Have you ever wanted to connect to your computer remotely? With Remote Desktop in Windows 10, you can do just that! This feature allows you to access your PC from another device and control it as if you were sitting right at your desk. Whether you’re using a Windows, iOS, macOS, or Android device, Microsoft Remote Desktop client has got you covered.

To use Remote Desktop, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. First, your PC needs to be turned on and connected to a network. Additionally, Remote Desktop must be enabled, and you must have permission to connect to the remote computer. It’s also essential to ensure that your PC’s firewall allows Remote Desktop connections.

Enabling Remote Desktop

Enabling Remote Desktop on your PC is a breeze. The easiest way to do it is through the Remote Desktop options in Settings. However, if you’re using an older version of Windows, you can download a separate app that offers similar functionality. Let’s take a look at the steps for enabling Remote Desktop:

Windows 10 Fall Creator Update (1709) or later

1. On the device you want to connect to, click on Start and then select the Settings icon on the left.
2. Choose the System group followed by Remote Desktop.
3. Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop.
4. It’s a good idea to keep your PC awake and discoverable for easy connections. You can enable this option by clicking on Show settings.
5. If needed, add users who can connect remotely by selecting Select users that can remotely access this PC. Members of the Administrators group automatically have access.
6. Take note of the name of your PC under How to connect to this PC. You’ll need it to configure your clients.

Windows 7 and early versions of Windows 10

If you’re using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or an early version of Windows 10, don’t worry. You can still configure your PC for remote access by downloading and running the Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant. This assistant updates your system settings, ensures your computer is awake for connections, and checks your firewall settings.

All versions of Windows (Legacy method)

For those who prefer the legacy method, you can still enable Remote Desktop using the system properties. Simply follow the instructions to connect to another computer using Remote Desktop Connection.

Should You Enable Remote Desktop?

Enabling Remote Desktop is a great choice if you want to access your PC when you’re not physically using it. However, it’s essential to consider your network’s security. Enabling Remote Desktop opens a port on your PC that is visible to your local network. Therefore, it’s recommended to enable Remote Desktop only in trusted networks like your home network. Additionally, if you have strict access control on a particular PC, it’s best not to enable Remote Desktop.

Remember that granting access to Remote Desktop means that anyone in the Administrators group and any users you select will have the ability to remotely access their accounts on your computer. To ensure your PC’s security, it’s crucial to configure strong passwords for every account with access.

Why Choose Network Level Authentication?

If you’re concerned about who can access your PC, it’s a good idea to choose Network Level Authentication (NLA). This option requires users to authenticate themselves to the network before connecting to your PC. By allowing connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with NLA, you can enhance the security of your computer and protect it from malicious users and software. To learn more about NLA and Remote Desktop, check out the configuration guide for NLA for RDS Connections.

However, if you’re remotely connecting to a PC on your home network from outside of that network, it’s advisable not to select this option for convenience and ease of access.

With Remote Desktop in Windows 10, you can enjoy seamless remote access to your PC without any hassle. Just make sure to follow the proper security measures and enjoy the convenience of staying connected wherever you are!