How to Set Up Remote Desktop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Remote Access Software

Designed to enable users to access distant resources (such as desktops and applications), remote access software facilitates connections between local and remote computers. To that purpose, RDP connects networks or devices from separate locations, making it a crucial tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Prior to Setting Up Remote Desktop in Windows…

To set up remote desktop in Windows, follow the steps appropriate to your operating system. Before you can enable remote desktop, ensure you have Windows Pro. To verify your edition, check under Windows specifications to see the Edition of your PC.

If you are using Windows Home, whether 11 or previous versions, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for RDP features.

How to Set Up Remote Desktop in Windows Operating Systems

Chances are one of the three following sections describe the steps you need to follow so you can proceed with enabling remote desktop:

1. Setting Up Remote Desktop with Windows 11:

• Select “Start”,
• open “Settings”
• select “System”,
• locate and click on “Remote Desktop”.
• Set the Remote Desktop slider to On and then confirm your choice.
• Take note of the PC name listed under "PC name". You will need this information for the steps in the "Connecting with Remote Desktop" section below.

2. Setting up with Windows 10 (1709 or later):

• Go to “Start”,
• click on “Settings”,
• select “System”,
• then click on “Remote Desktop”.
• Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop.
• Add users who will be granted to connect remotely.
• Note the name of the PC for later use.

3. How to set up remote desktop with Windows 7 and Early Windows 10:

• Click and open the Control Panel of your PC.
• In “Home”, click on “System and Security”,
• select “System” (or directly on the “Allow remote access” shortcut if you see it,
• then “Remote Desktop”
• and “Remote Settings”.
• This opens a new window: “System Properties”. Find the “Remote” tab.
• In the “Remote Desktop” section below, check to “allow remote connections to this computer”. Here you need to know in advance whether you want to enable NLA or not, as the two options are separate. See the below section on Security Issues with Native RDP.
• Remember to click "apply" if you want to validate before the next step.
• Add users who will be granted to connect remotely.
• Validate and close by clicking "OK".
• Again, keep a note of the PC’s name for later.

Connecting with Remote Desktop on your PC or device

Here is why you needed to take a note of the name of your PC.

1.     Connecting with Remote Desktop on Windows 11

Now that your Windows 11 PC is set up for remote connections, you can use Remote Desktop to access it:

• In the search box on the taskbar, type "Remote Desktop Connection" and select it.
• Within "Remote Desktop Connection", type in the PC name you noted in the previous section “How to Set Up Remote Desktop in Windows Operating Systems”.
• Click "Connect" to initiate the remote connection.

2.     Establishing a Remote Connexion on Windows 10 (1709 “Fall Creator Update” or later):

Once you have configured your PC for remote access with the above steps.

• As needed, add users who will be able connect remotely by clicking " Select users that can remotely access this PC" .

o   Note that generally, members of the Administrators group automatically have access.

• Use the name of your PC when configuring the clients to which you will connect. Menu " How to connect to this PC".

3.     How to Connect with Remote Desktop on Windows 7 and Early Windows 10:

4. On Your Windows, Android, or iOS Device:

• Download and open the Remote Desktop app, available for free from the Microsoft Store, Google Play or the Mac App Store.
• Add the name of the Windows 11 PC or other to which you want to connect (the PC name from the set-up section).
• Select the remote PC name which you added in the app.
• Wait for the connection to establish to have access to your Windows PC remotely.

Security Issues with Native RDP

1.      Concerns around RDP when unprotected

Native RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) comes with security concerns. When you enable remote desktop, you open a port that can be visible to your local network. It is therefore crucial to:

• restrict access to trusted networks only, as well as
• ensure strong passwords for all accounts with access.
• And, last but not least, ensure the PC and devices with which you wish to connect also have NLA and appropriate security.

2.     Where Network Level Authentication (NLA) Steps in

Additionally, if you have not done so, consider enabling Network Level Authentication (NLA). Where nothing else is in place, NLA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate themselves before connecting thus helping protect against certain malicious attacks. Remember, though it also causes particular constraints which you may prefer to avoid, NLA is an essential basic security tools.

Consequently, each of these:

• built-in baseline security,
• device-compatibility across your network,
• business, IT setup and user constraints,
• as well as the potential dangers of server or data exposure,

must therefore weigh in your decision.

Read on to find out more about TSplus Remote Access and what our software can do for your company.

TSplus for Simple Affordable and Secure Remote Desktop Access

Whether you set it up to use RDP or any other connexion means, TSplus Remote Access offers an excellent alternative to traditional remote desktop solutions. At any rate, its security features also mean you will no longer worry about NLA.

The next step is to download and install our software. You can directly buy a permanent licence or you may prefer to first run the 15-day fully-featured free trial in order to discover and test its admin console and features.

That done and RDP active, you can enter the details for your PC and in moments you will be working on your remote applications and/or files.

Setting Up Remote Desktop with TSplus Remote Access

• Download and install TSplus Remote Access.
• Enter the PC and port details from your prior set up steps.

Discover the freedom of remote connexions and the power of application publication.

TSplus Remote Access - Four Key Features:

1. Encrypted Connections for Security

TSplus Remote Access ensures that all connections are encrypted with SSL, enhancing security. For even greater protection, consider adding TSplus Advanced Security and Two-factor Authentication (2FA) to maximize your remote infrastructure security.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

TSplus offers cost-effective solutions that require no redeveloping of your applications. Our permanent licenses are designed to last, helping you optimize your IT budget and time.

3. Full Remote Desktop and Application Delivery

With TSplus, the best Citrix alternative , you can provide full Windows desktops or single applications. This versatile tool enable you to publish centralized Windows applications, securely allowing remote users to access them on their local devices. Additionally, TSplus Remote Access supports multiple concurrent users per server.

4. Farm Features for Scalability

TSplus, via its gateway portal, allows secure access to multiple servers. Load balancing distributes the processing between servers, ensuring efficiency. Finally, reverse proxy acts as a connection intermediary, enhancing security.

5. Cross-platform Compatibility thanks to TSplus Remote Support

For all things mac, TSplus Remote Support has all the basics in a simple-use management console. It is scalable and versatile, from screen sharing and control for support and assistance purposes to training set-ups or just to access a server remotely.

Conclusion on How to Set Up Remote Desktop:

Setting up remote desktop access is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to access resources remotely. While native RDP is an option, alone, it can be highly vulnerable so needs protection. TSplus Remote Access offers a more secure, cost-effective and feature-rich alternative. Its SSL encryption and 2FA adding to the robustness of the product. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can begin to establish secure remote desktop access for your needs. Start using RDP more safely and efficiently.