Need to access your files, apps, or desktop from another device — whether you’re in another room, another building, or another country? Windows has a built-in feature for exactly this called Remote Desktop, and setting it up takes just a few minutes once you know where to look.
Quick answer: To connect to your PC remotely on Windows, first enable Remote Desktop on the computer you want to access by going to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turning the toggle on. Then, from the other device, open the Remote Desktop Connection app (or the Windows App), enter the PC’s name, and sign in with your account. Remote Desktop is available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions; Windows Home does not support incoming remote connections.
Below is a complete walkthrough covering setup, connecting from another device, common problems, and how to stay secure while using it. If you’re setting up a new PC or troubleshooting your network in general, our guide on connecting a scanner to Windows covers similar device and network settings you may find useful.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Windows edition | Pro or Enterprise (Windows Home can’t be connected to, but can connect from) |
| Both devices powered on | The PC you’re accessing must stay on and connected to a network |
| Network connection | Same local network, or internet access with proper setup for remote access outside the network |
| PC name or IP address | Found in the Remote Desktop settings on the host PC |
| User account permissions | Your account must be an administrator or added to the Remote Desktop Users list |
How to Enable Remote Desktop on the PC You Want to Access
This is the computer you’ll be connecting to — sometimes called the host PC. It needs Remote Desktop turned on before any connection attempt will work.
1. Open Remote Desktop Settings
Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then go to System > Remote Desktop.
2. Turn On the Remote Desktop Toggle
Switch Remote Desktop to On, then select Confirm when prompted. Windows will show you the PC’s name on this same screen — write it down, since you’ll need it to connect later.
3. Add Additional Users (Optional)
By default, only the account currently signed in (if it’s an administrator account) can connect remotely. To allow another account:
- On the Remote Desktop settings page, select Remote Desktop users
- Select Add, type the account name, then select Check Names followed by OK
- Repeat for any additional accounts you want to grant access to
4. Confirm Network Level Authentication Is Enabled
Network Level Authentication (NLA) requires anyone connecting to verify their identity before a session even starts, which adds a meaningful layer of security. This is enabled by default and should generally stay that way unless you have a specific compatibility reason to turn it off.
How to Connect to the PC From Another Device
Once Remote Desktop is enabled on the host PC, you can connect to it from another Windows device, a Mac, a phone, or a tablet.
From Another Windows PC
- On the device you’re connecting from, select Start, type Remote Desktop Connection, and open the app
- In the Computer field, type the host PC’s name or IP address noted earlier
- Select Connect
- Enter the username and password for the account you added to the Remote Desktop users list
- If a certificate warning appears, this is expected on most home and small-office setups — select Yes to continue
Using the Microsoft Remote Desktop App (Recommended for Most Users)
Microsoft’s modern Remote Desktop app, available through the Microsoft Store, offers a more streamlined setup than the classic connection tool and works across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Install the app from the Microsoft Store (or the App Store/Google Play on other devices)
- Open the app and select Add PC or Add
- Enter the PC name or IP address and the account credentials
- Select the saved connection to start a session
This app is the better choice if you want to connect from a phone or tablet, or if you regularly connect to the same PC and want saved connection profiles.
From a Mac, iPhone, or Android Device
The same Microsoft Remote Desktop app is available on non-Windows platforms. Install it from your device’s app store, add the PC using its name or IP address, and sign in the same way as on Windows. The interface adapts to touch input on phones and tablets, though a full desktop session is generally easier to work with on a larger screen.
Connecting From Outside Your Home or Office Network
If you’re trying to reach your PC from a completely different network — for example, accessing your home computer while traveling — a direct connection over the open internet isn’t secure or reliable by default. There are two common approaches:
- Set up a VPN to your home or office network first, then connect to Remote Desktop as if you were on the local network. This is the more secure option and is recommended for most people
- Configure port forwarding on your router to direct external Remote Desktop traffic to your PC. This works but exposes an open port to the internet, so it should only be done with a strong password, Network Level Authentication enabled, and ideally a non-default port
If you’re not confident configuring either option, using a VPN service or your router manufacturer’s remote-access feature is generally simpler and safer than manual port forwarding.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
“Remote Desktop” Option Is Missing From Settings
This almost always means the PC is running Windows Home edition, which doesn’t support incoming Remote Desktop connections. Windows Home can still be used to connect out to other PCs, just not to be connected to. Upgrading to Windows Pro is the only way to enable this feature on a Home edition device.
Unable to Connect to the Remote PC
Work through these checks in order:
- Confirm the host PC is powered on, not asleep, and connected to a network
- Confirm Remote Desktop is still toggled on in its settings
- Check that both devices are on the same network, or that a VPN/port forwarding setup is correctly configured for outside connections
- Confirm your Windows Firewall is allowing Remote Desktop connections — search “Allow an app through Windows Firewall” in the Start menu and check that Remote Desktop is permitted for both private and public networks as appropriate. A misconfigured firewall or security app is also a common cause behind other connectivity issues, such as Discord failing to connect, so it’s worth checking the same settings if you run into similar problems elsewhere
Network Level Authentication Errors
If you see an error related to NLA when connecting from an older device or app, it usually means the connecting device doesn’t support this authentication method. Updating the connecting device’s software is the safer fix; disabling NLA on the host PC is possible but reduces security and isn’t recommended unless necessary.
The Session Is Slow or Laggy
Remote Desktop performance depends heavily on your network connection. To improve it:
- Lower the display resolution and color depth in the Remote Desktop Connection app’s settings before connecting
- Close bandwidth-heavy apps on both devices during the session
- Use a wired connection instead of WiFi on the host PC if possible, since a stable connection matters more than raw speed for a smooth remote session
If the host PC also handles other tasks remotely, such as printing, our guide on fixing a printer showing offline covers similar connection troubleshooting that can apply during a remote session.
Is Remote Desktop Safe to Use?
Remote Desktop is secure when configured correctly, but it’s worth understanding what “correctly” means in practice:
- Always use a strong, unique password for any account with remote access permissions
- Keep Network Level Authentication enabled rather than turning it off for convenience
- Avoid exposing Remote Desktop directly to the internet through port forwarding unless you fully understand the risk — a VPN is the safer alternative for most people
- Keep Windows updated, since remote access features are a common target for security patches
Enabling Remote Desktop opens a specific network port on your PC, so it’s a feature worth turning on only when you actually need it, rather than leaving it on indefinitely on a device you rarely access remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Remote Desktop on Windows Home edition? Not to receive connections. Windows Home can connect out to other PCs using the Remote Desktop Connection app, but it can’t be configured as the host PC being connected to — that requires Windows Pro or Enterprise.
What information do I need to connect to my PC remotely? You need the host PC’s name or IP address, found in its Remote Desktop settings, along with the username and password of an account that has remote access permission on that PC.
Why is the Remote Desktop option missing from my Settings app? This almost always means you’re running Windows Home edition, which doesn’t support incoming Remote Desktop connections. Checking your Windows edition under Settings > System > About confirms this.
Can I connect to my Windows PC from an iPhone or Android phone? Yes. The Microsoft Remote Desktop app is available on iOS and Android, and works the same way as on Windows and Mac — add the PC using its name or IP address, then sign in with an account that has remote access permission.
Do I need a VPN to use Remote Desktop? Only if you’re connecting from outside your home or office network, such as while traveling. On the same local network, no VPN is needed. For access from anywhere else, a VPN is the safer and more common approach compared to manually configuring port forwarding.
Why does Remote Desktop keep disconnecting or lagging? This is usually related to network stability rather than Remote Desktop itself. Lowering the resolution and color depth in the connection settings, and using a wired connection on the host PC when possible, typically improves session stability.
What’s the difference between the classic Remote Desktop Connection app and the Microsoft Remote Desktop app? The classic Remote Desktop Connection app is built into Windows Pro and Enterprise and works well for quick, one-off connections. The newer Microsoft Remote Desktop app, available through the Microsoft Store, offers saved connections and works across more devices, including phones and Macs, making it the better choice for regular use.