The concept of being able to access a computer from afar, view its interface, and interact with it as though you’re right in front of it might seem like a futuristic dream. Yet, this ability has been seamlessly integrated into the Windows operating system for years under the banner of the “Remote Desktop” feature. Introduced as early as Windows XP, the Remote Desktop feature has continued to be an intrinsic part of Windows, making its presence felt even in the latest Windows 11. This invaluable tool allows users to remotely commandeer other PCs, proving to be a linchpin for system administrators who frequently leverage it for various administrative tasks across organizations. Despite its potential, the feature is not activated by default, requiring manual intervention.
In this risewindows guide, we will walk you through the steps to activate the remote desktop feature in Windows 8 and 10. With the remote desktop enabled, you, or any system administrator, gain the capability to oversee and operate a Windows device from a distance.
How to Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 Settings?
Use the following steps to enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10:-
Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows logo + I keys or any other method.
Step 2: Click on Remote Desktop after moving the cursor down to System in the left side window. Toggle the switch adjacent to Enable Remote Desktop to the On or Off position on the right side of it to enable or disable remote desktop on your computer.
How to Turn On Remote Desktop in Windows 11, 10, or 8?
Use the following steps to enable the Remote Desktop in Windows 11, 10, or 8:-
Step 1: Press the Windows logo + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialogue box.
Step 2: To access the System Properties window, put the following in the Run dialogue box and press the Enter key on your keyboard:-
SystemPropertiesRemote.exe
Step 3: In the System Properties window that shows up on your screen, navigate to the Remote tab. Then, under the “Remote Desktop” section, select the radio button that says “Allow remote connections to this computer.”
Step 4: Click on Apply.
Step 5: Click on OK.
The Remote Desktop capability is activated on your computer once you are done with all the above steps. Type mstsc in the Run command box from another computer and press the Enter key on the keyboard to remotely access your Windows 11/10 or 8 computer. It will launch Remote Desktop Connection.
Type the name of your computer in the field called Computer, and then click on the Connect button.
How to Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Settings?
Use the following steps to turn on Remote Desktop in Windows 11:-
Step 1: Press Windows + I on the keyboard to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: After completing the above step, click on the System category in the left side pane of the Settings window that appears.
Step 3: Select the Remote Desktop tab on the System’s right side.
Step 4: At this point, activate the toggle switch via the Remote Desktop option.
A pop-up window will display once you turn on the toggle switch for Remote Desktop; click on the Confirm button.
Repeat the steps above and, in step 4, switch the toggle switch next to the Remote Desktop option off to disable the Remote Desktop feature on your computer.
Conclusion
Remote access capabilities, encapsulated within the “Remote Desktop” feature, have transformed the way users and system administrators interact with computers. From Windows XP to the most recent Windows 11, Microsoft has continually enhanced this feature, emphasizing its commitment to providing advanced, user-centric tools. This guide has provided a comprehensive walkthrough on enabling Remote Desktop across different Windows versions. Once set up, the potential for remote management becomes limitless, bridging geographical barriers and ensuring seamless interaction with devices irrespective of location. As technology continues to evolve, features like these reaffirm the versatility and forward-thinking design of modern operating systems.
