Remote desktop connections have become an essential part of our daily lives, especially with the increase in work from home trends. Windows 10 has an inbuilt feature that allows you to access another computer remotely from your computer. However, before you can utilize this feature, you need to enable it on your computer. In this article, we will explore How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10 in simple and easy steps.
Step by step guide to enabling remote desktop connections on Windows 10
Step 1: Check for Windows 10 version
The first step to enabling remote desktop connections on Windows 10 is to ensure that your computer is running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. This feature is not available on Windows 10 Home. To check your Windows edition, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type in “winver,” and press Enter.
Step 2: System Properties
To start enabling remote desktop connections, right-click on the Windows icon and select “System” from the options menu. On the left side of the window, click on “Remote Desktop.”
Step 3: Enable Remote Desktop
Under the Remote Desktop section, you’ll see three options labeled: Don’t Allow Remote Connections To This Computer, Allow Remote Connections To This Computer, and Allow Only From Computers Running Remote Desktop With Network Level Authentication. Select the “Allow Remote Connections To This Computer” option.
Step 4: User and Permission Controls
Click on “Select Users” to choose which users have remote access to your computer. Click on the “Add” button to add new users or groups, then click on “OK” to save.
Step 5: Firewall Settings
On the remote desktop window, click on the “Advanced” tab, then click on “Settings” under the “Connect from anywhere” section. Select the “Allow remote connections to this computer” option, and click on “OK” to save.
Step 6: Allow Remote Desktop through Firewall
You need to allow remote desktop connections through the firewall to connect to another computer. Type “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security” in the search bar, and click on the “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security” app. Click on “Inbound Rules” on the left side of the window, then right-click on “Remote Desktop (TCP-In)” and select “Enable Rule” to turn on the rule.
Step 7: Turn On Required Services
Press the Windows key + R, type in “services.msc,” and press Enter. Locate “Remote Desktop services” on the list of services, right-click on it, and select “Properties.” Set the startup type to “Automatic” and start the service if it’s not already running.
Step 8: Remote Desktop Connection
To connect to another computer through remote desktop, search for “Remote Desktop Connection” in the Start menu, and click on the remote desktop app. Enter the name of the computer you want to connect to and click on “Connect.”
Step 9: Username and Password
Next, type in the username and password of the user account you set up to have remote access on the remote PC. Click on “OK” to connect.
Step 10: Adjust Settings
While connected to the remote computer, you can adjust settings like display, sound, and remote resources by clicking on the “Show Options” drop-down menu on the Remote Desktop Connection Window.
Step 11: End Remote Desktop Connection
To end the remote desktop session, click on the X button on the top-right corner of the Remote Desktop Connection window.
Step 12: Protect Remote Access
Note that enabling this feature can pose a security risk to your computer. It is essential to keep your computer up-to-date with the latest security patches, ensure strong and secure passwords, and protect your computer from malware.
Tips and Tricks for Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10
Tip 1: Use a strong password
Ensure that you use a strong password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make it difficult for anyone to guess or hack into your computer.
Tip 2: Protect your computer from malware
Malware can be used to steal sensitive information from your computer. Set up antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your computer from any malicious software that may try to infiltrate your computer.
Tip 3: Keep your computer up-to-date
Ensure that your computer’s operating system and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This will protect your computer from any security vulnerabilities.
Tip 4: Frequently change your password
Change your password frequently to ensure that you keep your computer secure.
Tip 5: Turn off remote access when not in use
Ensure that you turn off remote access when not in use to reduce the chances of unauthorized access to your computer.
Tip 6: Backup important data regularly
Backing up your important data ensures that even in the case of a security breach, you will still have your data intact and can recover it.
Tip 7: Limit the number of users with remote access
Limit remote access to a few trusted users to reduce the number of people who can potentially access your computer.
Tip 8: Limit remote access hours
Limit remote access hours to specific hours to reduce the risk of unauthorized access during non-working hours.
Tip 9: Utilize Network Level Authentication
The Network Level Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to authenticate themselves using two-factor authentication.
Tip 10: Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Avoid using public Wi-Fi when remotely accessing your computer, as public Wi-Fi hotspots can be vulnerable to security breaches.
In Conclusion, enabling remote desktop connections on Windows 10 can be an efficient way of accessing another computer remotely without physically being there. However, it comes with potential security risks that need to be taken seriously. Ensure that you follow the simple and easy steps outlined in this article and observe the tips and tricks to keep your computer secure while using remote desktop connections.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10
Advantages
1. Flexibility: Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10 allows users to access their files and applications from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
2. Collaboration: Remote Desktop enables multiple users to connect to a single computer, allowing for effortless collaboration on projects and tasks.
3. Remote troubleshooting: IT professionals can use Remote Desktop to remotely troubleshoot and fix computer issues, saving time and money on costly on-site visits.
4. Increased productivity: Remote Desktop allows users to work from home, on the go, or anywhere else, which can increase productivity and efficiency.
5. Improved security: Remote Desktop on Windows 10 uses encryption to secure connections, ensuring that data remains safe and protected from unauthorized access.
6. Remote printing: Users can print remotely through Remote Desktop, making it easy to print necessary documents from anywhere.
7. Cost-effective: Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 10 eliminates the need for expensive hardware or software to connect to remote computers.
8. Easy setup: Setting up Remote Desktop is a simple process and can be completed in just a few steps.
9. Reduced travel time: Remote Desktop can allow employees to work from home, significantly reducing travel time and expenses associated with commuting.
10. Access to legacy software: Remote Desktop on Windows 10 enables access to older, legacy software that may not be compatible with newer operating systems.
Disadvantages
1. Security risks: Remote Desktop can pose a security risk if not properly configured and secured, which can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data.
2. Bandwidth limitations: Remote Desktop requires a stable and fast internet connection. Limited bandwidth can affect the quality of the remote connection and overall performance.
3. Licensing costs: Using Remote Desktop on Windows 10 may require additional licensing costs, which can add up depending on the number of users and devices.
4. Complicated setup: Setting up Remote Desktop can be complicated for inexperienced users, which may require the assistance of an IT professional.
5. Performance issues: Remote Desktop can experience performance issues, such as lag or slow response times, due to bandwidth limitations or system resources.
6. Restricted access to hardware: Remote Desktop on Windows 10 does not provide access to local hardware devices, such as printers or USB drives, unless configured properly.
7. Compatibility issues: Remote Desktop on Windows 10 may not be compatible with certain software programs, which can limit its functionality.
8. Limited remote control: Remote Desktop on Windows 10 only provides limited control over the remote computer, which may not be sufficient for certain tasks.
9. Possible data loss: If the remote computer crashes or experiences data loss, it may impact the accessibility and availability of files and applications.
10. Limited support: Using Remote Desktop may limit the availability of technical support, as many companies may not provide support for remote connections.
FAQ
1. What is Remote Desktop?
Remote Desktop is a feature of Windows that allows you to access a computer from another computer over a network connection.
2. How do I enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10?
To enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10, go to the “Settings” app, click on “System,” click on “Remote Desktop,” and toggle on the “Enable Remote Desktop” option.
3. Can I connect to a Windows 10 computer from a Mac?
Yes, you can connect to a Windows 10 computer from a Mac by using a Remote Desktop client such as Microsoft Remote Desktop.
4. How do I find the IP address of the computer I want to connect to?
To find the IP address of the computer you want to connect to, you can open the Command Prompt and type in “ipconfig” to view the computer’s network information.
5. How do I connect to a computer using Remote Desktop?
To connect to a computer using Remote Desktop, you need to have Remote Desktop enabled on the computer you want to connect to, and you need to have the Remote Desktop client installed on the computer you are connecting from. Then, open the Remote Desktop client, enter the IP address of the computer you want to connect to, and enter your login credentials.
6. Can I transfer files between computers using Remote Desktop?
Yes, you can transfer files between computers using Remote Desktop by using the Clipboard or by copying and pasting files.
7. Can multiple users connect to a computer using Remote Desktop at the same time?
No, only one user can connect to a computer using Remote Desktop at a time.
8. Is Remote Desktop secure?
Remote Desktop can be secure if you use strong passwords and keep your computer updated with the latest security patches. However, it is recommended that you do not use Remote Desktop over public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks.
9. Can I use Remote Desktop to access my computer from a mobile device?
Yes, there are Remote Desktop apps available for iOS and Android that allow you to access your computer from your mobile device.
10. Can I use Remote Desktop to access my computer from outside my home network?
Yes, you can use Remote Desktop to access your computer from outside your home network, but you will need to set up port forwarding on your router and use a dynamic DNS service to access your computer using a domain name instead of an IP address.
11. Can I use Remote Desktop to access a computer running a different version of Windows?
Yes, you can use Remote Desktop to access a computer running a different version of Windows, but you may encounter compatibility issues if you are using an older version of Remote Desktop to connect to a newer version of Windows.
12. What should I do if I am having trouble connecting to a computer using Remote Desktop?
If you are having trouble connecting to a computer using Remote Desktop, try troubleshooting the connection using the Remote Desktop Connection Troubleshooter, verifying that Remote Desktop is enabled on the computer you want to connect to, and checking your network settings.
13. How do I disable Remote Desktop?
To disable Remote Desktop, go to the “Settings” app, click on “System,” click on “Remote Desktop,” and toggle off the “Enable Remote Desktop” option.
How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10
Remote desktop or remote access is a feature that allows users to access another computer or device from their own device, even from different locations. It is a convenient way to control another system and perform tasks that cannot be done directly. Windows 10 also has this feature, but it is not enabled by default. In this article, we will guide you on how to enable remote desktop on your Windows 10 device.
Conclusion
Enabling remote desktop on Windows 10 is a simple process that should not take much time. With this feature, the user can control another computer or device from their own device and perform tasks remotely. This is particularly useful for IT personnel who need to troubleshoot problems on different systems. However, it is important to keep in mind that remote access can also pose a security risk if not used properly. Therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions and use this feature wisely.
Closing
We hope this guide has helped you to enable remote desktop on your Windows 10 device. If you have any questions or if you face any issues while enabling the feature, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional. Remember to use remote access wisely and take necessary security measures to ensure a safe and secure experience. Thank you for reading and goodbye!