In today’s world of remote access and virtual desktops, it’s often necessary to control other machines from your device. Whether you’re managing a server, working remotely, or simply need to access a desktop environment away from home, tools like TigerVNC and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) make it simple.
TigerVNC is an open-source VNC server and client, providing a graphical interface for remote control of computers, while RDP is built into most versions of Windows, allowing easy remote desktop access. This combination allows you to securely connect to a Mac from Windows, even if macOS doesn’t natively support it.
In this blog post, we will walk through downloading and setting up TigerVNC on Windows, enabling VNC on a Mac, and connecting from Windows.
- Why Use TigerVNC?
- Step 1: Download and Install TigerVNC on Windows
- Step 2: Set Up VNC on macOS
- Step 3: Connect to the Mac Using VNC
- Conclusion
Why Use TigerVNC?
- TigerVNC – Open-source, cross-platform VNC server and client for graphical remote control. Ideal for administrators and remote workers.
- RDP – Built-in Windows protocol for accessing remote desktops, offering a familiar interface and smooth performance.
- Combined Benefit – Securely connect from Windows to macOS using a combination of VNC for compatibility and RDP for ease of use.
Step 1: Download and Install TigerVNC on Windows
- Visit the official TigerVNC website and download the latest Windows version.
- Navigate to the Downloads section, selecting the correct version for your system (most will use 64-bit).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts. Choose Complete installation to install both the Server and Viewer.
- Check the option Add TigerVNC to PATH so you can use its commands from anywhere.
- Launch TigerVNC Viewer — this will be your client application for connecting to the Mac.
Step 2: Set Up VNC on macOS
- On your Mac, open System Settings/Preferences → General → Sharing.
- Check Screen Sharing to enable remote graphical access.
- Click on the small “i” next to Screen Sharing, then click Computer Settings and check VNC viewers may control screen with password.
- Set a secure password for the connection.
Your Mac is now ready to accept VNC connections from TigerVNC Viewer on your Windows machine.
Step 3: Connect to the Mac Using VNC
- Launch TigerVNC on your Windows machine.
- Enter your Mac’s IP address (find it in System Settings/Preferences → Network).
- Click Show Options, enter your Mac’s credentials, and click Connect.
If you’re using VNC directly, simply enter your Mac’s IP and password into TigerVNC Viewer.
Conclusion
Using TigerVNC on Windows to connect to a Mac — either directly via VNC or with RDP through a bridge — is a reliable and practical remote access solution. With minimal setup, you can securely and efficiently manage a Mac from a Windows environment, even without native RDP support in macOS.
This method is especially useful for cross-platform work scenarios where compatibility and accessibility are essential.
