Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 has been a long-standing frustration for users due to the software's use of a proprietary .anydesk format encoded with the "DT Codec". While the recordings are useful for support logs or training, they are virtually unusable outside of the AnyDesk desktop client, as most standard media players and common converters like Handbrake (1.3.9) fail to recognize them. User Sentiment and "The Update"
Reviews from long-term users on Reddit and other forums often describe the lack of a built-in MP4 export as "bad practice" or "insidious," suggesting it's a tactic to lock users into the AnyDesk ecosystem. Despite years of requests, AnyDesk support officially stated as recently as mid-2025 that native conversion is still not supported. Current "Workaround" Methods
Since there is no "one-click" official button, reviewers generally recommend three creative (though tedious) workarounds:
Re-Recording with OBS: This is the most common suggestion. You play the recording in the AnyDesk client and use OBS Studio or the Windows Game Bar (Win+G) to capture the playback in real-time as an MP4.
Debug Capture Software: A more technical method involves using free debug video capture tools. This requires accurately selecting the video area and letting the entire session play out without moving your cursor or minimizing the window to avoid artifacts.
Third-Party Converters: While some sites like Softonic (1.1.2) suggest using general video converters, many users find these ineffective because they lack the specific codec support needed for the proprietary .anydesk file. Top Alternatives for Direct MP4 Recording
If you find the conversion process too cumbersome, many reviewers suggest switching to remote desktop tools that record directly to standard formats: How to Convert a Recorded AnyDesk Session in 3 Easy Steps
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 Convert Anydesk Video To Mp4 -UPD-
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. Converting AnyDesk recordings to MP4 has been a
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
Converting AnyDesk video recordings to MP4 format can be a bit tricky since AnyDesk doesn't natively support exporting its recordings in MP4. However, I'll guide you through a couple of methods to achieve this conversion.
If you are reading this, you have likely just finished a remote support session or an online meeting recorded via AnyDesk, only to find a file that nothing seems to play. You double-click the file, and your media player freezes or gives you an error.
Welcome to the world of proprietary video codecs. Try remux: ffmpeg -i "recording
In this updated guide for 2024, we will walk you through exactly how to convert those stubborn AnyDesk recording files (.anydesk) into standard, playable MP4 videos.
Try remux:
ffmpeg -i "recording.any" -c copy "recording.mp4"
Transcode with H.264 + AAC:
ffmpeg -i "recording.any" -c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 20 -c:a aac -b:a 192k "recording.mp4"
If audio causes errors, remove it:
ffmpeg -i "recording.any" -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -an "recording_noaudio.mp4"
If input has variable frame rate and you want constant 30 fps:
ffmpeg -i "recording.any" -r 30 -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -c:a aac "recording_30fps.mp4"
AnyDesk, a remote desktop application, records sessions in a proprietary format (typically .anydesk) or sometimes as .mkv (depending on version). These files are not directly playable in standard media players (VLC, Windows Media Player, QuickTime) or editable in common video editors without conversion to MP4.
AnyDesk records sessions in a proprietary format denoted by the .anydesk file extension. This format is highly optimized for streaming and recording remote desktop sessions, focusing on keeping file sizes small and CPU usage low during the recording process.
Because this format is proprietary, standard video players like VLC, Windows Media Player, or QuickTime cannot decode the video stream natively. To view these files, you have two options: use the AnyDesk client itself, or convert the file into a universal format like MP4.