How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows (Built-In RDP Guide)

Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) lets you control one Windows PC from another — seeing its screen, using its apps, and transferring files — entirely through a built-in Windows feature. No TeamViewer subscription, no AnyDesk, no Zoho Assist. The tool has shipped with Windows since XP and gets overlooked because it requires a few setup steps that are not obvious.

There are two parts: the host (the PC you want to control, which must run Windows Pro or Enterprise) and the client (the PC you connect from, which can be any edition of Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android).

Part 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC

These steps run on the computer you want to access remotely.

1. Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
2. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On. Confirm the prompt.
3. Note the PC name shown on this page — you will need it to connect. It usually looks like DESKTOP-ABC1234.
4. Click Advanced settings and confirm that Network Level Authentication is enabled. This adds a layer of authentication before the session opens.

User Account Requirements

Only accounts in the Administrators group or the Remote Desktop Users group can connect. To add a standard user:

1. On the Remote Desktop settings page, click Select users that can remotely access this PC.
2. Click Add, type the username, click Check Names, then OK.

The account being used must have a password set. Remote Desktop blocks connections from passwordless accounts by default.

Check Firewall Settings

When you enable Remote Desktop, Windows automatically creates a firewall rule allowing RDP traffic on port 3389. If your firewall is managed by third-party security software, you may need to manually allow incoming connections on port 3389.

Part 2: Connect from Another PC (Windows Client)

1. On your client PC, press Win+R, type mstsc, and press Enter. This opens the Remote Desktop Connection app. Alternatively, search "Remote Desktop Connection" in Start.
2. In the Computer field, type the IP address or PC name of the host. If both PCs are on the same local network, the PC name usually works. For remote connections over the internet, use the host's public IP address.
3. Click Connect. Enter the username and password for an account on the host PC when prompted.
4. Accept the certificate warning if prompted (expected on first connection). The host PC's desktop appears in your window.

Useful Connection Options

Before clicking Connect, click Show Options to access settings:

• Display: Set the remote desktop resolution. Full Screen works best for a dedicated session.
• Local Resources: Choose whether your local printers, clipboard, and drives are available in the remote session. The clipboard option (on by default) lets you copy and paste text and files between the two computers.
• Experience: On a slow connection, disable visual effects to improve performance.
• Save credentials: Check "Allow me to save credentials" so you do not re-enter the password each time.

Connecting from Non-Windows Devices

• Mac: Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store (free). Add your host PC's address and credentials.
• iOS / Android: Microsoft Remote Desktop app is available on both app stores for free.
• Linux: Remmina is the most capable RDP client for Linux, available in most distribution repositories.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

"This computer can't connect to the remote computer"

Usually a firewall issue on the host. Verify port 3389 is open in Windows Firewall and that the Remote Desktop rule is enabled (search "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security," look under Inbound Rules for "Remote Desktop").

"The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication"

Your client is connecting without NLA support. Update your Remote Desktop client software, or temporarily disable NLA on the host in Advanced settings (less secure, but a workaround for older clients).

Connection drops frequently

On the host, search "Power Options," open the plan settings, and set "Turn off the display" to Never. A sleeping or hibernating host breaks RDP connections. Also check that the host's network adapter power management is not set to allow the adapter to be turned off to save power.

Cannot find the PC by name on a home network

Use the host PC's local IP address instead of its name. Find it on the host by running ipconfig in Command Prompt and looking for the IPv4 address (typically 192.168.x.x).

Remote Desktop works reliably once the initial setup is in place. For home network use it requires no ongoing configuration. For remote access over the internet, consider a VPN to your home network rather than exposing port 3389 directly — public RDP ports are actively scanned and attacked.