A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Windows 11 PC.
How to Setup and Access Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Windows 11 Computer: A Comprehensive Tutorial.
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| Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 11 |
I'm enjoying my Microsoft Windows 11 desktop. Not much more advantageous over Windows 10 for the standard user who uses general base everyday applications but nonetheless, it's really nice. I have a lab and office that are equipped with an array of computers that I utilize for various tasks, including of course testing.
The lab, as anyone would guess, is mostly for testing purposes, I use a virtualization platform that's excellent for testing. Virtualization platforms are a great tool for testing software or configuration experimentation but also increases the number of desktops and servers available to connect to. Which leads to the point of using RDP for connecting to these various desktops and servers.
Whenever I need to connect to and manage one of the physical or virtual desktops and servers, I use and rely on Microsoft's Remote Desktop. A wonderful built-in service and tool added to Windows operating systems by Microsoft.
However, with Windows 11 installed on some of my PCs, I now need to ensure that I can use the latest version of Windows as both a host and a guest for my remote sessions. To do so, follow these steps if you also need to connect to or from a Windows 11 computer.
Using Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Windows 11 PC
Requirements
Please note that Remote Desktop is compatible only with Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions. Unfortunately, this tool is not accessible on Windows 11 Home. Additionally, I will guide you through the process assuming that both your host and guest PCs are connected to the same home or home office network. However, if you intend to use Remote Desktop to connect to a PC over the internet, such as from a home PC to a work PC, you will likely need to utilize a VPN or secure gateway to establish and safeguard the connection.
1. Enable Remote Desktop
To establish remote access and enable connection to your Windows 11 PC from another computer, you must initially configure it as a host. In Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
Activate the Remote Desktop switch. Take note of the PC's name, as it will be required for the connection process.
2. Provide remote user access.
When logging in to your Windows 11 computer, the default is to use the admin account that is already set up, which is most likely your own account. However, if you need to give access to other accounts, you can do so by selecting the option for Remote Desktop users.
To add another account, simply click on the Add button. In the Select Users window, enter the name of the account you wish to add and then click on Check Names. Afterward, click OK and then OK again. This will enable you to sign in with that account when connecting remotely to this PC.
Connect from another guest computer.
To establish a remote connection with your Windows 11 PC from a different device or operating system, such as a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you can utilize the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. Simply download and install the app that corresponds to your specific OS or device. For the purpose of this explanation, let's assume you are connecting from another Windows PC.
To begin, access the Remote Desktop tool on your guest PC. In Windows 10, you can find its shortcut in the Windows Accessories folder within the Start menu. In Windows 11, locate it in the Windows Tools folder on the All Apps screen. If you encounter any difficulty finding it, simply click on the Search icon, start typing "Remote Desktop," and select the result for Remote Desktop Connection.
Next, enter the name of your Windows 11 PC in the Computer field. Click on the "Show Options" button. If necessary, input the username of the account on the remote Windows 11 PC that you wish to utilize. If you desire an added layer of security, you can select the option to "Always ask for credentials," which will prompt you to enter your password each time you connect to this PC. Once you are prepared, click on "Connect" to initiate the connection.
This is the standard RDP client interface.
Click the connect button.
Please enter the account password. Upon initial connection to a computer, a notification will appear indicating that the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified. You will be prompted to proceed with the connection. Select the option to "Remember my choice" for future connections to this computer. Confirm by clicking "Yes."
Check the box, don't ask again for RDP connections to this computer.
Once connected, you will find a blue connection bar at the top of the screen, offering various options. You have the ability to pin the bar in place and assess the connection speed using the icons on the left side. On the right side, you can minimize the remote window to the taskbar, adjust the window size, and end the remote session.
Connect to and control the remote computer.
Use Windows 11 as a guest.
To utilize Windows 11 as a guest on another computer, ensure that the remote PC is configured to accept Remote Desktop connections. On your Windows 11 PC, access the Remote Desktop tool by navigating to the Windows Tools folder on the All Apps screen.
Before establishing a connection, you have the option to customize specific settings for your remote session. A very useful setting is to enable access to local drives. Which means that if you enable checkbox, you'll be able to access your local drives from within the remote desktop session directly. In the Remote Desktop Connection window, click on the Show Options button. Within the General tab, you can add a username if necessary and choose whether to enable or disable the "Always ask for credentials" option.
