Remote Desktop lets you connect to a Windows PC from another device and control it from virtually anywhere. Once connected, you can open apps, access files, change settings, and use the remote computer almost as if you were sitting in front of it.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 already include the classic Remote Desktop Connection client, so you don’t need third-party remote access software to connect to a compatible Windows PC.
Setting it up is fairly simple. You need to enable Remote Desktop on the computer you want to access, note its PC name or IP address, and then connect from your other device.
There is one important limitation: Windows Home cannot act as a Remote Desktop host. The PC you want to access needs Windows Pro or another supported edition. However, a Windows Home PC can still be used to connect to a compatible remote PC.
Here’s how to set everything up.
What Is Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop is a Windows feature that lets you remotely access and control another computer using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
There are two computers involved:
- Host or remote PC: The computer you want to control.
- Client PC: The computer or device you’re using to connect.
For example, you could leave your desktop PC running at work and use Remote Desktop from your laptop to access its files and applications.
When connected, the remote Windows desktop appears on your device, allowing you to interact with it using your keyboard and mouse.
What Do You Need to Use Remote Desktop?
Before setting it up, make sure the PC you want to access meets the requirements.
The remote PC needs:
- Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro, or another supported edition
- Remote Desktop enabled
- A network connection
- An account with a password and permission to connect
- To remain powered on and awake
The device you’re connecting from doesn’t need Windows Pro. A Windows Home computer can be used as the client.
You can also connect from supported Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices using Microsoft’s available remote desktop clients.
To check your Windows edition, go to:
Settings > System > About
Look under Windows specifications > Edition.
If the computer you want to access says Windows 11 Home or Windows 10 Home, Microsoft’s built-in Remote Desktop host isn’t available on that PC.
How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11
First, enable Remote Desktop on the PC you want to access.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select System.
- Click Remote Desktop.
- Turn on Remote Desktop.
- Select Confirm when prompted.
Remote Desktop is now enabled.
You’ll also see the PC name on this page. Make a note of it because you’ll need it when connecting from your other computer.
You can also find the computer name under:
Settings > System > About > Device name
It’s a good idea to keep Network Level Authentication (NLA) enabled. It requires authentication before a full remote session is established and provides additional protection against unauthorized connections.
How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10
Remote Desktop works similarly on Windows 10.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System.
- Select Remote Desktop.
- Turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
- Click Confirm.
You’ll see the computer’s name under the section explaining how to connect to the PC.
Write down the PC name for later.
Keep in mind that regular Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs can continue to work, but eligible computers should be upgraded to Windows 11 for ongoing support and security updates.
How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows 11/10
Once Remote Desktop is enabled on the host computer, you can connect from another Windows PC using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection program.
Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection
On the computer you’re connecting from, click Start and search for:
Remote Desktop Connection
Open the application.
There’s also a much faster shortcut.
Press:
Windows + R
Type:
mstsc
and press Enter.
The Remote Desktop Connection window will open.
Step 2: Enter the PC Name
In the Computer field, enter the name of the remote computer you noted earlier.
For example:
DESKTOP-ABC123
Click Connect.
Windows will attempt to establish a connection with the computer.
Step 3: Enter Your Windows Credentials
You’ll now be asked to sign in.
Enter the username and password for an account on the remote computer, not necessarily the credentials of the PC you’re currently using.
Click OK.
You may see a certificate warning the first time you connect. Check that you’re connecting to the correct computer before continuing.
Step 4: Start Using the Remote PC
After authentication, the remote Windows desktop will appear.
You can now use the computer remotely, including:
- Opening applications
- Accessing files and folders
- Changing Windows settings
- Copying and pasting content
- Using network resources
- Running desktop programs
When you’re finished, disconnect from the Remote Desktop session.
How to Connect to Remote Desktop Using an IP Address
You don’t necessarily have to use the PC name.
Remote Desktop Connection can also connect using the computer’s IP address.
On the remote computer, press:
Windows + R
Type:
cmd
and press Enter.
Run:
ipconfig
Find the active Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and look for:
IPv4 Address
It might look similar to:
192.168.1.25
Now open Remote Desktop Connection on your other PC and enter that IP address in the Computer field.
Click Connect and enter the remote computer’s login credentials.
Using an IP address can be particularly useful when the PC name isn’t resolving correctly on your local network.
Remember that an address beginning with 192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, or another private address generally only works within the appropriate local network unless you’ve configured additional remote networking.
How to Add a User to Remote Desktop
Administrators can generally use Remote Desktop after it has been enabled, but you can also give other accounts permission to connect.
On Windows 11, open:
Settings > System > Remote Desktop
Select:
Remote Desktop users
Click Add.
Enter the username of the account you want to authorize and confirm the change.
Only give Remote Desktop access to accounts that actually require it.
How to Change Remote Desktop Connection Settings
Remote Desktop Connection provides several useful settings beyond simply entering the PC name.
Open Remote Desktop Connection and click:
Show Options
You’ll see several tabs.
General
Here you can enter the computer and username.
You can also save your connection settings as an .rdp file. This is convenient if you regularly connect to the same computer.
Display
The Display tab lets you control the size of the remote desktop.
You can also configure Remote Desktop to use all your monitors.
To use multiple monitors, enable:
Use all my monitors for the remote session
Local Resources
This section determines which resources on your local computer are available during the remote session.
Options can include:
- Clipboard
- Printers
- Audio
- Keyboard behavior
- Local devices and resources
Enabling Clipboard allows you to copy and paste compatible content between your local and remote PCs.
Experience
The Experience tab lets Remote Desktop optimize visual features based on the speed of your connection.
If Remote Desktop feels slow, reducing unnecessary visual effects may improve responsiveness.
Advanced
The Advanced section contains additional authentication and connection settings.
Most home users won’t need to change these options.
How to Connect to Your PC Remotely From Another Network
Using Remote Desktop when both computers are on the same home or office network is relatively straightforward.
Connecting to your PC from somewhere else over the Internet is different.
Your router normally prevents unsolicited Internet connections from directly reaching devices inside your home network.
While Remote Desktop normally uses TCP port 3389, simply forwarding that port and exposing your Windows PC directly to the Internet isn’t the preferred approach because it increases the machine’s exposure to remote attacks.
A safer approach is to use a VPN that allows you to securely connect to your home or business network first.
Once connected to the VPN, you can use Remote Desktop much like you would while connected locally.
Businesses may instead use managed solutions such as a Remote Desktop Gateway.
Can You Use Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Home?
This is one of the most common points of confusion.
Windows 11 Home and Windows 10 Home can connect to another Remote Desktop PC, but they cannot normally act as hosts for Microsoft’s built-in Remote Desktop service.
For example:
Windows 11 Home → Windows 11 Pro
Yes. The Windows 11 Home computer can be used to connect to the Windows 11 Pro computer.
But:
Windows 11 Pro → Windows 11 Home
Not with the built-in Remote Desktop host, because Windows Home doesn’t include that hosting capability.
If the computer you want to control runs Windows Home, you can use a different remote-access solution or Microsoft’s assistance tools depending on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Remote Desktop vs Quick Assist: What’s the Difference?
Remote Desktop and Quick Assist can both provide remote access, but they’re designed for different situations.
Remote Desktop is useful when you want to log into and use a remote PC yourself.
For example, you may want to access your office computer while traveling.
Quick Assist is more suitable when another person needs help with their PC. The person being helped participates in the connection process and can allow a trusted helper to view or control the computer.
If you’re troubleshooting a relative’s computer, Quick Assist may therefore be easier.
If you’re accessing your own work PC remotely, Remote Desktop is usually the more appropriate option.
How to Use Remote Desktop From Mac or iPhone
You aren’t limited to another Windows PC.
Microsoft provides Windows App for supported Apple devices.
On your Mac, iPhone, or iPad:
- Install and open Windows App.
- Add the PC you want to access.
- Enter the remote PC’s name.
- Select the PC.
- Sign in with your credentials.
Your Windows desktop can then be accessed from the Apple device when the network and remote PC are configured correctly.
How to Use Remote Desktop From Android
Android users can also connect to a compatible Windows PC.
Install Microsoft’s available Remote Desktop client from Google Play, add the remote PC’s name or address, and provide your account credentials.
Once connected, you’ll be able to interact with the Windows desktop using the touchscreen controls provided by the app.
Remote Desktop Not Working? Try These Fixes
If you receive an error such as “Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer,” work through these checks.
1. Make Sure the PC Is Turned On
The remote computer needs to be powered on and reachable.
A PC that is shut down, asleep, or hibernating normally can’t accept an ordinary Remote Desktop connection.
If you plan to access the computer regularly, check its sleep settings so it doesn’t automatically become unreachable while you’re away.
2. Check That Remote Desktop Is Enabled
On the host PC, go to:
Settings > System > Remote Desktop
Make sure Remote Desktop is enabled.
3. Check Your Windows Edition
The computer receiving the connection must run an edition of Windows capable of hosting Remote Desktop sessions.
Windows Home isn’t supported as the built-in RDP host.
4. Verify the PC Name
Open:
Settings > System > About
Check the Device name.
Make sure it matches the computer name you’ve entered into Remote Desktop Connection.
5. Try the IP Address Instead
Some home networks may not resolve a PC name correctly.
Open Command Prompt on the host and run:
ipconfig
Find its IPv4 address and try that address in Remote Desktop Connection instead.
6. Check Your Network
Make sure both computers have the required network connectivity.
If you’re trying to connect from outside the host PC’s local network, additional secure remote-network configuration will be necessary.
7. Check Windows Firewall
Windows normally creates the required firewall rules when Remote Desktop is enabled.
However, third-party firewalls, security software, or manually changed firewall rules can prevent connections.
Make sure Remote Desktop isn’t being blocked.
8. Check User Permissions
The account you’re using must have permission to connect remotely.
Go to:
Settings > System > Remote Desktop > Remote Desktop users
and check that the appropriate account is authorized.
9. Keep Network Level Authentication Enabled
Network Level Authentication provides an additional security layer by authenticating users before establishing a complete Remote Desktop session.
You should normally leave NLA enabled.
Only consider changing it when you’re troubleshooting compatibility with an older client and understand the security implications.
Is Remote Desktop Safe?
Remote Desktop can be used securely when the computer and network are configured properly.
A few precautions are particularly important:
- Use strong, unique account passwords.
- Keep Windows fully updated.
- Keep Network Level Authentication enabled.
- Only authorize users who need remote access.
- Don’t leave unnecessary accounts with Remote Desktop permissions.
- Use a secure VPN or managed remote-access solution when connecting from outside your local network.
- Avoid unnecessarily exposing RDP directly to the public Internet.
Because enabling Remote Desktop makes the computer accessible to other permitted devices on the network, don’t enable it if you don’t actually need remote access.
Is Remote Desktop Connection Still Available on Windows 11?
Yes.
Windows 11 still includes the classic Remote Desktop Connection program.
Press:
Windows + R
Enter:
mstsc
and press Enter.
This launches the traditional Remote Desktop Connection client.
Microsoft has changed some of its separate remote desktop applications and is using Windows App for several remote and cloud Windows experiences, but that doesn’t mean the classic mstsc Remote Desktop Connection tool has disappeared.
For a straightforward Windows PC-to-PC connection, Remote Desktop Connection remains a convenient built-in option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access another computer using Remote Desktop?
Enable Remote Desktop on the host PC under Settings > System > Remote Desktop. On your other computer, open Remote Desktop Connection, enter the host’s PC name or IP address, click Connect, and sign in with an authorized account.
What is the shortcut to open Remote Desktop?
Press Windows + R, type mstsc, and press Enter. The Remote Desktop Connection window will open immediately.
Can I use Remote Desktop from Windows 11 Home?
Yes, Windows 11 Home can be used as the client to connect to a compatible Remote Desktop host. However, a Windows 11 Home PC cannot normally be the host receiving a connection through Microsoft’s built-in Remote Desktop service.
Can I connect to my PC remotely from anywhere?
Remote Desktop can be used from outside your local network, but additional networking is required. For Internet-based access, a secure VPN or managed remote-access solution is preferable to directly exposing RDP to the public Internet.
Does the remote PC have to stay on?
Yes. The remote computer needs to be powered on, connected to the network, and reachable. If it goes to sleep, hibernates, shuts down, or loses its network connection, a normal Remote Desktop connection won’t work.
Conclusion
Using Remote Desktop on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is straightforward once the host PC is properly configured.
On the computer you want to access, open Settings > System > Remote Desktop and enable the feature. Note its PC name, then open Remote Desktop Connection on your other Windows computer, enter the PC name or IP address, click Connect, and sign in.
The most important limitation to remember is that the computer receiving the Remote Desktop connection needs a supported edition such as Windows 11 Pro. Windows Home can connect to another RDP host but cannot normally act as the host itself.
For PCs on the same network, the built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool may be all you need. If you want to access your computer over the Internet, use an appropriately secured remote-network setup such as a VPN rather than unnecessarily exposing Remote Desktop directly to the public Internet.