How to Set Up and Use Windows Remote Desktop for Remote Access

Windows Remote Desktop is a useful feature built into Windows operating systems that allows you to access your computer from a remote location. Whether you want to work from home or troubleshoot a friend's computer remotely, configuring Windows Remote Desktop is straightforward. This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Remote Desktop for remote access.

Prerequisites

To follow this tutorial, you will need the following:

• A Windows computer with a version of Windows that supports Remote Desktop (Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions).
• A stable internet connection for both the local and remote computers.
• Admin privileges on both the local and remote computers.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Remote Computer

1. First, make sure you are logged into the remote computer with an account that has administrator privileges.
2. Press Windows key + R, which will open the Run dialog box.
3. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. This will open the System Properties window.
4. In the System Properties window, navigate to the "Remote" tab.
5. Under the "Remote Desktop" section, select the option "Allow remote connections to this computer."
6. Optionally, you can click on the "Advanced" button to configure additional settings like Network Level Authentication (NLA) or multiple remote desktop sessions.
7. Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Step 2: Configure Windows Firewall

1. Press Windows key + S to open the search bar and type "Windows Defender Firewall".
2. Open the "Windows Defender Firewall" app.
3. Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall" on the left-hand side.
4. Click on the "Change settings" button. If prompted for admin privileges, provide them.
5. Scroll down to find "Remote Desktop" and make sure the box is checked for both private and public networks.
6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

Step 3: Find the Remote Computer's IP Address

1. On the remote computer, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and press Enter. This will open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
4. Look for the IPv4 Address under the appropriate network adapter (usually "Ethernet" or "Wi-Fi").
5. Note down the IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.100).

Step 4: Set Up Remote Desktop on the Local Computer

1. On the local computer, open the Remote Desktop app. You can find it by typing "Remote Desktop" in the search bar.
2. Click on the "Remote Desktop Connection" result to open the app.
3. In the Remote Desktop app, type the IP address of the remote computer obtained in Step 3 into the "PC name" field.
4. Click on "Connect".
5. If prompted, enter the login credentials for the remote computer (username and password).
6. Optionally, you can click on "Show Options" to configure advanced settings like display resolution or local resource sharing.
7. Click on "Connect" to establish the remote desktop connection.

Step 5: Use Remote Desktop for Remote Access

1. Once the remote desktop connection is established, you can interact with the remote computer as if you were sitting in front of it.
2. Use the mouse and keyboard to navigate and control the remote computer.
3. To disconnect the remote session, simply close the remote desktop window or click on the "X" button at the top right.
4. To re-establish the remote session later, open the Remote Desktop app again and click on the previously saved connection profile.

Conclusion

Now, setting up and using Windows Remote Desktop for remote access should be a breeze. Remember to leave the remote computer turned on and connected to the internet for remote access to work. Enjoy the convenience of accessing your computer from anywhere with Windows Remote Desktop!