Remote Desktop is one of the most useful Windows features because it allows you to access your Windows 11 PC from another device. This means you can open your files, run apps, and control your computer even when you are not sitting in front of it. Many people use Remote Desktop for work, IT support, accessing office computers from home, or managing multiple PCs.
Windows 11 includes Remote Desktop support, but it is not enabled by default. Also, it works differently depending on whether you have Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro. In this guide, you will learn how to enable Remote Desktop, connect to your PC, and safely use it without confusion.
What Is Remote Desktop in Windows 11?
Remote Desktop is a built-in feature from Microsoft that lets you connect to a Windows PC remotely. When you connect, you can see the desktop screen and use the computer as if you were physically there.
Remote Desktop works mainly in two parts.
- One PC acts as the Host (the computer you want to access)
- Another device acts as the Client (the device you use to connect)
For example, your home PC can be the host, and you can connect to it using your laptop, another Windows PC, a Mac, or even a mobile phone.
Remote Desktop Requirements in Windows 11
Before enabling Remote Desktop, it is important to know what you need for it to work properly.
Windows Edition Requirement
Remote Desktop hosting (allowing others to connect to your PC) requires:
- Windows 11 Pro
- Windows 11 Enterprise
- Windows 11 Education
If you are using Windows 11 Home, you can still use Remote Desktop to connect to other PCs, but you cannot host Remote Desktop sessions. That means other devices cannot remotely access a Windows 11 Home computer using the built-in Remote Desktop feature.
Other Basic Requirements
To use Remote Desktop smoothly, you need:
- A stable internet connection or local network connection
- Your host PC must be turned on
- Your host PC must not be sleeping
- Remote Desktop must be enabled in settings
- You must have the correct PC name or IP address
- You must have the correct username and password
Method 1: How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11 (Using Settings)
This is the easiest and most recommended way to enable Remote Desktop on a Windows 11 Pro PC.
Steps to enable Remote Desktop
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click System
- Scroll down and click Remote Desktop
- Turn Remote Desktop ON
- Click Confirm when Windows shows a popup
Once enabled, Windows will also show the name of your PC. This is useful because you may need it when connecting from another device.
Check your PC name for connection
In the same Remote Desktop settings page, you will see:
- PC name (example: DESKTOP-123ABC)
- Remote Desktop status ON/OFF
Write down your PC name, because it makes connecting easier.
Method 2: Allow Remote Desktop Through Windows Firewall
Most of the time, Windows automatically updates the firewall settings when you turn on Remote Desktop. But if Remote Desktop doesn’t work, firewall settings might be blocking it.
Steps to check firewall access
- Click Start
- Type Windows Defender Firewall
- Open it
- Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
- Click Change settings
- Find Remote Desktop
- Make sure it is checked for:
- Private networks
- Public networks (only if needed)
For better security, it is recommended to allow it only on Private networks unless you truly need public network access.
Method 3: Enable Remote Desktop Using Control Panel (Alternative Way)
If you prefer the classic method, you can enable Remote Desktop using system properties.
Steps to enable Remote Desktop using Control Panel
- Click Start
- Type Control Panel and open it
- Click System and Security
- Click System
- Click Remote settings (left side)
- Under Remote Desktop, select:
- Allow remote connections to this computer
- Click Apply
- Click OK
This method enables the same feature but from an older settings screen.
Method 4: Add Users Who Can Access Remote Desktop
By default, administrators on the PC can connect using Remote Desktop. If you want other users to connect, you need to allow them.
Steps to add Remote Desktop users
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Remote Desktop
- Click Remote Desktop users
- Click Add
- Type the username you want to allow
- Click Check Names
- Click OK
Now that user can connect to your computer remotely, as long as they have their login password.
Step 5: Keep Your PC Awake for Remote Desktop Access
Remote Desktop will not work if the host PC is sleeping. So it is important to adjust sleep settings.
Steps to stop PC from sleeping
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Click Power & battery
- Click Screen and sleep
- Set Sleep to:
- Never (when plugged in), or
- A longer time limit
This is important if you want to connect anytime without your PC going offline.
How to Connect to a Windows 11 PC Using Remote Desktop (Windows to Windows)
Once Remote Desktop is enabled, you can connect to the host PC from another Windows device using the Remote Desktop Connection app.
Steps to connect using Remote Desktop Connection
- On the client PC, click Start
- Type Remote Desktop Connection
- Open the app
- In the Computer field, type:
- PC name, or
- IP address of the host PC
- Click Connect
- Enter the username and password of the host PC
- Click OK
After that, you will see the remote desktop screen. You can now control the PC from anywhere.
How to Use Remote Desktop App (Microsoft Remote Desktop)
Windows also has a modern Remote Desktop app called Microsoft Remote Desktop. It is available in the Microsoft Store and is easier for managing multiple connections.
Steps to use the Remote Desktop app
- Install Microsoft Remote Desktop from Microsoft Store
- Open the app
- Click Add
- Choose PC
- Enter the PC name or IP address
- Add your login username if you want
- Click Save
- Click the saved PC to connect
This is a better option if you frequently connect to different computers.
How to Find Your IP Address for Remote Desktop
Sometimes the PC name doesn’t work, especially on some networks. In that case, you can use the IP address of the host PC.
Steps to find host PC IP address
- On the host PC, click Start
- Type cmd
- Open Command Prompt
- Type
ipconfigand press Enter - Look for IPv4 Address under your active network
Example: 192.168.1.25
Use this IP in Remote Desktop Connection on the client PC.
Using Remote Desktop Over the Internet (Important Note)
Remote Desktop is easiest on the same Wi-Fi or local network. Using it over the internet is more complicated and can be risky if not configured properly.
To use it over the internet, people usually need:
- Port forwarding on the router (TCP port 3389)
- A public IP address or Dynamic DNS service
- Strong security settings
However, exposing Remote Desktop directly to the internet can be unsafe because hackers often scan for open Remote Desktop ports. A safer option is to use a VPN or a trusted remote access tool.
Best Security Tips for Remote Desktop in Windows 11
Remote Desktop is powerful, so you must keep it secure, especially if you use it often.
Here are important security tips:
- Use a strong password on your Windows account
- Never leave Remote Desktop enabled on public networks
- Use a private network or VPN for remote access
- Avoid opening port 3389 directly on the internet
- Disable Remote Desktop when you don’t need it
- Keep Windows 11 updated
- Use a standard user account for remote access if possible
These steps can protect your computer from unauthorized access.
Common Remote Desktop Problems and Fixes
Sometimes Remote Desktop won’t connect even if you enabled it. Here are the most common issues and solutions.
Problem 1: Remote Desktop Option Missing
This usually happens on Windows 11 Home. You cannot host Remote Desktop in Home edition.
Fix: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro or use another remote access tool.
Problem 2: PC Not Found or Name Not Working
Fix: Use the host PC’s IP address instead of the PC name.
Problem 3: Remote Desktop Can’t Connect
Fix: Check:
- Remote Desktop is enabled on host
- Host PC is on and awake
- Firewall allows Remote Desktop
- Both devices are on same network
Problem 4: Incorrect Username or Password
Fix: Use the correct login details. If your PC uses a Microsoft account, the username may be your email.
Problem 5: Black Screen or Slow Connection
Fix:
- Use a stable internet connection
- Reduce screen resolution in Remote Desktop settings
- Disable background apps on host PC
Final Thoughts
Remote Desktop is one of the best built-in tools for accessing your Windows 11 PC remotely. It helps you work from anywhere, provide technical help, and manage computers without being physically present. The setup is simple in Windows 11 Pro: turn it on, note the PC name, make sure the device stays awake, and connect using Remote Desktop Connection.
If you are using Windows 11 Home, you can still connect to other PCs, but you cannot accept Remote Desktop connections. In that case, you can use other remote access alternatives.
If you want, I can also write a complete guide on Remote Desktop alternatives for Windows 11 Home, or a troubleshooting guide for common Remote Desktop error codes.
