- Windows App now supports Remote Desktop connections on local networks without a work account.
- Also, the legacy Remote Desktop clients are being phased out starting March 2026.
On Windows 11 (and Windows 10), you can now use the Windows App to establish Remote Desktop connections within your local network, restoring a key feature that was missing at launch.
When Microsoft replaced the classic Remote Desktop app in May 2025, the new Windows App lacked support for connecting to computers on the same network. At the time, users had to rely on the legacy Remote Desktop Connection tool as a workaround.
This limitation has now been addressed. The latest updates allow direct connections to local devices without requiring a work or school account, making the Windows App a complete replacement for traditional Remote Desktop. It also continues to act as a unified hub for accessing Microsoft 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box.
Improvements focus on reliability, productivity, and security
According to Microsoft, the Windows App has evolved over the past year to meet growing demand for reliable, cross-platform remote access.
Reliability improvements target both connection and session stability. Features like RDP Multipath use redundant network paths to reduce drops, while enhanced failover and in-app diagnostics help maintain and troubleshoot connections more effectively.
Productivity updates make the experience feel more native across devices. Users can launch sessions from the Start menu or Spotlight, use split-screen layouts in the browser, transfer files through the clipboard, and benefit from improved macOS integration, external display support on iOS, and URI-based session launching.
Security and management have also been strengthened. The app now supports Intune mobile application management for iOS and Android, client-side keyboard input protection, shared device auto logoff, and preview support for Remote PC connections, including for users without a work account.
A unified platform and the future of Remote Desktop
Over the past year, the company has expanded the Windows App across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, aligning the experience across platforms.
These updates arrive as the company phases out legacy Remote Desktop clients. As of March 27, 2026, older clients are no longer supported in commercial cloud environments, positioning the Windows App as the primary way to access Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365.
Despite the confusing name, the Windows App is now effectively a unified Remote Desktop client that combines local PC access, cloud desktops, and enterprise environments into a single experience.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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