- Windows 10 Remote Access Setup
- Remote Access Windows 8.1 Download
- Windows 7 Remote Desktop Access
- Remote Access Windows 10
Applies To: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2016
Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2. You can use Remote Desktop to connect to and control your PC from a remote device by using a Microsoft Remote Desktop client (available for Windows, iOS, macOS and Android). When you allow remote connections to your PC, you can use another device to connect to your PC and have access to. This article describes the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 8.1 client update that lets you use the new Remote Desktop Services features. These features were introduced in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, and they are now available for computers that are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1).
You can use this topic for a brief overview of DirectAccess, including the server and client operating systems that support DirectAccess, and for links to additional DirectAccess documentation for Windows Server 2016.
Note
In addition to this topic, the following DirectAccess documentation is available.
DirectAccess allows connectivity for remote users to organization network resources without the need for traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. With DirectAccess connections, remote client computers are always connected to your organization - there is no need for remote users to start and stop connections, as is required with VPN connections. In addition, your IT administrators can manage DirectAccess client computers whenever they are running and Internet connected.
Windows 10 Remote Access Setup
Important
Remote Access Windows 8.1 Download
Do not attempt to deploy Remote Access on a virtual machine (VM) in Microsoft Azure. Using Remote Access in Microsoft Azure is not supported. You cannot use Remote Access in an Azure VM to deploy VPN, DirectAccess, or any other Remote Access feature in Windows Server 2016 or earlier versions of Windows Server. For more information, see Microsoft server software support for Microsoft Azure virtual machines.
DirectAccess provides support only for domain-joined clients that include operating system support for DirectAccess.
The following server operating systems support DirectAccess.
You can deploy all versions of Windows Server 2016 as a DirectAccess client or a DirectAccess server.
You can deploy all versions of Windows Server 2012 R2 as a DirectAccess client or a DirectAccess server.
You can deploy all versions of Windows Server 2012 as a DirectAccess client or a DirectAccess server.
You can deploy all versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 as a DirectAccess client or a DirectAccess server.
The following client operating systems support DirectAccess.
Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB)
Windows 8 and 8.1 Enterprise
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 Enterprise
Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2
You can control a remote PC by using a Microsoft Remote Desktop client. The client can run on almost any device, including on your mobile smartphone. The client gives you the same powers you would have if you could reach the PC's keyboard. Through the client, you can:
- Operate the apps that are installed on the PC.
- Access the files and network resources of the PC.
- Leave the apps open when you end the client.
Before you start, see the supported configuration article. The article discusses the PC configurations that the Remote Desktop clients can connect to. Also see the client FAQ article.
Windows 7 Remote Desktop Access
The following client apps are available:
| Client | Get the app | Documentation | Latest version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Desktop | Windows Desktop client | Get started, What's new | 1.2.1844 |
| Microsoft Store | Windows 10 client in the Microsoft Store | Get started, What's new | 1.2.1810 |
| Android | Android client in Google Play | Get started, What's new | 10.0.10 |
| iOS | iOS client in the App Store | Get started, What's new | 10.2.5 |
| macOS | macOS client in the App Store | Get started, What's new | 10.6.1 |
Configuring the remote PC
Remote Access Windows 10
To configure your remote PC before accessing it remotely, see Allow access to your PC.
Remote Desktop client URI scheme
You can integrate features of Remote Desktop clients across platforms by enabling a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) scheme. Learn about the supported URI attributes that you can use with the iOS, Mac, and Android clients.