How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows PC and Server
How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows PC and Server
Remote access to PCs and servers is not only practical but frequently necessary for effective work and administration in today's networked society. Remote Desktop is one of the most popular ways to access a Windows computer remotely. Enabling Remote Desktop may make a lot of chores much easier, whether you need to operate a server in a data center or use your office computer from home. This detailed article will show you how to enable Remote Desktop on Windows computers and servers.
Enabling Remote Desktop on a Windows PC:
Step 1: Access System Properties
- Right-click on the Start button and select System from the menu.
- Alternatively, press Win + Pause/Break keys to open the System window.
Step 2: Open Remote Settings
- In the System window, click on Remote settings in the left pane. This will open the System Properties dialog box with the Remote tab selected.
Step 3: Enable Remote Desktop
- In the Remote tab, under the Remote Desktop section, check the box that says "Allow remote connections to this computer".
- Optionally, you can click on "Select Users..." to choose which users on the PC are allowed to connect remotely.
Step 4: Confirm Changes
- Click OK to close the dialog box. If prompted by the Windows Firewall, ensure that Remote Desktop is allowed through the firewall.
Step 5: Note Down Computer Name
- To connect remotely, note down your computer's name. You can find this in the System Properties dialog under the Computer Name tab.
Enabling Remote Desktop on a Windows Server:
Step 1: Access Server Manager
- Log in to your Windows Server and open Server Manager from the taskbar or Start menu.
Step 2: Open Remote Desktop Settings
- In Server Manager, click on Local Server in the left pane.
- In the Properties pane, locate Remote Desktop and click on the Disabled status next to it.
Step 3: Enable Remote Desktop
- This action will open the System Properties dialog with the Remote tab selected. Here, click on "Enable Remote Desktop".
Step 4: Confirm Changes
- If necessary, click OK in the warning dialog about network-level authentication and click OK again to close the System Properties.
Step 5: Adjust Firewall Settings
- Ensure that the necessary firewall rules are in place to allow Remote Desktop connections. Server Manager may prompt you to adjust these settings automatically.
Connecting to a Remote Desktop Session:
Step 1: From Another Windows PC
- On another Windows PC, open the Remote Desktop Connection application (type mstsc in the Run dialog or search box).
- Enter the name of the computer you want to connect to and click Connect.
- Enter your credentials when prompted (username and password of the remote PC/server).
Step 2: From a Mac or Linux Machine
- For non-Windows devices, download a Remote Desktop client compatible with your operating system (such as Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac).
- Install and open the client, then enter the IP address or hostname of the remote PC/server along with your credentials.
- You can control the remote session in the same way as you would on a local computer once you're connected. Navigate through the Start menu, launch programs, move files, and carry out administrative duties as required. With its smooth access to computers and servers located in different regions, Remote Desktop is a powerful tool that can be used for both personal and commercial purposes. You may start taking advantage of Remote Desktop's flexibility and productivity on your Windows PC or Server by following these steps to enable it. To properly secure your remote connections, always remember to adhere to security best practices, such as creating strong passwords and keeping your system updated.