How to Set Up and Use Remote Desktop on Windows

Overview

Windows Remote Desktop allows you to access a Windows PC from another device over a network. With Remote Desktop, you can work with your applications, files, and desktop environment as if you were physically using the remote computer.

This guide explains how to prepare a Windows PC for Remote Desktop access and how to connect to it from Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android devices.

Before You Begin

Before setting up Remote Desktop, make sure the following requirements are met:

• The remote PC you want to access must be running a supported Windows Pro edition, such as Windows 11 Pro.
• The client device you use to connect can run Windows Home or Pro, macOS, iOS, Android, or another supported operating system.
• The remote PC must be powered on and connected to the network.

How to Enable Remote Desktop

Follow these steps on the Windows PC you want to access remotely:

1. Select Start > Settings.
2. Go to System > About.
3. Under Windows specifications, locate Edition and confirm that the PC is running Windows 11 Pro or another supported Pro edition.
4. Return to Settings and select System > Remote Desktop.
5. Turn on Remote Desktop.
6. When prompted, select Confirm to enable the feature.
7. Make a note of the PC name displayed on the Remote Desktop settings page. You will need this name when connecting from another device.

Important: Remote Desktop must be properly configured and accessible over the network before a remote connection can be established.

How to Connect to the Remote PC

From a Windows PC

1. Open the Windows taskbar search and type Remote Desktop Connection.
2. Open the Remote Desktop Connection application.
3. Enter the PC name of the remote computer.
4. Select Connect.
5. Enter the username and password for an account authorized to access the remote PC.
6. Once authentication is complete, the remote Windows desktop will appear.

From macOS or iOS

Microsoft provides the Windows App for connecting to Windows PCs from Apple devices.

1. Install and open Windows App on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
2. Add a new PC connection.
3. Enter the PC name of the remote computer.
4. Save the connection.
5. Select the PC and enter your Windows account credentials when prompted.
6. Start the remote session.

From Android

You can also connect to a Windows PC from an Android device using Microsoft's Remote Desktop application.

1. Install the Remote Desktop application from Google Play.
2. Open the application and add a new PC.
3. Enter the PC name of the remote computer.
4. Save the connection.
5. Select the PC and enter your Windows account credentials.
6. Wait for the remote desktop session to connect.

Start Using Your Remote PC

After successfully connecting, you can interact with the remote Windows desktop and use supported applications and files remotely. This makes Remote Desktop particularly useful for accessing workstations, servers, business applications, and other Windows-based environments from different locations.

Conclusion

Windows Remote Desktop provides a convenient way to access a Windows PC remotely from Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. By enabling Remote Desktop on a supported Windows Pro PC and configuring your client device correctly, you can securely access your remote desktop whenever you need it.