Remote Desktop Protocol [RDP] has been a feature of Windows since the XP Pro days. Here’s a look at using it in Windows 10 with the Remote Desktop app.
Remote Desktop Protocol [RDP] has been a feature of Windows since the XP Pro days. It makes it easy to connect from one PC or device to another to retrieve files or provide PC support.
There are several free utilities out there that will get you set up with a remote connection. Some that come to mind are services such as join.me, TeamViewer, and Chrome Remote Desktop and are especially handy when connecting between different platforms. But if you’re in a pure Windows environment, here’s a look at how to enable the built-in RDP utility in Windows 10, which will allow you to connect to your Windows box remotely.
Enable Remote Desktop for Windows 10 Pro
The Remote Desktop or RDP feature is disabled by default, so you will need to enable it in the settings. There are several ways to do this; let’s review the easiest.
- Open Settings
- Click System > Remote Desktop
- Click the toggle Enable Remote Desktop
- Click Confirm when prompted.
Expert Note:
You can also enable Remote Desktop using the System Properties. Press the Windows Key and Type: advanced system. Click View advanced system settings.
Click the Remote tab and select Allow remote connections to this computer. Keep the box checked for Network Level Authentication for better security. Also, note that you will need to enable incoming remote connections on the PC you’re connecting.
Remote Into Your PC
You have a couple of choices when it comes to how you remotely connect to the other computer. You can use the traditional desktop app or the Remote Desktop universal app. For this, I’m connecting to my Windows Home Server on my home network. I’m also going to use the app that you can install from the Store. It’s more versatile and can be used on mobile platforms, including iOS and Android.
Tip: If you have many PCs and devices on your home network, a useful free utility to use is Advanced IP Scanner.
Launch the app and type a name for the PC or device, its hostname or IP address, and select Connect.
Next, enter the username and password used for the computer you’re connecting into. Also, if you’re going to remote into it often, check the box to remember your credentials.
If you get the following security message, click Go ahead and Connect and check the box not to remind you again. You know what you’re doing; no reason for Windows to be constantly nagging you.
There you have it. You can now start using the remote computer for configuration, remote support, or however you need to use it.
I should also mention that you can go to Settings > connection settings in the app and configure the appearance, devices and make other adjustments that work for you.
More About Remote Desktop Connections
If you’re running a previous version of Windows or looking to remote access your Windows PC from your smartphone or tablets, check out the articles linked below for more.
Microsoft, rdp, Windows 10
You can use a computer or mobile device to access files and applications on another computer over the Internet with Chrome Remote Desktop. Chrome Remote Desktop is available on the web on your computer. You will need to download the Chrome Remote Desktop app to use your mobile device for remote access. You can set up remote access to your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. You may have to enter your computer password to give Chrome Remote Desktop access. You may also be prompted to change security settings in Preferences. Learn more about how to use Chrome Remote Desktop on Linux. To use Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook, learn how to share your computer with someone else. You can give others remote access to your computer. They’ll have full access to your apps, files, emails, documents and history. The access code will only work one time. If you are sharing your computer, you will be asked to confirm that you want to continue to share your computer every 30 minutes. Important: Make sure you're using the latest version of the Chrome Remote Desktop app. For your security, all remote desktop sessions are fully encrypted.Set up remote access to your computer
Share your computer with someone else
Access a computer remotely
Use gestures while using a computer remotely
- Scroll up or down: Swipe with two fingers.
- Click and drag: Drag with a finger.
- Zoom: Pinch and stretch with two fingers.
- Show keyboard: Swipe up with three fingers.
- Show the toolbar app: Swipe down with three fingers.
- Move the mouse: Swipe anywhere on the screen [only in Trackpad mode].
- Left click: Tap the screen.
- Right click: Tap the screen with two fingers [only in Trackpad mode].
- Middle click: Tap the screen with three fingers [only in Trackpad mode].
Remove a computer from your list
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome Remote Desktop app .
- Touch and hold the computer you want to remove.
- Tap Delete.
- Tap Ok.
Troubleshooting tips
If you're having problems, try these tips:
- If the page won't open, check your device’s connection.
- If the computer being accessed is on a work or school network, it might not let you give others access. For more information, contact your administrator.
- Make sure you're using the latest version of the Chrome Remote Desktop App .
If you have any other issues, report them in the Chrome Help Forum.
Improve Chrome Remote Desktop
To learn how to improve Chrome Remote Desktop, Google collects and stores some anonymized data about network delays and how long your session lasted.
To learn more about Chrome Remote Desktop, view our Chrome Privacy Notice and Google Privacy Policy.