Remote Desktop

How Do I Turn On Remote Desktop In Windows 10

Remote Desktop is a powerful feature in Windows 10 that allows you to access your computer from a remote location, giving you the convenience of working on your machine even when you're away. But how do you turn on Remote Desktop in Windows 10? Let's explore the simple steps to enable this useful functionality.

To turn on Remote Desktop in Windows 10, you can start by going to the Start menu and typing "Remote Desktop settings" in the search bar. Once the Remote Desktop settings window appears, you just need to toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop. This will allow you to access your computer remotely, providing you with the flexibility and convenience that comes with it.



How Do I Turn On Remote Desktop In Windows 10

What is Remote Desktop in Windows 10?

Remote Desktop is a feature in Windows 10 that allows users to access their computer remotely from another device. This is especially useful for individuals who want to work on their desktop or access files from a different location. With Remote Desktop enabled, users can connect to their Windows 10 computer using another Windows PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device.

Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 10 is a simple process that can be done through the Windows Settings.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

To enable Remote Desktop, start by opening Windows Settings. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the "Settings" icon, which resembles a gear. Alternatively, you can press the "Windows key + I" on your keyboard to open the Settings directly.

Once the Settings window is open, navigate to the "System" category.

Upon selecting the "System" category, a new page will open with various options on the left-hand side.

Step 2: Access the Remote Desktop Settings

On the left-hand side of the System page, find and click on the "Remote Desktop" option. This will open the Remote Desktop settings.

In the Remote Desktop settings, you will find an option to enable Remote Desktop. By default, it is turned off.

Below the toggle switch to enable Remote Desktop, you will see a message explaining the feature and its implications. It is important to read and understand this information before proceeding, especially if you are concerned about security.

Step 3: Enable Remote Desktop

To turn on Remote Desktop, simply click on the toggle switch. You will be prompted to confirm your decision.

Click on "Confirm" to enable Remote Desktop. Note that you may need administrative privileges to make this change.

Once enabled, you will be able to access your Windows 10 computer remotely using the Remote Desktop client on another device.

Step 4: Configure Additional Remote Desktop Settings (Optional)

Windows 10 also provides additional settings to customize and enhance your Remote Desktop experience. These settings can be accessed by clicking on the "Advanced settings" link under the Remote Desktop toggle switch.

Within the Advanced settings, you can specify who can connect to your computer remotely, select authentication methods, and configure other options to optimize your Remote Desktop experience.

It is recommended to review and adjust these settings according to your preferences and requirements.

Using Remote Desktop in Windows 10

Now that you have enabled Remote Desktop in Windows 10, you can use various devices to connect to your computer remotely.

Using Remote Desktop on Windows PC

If you have another Windows PC, you can use the built-in Remote Desktop client to establish a remote connection to your Windows 10 computer.

To access Remote Desktop on a Windows PC:

  • Open the Remote Desktop client by searching for "Remote Desktop" in the Windows search bar.
  • In the Remote Desktop client, enter the name or IP address of your Windows 10 computer.
  • Click "Connect" to establish the remote connection.
  • You may need to enter your username and password for authentication.

Once connected, you will see your Windows 10 desktop on the remote device, allowing you to access files and applications as if you were sitting in front of your computer.

Using Remote Desktop on Mac

If you have a Mac computer and want to connect to your Windows 10 computer, there is a Microsoft Remote Desktop client available for macOS.

  • Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop client for macOS from the App Store.
  • Open the Remote Desktop client and click on the "+" icon to add a new remote connection.
  • Enter the name or IP address of your Windows 10 computer.
  • Click "Add" to save the remote connection.
  • Select the newly added connection and click "Start" to establish the remote connection.
  • Enter your username and password to complete the authentication process.

Once connected, you can navigate through your Windows 10 computer using your Mac, just like you would if you were physically using a Windows PC.

Remote Desktop on Mac provides a seamless experience, allowing you to work on Windows applications and access files remotely.

Using Remote Desktop on Mobile Devices

In addition to using Remote Desktop on computers, you can also access your Windows 10 computer remotely using mobile devices such as Android and iOS smartphones or tablets.

Both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store offer Remote Desktop apps developed by Microsoft.

  • Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the appropriate app store.
  • Open the Remote Desktop app.
  • Tap on the "+" icon to add a new remote connection.
  • Enter the name or IP address of your Windows 10 computer.
  • Click "Save" to save the remote connection.
  • Select the newly added connection and tap "Connect" to establish the remote connection.
  • Enter your username and password to authenticate.

The Remote Desktop app on mobile devices allows you to access your Windows 10 computer on the go. You can access files, run applications, and perform tasks remotely using your smartphone or tablet.

Security Considerations

When enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 10, it is important to consider the security implications.

Here are some security considerations:

  • Ensure that you have a strong password for your Windows 10 user account.
  • Regularly update your Windows 10 computer with the latest security updates.
  • Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) in the Remote Desktop settings for enhanced security.
  • Only allow connections from trusted devices and networks.
  • Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure remote connections.

By following these security measures, you can ensure that your Remote Desktop connection is secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Overall, Remote Desktop in Windows 10 provides users with a convenient way to access their computers remotely from different devices. Whether you need to retrieve files, work on documents, or run applications, Remote Desktop allows you to do so from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 and enjoy the benefits of remote access.


How Do I Turn On Remote Desktop In Windows 10

Enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 10

To enable remote desktop in Windows 10, follow these steps:

  • Click on the "Start" button.
  • Go to "Settings".
  • Click on "System" and then select "Remote Desktop".
  • Toggle the switch to enable "Remote Desktop".
  • If you want to allow remote connections from devices running any version of Remote Desktop, select the "The more secure" option. If you only want to allow connections from devices running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication, select the "Don’t allow connections to this PC" option.
  • Make a note of the PC name displayed under "PC name". You will need this information to connect to your computer remotely.

Once you have enabled remote desktop, you can connect to your Windows 10 computer from another device using a Remote Desktop client application. You will need to enter the PC name and provide the appropriate credentials to establish the connection.


Key Takeaways - How Do I Turn on Remote Desktop in Windows 10

  • To enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10, go to the Settings app and navigate to the System category.
  • Click on the "Remote Desktop" option and toggle the switch to the "On" position.
  • Make sure you have a computer with Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise edition, as the Home edition doesn't have the Remote Desktop feature.
  • If the Remote Desktop option is greyed out, you may need to check if your computer is connected to a domain or if you have administrative rights.
  • You may need to configure your router or firewall settings to allow Remote Desktop connections from outside your local network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turning on Remote Desktop in Windows 10 allows you to access your computer remotely from another device. Here are some commonly asked questions about turning on Remote Desktop in Windows 10.

1. How do I enable Remote Desktop on my Windows 10 computer?

To enable Remote Desktop on your Windows 10 computer, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting "Settings" or by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

Step 2: In the Settings window, click on "System" and then select "Remote Desktop" from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Toggle the switch under "Enable Remote Desktop" to the On position.

Step 4: When prompted, confirm your selection by clicking on "Confirm" in the pop-up window.

Once you have completed these steps, Remote Desktop will be enabled on your Windows 10 computer, allowing you to connect to it remotely.

2. Can I use Remote Desktop to connect to my Windows 10 computer from a different operating system?

Yes, you can use Remote Desktop to connect to your Windows 10 computer from a different operating system. Remote Desktop is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

To connect to your Windows 10 computer from a different operating system, you will need to install a Remote Desktop client application on the device you want to connect from. You can find Remote Desktop client applications in the respective app stores for your operating system.

3. How can I find the IP address of my Windows 10 computer to connect to it remotely?

To find the IP address of your Windows 10 computer, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Command Prompt" or "Windows PowerShell" from the menu.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.

Step 3: Look for the "IPv4 Address" or "IP Address" entry, which will display the IP address of your computer.

Once you have obtained the IP address, you can use it to connect to your Windows 10 computer remotely using a Remote Desktop client application.

4. Is it necessary to have a Microsoft account to use Remote Desktop in Windows 10?

No, it is not necessary to have a Microsoft account to use Remote Desktop in Windows 10. You can use Remote Desktop with a local user account on your Windows 10 computer.

However, if you want to connect to your Windows 10 computer using a Microsoft account, you can do so by adding your Microsoft account to the list of users allowed to access the computer via Remote Desktop.

5. Can I customize the settings of Remote Desktop in Windows 10?

Yes, you can customize the settings of Remote Desktop in Windows 10 to suit your preferences. Some of the settings you can customize include:

  • Whether to allow connections from other computers on the same network or from any computer
  • Whether to allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication
  • Whether to allow audio and video playback during a remote session
  • Whether to allow printing from a remote session
  • Whether to allow remote connection to this computer using a Microsoft account or a local user account

You can access and customize these settings in the Remote Desktop settings page on your Windows 10 computer.



In summary, enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that allows you to access your computer remotely. Start by accessing the System settings, where you can navigate to the Remote Desktop section. From there, toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop and select the user(s) you want to grant access to. Remember to configure additional settings like network restrictions and encryption for added security.

Once Remote Desktop is enabled, you can then use a Remote Desktop client on another device to connect to your Windows 10 computer. Enter the computer's IP address or hostname and provide the necessary login credentials. You'll be able to control your computer remotely and perform tasks as if you were sitting in front of it. This feature is particularly useful for remote assistance or accessing your computer while away from home or the office.


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