How to use the Remote Desktop app to connect to a PC on Windows 10

How to allow remote connections on your PC

Using the Remote Desktop app is a straightforward process, but the setup you'll need will depend if you're trying to initiate a remote desktop connection over the local network or the internet.

How to enable remote connections on your PC

If you're trying to start a remote connection inside your local network, you only need to make sure the computer you're trying to access is configured to allow to handle remote desktop.
Important: Windows 10 Home doesn't include support for remote desktop connections, you can only enable this feature on Windows 10 Pro and business variants of the operating system.
To allow a remote PC to accept remote connections, do the following:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on System and Security.
3. Click on Allow remote access.
4. Under Remote Desktop make sure to select Allow remote connections to this computer.
   
   
5. Click OK.
6. Click Apply.
7. Click OK to complete the task.

After you completed the steps, your computer will allow remote desktop connections, and Windows 10 will even add the necessary rules in the firewall.
If you're setting up a remote desktop using an internet connection, you can continue with the steps below.

How to set up remote access over the internet

If you're planning to access your computer remotely over the internet, in addition to configuring the system properties, you'll need to set up your local router to allow remote connections to past through. And you will need to know your public IP address to contact your device over the internet.

How to set a static IP address for your PC

Most computers inside a private network are assigned dynamic IP addresses, which can change at any time. If you'll be using remote desktop regularly, it's recommended to configure your computer with a static IP address, so you don't have to reconfigure the port forwarding settings every time your device gets a new IP address.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet.
3. Click on Network and Sharing Center.
4. On the left page, click the Change adapter settings link.
5. Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
6. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
7. Click the Properties button.
8. On the General tab, select the Use the following IP address.
9. Enter a valid local IP address that is outside of the DHCP scope to prevent IP address conflicts in the network. For example, 10.1.2.150. (You can find this information in the DHCP settings section on your router).
10. Enter a subnet mask for the network. On most home networks, the subnet mask usually is 255.255.255.0.
11. Enter the default gateway information, which is the IP address of your router. For example, 10.1.2.1.
12. Under "Use the following DNS server addresses", remember to enter the IP address of your DNS server, which in most cases is the IP address of your router. (If you can't connect to the internet, you may want to try using Google Public DNS addresses: 8.8.4.4 and 8.8.8.8.)
    
    
13. Click OK.
14. Click Close to complete the task.

Quick Tip: You can find your IP address information using the ipconfig command in Command Prompt.

How to find your public IP address

If you're trying to access your computer remotely over the internet, you'll need to know your public IP address in order to contact your device.
The easiest way to find your public IP address is by opening your web browser, and while in Bing.com or Google.com, do a search for "What's my IP". Your public IP address should be the first result.

Keep in mind that most internet providers offer dynamic public IP addresses for residential customers, which means that your public IP address may change from time to time.
Of course, there are many services out there that offer DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) services that can help you track when your public IP address changes, such as NoIP and DynDNS. Alternatively, you can contact your internet service provider to get a static IP address for an additional fee to your internet bill.

How to forward a port on a local router

To allow remote connections over the internet to a particular computer within a private network, you'll need to forward the TCP port 3389 on your router.

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   ipconfig
   
3. Note the IPv4 Address information, which is the address that identifies your computer on the local network. Also, note the Default Gateway, which is the IPv4 address of your router.
   
   
4. Open your web browser.
5. Type the IPv4 address of your router and press Enter.
6. Sign in to your router with your username and password.
7. Browse through the available settings and find the Port Forwarding section.
8. Make sure Port Forwarding is enabled.
9. Under the port forwarding list add the required information, including:
   
   • Service name: This mane is only for reference, you can use any name you want.
   • Port Range: Enter the TCP port number 3389.
   • Local IP: Enter the IPv4 address of your computer. For example, 10.1.2.150.
   • Local Port: Enter the same TCP port number 3389.
   • Protocol: Select TCP.
10. Make sure to add the new rule to the router.
    
    
11. Save the configuration to apply the new settings.

It's important to note that most routers their own interface; check your router's user manual to find out where to change the Port Forwarding settings.

How to start a remote desktop connection

Once your computer and network are configured properly to allow remote connections, starting a remote desktop session is a piece of cake.

1. On the device you'll be using to connect to your computer remotely, open the Remote Desktop app. (If you don't have the app, you can get it from the Window Store
2. Click the add (+) button in the top-right corner.
3. Click the Desktop option.
   
   
4. Enter the IP address (recommended) or the name of the PC you're trying to connect:
   
   • If you're trying to connect to a PC inside a private network, then enter the local IP address of the PC you're trying to connect.
   • If you're trying to connect to a PC over the internet, then enter the public IP address of the PC you're trying to connect.
5. Click Add account.
   
   
6. Enter the information to sign-in on the remote computer:
   
   • If the remote computer is using a Microsoft account, then enter that Microsoft account sign-in information.
   • If the remote computer is using a local account, then enter the local username and password to sign-in.
7. Click the Save button.
   
   
8. Click the Save button again to add the connection to your list.
9. On the list of available connections, click the computer to which you want to connect to start a remote desktop connection.
   
   
10. If you get a certificate warning from a trusted computer, check the Don't ask about this certificate again option.
    
    
11. Click Connect to complete the task.

If everything is working correctly, you will now be connected remotely to your computer inside a private network or over the internet.

You can also click the gear button in the top right corner to access additional settings, including account and session settings, such as options to start a new connection in full-screen mode, change the size of the display, and keyboard options.

When you need to change settings for a particular connection, you can right-click the computer from the list, and click on Edit.
On Edit a Desktop, you can update the IP address and user account. If you click More, you'll be able to configure additional options, including display name for the connection, gateway information, and you can choose whether the audio from the remote computer plays on your device. Additionally, you will get the option to connect to an admin section and switch mouse buttons.

How to troubleshoot a remote desktop connection

In most cases, after everything has been configured, you'll be able to start a remote desktop connection without problems. However, if you can't connect, below you'll find some troubleshooting steps that may help you to resolve the connection issue.
While enabling remote connections to you computer also configures the Windows Firewall automatically, you want to make Remote Desktop is allowed to pass through the firewall. You can check this setting on Control Panel\System and Security\Windows Firewall\Allowed apps.

If you have a third-party firewall or antivirus, you may want to disable these applications to see if you can connect.
It's unlikely, but if you're trying to connect over the internet, it's possible that your internet service provider is blocking the port to allow remote desktop. If this is the case, you may want to contact your provider to see how you can open the specified port.
Stick to IP address and don't use computer name, as it could cause problems if not configured correctly. When adding a new computer to the list on Remote Desktop, make sure you enter the correct IP address: Local IP address to connect inside a private network or public IP address to connect over the internet.

Remote Desktop Connection vs. Remote Desktop app

If you've used remote desktop in the past, you may also be familiar with the Remote Desktop Connection utility built in Windows 10, and now you're probably wondering if there is any difference with the Microsoft Remote Desktop app you get from the Windows Store.
While both applications have the same functionality, the new Remote Desktop app offers an entirely new interface that matches the new app design language on Windows 10, and it's available across platforms, including Windows 10 PCs, Windows 10 Mobile, Android, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Remote Desktop Connection utility (left), Remote Desktop app (right)

You can also save your remote connections for faster access to a device, and you get options to quickly connect to Azure RemoteApp and Remote Resources.
In addition, unlike the Remote Desktop Connection utility, you can't manually adjust the connection speed experience and certain resources, but most of these features are handled automatically using the Remote Desktop app. And if you used remote desktop in the past, you'll notice that the image quality in the new app isn't the same as the old utility. However, it's good enough to remote in a PC and get your work done.