Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 and connect to your PC

Before you start

Check the edition of the PC you want to connect to (the remote PC). Open Start > Settings > System > About and look at Edition under Windows specifications¹. Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions can host Remote Desktop. Home editions can't².

You need an administrator account on the remote PC to change this setting². Turning on Remote Desktop opens a port that devices on your local network can reach. Only turn it on for trusted networks, such as your home network, and give every account that can connect a strong, unique password².

When you connect, the remote PC must be powered on and connected to the network².

Steps

1. Open the Remote Desktop settings. On the remote PC, select Start, select Settings, then select System > Remote Desktop².
2. Turn on Remote Desktop. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On. Select Confirm in the pop-up dialog box².
3. Note the PC name. Write down the name shown under PC name. You need it to connect¹. You can also connect with the PC's IP address².
4. Allow other accounts (optional). Members of the Administrators group can connect by default². To add someone else, select Remote Desktop users (in older releases, Select users that can remotely access this PC). Select Add, type the user name, then select OK².
5. Connect with Remote Desktop Connection. On the other Windows PC, select Start, type Remote Desktop Connection and open the app. Enter the computer name or IP address of the remote PC. Select Connect, enter the credentials, then select OK².
6. Or connect with Windows App. Install Windows App from the Microsoft Store and open it. On the Devices tab, select the plus (+) icon. Enter the host name or IP address under PC Name, then select Add & Connect³. On Windows, Windows App connections to remote PCs are in preview³.

Check it worked

On the remote PC, the Enable Remote Desktop toggle shows On². By default, the Make my PC discoverable on private networks to enable automatic connection from a remote device checkbox is also checked².

When the connection completes, you can use the remote PC's apps, files and network resources as if you were sitting at it². In Windows App, the PC stays on the Devices tab. Select Connect on its card to connect again³.

Common problems

The PC can't host Remote Desktop. It probably runs Windows Home, which can't act as a host². Microsoft's support page links to its guide on upgrading Windows Home to Windows Pro¹.

You can't connect from outside your network. To reach the PC from another network, use port forwarding or set up a VPN².

Your account can't sign in. Make sure the account is in the list of allowed users. Also check that the remote PC's firewall allows Remote Desktop connections².

An older device can't connect. Network Level Authentication (NLA) makes users sign in before a session starts. Older clients that don't support NLA may need it turned off for a while. For the best security, keep NLA on whenever you can².

Questions

Can I use Remote Desktop to control a Windows 11 Home PC?

No. Windows Home editions can't act as Remote Desktop hosts, but they can connect to other PCs that support hosting². Microsoft points Home users to its page on upgrading Windows Home to Windows Pro¹.

Can I connect from a Mac, iPhone or Android phone?

Yes. On macOS or iOS, open Windows App from the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store and add the PC name. On Android, open the Remote Desktop app from Google Play and add the PC name¹.

How do I connect from outside my home network?

Use port forwarding or set up a VPN. Microsoft covers both in its page on allowing access to your PC from outside its network².

Should I keep Network Level Authentication on?

Yes, for most setups. With NLA on, users must sign in before a remote session starts. You might need to turn it off for a while only to connect from older clients that don't support it².

19 Aug 2026: Published.