Want to learn how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11?
With remote communication coming into existence a few decades back, it was about time that Microsoft also introduced remote desktop control via Windows 11. The feature allows you to control your computer from anywhere, all through an app you can use on your Android, iOS/macOS device, or another Windows PC.
To control your PC remotely, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of. Firstly, the computer you wish to control remotely needs to be turned on and connected to the internet. Secondly, only the Pro version of Windows OS supports the said feature. But the same does not apply to the PC accessing controls.
Now the entire process is not as simple as downloading an app only. You’ll need to configure a few settings to establish the connection. Below, we’ve discussed all the required steps to enable, configure, and use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11.
So, without any delay, let’s dive straight in!
1. Enable to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11.
As mentioned earlier, you will not be able to use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11 unless you own the Pro version of the OS. If you’re unsure about your Windows edition, you can check it from the Windows Settings app.
The Remote Desktop feature is not enabled on Windows 11 by default. That means you’ll have to turn it on yourself if you wish to control your PC without being physically present.
To do so, just follow the steps below:
- To get started, click on the Start Menu and open Settings.
- When the window opens, go to the System tab from the left pane.
- Now from the right pane, go to Remote Desktop.
- Next, turn on the toggle for Remote Desktop.
- Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt and select Confirm on the next pop-up box.
- Then, click on the drop-down arrow next to it and check the box for Require device to use Network Level Authentication to connect (Recommended). This will restrict any unauthorized access to your PC.
- Again, click Yes on the User Account Control prompt and select Confirm on the next pop-up box.
- Again, click on the System tab on the left pane.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on About.
- Now go down and click on the Advanced system settings link in the Related links section.
- This will open up an overlay window. There, go to the Remote tab.
- Enable Allow remote connections to this computer. Also, make sure the box next to Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended) is checked.
- Finally, click on OK to save the changes and exit.
This should have successfully configured your system for remote access.
2. Note Down Your IP Address.
If you’re planning to set up the remote connection through the internet, it’s best to note down your computer’s IP address in case the name of your PC is not enough to establish the connection. Besides that, you’ll also have to figure out the public IP address of the remote computer. This will make it possible for you to connect from outside the network.
To find out your computer’s IP address, follow these steps:
- To begin, launch the Settings app from the Start Menu or press the Windows key + i for a shortcut.
- From the left pane, go to Network & internet.
- On the right side of the window, click on Wi-Fi.
- Next, click on the network you’re currently connected to.
- Then, scroll down to the IPv4 address and note it down.
To find the public IP address of your network, here’s what you need to do:
- Start by launching your preferred web browser, such as Chrome.
- In the Search bar, type ‘what’s my IP‘.
The result will display your public IP address.
3. Use Microsoft Remote Desktop App to Access Your PC.
You can remotely connect your Windows 11 PC either with another PC or an Android, iOS, or macOS device. To connect both Windows PCs with one another, the method is pretty straightforward.
Simply follow the steps below to proceed:
- Start by downloading the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. To do so, launch the Microsoft Store app from the Start Menu.
- Search for the remote desktop app and click on the Get button to install it on your PC.
- Once that’s done, type ‘microsoft remote desktop’ in the Windows Search bar and click Open.
- When the window opens, click the Add button on the top right side and choose PCs.
- Next, type your PC’s name or IP address in the PC Name field.
- Then, click on the + icon next to User account to add an account via which you want to access the remote connection.
- After providing the required details, click on the Save button.
- If you’re going to connect as an admin, click on Show more.
- Check the box for Connect to admin session and hit Save.
4. Use Remote Desktop Connection App to Access Your PC.
If, for some reason, you failed to establish a connection using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, you can go back to the legacy method and use the Remote Desktop Connection app for the same purpose.
Just follow the steps below to do it:
- In the Search bar, type ‘remote desktop connection’ and click on Open from the search results.
- When it opens, click on Show Options.
- Now provide the necessary details and click on the Connect button.
After that, you will be asked to provide your password for authentication purposes.
5. Connect With Your Android, iOS, and macOS Devices.
As mentioned, you can also establish a remote connection with your PC using Android, iOS, or macOS devices. For that, you’ll first need to install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
After that, follow the steps below to set up the remote connection:
- Once the Microsoft Remote Desktop app is downloaded, launch it on your device.
- From the upper right corner, tap on the + icon and select Add PC.
- Next, tap on PC Name to edit the field.
- Type in the name or IP address of the PC you wish to connect to and tap on the Back icon to save the changes.
- Now, tap on User Account.
- Then, tap on Add User Account.
- From there, type the user account credentials you wish to log in to and tap on Save. If you want to log in to multiple user accounts, simply leave the field empty so that you’re asked to provide these details whenever you try to connect.
- Switch on the toggle for Admin Mode if you wish, and tap on Save.
- Finally, tap on the account that you added to establish the connection.
6. Use Windows 11 PC Remotely.
Right after establishing the connection, you will be able to see your computer screen from the device you connected with. Now, using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app can be a bit tricky if you’re a beginner.
To help you out, here are a few quick tips to become a master in no time:
- Launch the on-screen keyboard by tapping on the Keyboard icon from the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Double tapping on the touch screen device is equivalent to a right click on your Windows 11 PC.
- To terminate the currently activated remote session, tap on the Remote Desktop icon.
- Then, choose Disconnect All PC Sessions.
- Change the input type, from mouse to touch or vice versa, by first tapping on the Remote Desktop icon on the top toolbar and then on the Hand and mouse icon.
This brings us to the end of our guide on how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11. The above steps should help you establish the connection and use the computer remotely. For further queries, use the comment section below.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 😊
Aimen Choudhry
Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.
