Windows Remote Desktop (RDP)

Windows Remote Desktop is the built-in remote access tool for Windows. It is incredibly efficient and provides the best performance of any tool on this list. However, it is not 'free' in the sense that it is only available on Pro and Enterprise versions of Windows, and it is not designed for easy internet access. To use it over the internet, you must set up a VPN or port forwarding, which is a significant security risk for non-technical users.

It is the best tool for local networks, but it is not recommended for general internet use.