The settings most likely to make AnyDesk feel faster are display quality set to Best performance, a suitable rendering option (Direct3D on Windows), and Allow direct connections turned on. If the session is still slow, check bandwidth on both devices and whether a firewall is filtering traffic. AnyDesk’s documentation is qualitative: it publishes no benchmark or guaranteed speed gain, and results depend on both computers, the network between them and the platform.
1. Set display quality to match the task
The display quality preset controls the trade-off between image clarity and responsiveness. AnyDesk’s Display settings documentation describes the options like this:
| Preset | What AnyDesk says it favors | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Best performance | “Optimized for speed and low latency” | You are on a slower connection, or quick interaction matters more than detail |
| Balanced | A general-purpose middle ground | You want a reasonable everyday compromise |
| Best quality | Clarity and detail; calls for a high-performance system and fast internet | You are reviewing images, design work or fine text and both ends are strong |
Labels and menu locations can differ by platform and client version, so look for the Display section in the client’s settings. In custom-client deployments, administrators set the same choice with ad.image.quality_preset: 0 is Best quality, 1 is Balanced and 2 is Optimize response time. Most individual users never need that.
2. Pick the right rendering option on Windows
If rendering is the bottleneck, the hardware acceleration choice matters. Go through these in order:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Direct3D
This is AnyDesk’s recommended option for GPU-assisted, smooth performance on Windows. Start here.
DirectDraw
Try it if Direct3D causes disruptions such as glitches or display problems. It is the compatibility choice.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
OpenGL
AnyDesk labels this experimental. Use it only if the others do not work for you.
Acceleration disabled
This is a fallback for display issues, not a speed setting. Also close or minimize other GPU-intensive applications if rendering struggles.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Make sure a direct connection is used
- Open AnyDesk’s Settings > Connections.
- Enable Allow direct connections.
- Disconnect and start a new session. The change should not be assumed to apply to a session already running.
- Look for the direct-connection icon in the session toolbar.
AnyDesk says direct connections can be faster. With the option off, sessions are routed through AnyDesk servers. AnyDesk also states that session data is end-to-end encrypted whichever route is used, so enabling this is not a security trade-off by that account.
Why is AnyDesk slow even on a LAN?
This is the exact question AnyDesk’s own troubleshooting page addresses. The checks are:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Check the toolbar for the direct-connection icon. If it is missing, enable direct connections as above and reconnect.
- Install AnyDesk rather than running the portable executable. AnyDesk states: “Installing AnyDesk instead of running it in portable mode improves LAN detection and connection reliability.”
- Allow UDP 50001–50003, which AnyDesk lists for local-network Discovery, if devices are not found on the LAN.
4. Check bandwidth on both ends
A remote session depends on the link in both directions. AnyDesk’s installation guidance suggests testing upload speed on the remote device (the one sending its screen) and download speed on the local device (the one viewing it). The page gives no minimum bandwidth figure, so there is no number to aim for. Compare a slow session against one on a different network, and run the speed tests while other devices are idle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Look at firewalls and filtering
If the connection stays slow or drops, filtering may be forcing a poorer path or blocking traffic. AnyDesk lists:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- TCP ports 80, 443 and 6568, where at least one must be open for a remote connection.
- UDP 50001–50003 for local-network Discovery.
- The domain
*.net.anydesk.com, which AnyDesk recommends allowing.
On a company-managed network, ask the network administrator to make the firewall change rather than working around it.
A practical order to try things
- Switch to Best performance and test.
- Confirm the direct-connection icon; if absent, enable direct connections and reconnect.
- On Windows, use Direct3D; fall back to DirectDraw if the display misbehaves.
- Install AnyDesk if you are running the portable version.
- Test remote upload and local download speeds.
- Escalate to firewall and port checks.
These steps come from AnyDesk’s official help pages, published mainly in 2025 and updated into 2026. No independent test or quantified speed improvement backs them, and interface labels may change with new client versions. Neither the documentation nor these steps suggest you need to buy new hardware.
