Windows Remote Desktop: How to Connect to Another Computer

Remote Desktop lets you connect to and control another Windows PC over the network or internet — useful for working from home or accessing an office computer remotely. Requirements: - The computer you want to connect TO must be running Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Server (not Windows Home — it can't receive connections) - The computer must be turned on and connected to the internet or network - You must have the computer's IP address or hostname - Remote Desktop must be enabled on that computer Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the host computer On the computer you want to connect to: 1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop 2. Toggle "Enable Remote Desktop" to On 3. Note the computer name shown on this page — you'll need it to connect Step 2: Find the computer's IP address On the host computer, open Command Prompt and type: ipconfig Look for the IPv4 Address under your network adapter. Step 3: Connect from your computer On the computer you're connecting from: 1. Press Win + R, type mstsc and press Enter (opens Remote Desktop Connection) 2. Enter the computer name or IP address 3. Click Connect 4. Enter the username and password for the host computer 5. Click OK — you should see the remote desktop Troubleshooting connection failures: - Make sure the host computer is on and not asleep (check power settings) - Check that Windows Firewall allows Remote Desktop: look for "Remote Desktop" in allowed apps - If connecting over the internet (not same network), you'll need a VPN or port forwarding — contact us to set this up securely Security note: Never expose Remote Desktop directly to the internet without a VPN. We can set up a secure VPN connection that allows you to remote in safely.