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How to Update AnyDesk Remote Desktop Alias

AnyDesk is a popular remote desktop software that allows you to access and control computers remotely. Each AnyDesk client has a unique identification code called an AnyDesk ID. You can also set an alias for each ID to make it more recognizable.

If you want to update the alias linked to an AnyDesk ID, it’s a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Prerequisites

Before updating your AnyDesk alias, make sure:

  • You have AnyDesk installed on the computer whose alias you want to change.
  • You have purchased an AnyDesk license if you want to change aliases more than 3 times. The free version only allows changing an alias 3 times.

Access AnyDesk Settings

To begin, access AnyDesk’s settings:

  • Launch AnyDesk on your computer.
  • Click on the menu icon (3 horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
  • Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Navigate to Alias Settings

Next, go to the alias settings:

  • On the left sidebar in Settings, click on User Interface.
  • Under User Interface, navigate to the Alias section.
  • Here you will see the current AnyDesk ID and Alias.

Change the Alias

Now you can change the alias:

  • In the Alias section, click the Choose alias button.
  • A pop-up will open prompting you to enter a new alias.
  • Type your desired new alias and click Register.

That’s it! The alias linked to your AnyDesk ID will now be updated.

Alternative Method – Edit Service.conf

There is also an alternative method to change your AnyDesk alias by editing the service.conf file:

  • Go to File Explorer and enter this path: C:\ProgramData\AnyDesk
  • Open the service.conf file in a text editor like Notepad.
  • Find the line alias= and enter your new alias after the = sign.
  • Save and close the file.
  • Restart AnyDesk for the changes to take effect.

Tips for Setting an AnyDesk Alias

Here are some tips when changing or setting an AnyDesk alias:

  • The alias can include numbers, letters, periods, underscores and hyphens.
  • The maximum length is 25 characters.
  • Avoid spaces and special characters.
  • Make it descriptive for easy recognition e.g. johns-laptop
  • The same alias cannot be set for two different AnyDesk IDs. It needs to be unique.

Limitations of the Free Version

The free version of AnyDesk has some limitations regarding aliases:

  • You can only change the alias up to 3 times per AnyDesk ID.
  • You cannot set an alias with a custom namespace e.g. johns-laptop@mycompany. This is only allowed with paid licenses.

So if you reach the 3 times limit, you cannot change the alias again for that AnyDesk ID on the free version. You would need to purchase an AnyDesk license.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have problems updating your AnyDesk alias:

Alias button greyed out?

  • This means you are using the free version and have reached the 3 times alias change limit for that AnyDesk ID. You need to upgrade to a paid license.

Alias not updating?

  • Restart Both AnyDesk on your computer for the new alias to take effect.
  • Check if you entered a valid alias without special characters or spaces.
  • On Windows, restart the AnyDesk service by opening Task Manager > Services tab > Restart the AnyDesk service.

Getting error messages?

  • The alias you are trying to set may already be taken. Enter a unique alias.
  • Your anti-virus software may be blocking access to the service.conf file or blocking AnyDesk from making changes. Add exceptions for AnyDesk.

Conclusion

Updating your AnyDesk alias to something more recognizable is simple. Just access the Alias settings, enter a new alias, save changes and you are done.

Set descriptive aliases so you can easily identify remote computers. Just be aware of the 3 times limit on the free version.

Use this guide to change your alias effortlessly. Reach out if you have any problems.

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