How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10 & 11 (Pro Required)

Remote Desktop lets you control your Windows PC from another device — another computer, phone, or tablet. Enabling it takes one toggle in Settings, but the host PC must run Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro (Home editions can connect to other PCs but can’t be connected to).

Key Takeaways

• Enable Remote Desktop: Settings → System → Remote Desktop → toggle On. Available on Windows 10/11 Pro and Enterprise only.
• Connect from any Windows edition using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe) or the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on Mac, iOS, and Android.
• You need the host PC’s name or IP address and a user account with a password to connect.

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Requirements

Requirement	Details
Host PC edition	Windows 10/11 Pro or Enterprise (Home can’t host)
Client PC	Any Windows edition, Mac, iOS, or Android
Network	Same network (LAN) or VPN for remote access
Account	The host PC user account must have a password set

Using Windows Home? Remote Desktop hosting requires Pro. Upgrade with a Windows 11 Pro key ($99.99) or Windows 10 Pro key ($59.99) from The Software City. See our Home vs Pro comparison.

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Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Host PC

Windows 11

1. Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
2. Toggle Remote Desktop to On.
3. Click Confirm when prompted.
4. Note your PC name displayed on this page (you’ll need it to connect).

Windows 10

1. Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
2. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
3. Click Confirm.
4. Note the PC name under “How to connect to this PC.”

Windows automatically configures the firewall to allow Remote Desktop connections when you enable it.

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Step 2: Connect from Another PC

Using Remote Desktop Connection (Windows)

1. On the client PC, press Windows + S and search for Remote Desktop Connection (or run mstsc).
2. Enter the host PC name or IP address.
3. Click Connect.
4. Enter the username and password for an account on the host PC.
5. Click OK. You’re now controlling the host PC remotely.

Using Microsoft Remote Desktop App (Mac/Mobile)

1. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store (Mac/iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Add a new PC connection with the host’s name or IP address.
3. Enter credentials and connect.

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Step 3: Configure for Remote Access (Outside LAN)

To connect from outside your home/office network:

• VPN: Connect to your network via VPN first, then use Remote Desktop normally. Most secure option.
• Port forwarding: Forward port 3389 on your router to the host PC’s local IP. Less secure — use with a strong password and consider changing the default port.
• Remote Desktop Gateway: Enterprise option using Windows Server.

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Troubleshooting

“Remote Desktop can’t connect to the remote computer” – Verify Remote Desktop is enabled on the host (Settings → Remote Desktop → On). – Check the host PC is powered on and not sleeping. – Verify firewall allows Remote Desktop: Windows Security → Firewall → Allow an app → Remote Desktop should be checked. – Confirm you’re using the correct PC name or IP address.

“Your credentials did not work” – The host account must have a password set (passwordless/PIN-only accounts don’t work). – Use the format PCNAME\username or username@domain for the login.

Remote Desktop option is grayed out – You’re running Windows Home. Remote Desktop hosting requires Pro or Enterprise. Upgrade to Pro to unlock this feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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