| UltraVNC | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Screenshot of UltraVNC Viewer connection dialog. | |
| Original authors | |
| Developers | |
| Initial release | 5 December 2002; 23 years ago (2002-12-05)[1] |
| Stable release | |
| Written in | C,C++ andJava |
| Operating system | |
| Platform | |
| Size | About 6MB |
| Standard | RFB/VNC |
| Available in | |
| Type | |
| License | GPLv3 |
| Website | uvnc |
| Repository | |
UltraVNC (sometimes written uVNC) is anopen-sourceremote-administration/remote-desktop-software utility.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]
The client supportsMicrosoft Windows andLinux but the server only supports Windows.[15] It uses theRFB (VNC) protocol to allow a computer to access and control another one remotely over anetwork connection.
UltraVNC is a commonly used remote-access program, and has been in development since 2002, the most recent stable release being from 2025. The 1.5x development branch had more than 2 million views and downloads.[16]
Since its launch, it has been cited in several magazines, journals and books[17][18] and in several academic articles.[19][20]
UltraVNC allows the use of a remote computer as if the user were in front of it. This is achieved by sending mouse movements and key-presses to the remote computer, and replicating the remote computer's display (subject to differences in resolution) locally in real time. UltraVNC bears a strong resemblance toRealVNC Free Edition. However, in addition to remote control, it adds various features, such as anencryption plugin to secure theclient/server connection. It also supports file transfers, chat functionality and various authentication methods. The two computers must be able to communicate across a network, such as a local subnet, internal network, or theInternet. The software is free and distributed under the terms of theGNU General Public License version 3.
UltraVNC is developed in theC,C++, andJava programming languages.
It can use an optionalmirror driver installed on the remotely controlled computer for fast and efficient notification of screen changes with very low CPU load,[21] although this is not needed since later versions of Windows 10.[22]
UltraVNC is the result of the merger of Vdacc-VNC started by Rudi De Vos in 1999 and eSVNC started by Sam in 2002.[1]
Since release 1.0.6.4, UltraVNC server can work as aWindows service underUser Account Control (UAC).
UltraVNC is notable as the base for free no-install remotehelp desk options including UltraVNC SC (Single Click) and PcHelpWare. These operate by generating pre-configured executables that can be downloaded and run on systems needing support; these applications then connect back to server software running on the system providing support.
