What Remote Desktop Connection Does

Remote Desktop Connection is a Windows tool that lets you see and control another computer's screen from wherever you are, as long as both machines are connected to the internet or the same network. You type commands, move the mouse, and use programs on the distant computer as if you were sitting in front of it. The host computer (the one you are controlling) stays locked, so no one at that desk can see what you are doing.

This is useful if you need to access work files from home, help someone fix a problem on their computer, or manage a server in another building. Windows includes Remote Desktop Connection built in — you do not need to buy or download anything extra on most versions of Windows.

Key Takeaways

  • Remote Desktop Connection comes with Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, but not Home; you can check your Windows version in Settings under System.
  • The host computer must have Remote Desktop enabled in Settings, and you need to know its IP address or computer name to connect to it.
  • Both computers need to be on the same network, or the host must have port forwarding set up on its router if you are connecting from outside the network.
  • You open Remote Desktop Connection by typing "mstsc" into the Windows search box, then enter the host computer's address and your login credentials.

Check Your Windows Edition and Host Computer Setup

Remote Desktop Connection is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education. If you have Windows Home, you cannot use the built-in tool, though you can use Microsoft's free Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store instead. To check your edition, open Settings, go to System, and look for "Edition" on the About page.

On the computer you want to control (the host), you must turn on Remote Desktop. Open Settings, go to System, then select Remote Desktop from the left menu. Toggle "Enable Remote Desktop" to on. Windows will ask you to confirm — select "Confirm" when it appears. Write down the host computer's name, which appears on the same screen under "How to connect to this PC."

If you are connecting from outside your home or office network, ask the person managing the host computer's router to set up port forwarding for port 3389. This is more technical and usually requires someone with router access to complete.

Find the Host Computer's IP Address or Name

You need one piece of information to connect: either the host computer's IP address or its computer name. The easiest method is to use the computer name, which you already saw in Remote Desktop settings. If that does not work, you will need the IP address instead.

To find the IP address on the host computer, open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in Windows), type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" — it will look something like 192.168.1.100. Write this down. If you are connecting from outside the network, you need the public IP address instead, which you can find by searching "what is my IP" in any web browser on the host computer.

Open Remote Desktop Connection and Enter the Host Address

On the computer you are using (the client), open the Windows search box and type mstsc — this is the shortcut name for Remote Desktop Connection. Click the result to open the program. A small window will appear with a field labeled "Computer."

Type the host computer's name or IP address into this field. If you are using the computer name from Remote Desktop settings, type it exactly as it appears. If you are using an IP address, type the numbers with periods between them (for example, 192.168.1.100). Then click "Connect."

Log In With Your Credentials

A login screen will appear asking for your username and password. Enter the credentials for an account on the host computer — this must be a real user account that exists on that machine, not just any password. If the host computer is part of a workplace domain, you may need to type the username as DOMAIN\username instead of just the username alone. Ask your IT department if you are unsure about the format.

After you type your credentials and click OK, Windows will connect to the host computer. This usually takes a few seconds. If the connection fails, check that you typed the address correctly, that the host computer is turned on and connected to the network, and that Remote Desktop is still enabled on the host.

Use the Remote Desktop and Disconnect When Done

Once connected, you will see the host computer's desktop on your screen. You can use the mouse and keyboard normally — everything you do controls the host computer. Open files, run programs, and navigate just as you would if you were sitting at that desk. The host computer's screen will remain locked the entire time, so anyone at the physical machine cannot see your activity.

When you are finished, click the X button in the top-right corner of the Remote Desktop window, or press Ctrl+Alt+Home and select "Disconnect." The connection will close, and you will return to your own computer's desktop. The host computer will remain on and available for the next connection.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

If Remote Desktop Connection will not connect, start by checking the basics: Is the host computer turned on? Is it connected to the network? Is Remote Desktop enabled in its settings? Try restarting both computers and attempting the connection again.

If you get an error saying the computer cannot be found, you may have typed the address wrong, or the host computer's name may not be recognized on your network. Try using the IP address instead of the computer name. If you are connecting from outside the network and the connection times out, the router may not have port forwarding set up correctly — contact the person who manages the router.

If you can connect but the screen is very slow or choppy, this is usually a network speed issue. Close other programs using the internet on your client computer, or move closer to the router. You can also reduce the visual quality in Remote Desktop Connection's settings to improve speed — open the program, click "Show Options," go to the Display tab, and lower the color depth or resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Remote Desktop Connection on a Mac or Linux computer?

Remote Desktop Connection itself is Windows only, but Microsoft makes a free Remote Desktop app for Mac that works the same way. For Linux, you can use open-source tools like Remmina or GNOME Boxes, though they may require more setup. The host computer must still be Windows.

Is Remote Desktop Connection secure?

The connection is encrypted, so your password and activity are not visible to others on the network. However, if someone has your login credentials, they can connect to your computer. Use a strong password and do not share your computer name or IP address with people you do not trust.

Can multiple people connect to the same computer at the same time?

Only one person can use Remote Desktop at a time on Windows Pro and Education. If someone is already connected, the next person to connect will disconnect them. Windows Enterprise allows multiple connections, but this is rare outside of workplaces.

What if I forget the host computer's password?

You cannot reset the password through Remote Desktop. You will need to reset it on the host computer itself, or contact someone who has access to that machine. If the host is part of a workplace domain, contact your IT department.

Can I connect to a computer that is asleep or in hibernation?

No — the host computer must be powered on and awake. You can set it to never sleep in Power Settings so it stays available for remote connections, but this uses more electricity.