How to connect to a remote PC on Windows 11

• Windows 11 now uses the Windows App instead of the retired Remote Desktop app.
• The app provides access to local PCs and cloud services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365.
• Available across platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, web, and Meta Quest.
• Setup involves adding a device, configuring display and redirection settings, and connecting.

On Windows 11, connecting to another computer remotely now requires the Windows App, and in this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to set it up and use it.

Previously, you could rely on the Remote Desktop app, but Microsoft has retired it in favor of the Windows App. While the name may sound generic, it’s actually a unified client designed to provide secure access not only to PCs on your local network but also to cloud-based environments like Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, and Remote Desktop Services.

Another key advantage is its cross-platform support. The Windows App is available on Windows 11 and 10, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Chrome OS, through a web browser, and even on Meta Quest headsets, making it a consistent remote access solution across devices.

Before getting started, make sure the computer you want to access already has Remote Desktop enabled, since this feature is required to establish a connection.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to configure a remote desktop connection on Windows 11.

• Connect to a remote computer on Windows 11
• FAQs about configuring a remote PC on Windows 11

Connect to a remote computer on Windows 11

To establish a remote connection session using the Windows App on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Microsoft Store.

2. Install the Windows App on your PC.

   

3. Click the Not now button to skip the app tour (if applicable).

4. Click the Add button in the left pane.

   

5. Confirm the IP address (or name) for the remote computer.

   

6. (Optional) Click the Additional settings option.

7. Confirm a display name for the connection.

   

8. Click on Display in the left pane.

9. Select the display configuration, including connecting one, some, or all displays.

   

10. Turn on the “Fit session to window” toggle switch.

11. Turn on the “Single display when in windowed mode” toggle switch (if applicable).

12. Click on Redirections in the left pane.

13. Choose whether to have access to audio, video, mouse, keyboard, printers, and more.

    

14. Click the Add button.

Once you complete the steps, the remote connection will appear on the “Devices” page. If you want to connect to a specific device, you only need to click on the icon.

If you need to update the settings, open the settings menu from the device’s icon and choose the “Settings” option, or select “Delete” to remove the connection.

In the case that you have several connections, you can always add frequently used devices to the favorites list. You’ll find the option in the connection menu.

It’s worth noting that while the Windows App is the new way to establish a remote connection, you can still use the legacy Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc), which is not the same as the Remote Desktop app, which has been discontinued.

FAQs about configuring a remote PC on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about configuring a remote desktop connection on Windows 11.

What is the Windows App on Windows 11?

The Windows App is Microsoft’s unified remote access client for Windows 11. It replaces the retired Remote Desktop app and lets you connect to local PCs and cloud services such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 from a single interface across multiple platforms.

How do I connect to a remote PC using the Windows App on Windows 11?

To connect to a remote computer, install the Windows App from the Microsoft Store, add a new device, and enter the computer’s IP address or name. Configure display and redirection settings, then click “Save,” then click the device to start the remote session instantly.

Is the Remote Desktop app still available on Windows 11?

No, the Remote Desktop app has been retired by Microsoft and replaced with the Windows App. However, the legacy Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) tool remains available and operates independently of the newer Windows App experience.

Windows App vs Remote Desktop: What’s the difference?

The Windows App is a modern, unified client that supports both local and cloud-based remote connections across multiple platforms. In contrast, the old Remote Desktop app focused mainly on basic connections and has now been discontinued by Microsoft.

Why can’t I connect to a remote computer on Windows 11?

You can’t connect to a remote computer if Remote Desktop is not enabled on the target device or if network settings block access. Ensure the remote computer is powered on, connected to the network, and properly configured to accept remote connections.

Does the Windows App work on devices other than Windows 11?

Yes, the Windows App is cross-platform and works on Windows 10, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Chrome OS, web browsers, and Meta Quest devices. This allows consistent remote access to PCs and cloud environments from virtually any device.

Do I still need Remote Desktop enabled to use the Windows App?

Yes, Remote Desktop must be enabled on the computer you want to access. The Windows App acts as the client, but the remote PC must allow incoming connections for the session to work properly.

Can I connect to a Windows 11 Home PC using the Windows App?

No, you cannot connect to a Windows 11 Home device using Remote Desktop because it doesn’t support hosting remote connections. However, you can use the Windows App on a Home device to connect to a Pro or Enterprise computer with Remote Desktop enabled.

Do I need to be on the same network to use the Windows App for remote access?

No, you don’t have to be on the same network, but additional setup is required. For internet connections, you’ll need port forwarding, a VPN, or a cloud-based solution like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop to securely access the remote PC.

Is the Windows App secure for remote desktop connections?

Yes, the Windows App uses secure protocols, such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), with encryption to protect your connection. Security depends on proper configuration, including strong passwords, network-level authentication, and avoiding direct exposure of RDP ports to the internet without safeguards.