How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows 10

Edited 8 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Windows 10Remote DesktopConnectivitySystemNetworkingSetupConfigurationSoftwareSecurityUsability

Remote Desktop is a powerful tool in Windows 10 that allows you to connect to a computer remotely. This can be especially useful when you need to access a work computer from home, provide technical support to a friend or family member remotely, or manage a server without being physically present. In this guide, we will explain in detail how to set up and use Remote Desktop on Windows 10. The process involves several steps, including adjusting settings on both the client (your computer) and the host (the remote computer you're connecting to), ensuring that network permissions are properly configured, and establishing a secure connection. With proper configuration, Remote Desktop can be an intuitive and efficient tool.

Understanding Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a graphical interface for connecting to another computer over a network connection. The user uses RDP client software for this purpose, while the server component is built into Windows. RDP allows sharing of desktops across different connections, allowing remote systems to be controlled in a simple manner. By sending input from the client to the host and streaming display updates back, RDP can facilitate a user experience closer to using a remote machine in person.

System requirements

Before using Remote Desktop, it is necessary to check the system requirements to ensure that both the client and host computers can support RDP connections. On the host side, only certain versions of Windows 10 support being the host for Remote Desktop connections. These include:

• windows 10 pro
• windows 10 enterprise
• windows 10 education

The client version usually doesn't have the same restrictions, meaning Windows 10 Home can also connect to another computer as a client, but cannot act as a host.

Step-by-step setup of Remote Desktop on Windows 10

1. Enable Remote Desktop on the host computer

First you need to enable the Remote Desktop feature on the computer you want to connect to. Follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
2. In the Settings menu, click System.
3. On the left sidebar, select Remote Desktop.
4. Switch the toggle button under Enable Remote Desktop to the on position.
5. If a prompt appears asking, "Are you sure you want to enable Remote Desktop?", confirm the action.
6. It is advisable that you write down the name of your computer, which is given under the How to connect to this PC section, as you will need this information to establish the connection later.

2. Set up Network Level Authentication

Network Level Authentication (NLA) provides an additional layer of security by requiring the user to authenticate before full access is granted. To enable NLA:

1. In the same Remote Desktop Settings area, verify that Require the computer to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect (recommended) is checked.

Doing so ensures that only authenticated users can establish remote connections, thereby improving security, especially in network environments.

3. Configure your firewall

Windows Firewall needs to allow the Remote Desktop Protocol to pass. Here's how to allow RDP access:

1. Type Allow an app through Windows Firewall in the Start Menu and select it from the results.
2. Click Change settings.
3. Scroll down to Remote Desktop and make sure the box under Private and Public Networks is checked.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

4. Configure the router for port forwarding (if necessary)

If your computers are on another network (e.g., accessing a work computer from home), you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow external connections. By default, RDP uses port 3389. Consult your router's manual for instructions on port forwarding to allow this connection.

5. Connect to the remote desktop with the client computer

Now that the host computer is ready, we can focus on how to connect to it remotely:

1. On your client computer, type Remote Desktop Connection in the search box in your taskbar, and open the application that appears.
2. In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the computer name or IP address (which you noted earlier) of the host computer.
3. Click Connect.
4. Enter the username and password for the host computer if prompted.
5. Once connected, you'll see the host computer's desktop, and be able to interact with it as if you were sitting right in front of it.

Troubleshoot Remote Desktop on Windows 10

Sometimes, configuration or network issues may prevent a successful connection to the remote desktop. Below are some common issues and their solutions:

Firewall or antivirus blocking

Make sure your firewall allows remote desktop connections. If you are using a third-party antivirus, check that it does not interfere with the Remote Desktop Protocol. You may need to temporarily disable that software to test the connection.

Network or router issues

If the computers are not on the same local network, make sure port forwarding is set up correctly on the router. The external IP should direct traffic to the internal IP of the host computer on port 3389.

Incorrect credentials

Double-check the credentials you are using to connect. The username and password must match the credentials configured on the host computer.

Outdated operating system

It is important to keep your operating system updated to benefit from security patches and performance improvements. An out-of-date OS on either side can prevent a connection from being established.

Best practices for using Remote Desktop

Using Remote Desktop effectively requires certain security and performance best practices:

• Use a VPN: For a secure connection, especially on the Internet, consider using a virtual private network (VPN).
• Strong passwords: Ensure user accounts have complex passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
• Adjust display settings: To optimize display, reduce color depth and disable advanced display features when connecting over a slow network.
• Log out when finished: Always log out when the session is over to save resources and maintain security.

Advanced configuration options

For advanced use cases, Remote Desktop can be customized even further:

• You can monitor a user's session to know what they are doing with a particular application.
• Group Policy can be configured to manage Remote Desktop settings across multiple computers within a domain network.
• You can use RDP files to save your connection preferences for convenience and consistency in future sessions.

Conclusion

Using Remote Desktop on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that gives users the power to access and control their machines from anywhere in the world, providing ultimate flexibility and convenience. By ensuring proper configuration and following best practices, you can easily manage systems remotely, securely and efficiently. Whether for work or play, setting up Remote Desktop will open up a world of possibilities in the way you manage your digital life.

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