How to Setup Microsoft Remote Desktop

Prerequisites and Compatibility

Check Your Windows Version

To use Microsoft Remote Desktop, ensure your PC is running a compatible version of Windows. Remote Desktop is available on:

Windows 10

Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions: Remote Desktop is not available on Windows 10 Home edition. To check your edition:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings: Alternatively, click the Start menu, then select the gear icon to open Settings.

2. Go to System > About : In the Settings window, select System . Scroll down and click About .

3. Look under "Windows specification": Check the edition listed. If it is Home, you will need to upgrade to Pro or Enterprise to use Remote Desktop.

Windows 11

Pro and Enterprise editions: Similar to Windows 10, the Home edition does not support Remote Desktop. To verify your edition:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings: Alternatively, click the Start menu, then select the gear icon to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System > About : In the Settings window, select System . Scroll down and click About .

3. Check under "Windows specifications": Verify that the edition is Pro or Enterprise. If it is Home, consider upgrading to access Remote Desktop features.

Network Requirements

Both the local and remote PCs need a stable and fast internet connection for optimal performance. Remote Desktop uses port 3389, so ensure this port is open on your router and firewall:

1. Check Router Settings: Log into your router’s admin panel (usually accessible via a web browser at an address like 192.168.1.1). Locate port forwarding settings and ensure port 3389 is open.

2. Configure Firewall: Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall . Click Advanced settings , then Inbound Rules . Ensure there is an enabled rule allowing traffic through port 3389.

3. Stable Internet Connection: For the best experience, use a wired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi. Ensure both the local and remote PCs have a high-speed internet connection to reduce latency and improve connection stability.

Enabling Remote Desktop

Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC

Enabling Remote Desktop on your host PC involves accessing system settings and configuring the feature to allow remote connections.

Access System Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings: Alternatively, you can click the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings window.

2. Navigate to System > `Remote Desktop: In the Settings window, select System . Scroll down the left sidebar and click on Remote Desktop .

Enable Remote Desktop

1. Toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop: Find the toggle switch under the Remote Desktop section and turn it on.

2. Confirm the action if prompted by User Account Control (UAC): If a UAC prompt appears, click Yes to confirm.

3. Advanced Settings: Click on "Advanced settings" to configure additional options like allowing connections only with Network Level Authentication (NLA) for increased security.

Note the PC Name

1. Under Remote Desktop settings, note the PC name: The PC name is required for remote connections.

2. Optionally, click on "Show settings" to view the full computer name: This provides additional details such as the domain name which might be needed for domain-joined computers.

Configure Firewall Settings

1. Open Firewall Settings: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall .

2. Allow Remote Desktop Through Firewall: Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall . Scroll down to find "Remote Desktop" and ensure both Private and Public networks are checked.

Creating a New Rule

1. Advanced Firewall Settings: Click on Advanced settings on the left sidebar.

2. New Inbound Rule: Create a new inbound rule to explicitly allow TCP port 3389 if required.

User Permissions

1. Specify Users: Under Remote Desktop settings, click on "Select users that can remotely access this PC".

2. Add the users who should have remote access permissions: Click on Add , enter the usernames of the users, and click OK .

3. Verifying User Permissions: Ensure that the user accounts added have appropriate permissions and are part of the Remote Desktop Users group.

Installing the Remote Desktop App

Download and Install the App

The Remote Desktop app is available for various platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Windows

• Microsoft Store: Search for "Remote Desktop" and install the app.
• Direct Download: Visit the Microsoft Remote Desktop website for direct download links.

macOS

• Mac App Store: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app directly from the Mac App Store .

Android

• Google Play Store: Install from the Google Play Store .

iOS

• App Store: Download from the App Store .

Configuring the Remote Desktop App

1. Launch the App: Open the Remote Desktop app on your device.

2. Add a New Connection: Click on Add PC . Enter the PC name you noted earlier.

3. Connection Settings: Configure additional settings such as gateway, display, and device redirection. Optionally, set a friendly name for the connection for easy identification.

Connecting to the Remote PC

Using the Remote Desktop App

Open the Remote Desktop App

1. Launch the app on your device: Open the Remote Desktop application on your PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device.

Initiate the Connection

1. Select the added PC from the list: In the app, you should see a list of configured PCs. Select the one you want to connect to.

2. Click Connect and enter your credentials when prompted: Click Connect . Enter your login credentials (username and password) when prompted.

Session Management

1. Manage multiple sessions by adding more PCs: You can add multiple PCs to your Remote Desktop app for different remote connections.

2. Use the app settings to adjust display quality and resolution for better performance: Navigate to settings within the app to tweak display quality, resolution, and other performance-related parameters to optimize your remote session experience.

Using Remote Desktop on Web

Navigate to the Web Client URL

1. Visit Remote Desktop Web Client: Open your web browser and navigate to the Remote Desktop Web Client .

Log In with Your Credentials

1. Enter your Microsoft account or organizational credentials: Log in using your Microsoft account or organizational credentials provided by your network administrator.

Connect to Your Remote PC

Select the remote PC and initiate the connection: After logging in, select the desired remote PC from the available list and click to initiate the connection. Follow any additional prompts to complete the process.

Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting

Enable Network Level Authentication

For enhanced security, enable Network Level Authentication (NLA):

1. Go to System Properties: Right-click This PC and select Properties .

2. Configure NLA: Click Remote settings on the left. Under Remote Desktop , check the option for Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication .

Optimize Performance

1. Adjust Display Settings: Lower the display resolution and color depth in the Remote Desktop app settings for better performance over slower connections.

2. Enable Compression: In the Remote Desktop app, enable compression for data sent over the network to improve speed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Cannot Connect to the Remote PC: Ensure Remote Desktop is enabled on the host PC. Verify firewall settings allow Remote Desktop. Check network connectivity and ensure both PCs are online.

2. Poor Connection Quality: Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability. Close unnecessary applications that might be using bandwidth.

TSplus Recommendation

For businesses seeking a robust and user-friendly remote desktop solution, consider TSplus Remote Access . TSplus offers a powerful alternative with enhanced security features, seamless integration, and exceptional support, making it an ideal choice for IT professionals and organizations. Explore TSplus solutions today to elevate your remote access capabilities.

Conclusion

Setting up Microsoft Remote Desktop can significantly enhance your remote work capabilities, allowing you to access your PC and applications from anywhere. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a secure and efficient remote connection experience.