Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 is currently a point of significant frustration for users because AnyDesk does not offer an official, built-in conversion tool. The proprietary .anydesk file format is designed to be played back only within the AnyDesk client, making it difficult to share recordings with colleagues or view them on mobile devices. The Challenges of the .anydesk Format
Proprietary Playback: Files are encoded using the DeskRT codec and generally require the AnyDesk desktop client for access.
Sharing Obstacles: Because the format is non-standard, you cannot simply upload these files to YouTube or Slack; recipients must also have AnyDesk installed.
Limited Customization: There are no official settings to change the default output format from .anydesk to MP4 during the recording process. Workaround Methods
Since there is no "Save As MP4" button, users must rely on third-party solutions:
Direct Re-Recording: The most reliable (though tedious) method is to play the recording in the AnyDesk client while capturing your screen with a tool like OBS Studio.
Online Converters: Some cloud-based tools, such as the Flixier Video Converter, claim to support direct uploads of AnyDesk files for conversion. Alternatively, for standard video files that need a change of format, you can use the online-convert.com MP4 tool.
Third-Party Desktop Software: Users on forums like Reddit often suggest using general-purpose converters if the file is recognized, or simply moving to a different recording workflow entirely. Summary Table: Current State Recommendation Native MP4 Export ❌ Not Supported Use external screen recorders. Official Converter ❌ Not Available Try Flixier or re-recording. Playback 🖥️ AnyDesk Client only Convert to MP4 for universal access.
For more technical details on how recordings are handled, you can visit the AnyDesk Help Center. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
If you’ve ever recorded a remote session with AnyDesk, you’ve likely run into a frustrating wall: the file is saved in a proprietary .anydesk format that only the AnyDesk player can open.
While there is no "Export to MP4" button built directly into the software yet, you can still get your video into a shareable format. Why Is It So Hard to Convert?
AnyDesk uses a specialized DeskRT codec designed for low-latency remote desktop streaming. Because this isn't a standard video codec like H.264, most traditional converters (like VLC or Handbrake) cannot "read" the raw .anydesk file directly. Method 1: The Screen-Record Workaround (Most Reliable)
The most effective way to "convert" the file is to play the recording in AnyDesk and capture it with a secondary screen recorder.
Locate your recording: By default, these are kept in C:\Users\[User]\Videos\AnyDesk.
Open the file: Double-click the .anydesk file to open it in the AnyDesk session player.
Use a screen recorder: Open a tool like OBS Studio or VideoProc Converter AI.
Capture: Set your recorder to "Window Capture" (targeting the AnyDesk player) or "Display Capture," then hit Record while you play the session back.
Save: Once the playback ends, stop the recording. You now have a native MP4 file. Method 2: Third-Party Online Converters
Some modern cloud-based tools claim to support the AnyDesk format. While reliability varies based on updates to the DeskRT codec, users have reported success with Flixier. Step 1: Upload your .anydesk file to the platform. Step 2: Let their server process the proprietary codec. Step 3: Export the final project as an MP4. Method 3: Prevention (For Future Recordings)
If you need MP4 files regularly, the best strategy is to stop using AnyDesk’s internal recorder and use a third-party tool from the start.
OBS Studio: A free, open-source powerhouse that can record your entire screen (including the AnyDesk window) directly into MP4 or MKV.
StreamYard: Useful if you are recording sessions for presentations or meetings, as it allows for direct MP4 downloads. Summary Table: Which Method Should You Use?
In the cluttered office of “QuickFix Tech Support,” 28-year-old Maya was known as the “digital plumber.” She could unclog any software issue. Today’s ticket was bizarre: a client had recorded a three-hour remote troubleshooting session using Anydesk’s built-in recorder, but the file extension was .anydesk—a proprietary format that nothing could play.
“I need to convert this Anydesk video to MP4,” the client, Mr. Henderson, pleaded over the phone. “It contains the only footage of my late father explaining our family’s antique clock mechanism. Please. I can’t lose it.”
Maya opened the file. It was 2.4 GB of pure digital lock-down. No converter on her list—HandBrake, VLC, FFmpeg—could touch it. Forums gave dead ends: “Just replay and screen-record it,” said one. But replaying required Anydesk itself, and the free version only allowed 15-second clips.
Desperate, Maya took an old, air-gapped laptop from the closet. She installed Anydesk, opened the .anydesk file, and watched the clock mechanism unfold in grainy, 25-fps glory. Then she aimed her phone at the screen and hit record.
For three hours, she held her breath, ensuring no notifications ruined the take. At 2:00 AM, the video ended. She transferred the phone recording to her PC, trimmed the start and end, and rendered it as henderson_clock_final.mp4. convert anydesk video to mp4
She emailed the file with a note: “Converted your Anydesk video to MP4. No magic, just a camera and patience.”
The next morning, Mr. Henderson called back—not with anger, but with a cracked voice. “Maya, I can hear my father laughing in the background. Your phone audio picked up what the original file lost. You didn’t just convert it. You saved a ghost.”
Maya smiled, closed her laptop, and added a new rule to her service list: “AnyDesk to MP4? Bring a second screen and a steady hand.”
To convert an AnyDesk session recording (stored in the proprietary .anydesk format) to MP4, you must use a screen recording tool while playing the session back, as there is currently no official direct conversion tool or built-in "Export to MP4" feature. Step-by-Step Conversion Method
Since AnyDesk recordings can only be played within the AnyDesk software, the standard "re-recording" method is the only reliable way to get an MP4 file:
Open the Recording: Launch AnyDesk and click the "Play" button on your recorded session to open it in the built-in player.
Prepare Capture Software: Use a free screen recorder like OBS Studio, HandBrake (if you have a compatible input), or dedicated capture tools like Debut Video Capture.
Set the Capture Area: In your recording software, select the specific area of the AnyDesk player window or choose "Full Screen" for the best resolution. Record and Play: Press the Record button on your capture software. Press Play on the AnyDesk session.
Save as MP4: Once the session finishes, stop the capture. Most modern recording tools like OBS Studio or Adobe Express will allow you to save or remux the output directly into MP4 format. Recommended Tools for Capture
OBS Studio: Best for high-quality, professional-grade recording and easy conversion via the "Remux" tool.
VLC Media Player: Can sometimes be used to capture a specific window or stream, though it is more complex to set up for this specific task.
Debut Video Capture: Often recommended for home use because it is straightforward and offers a watermark-free version for non-commercial tasks.
AnyDesk session recordings are saved in a proprietary .anydesk file format, which is not a standard video container and cannot be played in traditional media players or directly converted using standard tools like HandBrake. Current Conversion Status
As of early 2026, there is no official built-in converter or direct "Save As" option within the AnyDesk client to export recordings to MP4. Recommended Conversion Methods
Since a direct file conversion is not possible, you must use a "re-recording" or "screen capture" method to obtain an MP4 file. Screen Capture Software (Best Quality)
Process: Open the AnyDesk recording within the AnyDesk client and pause it at the start. Use a screen recorder like OBS Studio or Debut Video Capture to record your screen while the AnyDesk session plays back.
Pro Tip: Ensure you set the AnyDesk playback to full-screen to avoid capturing the AnyDesk UI buttons. Using Video Converters (Post-Capture)
Once you have a recorded video file (if your screen recorder saves in a format like MKV), you can use tools like HandBrake or Adobe Express to finalize the file as a high-quality MP4. Alternative: Live Recording
To avoid conversion in the future, you can record the session live using a third-party tool instead of the internal AnyDesk recorder:
Configure OBS Studio to capture the AnyDesk window during the session.
This will save the file directly as an MP4 or MKV, removing the need for a secondary conversion step. Summary Table Native Format Direct Conversion Not supported Workaround Screen capture during playback Recommended Tools OBS Studio, HandBrake, Debut How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
How to Convert AnyDesk Video to MP4: A Comprehensive Guide Converting a recorded AnyDesk session into a standard MP4 format is a common challenge for IT professionals and remote teams. By default, AnyDesk saves screen recordings in a proprietary .anydesk file format, which can typically only be viewed within the AnyDesk client itself.
Because AnyDesk does not currently offer a built-in "Export as MP4" feature, users must rely on third-party tools or screen capture workarounds to make their recordings sharable. Below is an in-depth guide on how to successfully convert these files. Why AnyDesk Uses a Custom Format
AnyDesk recordings are encoded using the DeskRT codec, a proprietary technology designed to minimize file size while maintaining high visual clarity for remote desktop sessions. While this is efficient for storage, it makes the files incompatible with standard players like VLC or Windows Media Player. Method 1: Using Online & Desktop Video Converters
The most straightforward approach is to use a video converter that explicitly supports the .anydesk extension. Locate Your Files: AnyDesk recordings are usually found in: Windows: %homepath%\Videos\AnyDesk. macOS: ~/.anydesk/AnyDesk. Linux: ~/Videos/AnyDesk. Upload to a Compatible Converter:
Online Option: Platforms like Flixier allow you to upload AnyDesk files directly and export them as MP4. Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 is currently
Desktop Option: Tools suggested by reviewers on Softonic can sometimes handle these files, though you must verify the specific software version supports the .anydesk format before installing.
Start Conversion: Choose MP4 as the output format and begin the process. Once finished, you can share the file with anyone. Method 2: The "Re-Recording" Workaround (Reliable)
If standard converters fail to recognize your file, the most reliable "fail-safe" method is to record the playback of the AnyDesk file using a standard screen recorder.
Open the Recording: Launch the AnyDesk client and play the .anydesk file you wish to convert.
Launch a Screen Recorder: Use a tool like OBS Studio or a dedicated video capture tool.
Set the Capture Area: Make the AnyDesk playback full-screen to ensure the highest resolution.
Record and Save: Hit record on your software, play the AnyDesk video until it ends, and stop the recording. Most of these tools save directly to MP4. Method 3: Using VLC Media Player (Limited Success)
While VLC Media Player is a powerful tool for converting most video formats to MP4, it often struggles with the proprietary DeskRT codec. However, if your file is a more standard video wrapper, follow these steps: Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save. Add your AnyDesk file and click Convert/Save. Under Profile, select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Browse for a destination and click Start. Comparison of Methods Ease of Use Reliability Online Converter (Flixier) Screen Capture (OBS) Desktop Converter VLC Conversion Summary Checklist for Successful Conversion
Check Compatibility: Always verify if a third-party converter specifically lists ".anydesk" as a supported input.
Avoid Fast-Forwarding: If using the re-recording method, do not move your cursor or fast-forward, as this will be captured in the final MP4.
Backup First: Always keep a copy of the original .anydesk file in case the conversion process corrupts the data. How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
AnyDesk session recordings are stored in a proprietary format that is primarily intended for playback within the AnyDesk app. Since there is no official "export to MP4" button within the software, you must use a workaround to convert them. Methods to Convert AnyDesk Video to MP4 Screen Capture (Recommended):
The most reliable way to convert these files is to play the recording in AnyDesk and use a screen recorder to capture it as an MP4. Windows Game Bar:
while the video is playing to start recording without installing extra software. OBS Studio:
A free, professional tool where you can capture the AnyDesk window specifically and save the output directly as an MP4. VLC Media Player: You can use VLC's Convert/Save feature, though it may struggle with the proprietary
format unless the file is first recognized as a standard video stream. Online Converters: Tools like
claim to support direct uploads of AnyDesk-recorded files for conversion to MP4 in the cloud. AnyDesk Recording Details How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4
Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 is not directly supported by the software as of April 2026 . AnyDesk saves sessions in its proprietary format, which can only be played back using the AnyDesk client
Since there is no official "Convert" button, you must use a workaround to get an MP4 file. Method 1: Screen Recording the Playback (Recommended)
This is the most reliable way to create a standard video file. By playing the recording and capturing it with another software, you can save it directly as an MP4. Open the Recording: Locate your file and open it using the AnyDesk client. Use a Screen Recorder: Open a third-party recording tool like OBS Studio or the built-in Windows Snipping Tool (Win + Alt + R). Record and Play:
Set the recording area to full screen or specifically to the AnyDesk window. Press "Record" on your screen capture software. Play the AnyDesk session from start to finish.
Once the playback ends, stop the screen capture. The software will save the output as an Method 2: Use an Online or Third-Party Converter
While official support is absent, some third-party tools claim to handle these specialized files. Online Converters: Tools like
suggest they can process AnyDesk recordings directly into MP4. Video Capture Suites:
Some "debug" or advanced video capture software can hook into the AnyDesk player to export the raw stream into common formats like AVI or MP4. Why can't I just rename the file? Renaming the extension from will not work. The
file is not a standard video container; it contains session data specifically formatted for the AnyDesk engine. Method 2 — Rewrap/rename (fast, lossless)
If you frequently need MP4 versions of your sessions, it is better to record the live session using OBS Studio
Currently, AnyDesk does not have a built-in feature to convert its native .anydesk recordings directly to MP4. These files use a proprietary DeskRT codec and can only be played back within the AnyDesk client itself.
To get an MP4 file, you must use one of the following "re-recording" or third-party workarounds. Method 1: The Re-Recording Workaround (Recommended)
Since the .anydesk file isn't a standard video format, the most reliable way to "convert" it is to record the playback of the session. Open AnyDesk and navigate to your Session Recordings.
Open the recording you want to convert but keep it on Pause at the very beginning.
Launch a screen recording tool like OBS Studio (free/open-source) or Windows Game Bar (Win + G).
Set the recording area to Full Screen or select the AnyDesk window.
Press Record on your screen recorder, then press Play on the AnyDesk session.
Once the session ends, stop your screen recorder. The file will be saved as a standard MP4 or MKV. Method 2: Third-Party Online Converters
Some modern web-based tools claim to handle AnyDesk files by processing them in the cloud.
Flixier AnyDesk Converter: This tool allows you to upload the raw .anydesk file directly to their cloud editor, which can then export it as an MP4.
Caution: Be mindful of privacy when uploading session recordings (which may contain sensitive passwords or data) to online cloud platforms. 📁 Where to Find Your AnyDesk Recordings
If you can't find your original files to start the process, check these default locations: Windows: %homepath%\Videos\AnyDesk macOS: ~/.anydesk/AnyDesk Linux: ~/Videos/AnyDesk
💡 Pro Tip: To avoid this in the future, many IT professionals use OBS Studio to record the AnyDesk window during the live session instead of using AnyDesk’s internal recording tool. This saves the file as a shareable MP4 immediately.
Currently, there is no official built-in tool or direct converter
to turn AnyDesk proprietary recordings (.anydesk files) into MP4. Because these files are only playable within the AnyDesk client , the standard "workaround" is to re-record the playback using third-party software. The Re-Recording Method Open AnyDesk:
Go to your recordings and open the session you want to convert. Prepare a Screen Recorder: Use a free tool like OBS Studio Debut Video Capture Set the Capture Area:
Select the specific window or full screen where the AnyDesk session will play. Record & Play:
Start your screen recording software, hit "Play" on the AnyDesk session, and stop the recording once the video finishes. Save as MP4:
Most modern screen recorders save to MP4 by default or allow you to export in that format.
Alternative: Video Converters (If you already have a standard video file)
If you have managed to export a video in a different format (like .avi or .mov) and just need it in MP4, you can use these tools: HandBrake:
A reliable desktop app for converting almost any video container. Adobe Express: online MP4 converter for smaller files. Useful for online HEVC or MOV to MP4 conversions. based on your operating system? How to Convert Any Desk Recorded Sessions into MP4 13 Jul 2022 —
Subject: Technical specifications of AnyDesk proprietary video files (.anydesk) and standard conversion workflows to MP4.
You may see websites or programs claiming to "convert .adtr to MP4" directly.
We do not recommend this. Because .adtr is a highly encrypted, proprietary format, standard video converters (like HandBrake, VLC, or online converters) cannot read them. If a website claims to do it, it is likely a scam or will output a corrupted, 0-second file. Stick to Methods 1 or 2.
ffmpeg -i input_file
ffmpeg -i input_file -c copy output.mp4