How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Remote Desktop allows you to access and control a PC from another device, enabling you to work from anywhere as if you were sitting right in front of your computer. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and use Remote Desktop on Windows 10 and 11.

Why Use Remote Desktop?

• Remote Work: Access your office computer from home or while traveling.
• Technical Support: Provide or receive assistance by remotely accessing a computer.
• Convenience: Manage files, run applications, and perform tasks without being physically present.

Requirements

• Windows Version: Remote Desktop is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, and on all versions of Windows 11.
• Network Connection: Both the host (the PC you want to control) and the client (the device you're using to control the host) need an internet connection.
• Remote Desktop Client: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web browsers.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC

1. Open Settings:

   • Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.

2. Access System Settings:

   • In the Settings window, click on System.

3. Enable Remote Desktop:

   • Select Remote Desktop from the left-hand menu.
   • Toggle the switch to On under "Enable Remote Desktop".
   • Confirm the action by clicking Confirm when prompted.

4. Note Down PC Name:

   • Under "How to connect to this PC", note down the name of your PC. You will need this later to connect remotely.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Settings

1. Network Level Authentication (NLA):

   • Ensure that "Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect" is checked for added security.

2. Firewall Settings:

   • Ensure that the Windows Firewall allows Remote Desktop connections. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and ensure Remote Desktop is checked.

Step 3: Set Up the Client Device

1. Install Remote Desktop Client:

   • Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the Microsoft Store, macOS App Store, iOS App Store, or Google Play Store.

2. Open Remote Desktop Client:

   • Open the Remote Desktop client on your device.

3. Add a New Connection:

   • Click on Add PC or + to add a new connection.
   • Enter the PC name noted earlier.
   • Optionally, you can add a friendly name for easier reference.

4. Enter Credentials:

   • When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC. Check the box to remember these credentials if desired.

5. Connect to the Host PC:

• Click on the connection to initiate the remote session.
• You should now see the desktop of the host PC on your client device, and you can control it as if you were physically present.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 11

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC

1. Open Settings:

   • Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.

2. Access System Settings:

   • In the Settings window, click on System.

3. Enable Remote Desktop:

   • Select Remote Desktop from the left-hand menu.
   • Toggle the switch to On under "Enable Remote Desktop".
   • Confirm the action by clicking Confirm when prompted.

4. Note Down PC Name:

   • Under "PC name", note down the name of your PC. You will need this later to connect remotely.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Settings

1. Network Level Authentication (NLA):

   • Ensure that "Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect" is checked for added security.

2. Firewall Settings:

   • Ensure that the Windows Firewall allows Remote Desktop connections. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and ensure Remote Desktop is checked.

Step 3: Set Up the Client Device

1. Install Remote Desktop Client:

   • Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop client from the Microsoft Store, macOS App Store, iOS App Store, or Google Play Store.

2. Open Remote Desktop Client:

   • Open the Remote Desktop client on your device.

3. Add a New Connection:

   • Click on Add PC or + to add a new connection.
   • Enter the PC name noted earlier.
   • Optionally, you can add a friendly name for easier reference.

4. Enter Credentials:

   • When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC. Check the box to remember these credentials if desired.

5. Connect to the Host PC:

• Click on the connection to initiate the remote session.
• You should now see the desktop of the host PC on your client device, and you can control it as if you were physically present.

Additional Tips

• Stable Network: Ensure both the host and client devices have a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions during the remote session.
• Security: Use strong passwords for your host PC to prevent unauthorized access. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
• Performance: For better performance, lower the display resolution and disable unnecessary features in the Remote Desktop settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cannot Connect: Ensure Remote Desktop is enabled on the host PC, and the PC name and credentials are entered correctly on the client device.
• Firewall Blocking: Verify that the Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall is not blocking Remote Desktop connections.
• Network Issues: Check your network connection and ensure both devices are connected to the internet.

Using Remote Desktop on Windows 10 and 11 allows you to access and control your PC from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience for remote work and technical support. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily set up and use Remote Desktop. For more detailed tutorials and tips on optimizing your Windows settings, visit Tune Windows.