The term Remote Desktop refers to a computer that connects remotely to another, shares control of its mouse and keyboard, and views its display. Remote Desktop is commonly accessed through port 3389.

You can create a remote desktop connection with an operating system utility, such as the Remote Desktop included with Windows Professional versions.

Or, you can use a third-party remote desktop application or service, such as TeamViewer or VNC.

How do I open a Windows Remote Desktop Connection?

To open Remote Desktop in Windows Professional, follow these steps.

The Remote Desktop included with Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium cannot act as a host. It may still be used to remotely access another computer, but those machines cannot connect to the local computer. Hosting from one of these versions of Windows requires a third-party program, like those mentioned above.

  • Click Start.
  • Type remote desktop, and click Remote Desktop connection in the search results or press Enter.

or

  • In the Start menu, click Windows Accessories, then click Remote Desktop Connection.

  • Click Start.

  • Type mstsc and press Enter.

In the Remote Desktop Connection window, type the computer address you want to remotely connect to and the user name you want to use. For advanced options, like those shown below, click Show Options at the bottom of the window.

Desktop, Network terms, Protocol, RDP, Remote

To remotely connect to a work or school computer, your network administrator must have set up Remote Desktop connection, and you need the correct computer address and user name.

  • How to access a home computer from work or school.
  • Network and network card help and support.