You can use remote desktop to conveniently access your computer from another device. Your remote desktop connection will allow you to use your PC just as if you were logged into it directly to access files and apps, transfer documents, send messages, and more.
There are several ways to establish a remote desktop connection. You can use Windows 11 Remote Desktop Protocol (only available on Windows 11 Pro), or Google Chrome remote desktop. Below are instructions on how to enable remote desktop and how to use remote desktop for both Microsoft Remote Desktop and Google Remote Desktop.
You will need to setup the computer you want to access remotely first, then you will need to switch to the device you want to access it from to establish a secure connection.
How to Enable Microsoft Remote Desktop in Windows 11
- Click on Start ⊞ and select Settings ⚙, or use Windows + I to quickly open Settings.
- Click on System and select Remote Desktop.
- Turn on the Remote Desktop toggle switch and click on Confirm.
How to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop in Windows 11
- Click on Start ⊞ and select Settings ⚙, or use Windows + I to quickly open Settings.
- Click on System and select Remote Desktop.
- Tap the + icon in the top right hand corner and select Add PC.
- Type in details for PC name and User Account and select your preference.
- Click on Save in the top right hand corner.
- To start a remote desktop session, just click on a card with your PC name.
How to Enable Remote Desktop in Google Chrome
- Open your Google Chrome web browser.
- Type remotedesktop.google.com/access into the address bar and press Enter.
- Under Set up Remote Access, click on Download.
- Follow the onscreen directions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.
How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop
You will need to setup the computer you want to access remotely first, then you will need to switch to the device you want to access it from to establish a secure connection.
- Open your Google Chrome web browser.
- Type remotedesktop.google.com/access into the address bar and press Enter.
- Select Turn on.
- Enter a name for your computer, then click on Next.
- Create a six digit PIN, then confirm your PIN and click on Start. You will now be able to access this PC from another device.
Once you have configured your computer to allow Remote Desktop connections, you can access it from another device using the instructions below.
- Open your Google Chrome web browser.
- Type remotedesktop.google.com/access into the address bar and press Enter.
- Select the computer name you want to access.
- Enter your PIN and press Enter to establish a secure connection.
