How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Verify Your Windows Version

Before you begin, it is essential to ensure you are using a version of Windows 10 that supports Remote Desktop. This feature is available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. If you're using Windows 10 Home, you need to upgrade to one of these editions to enable Remote Desktop.

Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop

To enable Remote Desktop on your Windows 10 PC:

1. Open Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
2. In System Settings , navigate to System . Then select Remote Desktop from the left-hand menu.
3. In Remote Desktop Settings , toggle the switch under Enable Remote Desktop to the "On" position. You'll see a pop up prompt explaining the impact of this action. Click Confirm to proceed.

Step 3: Configure Firewall Settings

Once Remote Desktop is enabled, you can configure additional settings. Remote Desktop indeed requires the activation of certain firewall rules to allow connections:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall .
2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall .
3. Ensure that Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks.

Step 4: Add Authorized Users

By default, the account you're currently using will have access to the Remote Desktop. However, should you want to allow other users to connect:

1. In the Remote Desktop settings, click on Select users who can remotely access this PC .
2. Click Add , then type the username of the person to whom you want to grant access and click OK .

Step 5: Obtain the PC’s IP Address

To connect to your Windows 10 PC remotely, you'll need its IP address:

1. Open Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter.
2. In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter. Locate the IPv4 Address under your network connection. This address is necessary to remotely connect to this machine.

Additional Considerations

• Dynamic IP Address : If your network uses dynamic IP addresses, the IP address of your computer might change, making it difficult to reconnect later. You may want to set a static IP or use a dynamic DNS service.
• Security : Ensure admins and users chose strong passwords. Also, consider setting up additional security for remote access. Indeed, Remote Desktop is a powerful tool but can pose security risks if not properly configured.

Read on for more detailed security recommendations. Or check out one of our “alternatives” articles here .

Security Considerations when Enabling Remote Desktop with Windows 10

Enabling Remote Desktop with Windows 10 creates a pathway for external access to your system, consequently, it essential to secure this feature properly. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize securing your system to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data. Here are key security measures to implement:

1. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Ensure that all user accounts with remote access privileges have strong, complex passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. Enable 2FA or MFA where possible for extra credential security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
2. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) - Network Level Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate when initiating a Remote Desktop session, making it harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. This best practice helps protect against credential-related unauthorized access and curbs potential attacks.
3. Limit User Access - Only grant remote access to users who absolutely need it. Regularly review and update the list of authorized users to ensure that only trusted individuals have access to your system.
4. Use Firewall to Limit Remote Desktop Access - Restrict access to Remote Desktop by setting up rules in your firewall to only allow specific IP addresses or networks. This minimizes the exposure of your system to unwanted intruders.
5. Implement TSplus Advanced Security - For enhanced protection, consider using TSplus Advanced Security . This add-on software product offers complementary security features, over and above TSplus SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. Its firewall, advanced access controls and robust protection features cover a full range of threats. TSplus Advanced Security thus ensures that your remote desktop connections are secure, safeguarding your data against potential threats.

For businesses looking for advanced protection, TSplus Advanced Security offers features like brute force attack protection , geo-blocking , and ransomware protection , further securing your Remote Desktop connections. By monitoring suspicious activities and automatically blocking threats, TSplus Advanced Security ensures that your remote access environment remains safe.

Connecting to the Remote Desktop

With security in place, you can connect to your PC remotely in Windows 10:

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection - On another Windows PC, open Remote Desktop Connection by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Enter the IP Address - Type in the IP address of the computer you want to connect to.
3. Connect : Click Connect - You will be prompted to enter the credentials (username and password) of the account on the remote PC.
4. Start Remote Session - Once the credentials are verified, you’ll be connected to the remote desktop.

Yet, for an even more secure experience, TSplus Remote Access provides some extra features, granular control over who can connect and when and HTML5 any browser connectivity for full cross-platform potential.

How Windows 10 and TSplus Remote Access Enable Remote Desktop

While enabling the native Remote Desktop feature on Windows 10 provides on-hand remote access capabilities, integrating TSplus Remote Access can further enhance and protect your remote desktop experience. TSplus offers a range of features designed to make remote connections more flexible, secure and user-friendly.

1. HTML5 Any Device, Anywhere Connection - TSplus Remote Access supports HTML5, allowing you to connect to your Windows 10 PC from any device with a web browser . Whether you use a smartphone, a tablet, another computer or a non-Windows devices, you can access your desktop without the need for additional software installations.
2. Seamless Integration and User Management - TSplus simplifies user management by providing centralized control over who can access your remote desktops. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to manage multiple users and ensure secure access across various devices.
3. Enhanced Security Features - In addition to the security measures discussed earlier, TSplus offers advanced security options such as single sign-on (SSO), role-based access controls and comprehensive logging and auditing. These features help maintain the integrity and security of your remote desktop environment.
4. Performance Optimization - TSplus optimizes the performance of your remote desktop sessions by minimizing latency and ensuring smooth operation, even over slower network connections. This results in a more responsive and efficient remote working experience.

Want more information on this powerful enhancement to your remote desktop setup? Our solutions pages show you a range of the potential of our software.

Conclusion

Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure that your system remains secure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up Remote Desktop efficiently, allowing you to access your computer from anywhere securely. Strong passwords, Network Level Authentication and tools like TSplus Advanced Security can safeguard your system against cyber threats.

TSplus offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs, making remote desktop connections seamless and secure across all devices. Indeed, for businesses looking to further streamline and secure their remote access, TSplus Remote Access offers an enhanced solution for Windows 10, with advanced features and greater flexibility. Enhance your remote desktop management and security with TSplus, ensuring a reliable and protected remote working environment.