Set up Remote Desktop in Windows 10

Set up Remote Desktop in Windows 10 - Here's how!

In Windows 10, a remote desktop is set up via remote control by another device. For example, you can use an Android phone with an app that has access, or another PC. Here's what you need to know when using it with Windows 10. Remote Desktop Protocol (or RDP for short) is a very versatile app.

Remote control is only possible if you have the correct version of Windows.
The PC to be controlled requires Windows Professional or Enterprise.

Windows 10: Why does the Remote Desktop not work?

You can usually set up a remote desktop if your operating system runs smoothly and there were no problems during the last update. Windows 10 Home lacks the feature of a Pro or Enterprise version, which is a prerequisite for use. In this case, you can only use your computer to remotely control another device. According to the settings, "Remote Desktop is not supported by Windows 10 Home edition."

Here's how to find out if a remote desktop can be set up on your PC:

  1. For example, if you type the term "Control Panel" in the search bar (Windows logo + S), you can open it in Windows.
  2. Click System and Security, and then click System again. The corresponding settings will appear in a new window.
  3. Under Windows specifications, you can find out the Windows version you currently have under Edition.
  4. Alternatively, scroll down to Related Settings, where you will see the Remote Desktop item. Follow the link with a left click.
  5. You can’t set up Remote Desktop in your version if you see the error "Remote Desktop is not supported by your Windows 10 Home edition" in red letters. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.

Windows 10 Pro / Enterprise: How to set up Remote Desktop for Windows 10 Pro

In the System Settings you can Allow a Connection to be made via the protocol address. If this first step works without problems, you can ignore the Advanced Settings for the moment.

Complete the followings steps:

  1. Go to System and Info in the Settings (Windows logo key + I).
  2. Write down the name of your computer under Device Specifications, below Device Name.
  3. To retrieve your IP address, open Windows PowerShell via DeepL access (Windows logo + X).
  4. Type the command ipconfig into the text field and write down the number combination shown after IPv4 address. You will need this information for later to be able to set up the Remote Desktop.

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The right app to set up Remote Desktop

Now it’s time to set up the device you want to use as a remote control for your PC. You don't need any additional software if you have a proper computer with Windows 10 for this. All functions are already integrated out of the box. An official application for Mac is available for all Apple users.

To set up the Remote Desktop on a mobile device, download the appropriate app:

For Linux users, there is no official Remote Desktop support at this time.

Windows 10 Remote Desktop: Connect

Make sure that the computer to be remotely controlled via Remote Desktop is turned on and has an active network connection.

After downloading the appropriate application, open the app on the device you want to use to remotely control your PC. The first step, depending on the version and platform, is to enter the device name and IP address you wrote down. Once you’ve confirmed your identity with your Windows 10 password and Microsoft account, and you've set up your remote desktop, access should be granted.

The Remote Desktop is only one of the many functions of Windows 10. You can control different operating systems with the boot manager from Microsoft. Or you can make the network a workgroup in Windows 10. There are many ways to link your devices together. No matter if private or professional.

If you want to control your computer from outside your home network, you need to set up port sharing in your Internet router. In this case, the Internet IP of your router and the port will replace the local IP when connecting to your PC.