Remote Desktop lets you control your computer from another device on the same network

Remote Desktop is a Windows feature that lets you see and control your computer's screen from a different device — a laptop, tablet, or another desktop — as long as both machines are on the same network or connected through the internet. You type commands and move the mouse on the remote device, and your main computer executes them. This is useful if you need to access files from elsewhere in your house, troubleshoot a problem on someone else's computer, or work from a device that isn't your primary machine.

The setup takes about ten minutes and requires only the built-in Windows tools. You do not need to install extra software or pay for a subscription, though some third-party options exist if you need features Windows does not include.

Key Takeaways

  • Remote Desktop is built into Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, but not Home — check your Windows version before starting.
  • You must enable Remote Desktop on the computer you want to control, then note its IP address or computer name to connect from another device.
  • Both computers need to be on the same network, or you must set up port forwarding on your router to connect over the internet.
  • The computer you are controlling must stay powered on and not locked with a password you do not know, or the connection will fail.
  • Windows includes a built-in Remote Desktop client, but third-party options like Chrome Remote Desktop work across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Check your Windows edition first

Remote Desktop is included only in Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education. If you have Windows Home, the feature is not available in the operating system itself, though you can use third-party tools like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer instead.

To find your Windows edition, right-click the Start button, select System, and look for "Edition" in the window that opens. If it says Home, skip to the third-party options section below. If it says Pro or higher, continue with the steps below.

Enable Remote Desktop on the computer you want to control

Open the Start menu and type "Remote Desktop Settings" into the search box. Click the result that appears. In the window that opens, toggle the switch next to "Enable Remote Desktop" to the On position. Windows will ask you to confirm — click Confirm.

Next, you need to know how to reach this computer from another device. Scroll down in the same window and look for "How to connect to this PC." You will see either a computer name (something like DESKTOP-ABC123) or an IP address (four numbers separated by dots, like 192.168.1.100). Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it when you connect from the other device.

If you see a message that says "You can only connect if you add user accounts," click "Select users that can remotely connect to this PC." Add the Windows user account you plan to use when connecting from the other device. The account must have a password set — Remote Desktop will not work with a blank password.

Connect from another Windows computer on the same network

On the device you want to connect from, open the Start menu and type "Remote Desktop Connection" into the search box. Click the result. A window will open with a field labeled "Computer." Paste or type the computer name or IP address you wrote down earlier, then click Connect.

Windows will ask for the username and password of the account on the remote computer. Type them in and click OK. The remote computer's screen will appear in a new window. You can now move your mouse and type as if you were sitting at that computer. To disconnect, close the window or press Ctrl+Alt+Home and select Disconnect.

If the connection fails, check that both computers are powered on and connected to the same network. If they are on different networks (one at home, one at work), you will need to set up port forwarding on your router, which is more complex — see the section on internet connections below.

Connect over the internet using port forwarding

If you want to control your computer from outside your home network, you must configure port forwarding on your router. This tells your router to send Remote Desktop traffic from the internet to your specific computer. The steps vary by router model, so log into your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) and look for a section called Port Forwarding, Virtual Server, or Port Mapping.

You will need to forward port 3389 (the port Remote Desktop uses) to the IP address of the computer you want to control. Once port forwarding is set up, you can connect using your public IP address instead of your local one. You can find your public IP by searching "what is my IP" in a web browser.

Port forwarding exposes your computer to the internet, so use a strong password on the account you plan to connect with. Consider changing the default port 3389 to a different number if your router allows it — this makes your computer less visible to automated attacks.

Use third-party options if you have Windows Home or need cross-platform access

Chrome Remote Desktop works on Windows Home, Mac, and Linux, and does not require port forwarding. Go to remotedesktop.google.com, sign in with a Google account, and follow the prompts to install the Chrome extension on both devices. Once installed, you can see your computers listed and click to connect. The connection goes through Google's servers, so you do not have to configure your router.

TeamViewer is another option that works across operating systems. read it from teamviewer.com, install it on both devices, and create a free account. You can then connect by entering the ID of the remote computer. TeamViewer is free for personal use but shows ads and has a short timeout if you are inactive.

AnyDesk is similar to TeamViewer — it works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and the free version is suitable for occasional personal use. read from anydesk.com, install on both devices, and connect using the remote computer's AnyDesk address.

Troubleshoot common connection problems

If you see "The remote computer could not be found," you typed the computer name or IP address wrong. Double-check the spelling and numbers. If the computer is on a different network, make sure port forwarding is set up on the router.

If you see "Access denied," the password you entered is incorrect, or the user account does not have permission to use Remote Desktop. Go back to the computer you want to control and check that the account is listed in the Remote Desktop user settings. If the account is not there, add it and make sure it has a password.

If the connection times out or drops frequently, your network may be unstable. Try moving closer to the router, or check whether other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. If you are connecting over the internet, a slow connection will make the remote screen lag — this is normal and not a sign of a problem.

If the remote computer's screen is black or shows a lock screen, the computer may be in sleep mode or the user is logged out. Wake the computer by pressing a key on its keyboard, or log in locally if needed. Remote Desktop cannot wake a computer that is powered off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Remote Desktop if the computer is locked?

No. If the computer is locked with a password, you cannot connect. The user must be logged in or the computer must be at the login screen. If you are the only user and you forgot the password, you will need to reset it locally or use password recovery tools.

Is Remote Desktop find?

Remote Desktop encrypts the connection between devices, so someone on your network cannot see your password or what you are doing. However, if you expose Remote Desktop to the internet through port forwarding, use a strong, unique password. Consider using a VPN instead of port forwarding if you need remote access frequently.

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

Windows Remote Desktop does not work on Mac or Linux. Use Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, or AnyDesk instead — these work across all operating systems and do not require port forwarding.

What happens if someone connects to my computer remotely?

They see your screen and can control your mouse and keyboard as if they were sitting at your computer. They can open files, run programs, and change settings. Only allow people you trust to have your computer name and password.

Can I connect to a computer that is turned off?

No. The computer must be powered on and connected to the network. Some newer computers support Wake-on-LAN, which lets you send a signal to turn them on remotely, but this requires additional setup in your BIOS and network settings.