Remote-access Guide

configure your windows pc for remote access using

by Eugenia Legros Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can configure your PC for remote access with a few easy steps.

  1. On the device you want to connect to, select Start and then click the Settings icon on the left.
  2. Select the System group followed by the Remote Desktop item.
  3. Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop.
  4. It is also recommended to keep the PC awake and discoverable to facilitate connections. Click Show settings to enable.
  5. As needed, add users who can connect remotely by clicking Select users that can remotely access this PC .

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How to enable Remote Desktop
  1. On the device you want to connect to, select Start and then click the Settings icon on the left.
  2. Select the System group followed by the Remote Desktop item.
  3. Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop.
  4. It is also recommended to keep the PC awake and discoverable to facilitate connections.
Dec 23, 2021

Full Answer

How do I enable remote access in Windows 10?

Windows 10 Fall Creator Update (1709) or later

  • On the device you want to connect to, select Start and then click the Settings icon on the left.
  • Select the System group followed by the Remote Desktop item.
  • Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop.
  • It is also recommended to keep the PC awake and discoverable to facilitate connections. ...

More items...

How to enable allow remote connection in Windows 10?

Steps to enable allow remote connection in Windows 10:

  1. Open System using Windows+Pause Break.
  2. Choose Remote settings in the System window.
  3. Select Allow remote connections to this computer and tap OK in the System Properties dialog.

How can I access my PC remotely?

On a computer running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise follow these steps:

  • Click the Start button on the bottom left of your screen.
  • Hit the Settings button on the left-hand side.
  • Click on System.
  • Now select Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
  • Make a note of the name of this PC as it appears under How to connect to this PC. ...

How do I control my PC remotely?

You'll need this later.

  • Make sure you have Windows 10 Pro. To check, go to Start > Settings > System > About and look for Edition . ...
  • When you're ready, select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop.
  • Make note of the name of this PC under How to connect to this PC. You'll need this later.

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How do I set my computer to allow remote access?

Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties". Select "Remote Settings". Select the radio button for "Allow remote connections to this computer". The default for which users can connect to this computer (in addition to the Remote Access Server) is the computer owner or administrator.

How do I set up remote access for Windows 10?

Windows 10: Allow Access to Use Remote DesktopClick the Start menu from your desktop, and then click Control Panel.Click System and Security once the Control Panel opens.Click Allow remote access, located under the System tab.Click Select Users, located in the Remote Desktop section of the Remote tab.More items...•

How do I grant remote access to Windows?

Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10 using Control PanelOpen Control Panel.Click on System and Security.Under the “System” section, click the Allow remote access link.Under the “Remote Desktop” section, select the Allow remote connections to this computer option.Click the Apply button.Click the OK button.

What is Remote Desktop Windows 10?

Windows 10 remote desktop (Image credit: Windows Central) On Windows 10, the "Remote Desktop" app makes it easy to connect to other computers over the local network and internet. It's also the experience that replaces the built-in legacy "Remote Desktop Connection" feature, which is still available.

Why can't I remote into another computer?

Go to the Start menu and type “Allow Remote Desktop Connections.” Look for an option called “Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer.” Click on the “Show settings” link right next to it. Check the “Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this Computer.” Click Apply and OK.

How to Enable Remote Desktop

The simplest way to allow access to your PC from a remote device is using the Remote Desktop options under Settings. Since this functionality was a...

Should I Enable Remote Desktop?

If you only want to access your PC when you are physically sitting in front of it, you don't need to enable Remote Desktop. Enabling Remote Desktop...

Why Allow Connections only With Network Level Authentication?

If you want to restrict who can access your PC, choose to allow access only with Network Level Authentication (NLA). When you enable this option, u...

How to allow remote access to PC?

The simplest way to allow access to your PC from a remote device is using the Remote Desktop options under Settings. Since this functionality was added in the Windows 10 Fall Creators update (1709), a separate downloadable app is also available that provides similar functionality for earlier versions of Windows. You can also use the legacy way of enabling Remote Desktop, however this method provides less functionality and validation.

How to connect to a remote computer?

To connect to a remote PC, that computer must be turned on, it must have a network connection, Remote Desktop must be enabled, you must have network access to the remote computer (this could be through the Internet), and you must have permission to connect. For permission to connect, you must be on the list of users. Before you start a connection, it's a good idea to look up the name of the computer you're connecting to and to make sure Remote Desktop connections are allowed through its firewall.

How to remotely connect to Windows 10?

Windows 10 Fall Creator Update (1709) or later 1 On the device you want to connect to, select Start and then click the Settings icon on the left. 2 Select the System group followed by the Remote Desktop item. 3 Use the slider to enable Remote Desktop. 4 It is also recommended to keep the PC awake and discoverable to facilitate connections. Click Show settings to enable. 5 As needed, add users who can connect remotely by clicking Select users that can remotely access this PC .#N#Members of the Administrators group automatically have access. 6 Make note of the name of this PC under How to connect to this PC. You'll need this to configure the clients.

Should I enable Remote Desktop?

If you only want to access your PC when you are physically using it, you don't need to enable Remote Desktop. Enabling Remote Desktop opens a port on your PC that is visible to your local network. You should only enable Remote Desktop in trusted networks, such as your home. You also don't want to enable Remote Desktop on any PC where access is tightly controlled.

How to connect to a remote desktop?

Use Remote Desktop to connect to the PC you set up: On your local Windows 10 PC: In the search box on the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection, and then select Remote Desktop Connection. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect.

How to use Remote Desktop on Windows 10?

Set up the PC you want to connect to so it allows remote connections: Make sure you have Windows 10 Pro. To check, go to Start > Settings > System > About and look for Edition . For info on how to get it, go ...

How to check if Windows 10 Home is remote?

To check, go to Start > Settings > System > About and look for Edition . For info on how to get it, go to Upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro. When you're ready, select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and turn on Enable Remote Desktop. Make note of the name of this PC under How to connect to this PC. You'll need this later.

How to remotely access another computer?

To remotely access another computer within your network over the internet, open the Remote Desktop Connection app and enter that computer’s name, and your username and password.

How to set up remote desktop on Windows 10?

How to Set Up Remote Desktop Windows 10. To set up a remote desktop in Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Then turn on the slider for Enable Remote Desktop. Next, search Settings for Allow an app through Windows firewall and enable the Remote Desktop app for Private and Public. Note: You can only run the Remote Desktop Connection ...

How to check private and public on remote desktop?

Tick the Private and Public checkboxes to the right of Remote Desktop. Make sure both that the boxes under the Private and Public columns are checked.

Where is the remote desktop icon?

Then click Remote Desktop in the left sidebar. You can find this by scrolling down. It is the icon that looks like greater than and less than signs pointing at each other.

Where is the Windows Start button?

Click the Windows Start button. This is the button with the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Do this from the host computer (or the computer you will be trying to access remotely).

Can you connect to a remote computer if it cannot be identified?

Note: You might encounter a prompt asking you if you want to connect even if the identity of the remote computer cannot be identified. Just click on Yes .

What is the default port for VNC?

The VNC port. Double-click the VNC server icon in the Windows task bar to open the server settings. By default, the port number should be 5900, but it's possible to have this set to another value. We recommend that port 5900 is used.

Does Screens Connect require a VNC server?

Screens Connect will also install a VNC server ( TightVNC ), which is required in order for Screens to be able to connect. It also takes care of configuring the Windows firewall.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Google’s solution for remote access is one of the most dead-simple options out there.

TeamViewer

One of the most popular options for remote desktop access is TeamViewer, which is free for personal use. With a modern, user-friendly interface, it makes the setup and connection process simple.

TightVNC

Its website may look like an early 2000s relic, but you can’t argue with TightVNC’s reliability or its reputation. As open-source software, it’s community supported and vetted. Adjusting settings in the program is also a transparent and fairly straightforward process, which is both its greatest strength and weakness.

What does it mean when you connect to a remote desktop?

When you connect to your PC by using a Remote Desktop client, you're creating a peer-to-peer connection. This means you need direct access to the PC (some times called "the host"). If you need to connect to your PC from outside of the network your PC is running on, you need to enable that access. You have a couple of options: use port forwarding or set up a VPN.

What does it mean to connect to a PC from outside?

This means you need direct access to the PC (sometimes called "the host"). If you need to connect to your PC from outside of the network your PC is running on, you need to enable that access. You have a couple of options: use port forwarding or set up a VPN.

How to enable port forwarding on router?

Enable port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding simply maps the port on your router's IP address (your public IP) to the port and IP address of the PC you want to access. Specific steps for enabling port forwarding depend on the router you're using, so you'll need to search online for your router's instructions.

Where can I find my router's IP address?

Your public IP address (the router's IP). There are many ways to find this - you can search (in Bing or Google) for "my IP" or view the Wi-Fi network properties (for Windows 10).

Can RD client access PC?

Instead, when you connect to the VPN, your RD client acts like it's part of the same network and be able to access your PC. There are a number of VPN services available - you can find and use whichever works best for you.

How to remotely access a computer?

How to Remote into a Computer. To use Remote Desktop on Windows 10, enable it within the computer's settings; this action will then allow other computers to remotely connect to your computer to gain access. After Remote Desktop is enabled, verify that your user account has permission to access the computer.

How to connect to a remote computer?

To connect to a remote computer, it must be running a version of Windows that includes the Remote Desktop software. Additionally, when connecting to a remote computer, the computer must be turned on, enjoy an active network connection, and have the Remote Desktop feature enabled.

What Is Remote Desktop on Windows 10?

Remote Desktop was included by Microsoft with the release of Windows XP in 2001 and, since then, every version of Windows has included Microsoft's Remote Desktop. When you activate this program, you'll see and interact with your actual Windows computer remotely.

How to access my computer from outside the network?

To access the primary computer from outside your Wi-Fi network, use port forwarding on your router to point all incoming Remote Desktop traffic to your computer.

How to add a remote desktop to a Windows 10 computer?

Select the Add Desktop button. In the Add Desktop window, type your computer's IP address into the PC name field. Click the Add button. Double click your newly created remote computer in the Microsoft Remote Desktop window. If prompted for your username and password, enter it in the dialog box.

How to open settings in Windows 10?

Press Win+X then select Settings to open Windows Settings.

How to connect to remote desktop?

At the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the computer name or IP address for the remote machine you want to access. Then, type your username in the appropriate field, and click the Connect button. But before you do that, let's check out some of the different settings. If you can't see the more advanced settings, click the Show Options button. The RDC window organizes its settings into different sections--we'll go through them one by one.

How to get remote desktop on Windows 10?

In Windows 10, click the Start button, scroll down the list of apps, open the folder for Windows Accessories, and click the shortcut for Remote Desktop Connection. In Windows 8.1, press the Win key+S to launch the Search tool. In the search field, type windows remote desktop, and click the result. In Windows 7, click the Start button, open the Accessories folder, and select the shortcut for Remote Desktop Connection.

What is the area for Connect From Anywhere?

The area for Connect From Anywhere applies if your organization uses a Remote Desktop Gateway to allow connections to internal PCs from outside the firewall. If so, this would be a setting determined by your IT department. Click the Settings button to see how this is configured. Unless instructed otherwise, leave it set to Automatically Detect RD Gateway Server Settings ( Figure E ).

How to change the size of a remote desktop session?

Click the Display tab. In the area for Display Configuration, you can set the initial size of your remote desktop session. By default, the session opens full screen with full resolution to use your entire monitor screen. If you'd like to see the session in a smaller, resizable window at a lower resolution, drag the slider bar to the left. Further, if you have a multi-monitor setup, you can check the box to Use All My Monitors For The Remote Session.

How to hear remote audio on PC?

Go to the Local Resources tab. In the area for Remote Audio, click the Settings button. Here, you can choose if and where sounds from the remote computer will be heard. If the audio from the remote PC is important, change the settings to Play On This Computer so you can hear them.

Can you connect to a remote PC with RDC?

Using RDC's basic features, you can easily establish a connection to each remote PC. But by using some of the more advanced features and settings, you can fine-tune the performance, reliability, and overall experience of each session.

Can IT control group policy?

If you work for an organization, your IT department may already control these settings through Group Policy or other means; so, this process is more applicable to individuals and smaller businesses that don't centrally manage these options.

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