How to Turn On Remote Desktop in Windows

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Remote Desktop is an amazing feature in Windows that allows you to connect to a computer from anywhere. It can be incredibly helpful if you want to access your work computer from home or help a friend with a computer problem without having to be physically there. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you turn on Remote Desktop in Windows. This guide makes sure that each step is described in detail, and it is written in plain English so that it is easy for everyone to understand, even if you are new to technology.

Understanding Remote Desktop: Before we get started, it's good to have a basic understanding of what Remote Desktop does. When you enable this feature, it allows another device to connect to your computer over the network. The device doesn't have to be next to your computer; it can be anywhere as long as it has network connectivity to your system. You'll see what's on your computer's screen and you can operate it almost as if you were sitting in front of it.

Prerequisites: To turn on Remote Desktop in Windows, you need the following:

• The computer you want to connect to must be running a Professional, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Home editions do not support Remote Desktop Connection.
• Access to the Internet or local network connection.
• Administrative access to the computer on which you want to enable Remote Desktop.
• Remote Desktop client app if you're using a different platform to connect (e.g., Linux, macOS). Windows computers have this built in.

Steps to enable Remote Desktop:

Step 1: Open System Settings

The first step to enable Remote Desktop is to go to System Settings. Follow these detailed instructions carefully:

1. Click the Start menu in the lower-left corner of your screen.
2. Click the Settings icon, which looks like a little gear, from the menu that appears.
3. In the Windows Settings window, select System. This will take you to a new page where you can control various system options.

Step 2: Navigating to Remote Desktop Settings

Now that you are in the System Settings, it is time to move on to enabling the Remote Desktop settings:

1. In the left pane of the System Settings window, you will find a menu with various options. Scroll down and select Remote Desktop. This will open the Remote Desktop Settings page.
2. If you can’t see the Remote Desktop option, make sure your Windows version supports it, as discussed earlier.

Step 3: Turn on Remote Desktop

Once you're in the Remote Desktop settings, here's how to turn the feature on:

1. You will see a toggle switch that says Enable Remote Desktop. This is usually located in the main section of the window or towards the top. Click this toggle switch to turn it on.
2. After enabling it, Windows will show a confirmation dialog. Click Confirm if it prompts you. This step involves administrative rights. You may have to enter the administrator password when prompted.
3. If you see an option that says “Keep my PC awake for connections when plugged in,” consider enabling it to prevent your system from going into sleep mode when you try to connect remotely.

Step 4: Note down all the required information

You will need some specific details for a seamless connection:

1. On the same Remote Desktop settings page, look for your computer's full device name. It's worth noting this, as you'll be using it to connect remotely.
2. Make sure your PC is set to allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (NLA). This setting provides a higher level of security.

Step 5: Access the Firewall

You may also need to adjust your firewall settings to allow Remote Desktop:

1. Return to the main Windows Settings menu.
2. Click Update & Security, then go to Windows Security in the left pane.
3. Select Firewall & network security.
4. Click Allow app through firewall and then find Remote Desktop in the list.
5. Make sure both the Private and Public boxes next to Remote Desktop are checked.

Step 6: Configuring the Router for Access

If you want to access your computer from outside your home or office network (e.g., via the Internet), you'll need to configure your router:

1. Access your router's settings page (usually by typing its IP address into a browser).
2. Enable the port used by Remote Desktop, usually 3389, using a feature such as port forwarding.

Step 7: Test the Connection

Once everything is set up, it's time to test your connection to make sure Remote Desktop is configured correctly:

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app on the device you want to connect to (another Windows computer, tablet, etc.). This application is already installed on Windows.
2. In the Remote Desktop Connection app, enter the full device name of the computer you want to connect to.
3. Click on Connect and log in with the correct credentials. This is usually your username and password for the target PC.
4. If you have set everything up correctly, you will be able to connect and control your Windows machine remotely.

Remember, these steps should be performed in a secure environment, especially when remote connections are allowed over the Internet. Be sure to set strong passwords and follow best security practices to minimize any risks.

Troubleshooting common problems

Sometimes you may encounter some problems when trying to set up or use Remote Desktop. Here are some common problems and ways to resolve them:

• Firewall block: Make sure the firewall on both computers allows Remote Desktop.
• Network restrictions: Some networks may restrict remote connections. Confirm with your network administrator.
• Incorrect information: Make sure the device name and user credentials are correct.
• Software interference: Some antivirus software may block remote desktop connections. Review your antivirus settings.

Security considerations

When you enable Remote Desktop, it's important to follow some security guidelines to protect your computer:

• Only allow known, trusted devices to connect.
• Change your passwords regularly and use complex and unique passwords.
• Keep your operating system and software updated to address any security vulnerabilities.
• Limit the number of users who can connect via Remote Desktop.

With these steps, you will be able to turn on and use Remote Desktop effectively. Understanding these concepts ensures that you can take advantage of this powerful tool in a safe and effective way.

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