Need to access a remote PC from another computer or a mobile device? Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) tool will let you connect from afar. As long as the remote Windows computer is turned on and set up for a remote connection, you can grab a file, open an application, troubleshoot a problem, or just work remotely.
Through RDC, you can remotely access multiple Windows computers over the same network, whether they’re at home or at your office. If you remotely log into your employer’s network through a VPN or other security gateway, you can use RDC to connect to other PCs in your office or business, assuming your IT department allows it.
To start or accept a remote connection, the computer must be running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise or Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. The Home edition of Windows doesn't support the feature. Remote Desktop Connection is built into Windows but can also be installed from the Microsoft Store. If you want to access and control a computer from a non-Windows device, Microsoft's RDC app is also available for Mac, iOS, and Android.
Set Up Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection
First, you or someone else must physically sign into the PC you want to remotely access. Enable Remote Desktop on this computer by going to Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Turn on the switch next to Remote Desktop. Click Confirm to enable the setting.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)In Windows 10, the options to keep your PC awake for connections when plugged in and make your PC discoverable on private networks should both be enabled. Leave both options enabled; instead, click the Advanced Settings link. Check the box next to Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect. NLA adds tighter security for remote connections over the same network as users must be authenticated before gaining access to the remote PC.
Assuming you're connecting to a computer on the same network or you're using a VPN or dedicated gateway for a work network, you can ignore the External connections section. The Remote Desktop port section shows the default port to listen for and accept a remote connection.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)By default, any user with an admin account on the remote PC can access it. Assuming you're using a Microsoft Account or a user account for your company to sign into Windows, and your account has administrative rights, your best bet is to simply use that account to sign in remotely.
If you want to grant remote access to a different account, return to the Remote Desktop settings screen and click Select users that can remotely access this PC. Choose Add and enter the username for that account. Make note of the name of this computer, as you'll need it to log in remotely. If you wish to change the computer name, follow these steps.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Windows 11 dispenses with the advanced settings and simply displays the PC name and the option for adding another account that can access the PC. Click the Select who can remotely access this PC setting if you need to grant a different account remote access capabilities.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Connect to a Remote PC from Windows
Now let's say you want to connect to this remote PC from your current computer at home. To launch the Remote Desktop Connection tool in Windows 10, click the Start button, scroll down to the Windows Accessories folder, and click the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)In Windows 11, click the Start button, then select the All Apps button. Scroll down and select Windows Tools. From this window, click the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)At the RDC window, type the name or IP address of the remote PC in the Computer field. Click the Show Options button and type the username of the account you'll use to log in. If you wish to save your credentials so you don’t need to enter them each time, check the box next to Allow me to save credentials and click Connect.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Enter your password at the credentials window. Check the Remember Me box if you don't want to enter your password each time you use this account. Click OK. You may receive a message saying that the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified. Check the box next to Don't ask me again for connections to this computer and click Yes.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)You should now connect to the remote computer so you can run applications, work with files, and perform other tasks. At the top of the screen is a blue connection bar with various options. You can pin the bar in place and check the connection speed with the icons on the left side. Those on the right let you minimize the remote window to the taskbar, change the window size, and terminate the remote session.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)From the setup screen for Remote Desktop Connection, you can tweak several of the tool's settings. Under the General tab, you can save the settings for this remote session to an RDP file, then copy that file to another computer to transfer those settings. The Display tab allows you to change the size and color depth of the remote window.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Under Local Resources, you can configure audio settings, choose when to apply Windows key combinations, and select which local resources you want to use during a remote session. You can also manually adjust the connection speed to control performance under the Experience tab and set the default action for server authentication by clicking the Advanced tab.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Connect Using the Remote Desktop App for Windows
As an alternative to the built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool, you can use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store. Install and launch the program, then click the Add button and select PCs to set up a connection. Type the name of the computer to which you want to connect.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If you wish to be asked for the username and password each time, leave the User account field as is. Otherwise, click the plus (+) sign next to User account and enter the username and password. You can also add a display name, which will serve as an account nickname. Click Save.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Double-click the icon for the remote PC to connect to it. At the certificate screen, check the box next to Don't ask about this certificate again, then click Connect.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)You're now connected to the remote PC. Instead of a blue bar on top of the screen, the Remote Desktop app uses a black panel on the side of the screen. The magnifier icon at the top zooms in and out, while the ellipsis icon switches between full screen and windowed mode. Click the ellipsis icon and then select Disconnect to end the connection.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Connect to a PC from a Mac
You can connect to a remote Windows computer from a Mac if you install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store. Launch the app and grant the necessary permissions. Click the Add PC button, then enter the PC name or IP address.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft / Apple)If you type the PC name, you need to enter the fully qualified domain name. In the case of an individual PC, add .local to the end of the name, as in WINPC.local. For User Account, choose whether to keep the option set to Ask when required, or enter your username and password at this point so you don’t have to enter them each time. When finished, click Add.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft / Apple)Click the icon for the remote computer to connect. Move your cursor to the top of the screen to display the menu bar for the remote desktop app. From the Window menu, you can change the size of the window and close the connection.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft / Apple)Connect to a PC From Your iPhone or iPad
You can connect to a remote Windows PC from an iPhone or iPad by installing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store. Launch the app and give it the necessary permissions, then tap the plus (+) button and select Add PC.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft )Type the name of the PC and add .local at the end. Enter your user account. Under General, you can create a friendly name for the connection and enable other settings. Tap Save, then select the desktop icon to connect to the computer.
From the Credentials screen, enter your password and then turn on the switch next to Store username and password if you don't want to enter them each time. Tap Done. At the authentication window, turn on the switch next to Don't ask me again for connection to this PC. Tap Accept, and you're connected.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft )There should be a small toolbar with several icons at the top of the screen. Tap the magnifying glass to zoom in and out. The middle icon takes you back to the main screen for the app without closing your current session. Select the keyboard icon to pull up the device's keyboard.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft )Connect to a PC From an Android Device
To connect your Android phone or tablet to a Windows PC, download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from Google Play. Open the app and accept the agreement. Tap the plus (+) icon to add a connection and select Add PC.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)If you're near the remote PC, you can scan for it wirelessly. Otherwise, add it manually. Type the PC name and username. Include any additional options, then click Save.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)Tap the desktop icon to connect to that PC. Enter your password and check the box next to Store username and password, then tap Connect. At the certificate verification screen, check the box for Never ask again for connections to this PC and click Connect.
You're now connected. At the top of the screen is a small toolbar with buttons to zoom in and out, open the device’s keyboard, or open additional options. From here, you can start a new connection, end the current one, go back to the home screen, and switch between touch and mouse pointer. Tap the X in the upper-left corner to disconnect.
(Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)