Published on

How to use Windows Windows Remote Desktop Connection.

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    how-to.digital
    Twitter

How to Use Windows Remote Desktop Connection

Remote Desktop Connection is a built-in feature in Windows operating systems that allows you to access and control a remote computer from your local machine. Whether you want to work remotely, provide technical support, or simply access files on another computer, Remote Desktop Connection can be a handy tool. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to use Windows Remote Desktop Connection effectively.

Prerequisites

Before we start, make sure you meet the following requirements:

  • Both the local and remote computers must be powered on and connected to the internet.
  • The remote computer must have Remote Desktop enabled and be running a Windows operating system that supports Remote Desktop (e.g., Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education).
  • You need to have administrator privileges on the remote computer.
  • The local and remote computers must be on the same network or have internet connectivity through a VPN.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Remote Computer

To enable Remote Desktop on the remote computer, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select System from the menu.
  2. In the System window, click on the Remote Desktop link on the left sidebar.
  3. In the Remote Desktop settings, toggle the Enable Remote Desktop option to ON.
  4. Make a note of the PC name as you will need it to connect later. You can also click on the Advanced settings to customize further options if needed.
  5. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Step 2: Connect to the Remote Computer

Follow these steps to connect to the remote computer:

  1. On your local computer, open the Start Menu and search for Remote Desktop Connection. Click on the Remote Desktop Connection app that appears in the search results.
  2. In the Remote Desktop Connection app, enter the PC name of the remote computer you want to connect to. You can also enter the IP address of the remote computer.
  3. Click on the Connect button to start the connection.
  4. If prompted, enter the username and password for the remote computer. Make sure to include the domain if applicable (e.g., DOMAIN\username).
  5. After entering the login credentials, click OK to initiate the connection.

Step 3: Remote Desktop Navigation

Once connected to the remote computer, you will see a window that resembles the desktop of the remote computer. Here's how you can navigate and interact with the remote desktop:

  • Use your mouse to move the cursor on the remote desktop.
  • To perform a left-click, simply click the left mouse button.
  • For a right-click, press the right mouse button or use a two-finger tap if you are on a touchpad.
  • You can also use standard keyboard shortcuts to interact with the remote computer. For example, pressing Ctrl + C will copy selected text or objects, and Ctrl + V will paste them.

Step 4: Customize Remote Desktop Connection Settings

Remote Desktop Connection provides several customization options to enhance your experience. To access these settings, follow these steps:

  1. While connected to the remote computer, click on the Connection bar at the top of the screen.
  2. From the Connection bar menu, select the gear icon to open Settings.
  3. In the Settings window, you can adjust various options such as display settings, local resources sharing (e.g., printers, drives), remote audio playback, and more.
  4. After customizing the settings, close the Settings window to apply the changes.

Step 5: Disconnect and End Remote Desktop Session

To disconnect from the remote computer and end the Remote Desktop session, follow these steps:

  1. On the remote desktop, click on the Connection bar at the top of the screen.
  2. From the Connection bar menu, select Disconnect. This will disconnect you from the remote computer while keeping your session active.
  3. If you want to end the session and log out from the remote computer, select Sign Out from the Connection bar menu.

That's it! You now know how to use Windows Remote Desktop Connection to access and control a remote computer. Whether you need to work remotely or provide technical support, Remote Desktop Connection can simplify your tasks and improve productivity. Enjoy the convenience of accessing your computer from anywhere with this powerful built-in Windows feature.