Use Remote Desktop on your Windows, Android, or iOS device to connect to a Windows 10 PC from afar.
Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2. You can control a remote PC by using a Microsoft Remote Desktop client. The client can run on almost any device, including on your mobile smartphone. The client gives you the same powers you would have if you could reach the PC's keyboard. Use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to connect to a remote PC or virtual apps and desktops made available by your admin. The app helps you be productive no matter where you are. Getting Started Configure your PC for remote access first. This article describes an update for the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 8.1 in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. This update package provides the following improvements: Fixes connection reliability issues. This issue occurs when you use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to a Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2 desktop from a low screen resolution device. When this issue occurs, you can only see the Start screen, but you can't switch to the desktop. Open Windows 8 desktop Control Panel and click on System and Security while viewing the Control.
Microsoft Remote Desktop 8.0
Set up the PC you want to connect to so it allows remote connections:
Make sure you have Windows 10 Pro. To check, go to Start > Settings > System > About and look for Edition. For info on how to get it, go to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.
When you're ready, select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
Make note of the name of this PC under How to connect to this PC. You'll need this later.
Use Remote Desktop to connect to the PC you set up:
On your local Windows 10 PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect.
On your Windows, Android, or iOS device: Open the Remote Desktop app (available for free from Microsoft Store, Google Play, and the Mac App Store), and add the name of the PC that you want to connect to (from Step 1). Select the remote PC name that you added, and then wait for the connection to complete.