TeamViewer

The foundation of TeamViewer goes back to the release of the first version of the TeamViewer software in 2005, which was developed to reduce travelling to customers and at that time was still based on the VNC project.{{Citation|language=de|url=http://www.teamviewer.com/company/|title=About TeamViewer|publisher=Rossmanith GmbH|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050419215701/http://www.teamviewer.com/company/|archive-date=2005-04-19|access-date=2020-02-04|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |date=2017-01-05 |title=Software-Riese Teamviewer: Weltmarktführer aus der Provinz |url=https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/news/software-riese-teamviewer--weltmarktfuehrer-aus-der-provinz-7268206.html |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Stern |language=de}} The IT service provider wanted to avoid unnecessary trips to customers and perform tasks such as installing software remotely.{{Citation |author=Holzki |first1=Larissa |title=Per Mausklick in die Firma |date=2020-06-05 |newspaper=Handelsblatt |page=27 |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/management/hoffnungstraeger/serie-hoffnungstraeger-per-mausklick-in-die-firma-wie-teamviewer-chef-oliver-steil-von-der-krise-profitiert-hat/25888114.html |access-date=2020-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604165141/https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/management/hoffnungstraeger/serie-hoffnungstraeger-per-mausklick-in-die-firma-wie-teamviewer-chef-oliver-steil-von-der-krise-profitiert-hat/25888114.html |archive-date=June 4, 2020 |url-status=live |language=de |last2=Kerkmann |first2=Christof |last3=Zhang |first3=Effy}} The development was very successful and gave rise to TeamViewer GmbH, which today operates as TeamViewer Germany GmbH and is part of TeamViewer SE.{{Citation|language=de|url=https://www.unternehmensregister.de/|title=Unternehmensregister|publisher=Bundesanzeiger Verlag|access-date=2021-02-04}}{{cite web |last1=More |first1=Rachel |title=Teamviewer acquires London-based 1E in $720-million deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/teamviewer-acquires-london-based-1e-2024-12-10/ |website=Reuters |access-date=13 April 2025 |date=10 December 2024}}

TeamViewer is available for most desktop computers with common operating systems, including Microsoft Windows and Windows Server, as well as Apple's macOS.{{Citation|language=en|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1138757/teamviewer.html|title=TeamViewer v4 Desktop Collaboration App Now Mac-Compatible|website=Macworld|date=2009-02-10|access-date=2021-02-15|author=Philip Michaels|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929172807/https://www.macworld.com/article/1138757/teamviewer.html|url-status=live}} There are also packages for several Linux distributions and derivatives, for example, Debian,{{Citation|language=en|url=https://vitux.com/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-debian-10/|title=How to Install TeamViewer on Debian 10|website=Vitux Linux Compendium|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=2021-02-10|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121050230/https://vitux.com/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-debian-10/|url-status=live}} Ubuntu,{{Citation|language=en|title=How to Install TeamViewer on Ubuntu 20.04|url=https://linuxize.com/post/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-ubuntu-20-04/|website=Linuxize|access-date=2021-02-16|date=2020-06-27|archive-date=August 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807104240/https://linuxize.com/post/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-ubuntu-20-04/|url-status=live}} Red Hat,{{Citation|language=en|url=https://access.redhat.com/discussions/3539921|title=TeamViewer for RHEL 7.5 server|publisher=Red Hat|website=Customer Portal|date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=June 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620131930/https://access.redhat.com/discussions/3539921|url-status=live}} and Fedora Linux.{{Citation|language=en|url=https://computingforgeeks.com/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-fedora/|title=How To Install TeamViewer on Fedora 32/31/30/29|website=Computing for Geeks|author=Josphat Mutai|date=2020-04-17|access-date=2021-02-05|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617170343/https://computingforgeeks.com/how-to-install-teamviewer-on-fedora/|url-status=live}} Besides, there is Raspberry Pi OS, a Debian variant for the Raspberry Pi.{{Citation|language=de|author=Oliver Nickel|url=https://www.golem.de/news/remote-desktop-teamviewer-kommt-fuer-iot-geraete-wie-den-raspberry-pi-1801-132291.html|title=Remote Desktop: TeamViewer kommt für IoT-Geräte wie den Raspberry Pi.|website=Golem|date=2018-01-22|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123182815/https://www.golem.de/news/remote-desktop-teamviewer-kommt-fuer-iot-geraete-wie-den-raspberry-pi-1801-132291.html|url-status=live}}

TeamViewer is also available for smartphones and tablets running Android or Apple's iOS/iPadOS operating system, with very limited functionality on Linux based operating systems.{{Citation|language=de|author=Franz Công Bùi|title=TeamViewer-App ermöglicht Zugriff auf Computer aus der Ferne.|newspaper=Börsen-Zeitung|date=2012-08-01|page=19}} Support for Windows Phone and Windows Mobile has been phased out after Microsoft discontinued support for the two operating systems.{{Citation|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/teamviewer-quicksupport/9nblggh5kpgl?activetab=pivot:overviewtab|title=TeamViewer QuickSupport|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=2021-02-16|language=en|archive-date=August 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801134259/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/teamviewer-quicksupport/9nblggh5kpgl?activetab=pivot:overviewtab|url-status=live}}

The functionality of TeamViewer differs depending on the device and variant or version of the software. The core of TeamViewer is remote access to computers and other endpoints as well as their control and maintenance.{{Citation|language=en|publisher=University of Münster|title=TeamViewer|url=https://www.uni-muenster.de/IT/en/services/arbeitsplatz/software/teamviewer.html|access-date=2021-02-17|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426113051/https://www.uni-muenster.de/IT/en/services/arbeitsplatz/software/teamviewer.html|url-status=live}} After the connection is established, the remote screen is visible to the user at the other endpoint. Both endpoints can send and receive files as well as access a shared clipboard, for example.{{Citation|language=de|author=Georg Drabner|title=Hilfe aus der Ferne|newspaper=Saarbrücker Zeitung|date=2009-04-24}} Besides, some functions facilitate team collaboration, such as audio and video transmissions via IP telephony.{{Citation|language=de|author=Reiko Kaps|url=https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Desktop-Fernhilfe-mit-Video-Telefonie-875739.html|title=Desktop-Fernhilfe mit Video-Telefonie|website=Heise Online|date=2009-12-03|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021124932/https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Desktop-Fernhilfe-mit-Video-Telefonie-875739.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |last=Jacobi |first=Jon |title=TeamViewer: Easy, free remote connectivity software |magazine=PCWorld |pages=67-70 |volume=40 |issue=5}}

In recent years, the functionality of the software has been optimized in particular for use in large companies.{{Citation|language=de|url=https://www.golem.de/news/teamviewer-8-fernwartungssoftware-mit-neuen-funktionen-fuer-unternehmen-1212-96120.html|title=TeamViewer 8: Fernwartungssoftware mit neuen Funktionen für Unternehmen|website=Golem|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213032101/https://www.golem.de/news/teamviewer-8-fernwartungssoftware-mit-neuen-funktionen-fuer-unternehmen-1212-96120.html|url-status=live}} For this purpose, the enterprise variant TeamViewer Tensor was developed.{{Citation|language=de|author=Thomas Bär, Frank-Michael Schlede|url=https://www.admin-magazin.de/Das-Heft/2019/04/TeamViewer-Tensor|title=TeamViewer Tensor: Fernwartung für die Großen|newspaper=Admin Magazin|issue=4|date=2019|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126234159/https://www.admin-magazin.de/Das-Heft/2019/04/TeamViewer-Tensor|url-status=live}} With TeamViewer Frontline, TeamViewer sells software for remote support and process optimization with augmented reality elements.{{Citation|language=de|author=Oliver Nickel|url=https://www.golem.de/news/fernwartung-teamviewer-14-zeigt-informationen-mit-augmented-reality-1810-137294.html|title=TeamViewer 14 zeigt Informationen mit Augmented Reality|website=Golem|date=2018-10-24|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624140211/https://www.golem.de/news/fernwartung-teamviewer-14-zeigt-informationen-mit-augmented-reality-1810-137294.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Dequito |first=Imee |date=2024-07-26 |title=TeamViewer leads connected worker platforms with AR solutions |url=https://channellife.com.au/story/teamviewer-leads-connected-worker-platforms-with-ar-solutions |access-date=2024-09-09 |work=Channel Life Australia}}{{Cite web |last=Davids |first=Surur |date=2021-04-18 |title=TeamViewer Frontline Workplace für Microsoft HoloLens jetzt verfügbar |url=https://mspoweruser.com/de/teamviewer-frontline-workplace-for-microsoft-hololens-now-available/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=MSPoweruser |language=de}} TeamViewer offers interfaces to other applications and services, for example from Microsoft (Teams),{{Citation|language=en|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/microsoft-to-integrate-teamviewer-in-microsoft-teams/article32510765.ece|title=Microsoft to integrate TeamViewer in Microsoft Teams|date=2020-09-03|access-date=2021-02-15|website=The Hindu Business Line|publication-place=Mumbai|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426113049/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/microsoft-to-integrate-teamviewer-in-microsoft-teams/article32510765.ece|url-status=live}}{{Citation|language=en|title=TeamViewer Integrates with Microsoft Teams|url=https://www.enterpriseitworld.com/teamviewer-integrates-with-microsoft-teams/|date=2020-09-02|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Enterprise IT World|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214101400/https://www.enterpriseitworld.com/teamviewer-integrates-with-microsoft-teams/|url-status=live}} Salesforce,{{Citation|language=en|publisher=Salesforce|website=AppExchange|title=TeamViewer – Remote Support and Access Integration for Salesforce|url=https://appexchange.salesforce.com/listingDetail?listingId=a0N3A00000EFmSYUA1|access-date=2021-02-16|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227013748/https://appexchange.salesforce.com/listingDetail?listingId=a0N3A00000EFmSYUA1|url-status=live}}{{Citation|language=en|url=https://support.atera.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013607773-Atera-and-TeamViewer|website=Atera's help center|date=2024-07-04|access-date=2024-07-24|title=Atera and TeamViewer}} The solution is available in nearly all countries and supports over 30 languages.{{Citation|language=en|url=https://www.softwareadvice.com/video-conferencing/teamviewer-profile/|title=TeamViewer Software|website=Software Advice|access-date=2021-02-11|archive-date=June 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617170252/https://www.softwareadvice.com/video-conferencing/teamviewer-profile/|url-status=live}}

In October 2024, Session Insights was launched, an AI-based feature that automates the documentation of remote support sessions by automatically generating summaries after each session.{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=André |date=2024-10-29 |title=TeamViewer: KI protokolliert Fernwartung |url=https://www.heise.de/news/TeamViewer-KI-protokolliert-Fernwartung-9996490.html |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Heise online |language=de}}

Private customers may use a limited subset{{Cite web |date=2023-04-26 |title=TeamViewer Remote's Free Version Redesign |url=https://community.teamviewer.com/English/discussion/129407/teamviewer-remote-s-free-version-redesign |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=TeamViewer Support |language=en}} of features for non-commercial purposes free of charge.{{Citation|language=de|url=https://www.teamviewer.com/de/pricing/kommerzielle-nutzung/|title=Kommerzielle Nutzung|work=TeamViewer |publisher=TeamViewer SE|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001045438/https://www.teamviewer.com/de/pricing/kommerzielle-nutzung/|url-status=live}}{{Citation|language=de|author=Jörn Brien|url=https://t3n.de/news/coronavirus-teamviewer-beruflich-1262679/|title=Coronavirus: TeamViewer kannst du jetzt inoffiziell auch beruflich gratis nutzen.|website=t3n|publisher=yeebase media|date=2020-03-18|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=April 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420024155/https://t3n.de/news/coronavirus-teamviewer-beruflich-1262679/|url-status=live}} There is a maximum of three managed devices for free accounts. VPN, Wake-on-LAN, file sync, audio, video and chat were disabled. Fees must be paid for the commercial use of the software. Companies and other commercial customers must sign up for a subscription. The prices for using the software are scaled according to the number of users as well as the number of concurrent sessions. Updates are released monthly and are included for all users.

Since 2021, complimentary TeamViewer 15 access for legacy versions has been deprecated.{{Cite web |last=K (Company Announcement) |first=Jean |date=2021-09-15 |title=Complimentary TeamViewer 15 access for legacy versions to be deprecated. |url=https://community.teamviewer.com/English/discussion/109492/complimentary-teamviewer-15-access-for-legacy-versions-to-be-deprecated/p5 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=TeamViewer |language=en}} Since 2023, a one-time purchase of the application is no longer possible.{{Citation |author=Michael Kroker |title=TeamViewer-CEO Steil: "Die DSGVO ist für uns ein Wettbewerbs-Vorteil". |date=2018-10-31 |website=WirtschaftsWoche |url=https://www.wiwo.de/my/unternehmen/it/teamviewer-ceo-steil-die-dsgvo-ist-fuer-uns-ein-wettbewerbs-vorteil/23252168.html |access-date=2020-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123202208/https://www.wiwo.de/my/unternehmen/it/teamviewer-ceo-steil-die-dsgvo-ist-fuer-uns-ein-wettbewerbs-vorteil/23252168.html?ticket=ST-434803-TmwHRMSHjmaCSugDQPzP-cas01.example.org |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |url-status=live |language=de}} TeamViewer was contacting some users to try to have them convert their perpetual license to the subscription model.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2022 |title=TeamViewer accused of 'unclear' automatic renewal policies as customer faces debt collectors |url=https://www.itpro.co.uk/software/369282/teamviewer-accused-of-unclear-automatic-renewal-policies |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=IT PRO |language=en}} For cancellation of the annual subscriptions, it must be done within 28 days of subscribing to the service or upon the renewal of the license. This was criticized, but challenges were rejected by federal courts in California; the courts held that the auto-renewal was sufficient under California law.{{Cite web |last=Rothermel |first=Shahin O. |date=2023-02-22 |title=Ninth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Autorenewal Lawsuit, Finds Disclosure, Consent, and Acknowledgment Sufficient |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=d251e401-4ef4-4ba4-a54f-c9c3553041a1 |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Lexology |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Summer 2021 Automatic Renewal Law Update: New Requirements, Settlements and Decisions |url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/summer-2021-automatic-renewal-law-2092446/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=JD Supra |language=en}}

Incoming and outgoing connections are equally possible via the Internet or local networks. If desired, TeamViewer can run as a Windows system service, which allows unattended access via TeamViewer. There is also a portable version of the software that runs completely without installation, for example via a USB data carrier.{{Citation|language=de|url=https://www.t-online.de/digital/download/id_54675798/si_4/die-besten-programme-fuer-den-usb-stick-.html|title=Die besten Programme für den USB-Stick – TeamViewer Portable|date=September 11, 2012 |publisher=T-Online|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201160226/https://www.t-online.de/digital/download/id_54675798/si_4/die-besten-programme-fuer-den-usb-stick-.html|url-status=live}}

The connection is established using automatically generated unique IDs and passwords. Before each connection, the TeamViewer network servers check the validity of the IDs of both endpoints. Security is enhanced by the fingerprint, which allows users to provide additional proof of the remote device's identity. Passwords are protected against brute force attacks, especially by increasing the waiting time between connection attempts exponentially. TeamViewer provides additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, block and allow lists.

Before establishing a connection, TeamViewer first checks the configuration of the device and the network to detect restrictions imposed by firewalls and other security systems. Usually, a direct TCP/UDP connection can be established so that no additional ports need to be opened. Otherwise, TeamViewer falls back on other paths such as an HTTP tunnel.

Regardless of the connection type selected, data is transferred exclusively via secure data channels. TeamViewer includes end-to-end encryption based on RSA (4096 bits) and AES (256 bits).{{Citation|language=en|url=https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/81992/teamviewer-introduces-new-security-measures-to-thwart-hacks|title=TeamViewer Introduces New Security Measures to Thwart Hacks|author=David Murphy|date=2016-06-04|access-date=2021-02-14|archive-date=April 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426113050/https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/81992/teamviewer-introduces-new-security-measures-to-thwart-hacks|url-status=live}} According to the manufacturer, man-in-the-middle attacks are principally not possible. This is to be guaranteed by the signed key exchange of two key pairs.

TeamViewer and similar programs can be abused for technical support scams. In this process, attackers pretend to be employees of well-known companies to gain control over their victims' computers. They then use a pretext to obtain money from their victims.{{Citation|language=de|author=Hajo Schulz|url=https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2016/23/1478857832099577|title=Bei Anruf Abzocke|newspaper=c’t Magazin|issue=26|date=2016|volume=2016 |access-date=2020-02-04|page=64|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709003344/http://www.heise.de/select/ct/2016/23/1478857832099577|url-status=live}} For this reason, the British Internet provider TalkTalk permanently blocked the software's data traffic.{{Citation|language=en|author=Kat Hall|url=https://www.theregister.com/2017/03/09/talktalk_blocks_teamviewer/|title=Brit ISP TalkTalk Blocks Control Tool TeamViewer|website=The Register|date=2017-03-09|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=October 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023223443/https://www.theregister.com/2017/03/09/talktalk_blocks_teamviewer/|url-status=live}} TeamViewer condemns all forms of misuse of the software, provides tips for safe use, and provides a way to investigate corresponding incidents.{{Citation|language=en|url=https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/report-a-scam/|title=Report a Scam|publisher=TeamViewer SE|access-date=2020-02-04|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125085231/https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/report-a-scam/|url-status=live}}

In June 2016, hundreds of TeamViewer users reported having their computers accessed by an unauthorized address in China and bank accounts misappropriated.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/06/01/teamviewer_mass_breach_report/|title=TeamViewer denies hack after PCs hijacked, PayPal accounts drained.|work=The Register|location=UK|access-date=2016-06-03|archive-date=May 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200524073837/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/06/01/teamviewer_mass_breach_report/|url-status=live}} TeamViewer stated it was "appalled by any criminal activity" but attributed the outcome to "careless use, not a potential security breach on TeamViewer’s side", saying "neither was TeamViewer hacked nor is there a security hole, TeamViewer is safe to use and has proper security measures in place. Our evidence points to careless use as the cause of the reported issue, a few extra steps will prevent potential abuse."{{Cite web|url=https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cyber-attacks/hack-on-teamviewer-after-reported-unauthorized-connections|title=Hack Suspected on TeamViewer After Users Report Unauthorized Connections|publisher=Trend Micro|location=USA|access-date=2018-07-13|archive-date=May 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505232604/https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cyber-attacks/hack-on-teamviewer-after-reported-unauthorized-connections|url-status=live}}

In June 2024, TeamViewer reported that it was the target of an attack by the Russian hacker group APT29. The intrusion to the IT infrastructure of the company, using a standard employee's credentials, was detected on 26 June 2024. TeamViewer's security team, along with external cybersecurity experts, immediately launched an investigation.{{cite news|last=Paganini |first=Pierluigi |title=Russia-linked group APT29 likely breached TeamViewer's corporate network |date=30 June 2024 |url=https://securityaffairs.com/165025/hacking/russia-linked-group-apt29-teamviewer.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630132630/https://securityaffairs.com/165025/hacking/russia-linked-group-apt29-teamviewer.html |archive-date=30 June 2024 |access-date=30 June 2024}} According to Heise online, TeamViewer disclosed that the attack was confined to the corporate IT environment without affecting client data or product systems.{{cite web | last=Kunz | first=Christopher | title=TeamViewer-Angriff: Die Spur führt nach Russland | website=Heise online | date=2024-06-28 | url=https://www.heise.de/news/TeamViewer-Angriff-Die-Spur-fuehrt-nach-Russland-9782630.html | access-date=2024-10-02 | language=de}}

• Comparison of remote desktop software
• Remote desktop software

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.teamviewer.com}}

{{Remote administration software}}

Category:Linux remote administration software

Category:MacOS remote administration software

Category:Portable software

Category:Proprietary cross-platform software

Category:Proprietary software that uses Qt

Category:Remote desktop

Category:Software that uses Qt

Category:Universal Windows Platform apps

Category:Virtual Network Computing

Category:Web conferencing

Category:Windows remote administration software

Category:Software companies of Germany

Category:Software companies established in 2005