Remote Control Tool ToDesk Introduces Monthly Connection Limits for Free Version, Sparking User Complaints

Remote control software seems to follow a similar trajectory, with ToDesk's free version implementing two significant restrictions starting this week: 1. A maximum of 300 connection attempts per user per month; 2. A cap of 120 hours of connection time per user per month.

Interestingly, ToDesk did not announce these changes through their official website or other channels. A surge of users found out about these limitations after experiencing connection issues starting May 28, only to learn about them when contacting customer service.

As for tracking the number of connections or remaining connection time within the month, users are currently out of luck. It appears ToDesk has yet to introduce such functionalities, opting instead to enforce these limits to encourage users to upgrade to paid versions.

Users facing these restrictions have two choices: wait for the next month when the free quota refreshes or opt for a paid subscription, either the Professional or Gaming versions. Notably, ToDesk has shifted from an annual to a monthly subscription model, likely to offer users the flexibility to upgrade temporarily as needed.

On platforms like Baidu Tieba, numerous users have criticized ToDesk's approach, pointing out at least the need for prior notice to allow users to prepare. Currently, devices with only ToDesk installed cannot connect, leaving users with urgent remote access needs with no choice but to temporarily subscribe to a membership.

Despite the backlash in forums, the path taken by remote control software, including ToDesk, follows a familiar pattern. Users initially gravitated towards TeamViewer, only to move away due to added restrictions and frequent commercial use prompts.

As users migrated from TeamViewer to ToDesk, the underlying challenge for commercial remote control software remains: server bandwidth support. The shift towards imposing more limitations on the free version of ToDesk to nudge users towards paid subscriptions is unsurprising. For those planning long-term use of remote control software, the alternative might be turning to open-source solutions like RustDesk and setting up their own servers.