First, you or someone else must physically sign into the PC you want to remotely access. Enable Remote Desktop on this computer by going to Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Turn on the switch next to Remote Desktop. Click Confirm to enable the setting.
Configuration on Windows 10
In Windows 10, the options to keep your PC awake for connections when plugged in and make your PC discoverable on private networks should both be enabled. Leave both options enabled; instead, click the Advanced Settings link. Check the box next to Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) to connect. NLA adds tighter security for remote connections over the same network as users must be authenticated before gaining access to the remote PC.
By default, any user with an admin account on the remote PC can access it. Assuming you’re using a Microsoft Account or a user account for your company to sign into Windows, and your account has administrative rights, your best bet is to simply use that account to sign in remotely. If you want to grant remote access to a different account, return to the Remote Desktop settings screen and click Select users that can remotely access this PC. Choose Add and enter the username for that account. Make note of the name of this computer, as you’ll need it to log in remotely. If you wish to change the computer name, follow these steps.
Configuration on Windows 11
Windows 11 dispenses with the advanced settings and simply displays the PC name and the option for adding another account that can access the PC. Click the Select who can remotely access this PC setting if you need to grant a different account remote access capabilities.
Connect to a Remote PC from Windows
Now let’s say you want to connect to this remote PC from your current computer at home. To launch the Remote Desktop Connection tool in Windows 10, click the Start button, scroll down to the Windows Accessories folder, and click the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut.
In Windows 11, click the Start button, then select the All Apps button. Scroll down and select Windows Tools. From this window, click the Remote Desktop Connection shortcut.
At the RDC window, type the name or IP address of the remote PC you wish to connect to and click Connect. Follow any prompts that appear, such as entering your credentials, and you will be connected to your remote PC.
