Chapter 11: Windows 11 for Business and Professionals
Using Remote Desktop in Windows 11
Remote Desktop is a built-in feature in Windows 11 that allows users to
connect to and control a computer remotely over a network connection. This
feature is particularly useful for IT support, accessing work computers from
home, or managing multiple devices without being physically present. Below,
we'll explore how to set up and use Remote Desktop in Windows 11.
1. Enabling Remote Desktop
Before you can connect to a remote computer, you must enable the Remote
Desktop feature on the target device.
Steps to Enable Remote Desktop:
1. Open
Settings:
- Click
on the Start
Menu and select the Settings gear icon or press Windows Key + I.
2. Navigate
to System:
- Click
on System in the left
sidebar.
3. Select
Remote Desktop:
- Scroll
down and select Remote
Desktop from the list.
4. Turn
on Remote Desktop:
- Toggle
the switch to On
under the Enable
Remote Desktop section.
5. Confirm
Your Selection:
- A
prompt may appear asking you to confirm the change. Click Confirm to proceed.
6. Adjust
Advanced Settings (if necessary):
- Under
the Advanced settings
section, you can choose to require devices to use Network Level
Authentication (NLA) for a more secure connection.
7. Note
the PC Name:
- Take
note of the name of the PC listed in the How to connect to this PC section, as you
will need it to establish a remote connection.
2. Setting Up User Permissions
To allow specific users to connect via Remote Desktop, you may need to
adjust user permissions.
Steps to Add Users:
1. In
the Remote Desktop Settings:
- Click
on the Select
users that can remotely access this PC link.
2. Click
on Add:
- In
the Remote Desktop Users window, click the Add button.
3. Enter
Usernames:
- Type
the usernames of the users you want to grant remote access to and click Check Names to validate.
4. Confirm
and Close:
- Click
OK to add the users, then
close the settings.
3. Connecting to a Remote Desktop
Once Remote Desktop is enabled and permissions are set, you can connect to
the remote PC.
Steps to Connect:
a. Using Remote Desktop
Connection:
1. Open
Remote Desktop Connection:
- Search
for Remote Desktop Connection
in the Start Menu and open the application.
2. Enter
the PC Name:
- In
the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the PC name or IP address of
the remote computer you wish to connect to.
3. Click
on Connect:
- Click
the Connect button to
initiate the connection.
4. Enter
Credentials:
- When
prompted, enter the username and password of the account you wish to use
on the remote computer.
5. Click
OK:
- Click
OK to log in. You may
receive a security prompt regarding the identity of the remote computer;
you can choose to accept it.
4. Using Remote Desktop on Mobile Devices
Windows 11 Remote Desktop can also be accessed from mobile devices using the
Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
Steps to Use Remote Desktop on Mobile:
1. Download
the App:
- Download
the Microsoft Remote Desktop
app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Open
the App:
- Launch
the app on your mobile device.
3. Add
a PC:
- Tap
on the +
icon and select Desktop.
Enter the PC name or IP address.
4. Save
and Connect:
- Save
the connection and tap on it to connect. Enter your credentials when
prompted.
5. Tips for Using Remote Desktop
·
Use a Strong Password:
Ensure that the accounts you use for remote connections have strong, unique
passwords to enhance security.
·
Network Considerations:
For optimal performance, use a stable internet connection. High latency may
result in lag during remote sessions.
·
Use VPN for Security:
If connecting over the internet, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
to secure the connection.
·
Limit User Access:
Only grant remote access to users who need it to minimize security risks.
Conclusion
Using Remote Desktop in Windows 11 is a powerful way to access and control a
computer from a remote location. By enabling Remote Desktop, setting user
permissions, and connecting via the Remote Desktop Connection application or
mobile app, you can efficiently manage tasks on your computer from anywhere.
Understanding the best practices for security and connectivity will ensure a
smooth and safe remote access experience.
