How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Pro (Step-by-Step)
Share
Remote Desktop lets you control your Windows 11 PC from another device over the network, as if you were sitting in front of it. Windows 11 Pro can host these connections. Windows 11 Home cannot. This guide shows how to turn it on, connect safely and fix the most common errors.
The Short Answer
- Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Turn on Remote Desktop and confirm.
- From another device, open Remote Desktop Connection, enter your PC's name or IP address and sign in.
Home or Pro: Who Can Use It?
Every edition of Windows 11 can connect to another PC with Remote Desktop. Only Pro, Enterprise and Education can accept incoming connections. If the Remote Desktop switch is missing in Settings, check your edition under Settings > System > About. If you are on Home, you can upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro without reinstalling.
Step 1: Turn On Remote Desktop on the Host PC
- Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Switch Remote Desktop to On and select Confirm.
- Keep Require devices to use Network Level Authentication turned on. It adds a layer of protection before a session starts.
- Note your PC name shown on this page.
Your own account is allowed by default. To let other people connect, use Remote Desktop users on the same page and add their accounts. The accounts need a password.
Step 2: Stop the PC From Sleeping
A sleeping PC cannot accept connections. Open Settings > System > Power and set the screen and sleep timers while plugged in to a length that suits you, or to Never for a PC you always want reachable.
Step 3: Connect From Another Device
- On a Windows PC, press Windows key + R, type mstsc and press Enter.
- Enter the host PC's name or its IP address and select Connect.
- Sign in with the host PC's account.
On Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android, use Microsoft's Remote Desktop client, now provided in the Windows App, and add your PC the same way.
Good to Know
- One session at a time. Windows 11 Pro allows one interactive session. If you connect remotely, the person at the PC is signed out or locked out.
- No extra licenses. Connecting to a single Windows 11 Pro PC does not need Remote Desktop CALs. CALs are for Windows Server session hosts. See Remote Desktop CALs: User vs Device if you plan to host many users on a server.
- Same network or VPN. Away from home or the office, connect through a VPN rather than exposing the PC directly to the internet.
Keep It Secure
- Do not open port 3389 on your router to the internet. Use a VPN or a Remote Desktop Gateway instead.
- Use strong, unique passwords and keep Windows updated.
- Leave Network Level Authentication on.
- Turn Remote Desktop off when you do not need it.
Troubleshooting
The Remote Desktop switch is missing
You are probably on Windows 11 Home, which cannot host connections. Upgrade to Pro or use a different remote tool.
"Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer"
Check that the host is awake and on the same network or VPN, that the PC name or IP is correct and that Remote Desktop is on. Make sure the network profile is set to Private and that the firewall rule for Remote Desktop is enabled.
Sign-in fails
Confirm the account is allowed under Remote Desktop users, that it has a password and that you typed the username as PCNAME\username for a local account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows 11 Home use Remote Desktop?
Home can connect to other PCs, but it cannot accept connections.
Do I need to pay for Remote Desktop?
The feature is included in Windows 11 Pro. You only pay for the Pro edition itself.
Can two people use the PC at once?
No. Windows 11 Pro supports one interactive session at a time.
Need Windows 11 Pro? Browse our Windows 11 license keys, or get the Windows 11 Home to Pro Upgrade Key if you already run Home. Not sure which edition you need? Read Windows 11 Home vs Pro.
Menu names can vary slightly between Windows 11 versions. Check Microsoft's current instructions if your screen looks different.