Remote Desktop is a built-in feature in Windows 11 Pro that allows you to access and control your PC from another device over a network. This guide will walk you through setting up and using Remote Desktop effectively.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure the following:
- Windows 11 Pro: Remote Desktop is available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. To check your edition, go to Settings > System > About.
- Network Connection: Both the host (the PC you want to access) and the client (the device you’re accessing from) should be connected to the same network or configured for remote access over the internet.
- User Account Password: The user account on the host PC must have a password set.
Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC
- Open Settings:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Remote Desktop Settings:
- Click on System in the left pane.
- Scroll down and select Remote Desktop.
- Enable Remote Desktop:
- Toggle the switch to On.
- Click Confirm when prompted.
- Note the PC Name:
- Under the How to connect to this PC section, note down the PC name. You’ll need this to connect later.
- Optional – Configure Network Level Authentication (NLA):
- For added security, ensure that Require devices to use Network Level Authentication is checked.
Step 2: Allow Remote Desktop Through Windows Firewall
- Open Windows Security:
- Press Windows + S, type Windows Security, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Firewall Settings:
- Click on Firewall & network protection.
- Select Allow an app through firewall.
- Allow Remote Desktop:
- Click on Change settings.
- Scroll down and ensure Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks.
- Click OK to save changes.
Step 3: Connect to the Host PC from Another Device
From a Windows PC:
- Open Remote Desktop Connection:
- Press Windows + S, type Remote Desktop Connection, and press Enter.
- Enter the PC Name:
- In the Computer field, enter the PC name noted earlier.
- Click Connect.
- Enter Credentials:
- When prompted, enter the username and password of the account on the host PC.
- Establish Connection:
- Click OK to initiate the remote session.
From macOS, iOS, or Android:
- Install Microsoft Remote Desktop App:
- Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the respective app store.
- Add a New Connection:
- Open the app and click on Add PC.
- Enter Connection Details:
- In the PC Name field, enter the PC name or IP address of the host PC.
- Enter the account credentials when prompted.
- Connect:
- Tap on the saved connection to start the remote session.
Step 4: Configure for Remote Access Over the Internet (Optional)
To access your PC remotely over the internet:
- Set a Static IP or Use Dynamic DNS:
- Configure your router to assign a static IP to your host PC or set up Dynamic DNS.
- Configure Port Forwarding:
- Access your router’s settings.
- Forward TCP port 3389 to the IP address of your host PC.
- Ensure Firewall Allows Remote Desktop:
- As detailed in Step 2, ensure that Remote Desktop is allowed through the firewall.
- Use Public IP or DNS to Connect:
- From the client device, use the public IP address or DNS name to connect via Remote Desktop.
Note: Exposing Remote Desktop to the internet can pose security risks. Ensure strong passwords and consider using a VPN for secure connections.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Cannot Connect to Host PC:
- Ensure the host PC is turned on and connected to the network.
- Verify that Remote Desktop is enabled and allowed through the firewall.
- Authentication Errors:
- Double-check the username and password.
- Ensure the user account has permission to access the PC remotely.
- Network Issues:
- Confirm that both devices are on the same network or that port forwarding is correctly configured for internet access.
Conclusion
Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Pro is a powerful tool for accessing your PC from anywhere. By following the steps outlined above, you can set up and use Remote Desktop to manage your files, applications, and system settings remotely.