How to set up a remote desktop on any device

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If you work remotely, do on-call support, or simply want to access your PC from anywhere as if you were sitting right in front of it , setting up a remote desktop becomes almost essential. These days, you can do it with built-in Windows tools, third-party solutions like Splashtop or TSplus, and even with the Chrome browser.

Throughout this guide you will learn step by step how to activate, secure and use a remote desktop on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Chromebook , what requirements you need, how to overcome typical network or firewall problems and what alternatives you have if the native Windows function falls short or is not available in your edition.

What is a remote desktop and what is it used for?

A remote desktop is a technology that allows you to control another computer remotely as if you were sitting in front of it : you see its screen, move the mouse, use the keyboard, open programs, copy files, etc. The connection is established through the local network or the Internet and is encrypted so that no one can "spy" on what you are doing.

In practice, a remote desktop allows you to access your files and applications without carrying your PC around , work remotely from home using your office computer, provide assistance to family members or clients, manage servers, or keep computers running in another location without having to travel.

The most common tools are the Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) function , third-party applications such as Splashtop or TSplus, and browser-based solutions such as Chrome Remote Desktop , which greatly expand the range of devices you can connect from.

Basic prerequisites before setting up a remote desktop

Before you start messing with settings, it's important to confirm that a series of minimum requirements are met on the PC you want to connect to and on the device you're going to access it from.

To use native Windows Remote Desktop (RDP), the first critical point is that the remote computer must be running a compatible edition of Windows . Generally, you need Windows 10 or 11 Pro or Enterprise ; Home editions do not support incoming RDP connections, although they can act as a client to connect to other PCs.

It's also essential that the computer you're connecting to is turned on, logged in, and connected to the network , or that you can turn on your PC remotely . Having RDP enabled is useless if the PC is off or on a network you can't access, whether via Wi-Fi, cable, or VPN.

Finally, the user configuring remote access must have administrator privileges on the target computer. Only then will they be able to enable the remote desktop feature, open the corresponding port in the firewall, and add other authorized users.

How to enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10 and Windows 11 from Settings

The most direct and user-friendly way to enable RDP in Windows 10 and 11 is through the System Settings app , where Microsoft has already grouped all the controls under the "Remote Desktop" section.

First, on the PC you want to connect to, open Start > Settings > System . In the left-hand menu or the middle column, depending on the exact version, you'll see a section called "Remote Desktop." Click on it to see the available options.

On that screen, you'll find the "Enable Remote Desktop" switch . Turn it on; Windows will display a window asking for confirmation, because doing so opens a port on the system accessible via the network. Accept by clicking "Confirm" to allow remote connections.

In that same window, you'll also see the computer name you'll need to use later from the RDP client . It's a good idea to write it down or copy it, although if you prefer, you can later use the remote computer's IP address directly , which is usually more reliable on networks with unstable DNS.

Below the main power switch, Windows offers an option to keep the PC active and discoverable on private networks . It's recommended to leave this enabled, as it prevents the computer from entering deep sleep mode and disappearing from the network, which would prevent remote connections.

Additional security settings: network-level authentication and allowed users

Once remote desktop is activated, it's advisable to strengthen security so that just anyone who finds your open port can't connect by automatically scanning IPs on the Internet.

From the same "Remote Desktop" screen in Settings, you have a link to "Advanced Settings ." Once there, you'll see the option "Require computers to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) ." Check this box so that the RDP server only starts the graphical session after the user has successfully authenticated.

The main advantage of NLA is that it blocks many automated login attempts , as it forces the client to send valid credentials before reserving system resources. If you're only going to connect from modern clients (Windows 10/11, official Microsoft apps, etc.), it's recommended to leave NLA always enabled.

On the main remote desktop screen, you'll also see a link like "Select users who can have remote access to this computer ." Clicking it opens the standard window where you can add specific users (in addition to administrators, who are already allowed by default).

From there, you can use the "Add" button to add additional accounts that can connect via RDP . This is very useful if you want to restrict access to a small group of people, or if you manage a family member's PC and prefer they use their own account instead of yours.

Enable Remote Desktop from the classic Windows Control Panel

If you're more of an "old school" user or work on computers with older versions of Windows Server, you might find it more convenient to enable RDP from the classic Control Panel , where the historical remote access settings are located.

To do this, open the Start menu, search for "Control Panel," and click on it. Once there, go to System and Security > System . In the left panel, you should find a link called "Remote access settings" or "Allow remote access to this computer." Click on it.

The system properties window will open, and you'll see the "Remote Access" tab. In the "Remote Desktop" section, select the "Allow remote connections to this computer" option . In modern versions, there's also a checkbox to require network level authentication, which you should also select.

Applying the changes enables the Remote Desktop service and adjusts basic permissions . From that same dialog box, you can click "Select users..." to add authorized accounts, just as you did from Settings.

Enable remote desktop using Command Prompt or PowerShell

In professional environments, it's sometimes useful to automate configuration with scripts or commands, especially when managing many computers simultaneously . On Windows, you can enable RDP by modifying the registry and firewall rules from the command line.

With Command Prompt running as administrator, simply use a command that changes the appropriate value in the registry . The key setting is fDenyTSConnections, which determines whether incoming RDP connections are blocked or allowed.

After that, it's important to add a rule to the Windows Firewall to enable connections to the "Remote Desktop" rule group . Otherwise, the service would be active, but the port would remain blocked.

If you prefer PowerShell, you can do the same with cmdlets like Set-ItemProperty to modify the registry and Enable-NetFirewallRule to activate the remote desktop rule group. This method is especially convenient for integrating into deployment or automation scripts.

Configure the Windows firewall to allow remote desktop connections

For a remote connection to work, simply enabling the service isn't enough: the firewall must allow traffic entering through the standard RDP port (TCP 3389) . Windows usually does this automatically when the feature is enabled, but it's helpful to know how to check.

In the system search bar, type "firewall" and open the "Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall" option . You can also access it from Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

In the list of applications, locate "Remote Desktop" and click the "Change settings" button if the boxes are locked. Select the "Private" network option and, if necessary, "Public" to allow RDP traffic on those profiles.

After saving the changes, the firewall rule will be configured to prevent incoming connections to the Remote Desktop service from being blocked . It's recommended to verify from another device that you can now connect using the IP address or computer name.

Remote desktop access from different devices (Windows, macOS, iOS and Android)

Once the remote PC is ready, the next step is to connect from your local device . On Windows, you have the classic "Remote Desktop Connection" app (mstsc), but Microsoft also offers modern clients for mobile devices and macOS.

On a Windows PC, simply open the Start menu, type "Remote Desktop Connection," and run the tool. In the window that appears, enter the computer name or its IP address, click "Connect," and enter the authorized user's credentials.

If you're connecting from macOS or iOS, Microsoft provides the Windows App / Microsoft Remote Desktop through the Mac App Store and the App Store. Once installed, simply add a new PC by specifying the hostname or IP address, username, and, if desired, some visual settings or redirected device options.

On Android, the process is very similar: install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from Google Play, tap the "+" to add a new PC, enter the connection details, and save the profile. Tapping on that profile will start the remote session, and you'll see the PC's desktop on your phone or tablet screen.

In the most recent versions of Windows there is also a "universal" remote desktop app downloadable from the Microsoft Store, designed to unify the experience between different devices and manage several saved connections in a more visual way than with the classic client.

Secure remote access from outside your network: router, VPN, and ports

Connecting remotely within the same local network is relatively simple, but if you want to access your PC from the Internet (for example, from home to the office computer) you need a little more work and, above all, common sense regarding security.

Microsoft recommends not exposing port 3389 to the internet indiscriminately, but rather using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) . A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the network where the remote PC is located, as if you were physically connected to that LAN.

To do this, you will need to subscribe to or deploy a reliable VPN service, follow the provider's instructions to configure the client on your computer or mobile device, or create your own VPN from Settings > Network & Internet > VPN by adding the necessary credentials.

The classic alternative is to configure port forwarding on your router to port 3389 of the remote PC, so that connections arriving at the router's public IP address are redirected internally to the specific computer. This is a functional solution, but much less secure if not combined with other layers of protection.

In any case, when opening a port to the outside world, it is advisable to use strong passwords, network-level authentication, and, if possible, multi-factor authentication to minimize the risk of unauthorized access by brute-force attacks or automated bots.

Using Chrome Remote Desktop on Windows, macOS, and Linux

If you prefer not to deal with ports and system configurations, or you need to control computers that don't have RDP, a very convenient alternative is Chrome Remote Desktop , which works through the browser and a small additional component.

To set it up, on the computer you want to control, open Chrome and visit remotedesktop.google.com/access . In the "Set up remote access" section, click Download to install the extension and the associated service.

During installation, the system may ask for your computer password or permission to modify security settings , especially on macOS and some Linux distributions. Once complete, you can define a name for the computer and a PIN that will be used for remote access.

You can also use Chrome Remote Desktop to temporarily share your session with someone else . In that case, go to remotedesktop.google.com/support, download the "Get support" component, and generate a one-time code to send to the technician or person who will help you.

The guest will log in to the same page, enter the code in the "Provide Support" section, and, after your confirmation, will have full control of your desktop until you click "Stop Sharing." The code expires after use, and you will be asked periodically to confirm that you want to continue sharing.

Configure Chrome Remote Desktop on Linux and customize the session

On Linux, Chrome Remote Desktop support is based on a specific 64-bit package that installs the necessary host components to create a virtual desktop session in the background.

After downloading and installing the Debian package from the official website, you'll still need to go to remotedesktop.google.com/access to enable remote connections with a name and PIN. From then on, the computer will appear in your list of available devices.

If you want to customize the graphical environment that launches when connecting (for example, forcing Cinnamon, KDE or similar), you can create a file called .chrome-remote-desktop-session in your home folder with an exec command that invokes the desired environment.

To find out which command to use, check the .desktop files in the /usr/share/xsessions/ directory and look for the line that begins with “Exec=”. That command, combined with Xsession, is the one you'll include in the script so that this specific session always starts when you use Chrome Remote Desktop.

It should be noted that some desktop environments do not allow two simultaneous sessions from the same user , so in those cases it is advisable to use a different environment for the local session and the remote session, or to log out of one before using the other.

Configure and use Splashtop for cross-platform remote access

In addition to Microsoft and Google tools, there is a whole range of commercial solutions focused on performance and ease of use. One of the most widespread is Splashtop, which offers fast and secure remote access from almost any current operating system.

The first step to getting started with Splashtop is to create a user account on their platform . This account will be the "command center" from which you will manage all your teams, mobile devices, and remote sessions.

Next, you'll need to download the Splashtop Business app on the devices you'll be using to control other computers: this could be a Windows or macOS PC, an Android phone, an iPhone, an iPad, or even a Chromebook. You'll log in to each device with your account.

On the computers you want to control remotely, you must install the component called Splashtop Streamer , which is also available for Windows, Mac, and some Linux distributions. The Streamer runs in the background and acts as a "bridge" between your device and the remote computer.

During the Streamer installation, you can adjust options such as whether it starts when the system boots, which users have access, security preferences, and image quality. It's common to leave it configured to start automatically and always be ready to receive connections.

Once both the Streamer and the Business app are set up, you'll see a list of computers linked to your account on the Splashtop main interface . Simply click or tap the one you want to control, and the remote session will begin, with high-quality streaming and very low latency.

Advantages of Splashtop over other remote desktop solutions

Splashtop has carved out a significant niche among other tools because it combines good performance, high security, and reasonable prices , making it a powerful option for businesses, educational institutions, and demanding individual users.

In terms of user experience, the connections offer very low latency even over long distances , with support for high-definition video and workflows that include video editing, graphic design, or software development without the session becoming an ordeal due to lag.

In terms of compatibility, Splashtop works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chromebook , allowing you to seamlessly mix traditional desktop computers with tablets and mobiles, while maintaining the same remote access tool for everyone.

In terms of security, the platform implements 256-bit AES encryption, TLS, multi-factor authentication, device verification, and session logging . These measures ensure compliance with auditing requirements and minimize the risk of unauthorized third-party access.

For IT support teams, Splashtop includes very practical features such as file transfer, remote printing, integrated chat, session recording, and unattended access , all from a management panel that makes it easy to manage dozens or hundreds of remote machines.

TSplus as an alternative to RDP for companies

Another option to keep on your radar if you manage many users is TSplus, a remote access solution geared towards business environments that seeks to simplify the publishing of applications and desktops without the complexity of traditional Microsoft Remote Desktop services.

TSplus allows you to centralize applications on a Windows server and offer remote access to internal or external users with advanced security options, web access portals, and administration tools that are easier to manage than a full RDS farm.

By combining TSplus with good security practices and robust password policies, many organizations are able to reduce licensing and maintenance costs compared to direct RDS deployments, while maintaining a comfortable user experience.

Key security aspects of any remote desktop solution

Regardless of the tool you choose, the critical point is always the same: don't leave any door open in your network or your equipment that an attacker could exploit. To achieve this, it's advisable to apply a series of general best practices.

The first step is to use strong, unique passwords for all accounts with remote access . Forget about simple or reused passwords across services; ideally, use a password manager and implement internal policies that require passwords to be changed regularly.

It's also highly recommended to enable two-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) whenever the solution supports it: Splashtop includes it by default, and many corporate VPNs do as well. This way, even if someone steals your password, they still won't be able to log in without the second factor.

Keeping the operating system and remote desktop software fully updated is another essential pillar. Updates fix vulnerabilities that, if left unpatched, can be exploited to take control of a computer or intercept data.

If you're working with Microsoft RDP, leaving Network Level Authentication (NLA) enabled whenever possible significantly reduces your attack surface. And if you need to support legacy clients that don't support it, it's best to enable it only temporarily and on highly controlled networks.

Finally, in more sensitive environments, it is advisable to monitor and record all remote sessions , so that you can audit who has entered, at what time and from what device, and thus detect anomalous or suspicious behavior.

Common problems and how to solve them

Even if you follow all the steps precisely, it's common to encounter typical issues when trying to establish a remote desktop connection . Luckily, most of them have a quick solution if you know where to look.

One of the most common problems is that "Remote Desktop isn't working," without further explanation. In this case, you need to check that the feature is actually enabled on the remote PC , that the firewall allows the corresponding port, and that the Remote Desktop service is running.

If you receive a "permission denied" message, the account you're trying to log in with is likely not part of the group of users with allowed remote access . Go back to your RDP settings and explicitly add that user to the remote desktop users list.

When you connect within the same network but the session fails to establish, it's advisable to verify that both devices are indeed on the same subnet and that there is no additional segmentation (such as VLANs or Wi-Fi policies isolating clients). For external connections, also check the router and port forwarding or VPN settings.

For more troublesome issues, you can use the Windows Event Viewer to check the "Application" and "System" logs for RDP-related errors. Keeping your network drivers up to date also helps, as outdated drivers can cause unexpected connectivity drops.

If you're using Chrome Remote Desktop and something isn't working correctly, check that your browser is up to date, that your antivirus isn't blocking UDP traffic or ports 443 and 3478 , and that both the host and client have full internet access. On corporate networks, the administrator may have restricted or blocked the tool.

Setting up and using a remote desktop might seem daunting at first, but once you understand the requirements, activation steps, and minimum security measures, it becomes an incredibly convenient work and support tool: from Windows-integrated RDP to solutions like Splashtop, TSplus, or Chrome Remote Desktop , you have options for almost any scenario, budget, and device type, always with the ability to fine-tune the security level according to the demands of your environment.