How to Enable Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 11

Remote Desktop is a feature that allows you to remotely access and control a computer from another device over a network. This is incredibly useful for IT support, remote working, or managing devices without being physically present. In Windows 11, enabling Remote Desktop connection is straightforward but requires a few steps. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before you begin enabling Remote Desktop, ensure your Windows 11 edition supports this feature. Remote Desktop is only available in the Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you're using Windows 11 Home, you will need to upgrade to a higher edition to use Remote Desktop.

To check your Windows 11 edition:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type winver and press Enter.
  3. The "About Windows" window will show your current Windows edition.

Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop from Settings

Now that you’ve confirmed that your system supports Remote Desktop, you can proceed to enable it.

  1. Open Settings:

    • Click on the Start Menu and select Settings, or press Windows + I.

  2. Navigate to System Settings:

    • In the Settings window, select System from the left sidebar.

  3. Find Remote Desktop:

    • Scroll down and click on Remote Desktop in the right-hand panel.

  4. Enable Remote Desktop:

    • Toggle the switch under Remote Desktop to On.
    • You will be prompted with a confirmation message. Click on Confirm to enable Remote Desktop.

  5. Choose Network Level Authentication (NLA):

    • For added security, ensure that Network Level Authentication (NLA) is enabled. This requires the user to authenticate before a remote session starts.

Step 3: Adjust Firewall Settings

If the firewall is blocking Remote Desktop connections, you need to allow it manually.

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall:

    • Press the Windows key and search for “Windows Defender Firewall.”
    • Open the app from the search results.

  2. Allow Remote Desktop:

    • In the left pane, click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Look for Remote Desktop in the list of allowed apps. Ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are selected next to it.
    • If Remote Desktop is not listed, click on Change settings, then Allow another app, and browse for the Remote Desktop app to add it.

Step 4: Note Your PC’s IP Address

In order to connect remotely to your Windows 11 computer, you need to know its IP address. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Open Command Prompt:

    • Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

  2. Run the IPConfig command:

    • In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
    • Look for the IPv4 Address under your network connection. This is the address you'll use to connect to this PC remotely.

Step 5: Configure Remote Desktop on Your Client Device

Now that Remote Desktop is enabled on your Windows 11 PC, you can connect from another device, whether it’s another Windows computer, macOS, or even a mobile device. Here's how to connect from another Windows PC:

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection:

    • Press Windows + R, type mstsc, and press Enter. This will open the Remote Desktop Connection window.

  2. Enter the IP Address:

    • In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the IP address of the PC you want to connect to (the one you found in Step 4).

  3. Click Connect:

    • Press Connect, and you’ll be prompted to enter the username and password of the remote computer.
    • After authenticating, you will be connected to your Windows 11 PC remotely.

Step 6: Configure User Permissions (Optional)

You may want to specify which users are allowed to connect via Remote Desktop. To do this:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Settings:

    • Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

  2. Click on “Select users that can remotely access this PC”:

    • A list of allowed users will appear. You can add new users by clicking on Add and typing their usernames.
    • By default, administrators can always access the system remotely.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Remote Desktop

If you’re having trouble connecting to your Windows 11 PC remotely, here are some tips:

  • Check Your Network Connection: Ensure both devices (the one you're connecting from and the one you're connecting to) are on the same network or connected to the internet via VPN if necessary.
  • Disable Sleep Mode: Make sure your PC doesn’t go into sleep mode while trying to connect. Disable sleep mode via Settings > System > Power & battery.
  • Ensure Proper Credentials: Double-check the username and password for the remote connection.

Conclusion

Enabling Remote Desktop on Windows 11 is a simple process that can improve your productivity by allowing you to access your machine remotely from anywhere. Whether you’re troubleshooting, providing support, or working from home, Remote Desktop is a valuable tool for modern computing. By following the steps above, you’ll have Remote Desktop up and running in no time. Just remember that it’s essential to secure your system with a strong password and enable Network Level Authentication for added security.

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