> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.remote.it/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.remote.it/software/cli.md).

# CLI

The Remote.It CLI is a unified command line tool for configuring devices and initiating outbound connections without the Desktop application.

The Remote.It Command Line Interface (CLI) gives you one consistent tool for working with Remote.It on a device. From a terminal you can register the device, add and manage services, and start connections to other devices, all without the Desktop application.

The CLI is already included with the [Desktop Application](https://remote.it/downloads). The pages in this section cover installing the CLI on its own, for devices where the Desktop application isn't needed.

## Do you need the CLI?

{% hint style="info" %}
Install the CLI only if this device needs to **initiate** connections to other devices. In most cases, a [Device Package](/introduction/get-started/platforms-and-packages.md#available-packages-at-a-glance) or the [Desktop Application](https://remote.it/downloads) is the better choice.
{% endhint %}

| If you want to...                                                       | Install                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Make this device reachable remotely (a target device)                   | [Device Package](/introduction/get-started/platforms-and-packages.md#available-packages-at-a-glance) |
| Manage devices and make connections from a computer with a graphical UI | [Desktop Application](https://remote.it/downloads)                                                   |
| Have this device connect out to other devices from the command line     | **CLI**                                                                                              |
| Use Remote.It on a Windows IoT single-board device                      | **CLI** (no Device Package is available for this platform yet)                                       |

## In this section

{% content-ref url="/pages/VxdgWhSwAHmcrG3xlOOT" %}
[Supported Platforms](/software/cli/supported-platforms.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-Mef1ImNrW3oI8T1mMrH" %}
[Installation](/software/cli/overview.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Next steps

Once the CLI is installed, see [CLI Usage](/developer-tools/cli-usage.md) for the full command reference, including descriptions, syntax, and usage examples for registering devices, managing services, and starting connections.


---

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