What RDP is and why you would use it

RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol, which is a way to see and control another computer from your own computer, as if you were sitting at that other computer's keyboard and mouse. You are not copying files or sending commands — you are viewing the actual screen and using the actual programs on the remote machine.

People use RDP to work from home and access their office computer, to help a family member fix a problem on their machine without being in the same room, or to manage a server that sits in a data center somewhere. The connection happens over the internet, so distance does not matter.

RDP is built into Windows computers. Mac and Linux machines can connect to a Windows RDP server, but setting up RDP on those systems requires extra software. This guide covers connecting from a Windows computer to another Windows computer, which is the most common scenario.

Key Takeaways

  • RDP is built into Windows and lets you see and control another computer's screen from your own machine over the internet.
  • The computer you want to connect to must have RDP turned on, and you need its IP address or computer name to find it on the network.
  • You can open the RDP connection tool by typing "Remote Desktop Connection" into the Windows search box.
  • The person who owns the remote computer must give you permission to connect, and you will need a username and password for that machine.
  • If you cannot connect, the most common reasons are RDP is turned off on the remote computer, the firewall is blocking it, or you typed the address wrong.

Finding the IP address or computer name of the machine you want to connect to

Before you can connect, you need to know how to reach the other computer. Every computer on a network has an IP address — a string of numbers like 192.168.1.100 — and also a computer name — something like OFFICE-DESKTOP or JENNIFERS-LAPTOP. Either one will work to start an RDP connection.

If the other computer is on the same home or office network as yours, the easiest way is to ask the person at that computer to tell you the name. They can find it by right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer" on their desktop, clicking Properties, and reading the "Computer name" field near the top.

If you need the IP address instead, that person can open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in Windows search), type ipconfig, and press Enter. Look for the line that says "IPv4 Address" — that is the number you need. Write it down exactly as it appears.

If the remote computer is outside your home network — for instance, a work computer at an office — you will need to ask your IT department or the computer's owner for the address. They may give you a web address instead, which works the same way in RDP.

Turning on RDP on the computer you want to connect to

The computer you are trying to reach must have RDP turned on, or the connection will fail. This is a one-time setup on that machine.

On the remote computer, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" on the desktop and select Properties. On the left side, click "Remote settings" or "Advanced system settings," then look for a section called "Remote Desktop." Check the box that says "Allow remote connections to this computer" or "Enable Remote Desktop." Click explore and OK.

Windows will warn you that the computer is now visible to others on the network. This is normal — RDP is designed to be find when you use a strong password. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can turn it back off the same way after you are done connecting.

Some versions of Windows (like Windows Home edition) do not have this option. If you cannot find Remote settings, your version may not support RDP as a server. In that case, you will need to use a third-party tool like TeamViewer or AnyDesk instead.

Opening Remote Desktop Connection and entering the address

On your own computer, open the Windows search box (press the Windows key and start typing) and search for "Remote Desktop Connection." Click the result that appears. A small window will open with a field that says "Computer."

Type the IP address or computer name of the remote machine into that field. If you are using an IP address, type it exactly as you wrote it down — for example, 192.168.1.100. If you are using a computer name, type it as you saw it in Properties — for example, OFFICE-DESKTOP.

Leave all the other settings alone for now. Click the "Connect" button at the bottom right.

Logging in with a username and password

A new window will open asking for a username and password. This is the login information for the remote computer, not your own computer. Type the username and password that would normally log into that machine.

If you are not sure what the username is, ask the person at the remote computer. On that machine, they can open Settings, go to Accounts, and see the username listed under "Your info."

After you type the username and password, click OK. The connection will take a few seconds to establish. You should then see the remote computer's desktop on your screen.

What to do if the connection fails

If you see an error message instead of the remote desktop, the problem is usually one of three things: RDP is not turned on at the remote computer, the firewall is blocking the connection, or you typed the address wrong.

First, double-check that you typed the IP address or computer name correctly. A single wrong number or letter will cause the connection to fail. If you are not sure, ask the remote computer's owner to tell you the address again.

Next, confirm that RDP is actually turned on at the remote computer. Ask the person there to go back to Properties and Remote settings and verify the box is checked. Sometimes a Windows update will turn it back off.

If RDP is on and the address is correct, the firewall may be blocking the connection. This is more common when the remote computer is at a workplace or behind a company network. Ask your IT department whether RDP is allowed on your network. If it is not, they may need to open the port or set up a VPN for you to use instead.

Staying safe while using RDP

RDP sends your username and password over the network, so use a strong password on the remote computer — something longer than eight characters with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid passwords that are straightforward to guess.

If the remote computer is at work, your IT department may have already set up security rules for RDP, such as requiring a VPN connection first or limiting who can connect. Follow those rules.

When you are done using RDP, close the window or click the X button. This disconnects you from the remote computer. The remote computer will stay on and available for the next connection — you are not shutting it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use RDP on a Mac or Linux computer?

A Mac or Linux computer cannot run RDP as a server (the thing being connected to), but it can connect to a Windows RDP server using third-party software like Microsoft Remote Desktop, which is free. You will need to read and install it first. The steps for connecting are similar — you enter the IP address or computer name and log in with a username and password.

What if I do not know the password for the remote computer?

You cannot connect without the correct password. If you own the remote computer, you can reset the password by logging in locally (sitting at that computer in person) and changing it through Settings. If it is someone else's computer, ask them to give you the password or to set up a new one for you.

Can someone connect to my computer using RDP without my permission?

No. RDP requires a username and password, and the person connecting must know both. If you are worried about unauthorized access, use a strong password and turn off RDP when you are not using it. You can also check who has connected to your computer by looking at the Event Viewer, though this requires some technical knowledge.

Is RDP safe to use over the internet?

RDP is reasonably safe if you use a strong password and keep your Windows updates current. However, if your computer is directly exposed to the internet (not behind a firewall or router), it is more vulnerable. Many workplaces require a VPN connection before allowing RDP for this reason. If you are connecting from outside your home network, ask your IT department about the safest way to do it.

Why is my RDP connection slow or laggy?

RDP sends video of the remote screen over the internet, so a slow internet connection will make it feel sluggish. If you are on WiFi, try moving closer to the router or connecting with an ethernet cable instead. You can also lower the display quality in Remote Desktop Connection settings — click "Show Options," then the "Display" tab, and move the slider to the left.