How to set up a remote desktop connection

What is a remote desktop connection?

A remote desktop connection lets you access another computer from a distance, as if you were sitting right in front of it. This is especially useful when you work from home and need access to your work computer at the office. In this article we explain how to set up and use a remote desktop connection.

When do you use remote desktop?

Remote desktop is useful in several situations when working from home.

Access to your office computer

Sometimes your office computer has programs or files that you do not have at home. With remote desktop you can control that computer from home. You see the desktop of the office computer on your screen at home and can work with it as if you were sitting in front of it.

Working with specialized software

Some business software only runs on dedicated servers or workstations. Through remote desktop you can use this software without having it installed on your own laptop. This is also handy for software with expensive licenses that cannot be installed on every computer.

IT support

IT staff often use remote desktop to help colleagues with computer problems. They can watch along and even take over to fix problems, without having to be there in person.

Setting up Windows Remote Desktop

Windows has a built-in remote desktop feature. Here is how to set it up and use it.

Enabling remote desktop on the target computer

The computer you want to access must allow remote desktop. Here is how to enable it:

1. Open Settings on the target computer
2. Go to System and then Remote Desktop
3. Set the toggle to On
4. Write down the name of the PC, you will need it later

Note: this feature is only available in Windows Pro and Enterprise, not in Windows Home.

Connecting from your home computer

Now you can connect from your home computer:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Remote Desktop Connection
2. Enter the computer name or IP address
3. Click Connect
4. Enter your username and password when prompted
5. The desktop of the remote computer appears

Adjusting connection settings

Before you connect, you can adjust the settings by clicking Show Options:

• Display: Choose the resolution and colors
• Local Resources: Share printers or the clipboard with the remote computer
• Experience: Adjust the connection speed for better performance

Remote desktop over VPN

In most cases you first need to set up a VPN connection before you can use remote desktop to reach an office computer.

Why a VPN is necessary

Office computers are usually not directly reachable over the internet. They sit behind a firewall that blocks unwanted connections. A VPN places you virtually on the office network, so you can reach the office computers.

Steps for remote desktop over VPN

1. First connect to the company VPN
2. Then open Remote Desktop Connection
3. Enter the internal computer name or IP address
4. Connect with your company login credentials

Alternative remote desktop tools

Besides the built-in Windows feature, there are other tools for remote desktop.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a popular tool that works without a VPN. You install the program on both computers and connect using an ID and password. TeamViewer has a free version for personal use and paid versions for business use.

AnyDesk

AnyDesk is similar to TeamViewer and is known for its fast performance, even over slower internet connections. It is lightweight and easy to install.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Google offers a free remote desktop solution through the Chrome browser. Install the extension on both computers and you can connect using your Google account. This also works between different operating systems.

Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac

If you use a Mac but need access to a Windows computer, you can use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store. It works the same way as the Windows version.

Optimizing performance

Remote desktop can sometimes feel slow, especially over slower connections. Here are tips to improve performance.

Lower the display quality

A lower resolution and color depth means less data has to be sent. In the connection options you can choose a lower resolution or 16-bit color instead of 32-bit.

Turn off visual effects

Animations, background images and other visual effects use bandwidth. Turn them off in the experience settings of your remote desktop client for a faster connection.

Use a wired connection

Wi-Fi can be unstable. If you use remote desktop often, consider connecting your computer with an Ethernet cable. This gives you a more stable connection with less lag.

Close unnecessary programs

On both your local and remote computer, running programs can use bandwidth and processing power. Close what you do not need for a smoother experience.

Remote desktop security

Remote desktop gives access to an entire computer, so security is crucial.

Strong passwords

Use a strong, unique password for the account you log in with over remote desktop. Consider two-factor authentication if it is available.

Limit access

Only give remote desktop access to users who need it. In Windows you can specify exactly which user accounts are allowed to connect.

Not directly on the internet

Never expose remote desktop directly to the internet. Always use a VPN or a secure gateway to reach your computer. Direct access is a major security risk.

Keep software up to date

Make sure both your local and remote computer are up to date with the latest security updates. This also applies to any third-party remote desktop software.

Troubleshooting

Remote desktop connections can sometimes be tricky. Here are solutions to common problems.

Cannot connect

If the connection fails:

• Check that the target computer is on and remote desktop is enabled
• Check that your VPN is active (if needed)
• Check the firewall settings on both computers
• Try the IP address instead of the computer name

Connection is very slow

With slow connections:

• Lower the display resolution and color depth
• Turn off visual effects
• Check your internet speed with a speed test
• Try a wired connection

Image is blurry or distorted

If the image is not sharp:

• Increase the color depth in the connection settings
• Set the resolution to your screen's native resolution
• Check that the scaling settings on both computers are correct

Conclusion

Remote desktop is a powerful tool for working from home that gives you access to computers and systems as if you were physically there. Whether you use the built-in Windows feature or third-party software, the principle is the same: you control a computer remotely over a secure connection. With the right security and performance settings, you can work productively wherever you are.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a VPN for remote desktop to my office computer?

In most cases, yes. Office computers sit behind a firewall and are not directly reachable over the internet. A VPN places you virtually on the office network, after which you can reach the internal computers. Without a VPN, your office computer would have to be reachable directly over the internet, which is a major security risk.

Can I use remote desktop with Windows Home?

The built-in Windows Remote Desktop feature is only available in Windows Pro and Enterprise. If you have Windows Home, you can still use third-party tools such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop. These work regardless of your Windows edition.

Why is my remote desktop connection so slow?

Remote desktop sends your screen image over the internet, which uses bandwidth. Improve the speed by lowering the display resolution and color depth, turning off visual effects and using a wired internet connection. Also close unnecessary programs on both computers.

Is remote desktop safe to use?

Remote desktop can be safe as long as it is configured correctly. Always use strong passwords, connect through a VPN instead of directly over the internet, and keep all software up to date. Limit access to only the users who really need it and turn on two-factor authentication where possible.