How To Set Up Remote Desktop Access and Get the Most Out of It 

person using Windows 11 computer on lap

 

Need to use your computer or mobile device to connect to a remote system? You can establish a distant connection using a Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) application. As long as the remote Computer system is powered on and configured for remote access, you can access files, run programs, diagnose issues, and perform other remote tasks. 

 

You can remotely access numerous Windows computers via a single network using RDC, even if those systems are found in different locations, such as your home or business. With the approval of IT, you can use RDC to access other computers on the company’s network after logging in remotely using a virtual private network (VPN) or another security gateway. For a device to initiate or accept a remote connection, Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise must be installed. The Home editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not support Remote Desktops. 

 

Windows 10 and 11 provide Remote Desktop Connection as a built-in feature, and users of any version can also download it as a universal app from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft’s RDC app may be downloaded for free on Mac, iOS, and Android if you wish to connect and operate a computer from a device that isn’t running Windows. 

Now, let’s find out how to establish secure remote access to your PC.  

 

Why Remote Desktop Connection Is Important 

 

To report for duty or complete an assignment in today’s technologically advanced society, you need not physically move to your place of employment. The advent of remote desktop technology has increased mobility and accessibility in all spheres of life. 

 

In any case, you’ve come to the right spot at the right moment, assuming you don’t understand anything about remote desktop technology. Next, we’ll go through the various steps you can take to connect to RDC. 

 

Setting up Microsoft Remote Desktop 

 

The computer you want to access remotely requires a manual login from you or another person. Access this computer’s Remote Desktop client by navigating to the Settings menu, clicking on System, and selecting Remote Desktop. Click the toggle next to Remote Desktop or Activate Remote Desktop to enable it. To activate the change, like the Confirm option. 

 

Keeping your Windows 10 computer awake and discoverable on private networks are two features that you should keep active. You need to click the corresponding Show settings link to check out any option or make any changes. Nonetheless, both settings can be left active now, and you may also select the link for Advanced Options. 

 

Choose the option “Connections must use Network Level Authentication” to force all connecting machines to employ NLA. NLA makes remote connections over the same network more secure because users must prove who they are before using the remote PC. 

 

You can skip over the “External connections” part if you only connect to a workstation on the same network. The port number that will be used to accept remote connections is displayed in the Remote Desktop port section. 

 

If the remote computer is set to allow administrative access, then anyone with the appropriate credentials can log in and utilize it. The easiest way to sign in remotely to Windows is to use an account with administrator privileges, such as a Microsoft Account or an enterprise user account. 

 

Click Choose users that can remotely access this PC at the bottom of the initial screen to provide remote access to a different account. After clicking the Add button, enter the username associated with that account. 

 

Last but not least, jot down the name of this particular computer, as you will require it to log in remotely. Once you’re done configuring Remote Desktop, close the window. 

 

Instead of displaying the advanced options, Windows 11 only shows the PC’s name and the ability to add a second account to access the computer. If you need to give a different account remote access privileges, click the setting for Choose who can remotely access this PC. 

 

Windows Connection to a Remote Computer 

 

 

Let’s imagine you have a remote PC at work and want to access it from your home computer. With Windows 10, click the Start button, select Windows Accessories from the list of options, and then select the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut. 

 

To get Windows Tools in Windows 11, press the Start button, then select All Applications—Launch Remote Desktop Connection by selecting its icon from the window’s shortcut menu. 

 

The procedure differs for older operating system versions. To access Windows Remote Desktop on Windows 8.1, press the Win key + S to open the Search tool, then type “windows remote desktop” and select the resulting item. Choose the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut by clicking the Start button in Windows 7, then clicking All Programs, clicking the Accessories folder, and finally selecting the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut. 

 

In the RDC window’s Computer input area, enter the remote computer’s name or IP address. Choose Show Options by clicking the corresponding option and entering your username and password. The credentials can be saved for future use by checking the box labeled Allow me to save credentials and then clicking Connect. 

 

Type in your password in the password field. Those who don’t want to input your password every time they use this account can check the Remember Me option. Choose OK. A notice stating that it was impossible to confirm the remote computer’s identification might be sent to you. Tick the box next to Don’t ask me again for connections on this computer, and then click the Yes button. 

 

Now you’re ready to establish a connection to the remote machine, from which you can launch programs, access files, and carry out other operations. There is a blue bar for making connections at the top of the screen. In addition to pinning the bar in place, the icons on the left can be used to gauge your network’s capacity. The rightmost buttons allow you to resize the remote window, close it, and reduce it to the taskbar. 

 

Adapt Remote Desktop Configurations 

 

 

 

Some of Remote Desktop Connection’s configuration options are accessible from the setup screen. In the General section, you can create a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) file, allowing you to transfer the current session’s configuration to another machine with a simple copy-and-paste operation. Under the Display button, you can modify the remote window’s screen resolution and color depth. 

 

You may adjust the volume, schedule shortcut keys, and choose which local files to access during a remote session, all from the Local Resources menu. In the Experience tab, you may manually change the connection speed to manage performance. The Advanced tab is where you can change the default action for server authentication. 

 

Conclusion 

Spending on remote help can result in a more effective and productive work environment where contemporary business dynamics demand swift and immediate solutions. Understanding what a remote desktop is will help you operate more effectively and efficiently, which will save you money over time and lower the turnover rate of your staff. Consider integrating remote desktop technologies into your business processes immediately! That will do wonders for your company, and you won’t believe how much better off you are.