Windows Remote Desktop (or Remote Desktop Connection), as its name suggests, is built-in app in Windows operating system. It is used for remotely managing other connected computers and servers.
This feature was first added in Windows XP and is still present in latest Windows 11 OS, and works on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDP is a connection protocol developed by Microsoft.
When connected through Remote Desktop Connection, users can see and control other Windows device using RDP client.
How to Use Windows Remote Desktop Connection
Using Windows Remote Desktop is very straight forward and easy as it is builtin utility in Windows. To use it, you need to:
- Open Settings from Start Menu or by using “Windows + I” keyboard shortcut.
- Go to System and then Remote Desktop.
- Toggle the switch to On for “Enable Remote Desktop”.
Since Remote Desktop is not enabled by default on Windows 10 Home and Windows 11 Home, you need to manually enable it. Refer to our guides for each of these operating system on how to do so:
Tips and Troubleshooting Guides
While using Windows Remote Desktop Connection, you might come across random error and issues.
We have covered detailed troubleshooting guide for most common Remote Desktop errors, along with some useful tips to help you become a Pro.
Changing Password
Changing password in Remote Desktop sessions is bit different than changing in regular Windows as regular user. However, it is still not hard.
Learn more: How to Change Password in Windows RDP Session
Ctrl+Alt+Del Shortcut
Normally, pressing combination of Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows 10 opens a menu that lets you access task manager, sign out, lock and switch user options.
However, if you are in remote desktop session, then you cannot use this shorcut the default way, but there is a workaround.
Learn more: How to Use Ctrl+Alt+Del Combination in Remote Desktop
“An Internal Error has occurred”
When you see the error “An internal error has occurred” during a remote desktop session on Windows 10 or Windows 11, it’s probably caused by the settings of the RDP.
Here’s our detailed guide sharing 5 methods to fix this error.
This Computer Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer
The error “This Computer Can’t Connect to the Remote Computer” occurs due to some buggy Windows update or if your credentials have been misconfigured.
Here’s how to fix it: Fix This Computer Can’t Connect to Remote Desktop
Audio Problems
Having audio or sound issues when using Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Here’s one method to fix it:
- Go to Services via Typing ‘Services’ in the start menu.
- Navigate towards ‘Windows Audio Service’. Double-click it. Start this service and change it from ‘disabled’ to ‘automatic’.
- Now find ‘Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector‘ and first enable it, then set it to automatic.
Learn more: How to Fix Windows Remote Desktop Sound Not Working
Remote Desktop can’t find the computer
One of the most annoying, yet common error people face when trying to use Windows 10 RDP feature is “Remote Desktop can’t find the computer”.
One of the easiest method to fix this is by flushing DNS. Here’s how:
- Press Windows Key + X or Right click at the bottom left corner of the screen, and open CMD as Administrator.
- In the command window, type:
ipconfig /flushdns
Learn more: Fix Remote Desktop Can’t Find the Computer Error
Windows Remote Desktop Alternatives
There are many free and paid alternatives to Windows Remote Desktop Connection tool. However, only few of them offers competitive features as Windows Remote Desktop.
