TightVNC

Free, lightweight VNC server and viewer for Windows, licensed under the GPL.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About TightVNC

TightVNC is a long-running VNC implementation for Windows, offering a server that shares a PC's screen and a viewer that connects to any standard VNC server. It is free for personal and commercial use under the GNU GPL and is known for being small, simple and compatible with VNC software on other systems, including Linux and Macs. There is no cloud service: you connect by IP address or hostname, so reaching a machine over the internet means opening ports, using a VPN or pairing it with a mesh network such as Tailscale. Features are basic, with file transfer and scaling but no account system, encrypted relay or mobile apps. The developer, GlavSoft, also sells commercial source-code licences and separate SDKs. TightVNC suits LAN use, legacy Windows machines and admins who want a no-frills tool they fully control, rather than people who want to help relatives across the internet.

Best for: Admins needing a free, simple VNC server or viewer on Windows inside a local network.

What works

Free for any use, including commercial
Small and compatible with standard VNC software
Runs on old Windows versions

Why people leave

No cloud relay, so internet access needs ports or a VPN
VNC traffic isn't strongly encrypted by default
Windows only for the current version

Top TightVNC alternatives

See all 5

1
UltraVNC
Windows VNC with more features like encryption plugins and a repeater.
66.5
2
TigerVNC
Actively developed cross-platform VNC with Linux, Windows and Mac builds.
62.6
3
RustDesk
Free and open-source but works across the internet without opening ports.
59.6
4
Chrome Remote Desktop
Free internet access without router or VPN setup.
55.3
5
RealVNC Connect
Commercial VNC with cloud brokering and support.
46.7

Why people left TightVNC

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TightVNC: common questions

Is TightVNC free?

Yes, TightVNC is free to use.

Is TightVNC open source?

Yes.

What platforms does TightVNC run on?

TightVNC is available for Windows.

What are the best alternatives to TightVNC?

The highest-ranked TightVNC alternatives right now are UltraVNC, TigerVNC and RustDesk. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 TightVNC alternatives

TightVNC facts

3 of 3 verified

License: GNU GPL; Checked Oct 25, 2026tightvnc.com(opens source in a new tab); “The Default License: GNU GPL”
Commercial use: Allowed; Checked Oct 25, 2026tightvnc.com(opens source in a new tab); “Just download the software and use it for any legally allowed purposes, including commercial use.”
Windows support: Windows XP and later; Checked Oct 25, 2026tightvnc.com(opens source in a new tab); “runs on Windows XP and all later versions (see more details here ).”