in AnyDesk is the permission that lets someone control your computer in real time — moving your mouse, typing, opening files, the full remote control experience. Without it enabled, a person connected to your computer can only watch your screen, like looking over your shoulder at a monitor. They cannot click anything or make changes.
AnyDesk calls this "interactive access" to be clear about what you are allowing. Some remote software uses different names — "remote control", "full access", "input permission" — but they all mean the same thing: the other person can actually do things on your machine, not just see it.
You might turn this on when a tech support person needs to fix something, or when you are helping a family member troubleshoot their own computer. You might also turn it off if you want to show someone your screen but do not want them touching anything yet.
Key Takeaways
- Interactive access is a separate permission from being able to see your screen — you can let someone watch without letting them control anything.
- The person requesting access must ask for it, and you must approve it in the AnyDesk window on your computer before they can move your mouse or type.
- You can turn interactive access on or off at any time during a session, even while someone is already connected.
- Turning off interactive access does not disconnect the person — they can still see your screen, but their keyboard and mouse stop working on your machine.
How to enable interactive access when someone is already connected
When someone requests a remote session with you, AnyDesk opens a window on your screen showing their connection request. At the top or bottom of that window, you will see buttons for different permission levels. Look for the button or toggle labeled "Interactive Access" or sometimes "Allow Input" — the exact wording depends on your AnyDesk version.
Click that button or toggle to turn it on. Once you do, the person on the other end can move your mouse and use your keyboard. You will still see everything they do on your screen in real time. If you change your mind at any point, click the same button again to turn it off — their mouse and keyboard will stop working when ready, though they can still see what is on your screen.
Some versions of AnyDesk also show a small toolbar floating on your screen during the session. This toolbar has quick buttons to toggle interactive access, end the session, or adjust other settings without having to dig through menus.
Where to find the setting before someone connects
You can also set a default permission level before anyone tries to connect to you. Open AnyDesk and look for "Settings" or a gear icon, usually in the top right or left corner of the window. Inside Settings, find the section called "Security" or "Permissions" — again, the exact name varies by version.
In that section, you will see options for what remote users are allowed to do by default. You can set it so that interactive access is always off until you manually turn it on, or you can allow it automatically for trusted contacts. This is useful if you regularly help the same person and do not want to approve the same permission every single time.
The default setting does not override your choice during a live session — if someone connects and you have interactive access turned off, you can still turn it on in the moment if you decide to.
Why you might want to keep interactive access off at first
Turning on interactive access means you are giving someone real control over your computer. They can open files, change settings, install software, or access anything you can access. This is fine when you trust the person and you know exactly what they are doing, but it is worth thinking about before you click the button.
A common practice is to start a session with interactive access off. Let the person show you what they see on your screen, ask questions, and walk through the problem together. Once you understand what they need to do and you are confident it is safe, then turn on interactive access so they can actually make the fix. This gives you a moment to think before handing over control.
If you are helping someone else with their computer, the same logic works in reverse — ask them to turn on interactive access only after you have explained what you are about to do and they have agreed to it.
What happens if you forget to enable it
If someone connects to your computer and you do not enable interactive access, they will see your screen perfectly clearly, but their mouse and keyboard will not work on your machine. They might click or type, but nothing will happen. This is actually a useful safety feature — it lets you share your screen without giving up control.
If this happens by accident and the other person needs to control your computer, you can turn on interactive access at any time. They do not need to disconnect and reconnect. Just click the toggle in the AnyDesk window and they will when ready be able to control your machine.
Security considerations when enabling interactive access
Interactive access is powerful, so it is worth a few basic precautions. Only enable it for people you recognize and trust. If someone you do not know is asking for remote access to your computer, it is reasonable to say no or to ask more questions about why they need it.
If you are the one requesting access to someone else's computer — for tech support, for example — be clear about what you need to do and why. Let them watch the whole time. If they seem uncomfortable, respect that and work with interactive access off, or end the session and find another way to help.
After the session ends, AnyDesk closes the connection and the other person loses all access to your computer. They cannot see your screen or control anything anymore. If you want to be extra cautious, you can change your AnyDesk password after helping someone, though this is usually not necessary for a one-time support session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone enable interactive access on their own, or do I have to approve it?
You have to approve it. The other person can request interactive access, but it does not turn on unless you click the button or toggle on your end. They cannot force it on without your action.
If I turn off interactive access during a session, does the other person get disconnected?
No. They stay connected and can still see your screen, but their mouse and keyboard stop working on your machine. They can request interactive access again, and you can turn it back on if you want to.
Does interactive access let someone see my passwords or files I do not open?
Interactive access lets them control your mouse and keyboard, so they can navigate to files and folders just like you can. They cannot see your passwords unless you type them or they are visible on screen. Anything you do not show them or open during the session stays private.
What is the difference between interactive access and screen sharing?
Screen sharing means they can see your screen. Interactive access means they can also control it. You can have screen sharing without interactive access — they watch but cannot click or type. Interactive access requires screen sharing to work, but screen sharing does not require interactive access.
Can I set up AnyDesk so interactive access is always on for certain people?
Yes, in the Security or Permissions settings you can create a list of trusted contacts and set their default permissions to include interactive access. You can still turn it off in any individual session if you need to.