Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 is a common necessity for users who need to share session logs, create tutorials, or archive remote support sessions in a universally playable format. Since AnyDesk saves recordings in a proprietary .anydesk format to save space and ensure security, you cannot play them in standard media players like VLC or QuickTime without conversion. Understanding AnyDesk Recording Formats
By default, AnyDesk uses a custom encoding scheme designed for low latency and high efficiency during remote sessions. While this is great for performance, it is not a standard video container. To view these files, you traditionally need the AnyDesk client itself. Converting them to MP4 makes the content accessible on mobile devices, social media, and professional video editing software. Method 1: The Official AnyDesk Built-in Converter
The most reliable way to convert these files is by using the conversion tool integrated directly into the AnyDesk software on Windows.
Locate your file: Open the folder where your AnyDesk recordings are stored (usually in your Documents folder). Open AnyDesk: Launch the application on your computer.
Access Settings: Click the menu icon and navigate to Settings, then select Recording.
Use the Player: Open the recording within the AnyDesk interface.
Start Conversion: While the recording is open in the player view, look for the Convert button in the upper-right corner of the playback window.
Select MP4: Choose MP4 as your output format. You can often adjust the resolution or bitrate to balance quality and file size. Export: Click start and wait for the processing to finish. Method 2: Using Screen Recording Software
If the built-in converter fails due to a corrupted file or version mismatch, "re-recording" the session is the most effective workaround.
Play the File: Open the .anydesk file using the AnyDesk player.
Launch a Recorder: Use a tool like OBS Studio, ShareX, or the Windows Game Bar (Win + G).
Capture the Area: Set the recording area to the dimensions of the AnyDesk player window.
Record in Real-Time: Play the session from start to finish while your screen recorder captures it directly to MP4. Method 3: Third-Party Video Converters
While many online "file converters" claim to handle any extension, very few support the proprietary AnyDesk format because it requires the specific codec used by the software.
Handbrake: Occasionally, advanced users can use Handbrake with specific plugins, but this is often overly technical for the average user. convert anydesk video to mp4 top
VLC Media Player: You can attempt to "Stream/Save" the file through VLC, though success depends heavily on whether your system has the AnyDesk codec installed globally. Best Practices for High-Quality Conversion
To ensure your MP4 file looks as crisp as the original remote session, follow these tips:
Match Resolution: Ensure the output MP4 resolution matches the original monitor resolution of the remote desk.
Check Frame Rates: Remote sessions often have variable frame rates; setting a constant frame rate of 30 or 60 FPS in your conversion settings can prevent stuttering.
Audio Sync: If you recorded audio during the session, listen to the first 30 seconds of the converted MP4 to ensure the sound isn't drifting away from the video. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter a "Conversion Failed" error, it is likely due to the recording being made on a much older version of AnyDesk than the one you are currently using. In this case, try downloading a portable version of an older AnyDesk client to perform the export. Additionally, ensure you have enough disk space, as MP4 files are significantly larger than the compressed .anydesk source files.
Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 is a common request because AnyDesk saves session recordings in a proprietary .anydesk (or .nades) format. This format is specifically designed for playback within the AnyDesk client and is not natively compatible with standard media players.
Because AnyDesk does not currently offer an official built-in conversion tool, you must use alternative methods to get your videos into MP4 format. Top Methods to Convert AnyDesk Video to MP4 1. The "Screen Capture" Method (Most Reliable)
Since the proprietary format is hard for most converters to "read," the most successful workaround is to record the playback of the session using screen recording software. How to do it: Open your recording in the AnyDesk Player.
Use a high-quality screen recorder like OBS Studio (Free/Open Source) or Debut Video Capture. Set the capture area to the AnyDesk playback window. Play the AnyDesk session and record it in real-time. Save the final file as an MP4. 2. Specialized Third-Party Converters
While most general converters (like VLC or HandBrake) may struggle with the raw AnyDesk file, some users and specific tools claim support:
Flixier: An online tool that claims to allow direct uploads of AnyDesk-recorded files for conversion to MP4.
Any Video Converter: A versatile desktop tool known for supporting a wide range of obscure codecs; it is worth testing if it can recognize your specific session file. 3. Using HandBrake or FFmpeg (Advanced)
If you are tech-savvy, you can try "remuxing" the file. This changes the container (from .anydesk to .mp4) without re-encoding the video, which is faster but only works if the internal codec is compatible. Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 is a common
HandBrake: Open the file, select "MP4" as the container, and use a standard 1080p preset.
FFmpeg: Use a command like ffmpeg -i input.anydesk -c copy output.mp4. Summary Table: Best Tools for the Job
AnyDesk session recordings are saved in a proprietary .anydesk file format, which currently cannot be converted directly to MP4 within the AnyDesk software or by most standard file converters. These files are encoded using the DeskRT codec and are designed specifically for playback within the AnyDesk desktop client.
Because no official conversion tool exists, you must use a workaround to turn these recordings into MP4 files. Top Methods to Convert AnyDesk Recordings
The most effective way to "convert" these files is to re-record the playback using screen capture software. Re-record with OBS Studio (Recommended)
Description: This is the most reliable method cited by users. OBS Studio is a free, open-source tool that lets you capture any window on your screen directly into MP4 format.
Steps: Open your recording in AnyDesk, set OBS to record that specific window or your full screen, and play the video from start to finish. Use Debug Video Capture Software
Description: A specific alternative involves using "debug video capture" tools that can target the AnyDesk playback window.
Pros: Some versions are free for home use and do not add watermarks.
Note: This method requires the video to play in real-time, so a 30-minute session will take 30 minutes to capture. VLC Media Player (Standard Video Only)
Description: If you manage to get the file into a standard format like AVI or MKV first, VLC Media Player can convert it to MP4 using the Media > Convert / Save feature.
Warning: VLC generally cannot open raw .anydesk files directly because it lacks the proprietary DeskRT codec. Summary of Top Software Tools
While AnyDesk does not support direct export, these third-party tools are the best options for capturing the output as an MP4: How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
no official built-in tool within AnyDesk to convert its proprietary Playable on any device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
recording format to MP4. These files are encoded with a specific DT Codec and are primarily designed to be played back only within the AnyDesk desktop client
To obtain an MP4 version of your AnyDesk recording, you can use the following methods: Method 1: Screen Recording (Recommended) Because the
format is not widely supported by standard converters, the most reliable way to convert it is to re-record the session while playing it back. Open the recording in the AnyDesk application. Use a free third-party screen recorder like OBS Studio or the Windows Game Bar (
Set the capture area to the AnyDesk window and start recording in MP4 format Play the session in AnyDesk from start to finish. Method 2: Third-Party Online Converters
Some users have reported success using specific online tools that claim to support the AnyDesk format. : This tool specifically mentions the ability to upload files directly for conversion to MP4. Softonic Guide
: Suggests checking for converters that explicitly list support for AnyDesk sessions, though many standard tools like may not recognize the file. Method 3: Debug Video Capture
A more technical approach involves using debug capture software to grab the raw video data during playback. Download a capture tool with a free license. Select the video resolution of the AnyDesk player window.
Record the playback in real-time. This method ensures you get a playable file in your default videos folder.
To avoid this in the future, consider using a standard screen recorder like OBS Studio
to capture your remote sessions directly into MP4 format from the start. for session recording? How to Convert a Recorded AnyDesk Session in 3 Easy Steps
AnyDesk, a popular remote desktop tool, records sessions in its own internal format (usually .anydesk or .adk), which is not directly playable on most media players. Converting these recordings to MP4 makes them:
| Feature | Description |
| :--- | :--- |
| Direct Container Remux | Convert .anydesk to .mp4 without re-encoding (if codec is compatible), preserving original quality at 10x speed. |
| Hardware Acceleration | Use NVENC (NVIDIA), AMD VCE, or Intel Quick Sync to convert recordings 5-10x faster than CPU alone. |
| Batch Processing | Convert multiple AnyDesk session files to MP4 simultaneously with a drag-and-drop interface. |
| Lossless Mode | Preserve the exact screen recording quality, cursor movements, and annotations from the AnyDesk session. |
| Audio Track Preservation | Keep both system sound and microphone input tracks synced perfectly in the MP4 container. |
Most people don't know that VLC Media Player can convert AnyDesk files. Here’s how:
.anydesk recording..mp4).VLC acts as a front-end for FFmpeg, making it perfect for non-technical users.
Notes: VLC can open some proprietary containers; if VLC fails to open the file, try FFmpeg.