To do so, just follow these simple steps: Now that your computer is set up to receive incoming RDP connections, you can use any Windows PC on your local network to connect to it. You will require this name in order to connect to it later.

Make a note of the name of this PC as it appears under How to connect to this PC. Now select Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop. Hit the Settings button on the left-hand side. On a computer running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise follow these steps:Ĭlick the Start button on the bottom left of your screen. Set up the Host PC for incoming connections To access Remote Desktop over the Internet, you will need to use a VPN or port forwarding on your router. Please remember that by default, Windows Remote Desktop will only work on your local network. As a result, anybody can initiate a remote desktop connection on Windows, but they can only ever connect to a computer running Windows Pro or Enterprise.īearing that limitation in mind, below we will explain how to set up a PC for incoming connections and how to connect to that desktop remotely using a Windows 10 PC. However, the server part is only available on Professional and Enterprise versions. The RDP client for accessing other Windows desktops is included in all editions of Windows. You can only access Windows Professional and Enterprise systems remotely However, you can easily switch it on to access your computer’s desktop remotely if you want to. How to enable remote desktop on Windowsįor security reasons, Remote Desktop (RDP) is disabled by default on all Windows computers. For this reason, we will not be explaining how to use this method in this guide.

However, using Remote Desktop (RDP) in this way is considered highly insecure because the unsecured open port could be accessed by a hacker or cybercriminal. The VPN must also provide a dedicated static IP address (a dynamic address will change over time and will leave you unable to connect to your home’s computer).Īnother option is to connect your computer directly to the internet using an open port on your router.

This is a relatively rare feature, so you will need to check with your provider to be sure it has it. Using a VPN to access your computer remotely will require a subscription to a service that provides port forwarding. This is because remote access software provides an easy and effective way of accessing a computer’s desktop securely. Use a VPN with a dedicated IP and port forwarding.įor most people, using a third party remote desktop client will be the easiest option for accessing their Windows desktop remotely. Use Windows’ built in Remote Desktop application and port forwarding on your router (not considered secure).

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