Converting AnyDesk session recordings—which are stored in the proprietary .anydesk format—to MP4 is a common request because AnyDesk does not currently offer a built-in conversion tool.
Since .anydesk files can only be played within the AnyDesk client, you must use a workaround to get them into a standard video format like MP4. Method 1: Re-Recording (Most Reliable)
The most common and reliable method is to play the recording in AnyDesk and capture it using third-party screen recording software.
Using OBS Studio: Open OBS Studio, play your AnyDesk session recording in full screen, and use OBS to record that window or your entire screen directly into MP4 format.
Using Debut Video Capture: Open your session and pause it at the start. Open Debut Video Capture, select the full screen, and hit record while playing the AnyDesk session. Method 2: Third-Party Online Converters
Some online tools claim to support direct conversion by uploading the .anydesk file, though compatibility can vary due to the proprietary nature of the codec.
Flixier: Some users report success uploading .anydesk files directly to Flixier to convert them to MP4.
Softonic Guide: General video converters like those featured on Softonic can sometimes process these files if they are recognized as video streams, though this is less consistent than re-recording. Summary Table: AnyDesk Recording Features Native AnyDesk (.anydesk) Converted MP4 Playback Requires AnyDesk Client Most Media Players Editing Not Supported Fully Supported File Size Optimized for Remote Desk Variable (Compression) Native Export Via Third-Party AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
While the .anydesk extension is annoying, it is designed for efficiency. For quick viewing, stick to the built-in player. For sharing and archiving, use the export features in the latest version of the client or use the screen-capture workaround to get your video into a universal MP4 format.
AnyDesk recorded sessions use a proprietary .anydesk format that currently cannot be directly converted into MP4. Because the file is essentially a data log of session events rather than a standard video file, common converters like VLC or Handbrake will not recognize it.
To get your recording into MP4 format, you must use a screen capture method while the session plays back within the AnyDesk app. 🎥 Recommended Solution: Screen Capture
Since there is no official "Export" button, the most reliable method is to record your screen while playing the original file.
Open AnyDesk: Go to your recordings folder and start the playback of the desired session. Use a Screen Recorder:
Windows: Press Win + Alt + R to use the built-in Xbox Game Bar recorder.
Any OS: Use OBS Studio for a high-quality capture. Set your source to "Window Capture" and select the AnyDesk playback window.
Record: Start the screen recorder, then hit play on the AnyDesk session.
Save: Once the playback finishes, stop the screen recording. The resulting file will be a standard MP4 or MKV that you can share easily. 🛠️ Alternative: Third-Party Online Tools
Some users report success using online "cloud" converters that claim to handle AnyDesk files, though these can be hit-or-miss depending on the version of AnyDesk used.
Flixier: Some users suggest Flixier can process AnyDesk-recorded files directly through their web interface.
UniConverter: Desktop tools like Wondershare UniConverter may occasionally support the format if the underlying codec is recognized. ⚠️ Important Limitations
Time-Intensive: Because you are "re-recording," you must let the entire session play from start to finish in real-time.
Quality Loss: Screen capturing can result in a slight drop in frame rate or resolution compared to the original session data.
No "Fast" Way: As of 2026, AnyDesk has not released a command-line tool or native feature to batch-convert these files.
💡 Pro Tip: To avoid this in the future, use a third-party screen recorder (like OBS) during your live sessions instead of relying on the built-in AnyDesk recording tool. If you'd like, I can help you with: Setting up OBS Studio for the best recording quality. Finding the exact folder where AnyDesk saves your files. Recommending free video editors to trim the converted MP4. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4 Convert Anydesk Video To Mp4 -UPD-
The Challenge of Converting AnyDesk Recordings to MP4 AnyDesk is a widely used remote desktop tool that offers a built-in recording feature, allowing users to capture sessions for troubleshooting, training, or documentation. However, a significant hurdle for many users is the proprietary format in which these recordings are saved. Unlike standard video files, AnyDesk recordings use the .anydesk file extension, which can only be played back within the AnyDesk client itself. As of the latest updates, there is no direct "Save As" or "Export" button within the software to convert these files into a universal format like MP4.
This limitation creates a bottleneck for users who need to share these recordings with team members who do not have AnyDesk installed, or for those who wish to upload the footage to video-sharing platforms or include it in presentations. To bridge this gap, users must rely on workaround methods to achieve a high-quality MP4 output.
The most reliable current method for converting AnyDesk recordings is screen recording the playback. Because the .anydesk file is essentially a log of screen data rather than a rendered video, "playing" the file within the AnyDesk interface and using a secondary screen capture tool is the standard solution. Professional-grade software like OBS Studio or lightweight options like the Xbox Game Bar
on Windows can capture the playback window with high fidelity. By setting the recording area specifically to the AnyDesk playback window and selecting MP4 as the output format in the capture settings, users can effectively "convert" the proprietary data into a shareable video file.
For those looking for a more automated or command-line approach, some advanced users have experimented with video transcoding tools like
. However, these tools often struggle with the .anydesk format unless the file is first played back and captured. It is important to note that while third-party "online converters" often claim to support .anydesk files, many are unreliable or pose security risks, as they may not actually recognize the unique structure of AnyDesk's session logs.
In conclusion, while the lack of a native MP4 export feature in AnyDesk remains a point of frustration for many, the use of screen capture software provides a functional, high-quality workaround. As remote work and digital collaboration continue to evolve, the demand for more versatile file handling in remote desktop tools is likely to grow, potentially prompting future updates from AnyDesk to include native conversion capabilities. Until then, recording the playback remains the gold standard for users needing to move their data from the AnyDesk ecosystem to a standard MP4 format. Comparison of Conversion Methods Effort Level OBS Studio Professional use, tutorials Xbox Game Bar Quick sharing, Windows users QuickTime Player Mac users viewing sessions Post-capture compression
If you'd like to move forward with the conversion, I can help you: Walk through the OBS Studio setup step-by-step file location where AnyDesk saves your recordings Adjust your bitrate settings to ensure the MP4 isn't too blurry or too large Let me know which operating system
(Windows or Mac) you are using so I can give you the exact steps!
AnyDesk session recordings are saved in a proprietary file format that is only playable within the AnyDesk client. As of 2026, there is no official built-in tool or direct "Save As" feature to convert these files to MP4.
To get an MP4, you must use one of the following "workaround" methods to re-record or process the file. Option 1: Re-recording (The Most Reliable Method)
file can only be played back in the AnyDesk software, the most common solution is to play the recording and capture it with a third-party screen recorder that exports directly to MP4. Open the File : Double-click your file or open it through the Screen Recording tile in the AnyDesk main menu. Prepare Recorder : Open a free tool like OBS Studio VLC Media Player
: Set your recording software to capture the specific AnyDesk playback window or your full screen. Play and Save
: Hit record on your third-party tool, play the AnyDesk session in full, and stop the recording once finished. The resulting file will be an MP4. Option 2: Online Conversion Tools
Some cloud-based platforms claim to support the direct upload and conversion of AnyDesk files, though success can vary depending on the specific codec version used in your recording.
: This online tool allows users to upload AnyDesk files directly and export them as MP4s. Adobe Express : Offers a general-purpose video converter
that may handle the file if it follows standard video container rules. Option 3: Future-Proofing with Direct MP4 Recording
To avoid this manual conversion process in the future, it is recommended to use a dedicated screen recorder instead of AnyDesk's internal tool. OBS Studio
: Allows you to record your entire remote session directly into MP4 or MKV format.
: A browser-based recorder that saves sessions as MP4s by default, removing the need for conversion. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Why convert AnyDesk video to MP4?
AnyDesk recordings are saved in a proprietary format, which might not be compatible with all media players or devices. Converting them to MP4, a widely supported format, makes it easier to share, play, or edit the recordings.
Method 1: Using AnyDesk's built-in export feature (version 7.1 and later) AnyDesk recorded sessions use a proprietary
Method 2: Using a third-party converter (for older AnyDesk versions or more control)
Software required:
Steps:
.adr or .any extension) and note its path.ffmpeg -i input_file.adr -c:v libx264 -crf 18 output.mp4
Replace input_file.adr with the path to your AnyDesk recording and output.mp4 with the desired output file name.
Optional: If you want to adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, or bitrate, you can modify the command. For example:
ffmpeg -i input_file.adr -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -s 640x480 -r 30 output.mp4
This command converts the recording to 640x480 resolution at 30 frames per second.
Method 3: Using online conversion tools
If you don't want to install any software, you can use online tools like Convertio or CloudConvert. These services allow you to upload your AnyDesk recording and convert it to MP4.
Keep in mind:
Conclusion
Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 is a straightforward process using the built-in export feature (for version 7.1 and later) or third-party converters like FFmpeg. If you're not comfortable with command-line tools, you can use GUI wrappers or online conversion services.
As of 2026, AnyDesk does not provide a built-in feature to directly convert its proprietary .anydesk recordings into common video formats like MP4. Because these files use the unique DeskRT codec, they are only playable through an AnyDesk client.
To convert these recordings into a shareable MP4 format, you must use one of the following methods. Method 1: Re-recording (Recommended for High Reliability)
Since no official converter exists, the most reliable way to create an MP4 is to play the recording in AnyDesk and capture it with screen recording software.
Open the AnyDesk Recording: Launch your AnyDesk client and open the session recording you wish to convert. Use a Screen Recorder:
OBS Studio: Open the free, open-source OBS Studio and add a "Window Capture" source targeting the AnyDesk playback window.
Online Tools: You can also use browser-based tools like the Online Screen Recorder to capture the playback without downloading heavy software.
Start and Stop: Ensure your recorder is set to save in MP4 format. Start recording, play the AnyDesk session in full screen, and stop the recorder once the session ends. Method 2: Online Conversion Tools
Some online platforms claim to support the conversion of AnyDesk files, though success can vary depending on the file's encoding version.
Flixier: You can attempt to upload AnyDesk-recorded files to Flixier to convert them directly in your browser.
Restream: The Restream Video Converter is another cloud-based option for transforming various uncommon formats into MP4 or WEBM. Method 3: Third-Party Video Converters
If you have successfully exported the file into a different raw format (like AVI), you can use standard converters to finalize it as an MP4.
VLC Media Player: Use the VLC "Convert/Save" feature to transcode existing video files into MP4 using the H.264 video and MP3 audio profile. Open AnyDesk : Launch AnyDesk on your computer
HandBrake: For high-quality transcoding, HandBrake is a widely used tool that can process almost any video format into a standard MP4. Pro Tip: Record in MP4 from the Start How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Converting session recordings to MP4 is a common request because AnyDesk saves recordings in its own proprietary format. Currently, AnyDesk does
offer a direct "Save As MP4" or a built-in conversion button within the software
To get your recording into a shareable MP4 format, you can use these two reliable methods: Method 1: The Screen Recording Workaround (Recommended)
Since there is no official converter, the most common way to convert these files is to play the recording back and record it with a standard screen recorder. Open the Recording : In AnyDesk, go to Settings > Recordings and play your session file. Use a Screen Recorder : Open a recording tool like OBS Studio (free/open-source) or use the built-in Xbox Game Bar (Windows key + G). Capture and Save
: Set the recording area to full screen or the AnyDesk window, play the session from the start, and stop the screen recorder when it's done. The resulting file will be an (which can be easily remuxed to MP4). StreamYard Method 2: Professional Conversion Tools
If you have a file that isn't opening or you want to try a technical route, some users use video editors or converters that might support raw stream formats, though this is less reliable for the proprietary : A popular HandBrake open-source transcoder
that can sometimes process non-standard video streams if they use standard codecs. VLC Media Player : You can try the "Convert / Save" feature in VLC Media Player by going to Media > Convert / Save , adding your file, and selecting Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) as the profile. StreamYard
To avoid this in the future, many users prefer to use a third-party screen recorder
the live AnyDesk session rather than relying on AnyDesk's internal recording feature, as this saves it directly to MP4. for the highest-quality recording? How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4 13 Jul 2022 —
Converting AnyDesk recordings (which use the proprietary .anydesk format) to MP4 is not directly supported by a "Save As" button within the software, as there is currently no official built-in conversion tool. To convert these files, you can use the following methods: Recommended Conversion Methods
Screen Recording (Most Reliable): Open the recording in the AnyDesk player, then use a third-party screen recorder like OBS Studio or Debut Video Capture to record the playback session as it runs on your screen.
Built-in Player Playback: You must use the AnyDesk client itself to view the .anydesk files; they cannot be opened by standard media players like VLC or Windows Media Player without being re-recorded.
Cloud-Based Converters: Some users attempt to use general video converters, but because the format is proprietary to AnyDesk's remote desktop protocol, these often fail unless they specifically support AnyDesk files. Technical Context
Proprietary Format: AnyDesk uses a custom format designed for high performance and low latency during remote sessions, rather than standard video encoding.
Compatibility: MP4 is the preferred target format because it offers smart compression and universal compatibility across mobile devices and computers.
Warning: Be cautious of files titled "Convert Anydesk Video To Mp4 -UPD-" found on Google Drive or third-party sites. These are often misleading or potentially malicious "wrappers" rather than legitimate software tools. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
If the above fail (very old AnyDesk version, corrupted file):
.anydesk file in AnyDesk player.✅ Works 100% of the time
❌ Loss of quality (recompression) and real-time waiting.
The latest AnyDesk versions (v8.x and newer) include a native export tool:
.anydesk files.Note: If you don't see this option, update to the latest AnyDesk version (v8.1+).
Solution: The recording is incomplete. Use the OBS re-recording method (Method 3). Attempting to force-convert will produce garbled video.
.anydesk files (FFmpeg, VLC, online converters do not work).