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How to set up and use Windows Remote Desktop Connection.

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How to Set Up and Use Windows Remote Desktop Connection

Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a convenient feature in Windows that allows you to remotely access and control another Windows computer over a network connection. Whether you need to access your work computer from home or provide technical support to a family member, setting up and using Remote Desktop Connection can make your life easier. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Remote Desktop Connection.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

  • Two computers running Windows (one acting as a host and the other as a client).
  • Both computers should be connected to the same network (locally or remotely).
  • Administrator access on both computers.
  • Active internet connection.

Setting Up Remote Desktop on the Host Computer

Follow these steps to configure Remote Desktop on the host computer:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for "remote settings".
  2. Click on "Allow remote access to your computer" from the search results.
  3. In the "System Properties" window that appears, navigate to the "Remote" tab.
  4. Under the "Remote Desktop" section, select the option "Allow remote connections to this computer".
  5. Optional: Click on "Advanced" to configure additional settings such as Network Level Authentication.
  6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Finding the IP Address of the Host Computer

To connect to the host computer, you will need its IP address. Here's how you can find it:

  1. On the host computer, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  3. In the Command Prompt, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.
  4. Look for the "IPv4 Address" under the network adapter that is connected to the network.
  5. Note down the IP address for later use.

Connecting to the Host Computer using Remote Desktop

Follow these steps to connect to the host computer from the client computer:

  1. On the client computer, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type "mstsc" and press Enter to launch the Remote Desktop Connection client.
  3. In the Remote Desktop Connection window, type the IP address of the host computer (obtained in the previous section).
  4. Click on "Connect" to start the connection process.
  5. If prompted, enter the username and password for the host computer with administrator privileges.
  6. Once authenticated, you will be connected to the host computer's desktop.

Additional Remote Desktop Connection Features

Here are some additional features you can explore while using Remote Desktop Connection:

Full-Screen Mode

To make better use of the screen real estate, you can switch to full-screen mode by following these steps:

  1. On the remote desktop, locate the Remote Desktop Connection title bar.
  2. Click on the "Maximize" button located at the top right corner.
  3. The remote desktop will now expand to fill the entire screen.

To exit full-screen mode, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Break or drag the mouse pointer to the top center of the screen and click on the restore button.

Clipboard Sharing

You can enable clipboard sharing to copy and paste text or files between the local and remote computers. To enable clipboard sharing, follow these steps:

  1. On the remote desktop, open the Remote Desktop Connection title bar.
  2. Click on the "Show Options" button located at the bottom left corner.
  3. In the "Local Resources" tab, navigate to the "Local devices and resources" section.
  4. Click on "More" button next to "Clipboard" to expand the section.
  5. Check the box next to "Clipboard" to enable clipboard sharing.
  6. Click "OK" to save the changes.

File Transfer

Remote Desktop Connection allows you to transfer files between the local and remote computers. To transfer files, follow these steps:

  1. On the remote desktop, open the Remote Desktop Connection title bar.
  2. Click on the "Show Options" button located at the bottom left corner.
  3. In the "Local Resources" tab, navigate to the "Local devices and resources" section.
  4. Click on the "More" button next to "Drives" to expand the section.
  5. Check the box next to the drives you want to access on the remote computer.
  6. Click "OK" to save the changes.
  7. Open the "File Explorer" on the remote desktop, and you will find the selected drives under "This PC" or "Computer".

Conclusion

Setting up and using Windows Remote Desktop Connection can greatly enhance your productivity and simplify remote access to other computers on your network. With the ability to control a computer from a distance, you can work seamlessly or provide assistance to others without physical presence. Use this guide to get started with Remote Desktop Connection and explore its various features to suit your needs.