How to Enable RDP on Windows 10 and 11

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Posted by by Blenda December 10, 2024 5 Min Read

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a built-in feature in Windows that allows users to connect to and control a computer remotely. Whether you’re working from home, troubleshooting a system, or accessing files on another device, enabling RDP is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Things to Know Before You Start

  1. Windows Edition:
    RDP is only available in the Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 10 and 11. If you are using the Home edition, you’ll need to upgrade or use third-party remote desktop software.
  2. User Permissions:
    You must have administrator rights to enable RDP.
  3. Firewall Settings:
    Ensure that your firewall allows Remote Desktop connections.
  4. Network Connection:
    Make sure the computer you’re accessing is connected to the internet or the same local network as the client device.

Steps to Enable RDP on Windows 10

  1. Open System Settings:
    • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
    • Go to System > Remote Desktop.
  2. Enable Remote Desktop:
    • Toggle the switch to On under the “Enable Remote Desktop” option.
    • A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Confirm to proceed.
  3. Allow Users to Connect:
    By default, only users with administrative rights can connect via RDP. To allow other users:

    • Click on Select users that can remotely access this PC under the Remote Desktop section.
    • Click Add, enter the username, and click OK.
  • Adjust Firewall Settings:
    Windows automatically configures the firewall to allow RDP when you enable it. To verify:

    • Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
    • Ensure that Remote Desktop is checked for both private and public networks.
  • Check Network Level Authentication (NLA):
    NLA improves security by requiring users to authenticate before connecting. To enable NLA:
    • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
    • Go to the Remote tab.
    • Check the box for Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.

Steps to Enable RDP on Windows 11

  1. Open Settings:
    • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
    • Navigate to System > Remote Desktop.
  • Turn On Remote Desktop:
    • Toggle the switch to On next to “Remote Desktop.”
    • Confirm by clicking Enable Remote Desktop in the dialog box that appears.
  • Manage User Access:
    • Click on Remote Desktop users.
    • Add the users who are allowed to connect to the PC remotely.
  • Firewall Configuration:
    Similar to Windows 10, Windows 11 automatically adjusts firewall settings when you enable RDP. Check the configuration if necessary:
    • Open the Windows Defender Firewall from the Control Panel.
    • Confirm that Remote Desktop is allowed for private and public networks.
  • Network Level Authentication:
    NLA is enabled by default in Windows 11. To double-check:

    • Open the Control Panel.
    • Go to System and Security > System.
    • Click Remote settings on the left.
    • Ensure that Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication is checked.

Connecting to the Enabled Computer

Once RDP is enabled, follow these steps to connect to the computer:

  1. Find the Computer’s IP Address:
    • Open a Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
    • Type ipconfig and press Enter.
    • Look for the IPv4 address under your active network adapter.
  2. Use Remote Desktop Client:
    • On the client device (the one you’re using to connect), open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
    • Enter the IP address or hostname of the remote computer.
    • Log in using the username and password of an account on the host computer.
  2. Optional – Mobile Access:
    Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to connect to your PC from a mobile device.

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Cannot Connect:
    • Verify that the host computer is powered on and connected to the internet.
    • Check firewall and network settings to ensure RDP traffic is allowed.
  • Incorrect Credentials:
    • Double-check the username and password.
    • Ensure that the user account is authorized for remote access.
  • Firewall Issues:
    • Manually add an inbound rule for port 3389 (default RDP port) in the firewall settings.
  • No RDP Option in Settings:
    • Ensure you’re using Windows Professional, Enterprise, or Education editions.