Connect to a different computer or server (Remote Desktop) in Windows

In Windows, Remote Desktop allows you to access another computer from a different location, as if you were sitting in front of it.

Enable the Remote Desktop feature on the computer you wish to access (the host)

If you've already done this, skip to the next section.

1. On the host computer, in Windows 10 and 8.x, search for Allow remote access to your computer. In Windows 7, navigate to the Control Panel. Double-click System, and then click Remote settings.
   Note:

   For help navigating, see Getting around in Windows.
2. Select your options for allowing connections from other computers.
3. To choose which users will have remote access, click Select Users.... Typically, all administrators of the computer will have access by default. Each user must have a password before you can allow remote access.
4. Click OK.

Open a connection

1. In the Windows search field, enter mstsc; you may need to click mstsc.exe in the listed programs. The "Remote Desktop Connection" window will open.
2. To adjust connection settings such as screen size, login information, availability of local hard drives and printers, or keyboard and sound behavior, click Options.
3. In the "Computer:" field, type the entire name or IP address of your host computer (you can find it in your computer or system properties). Click Connect.
4. Log into the host computer if needed.
5. When you are finished, in the "Remote Desktop Connection" window, select Start, and then click Shut Down. From the resulting drop-down menu, select Log Off username (where username is your username on the host computer). Click OK.