How do I use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Android?

Microsoft Remote Desktop, also known as RDP, was developed by Microsoft and requires client software on a local device and server software on a remote device to achieve remote connections. Microsoft Remote Desktop also provides an Android version, allowing users to remotely access their computers from Android phones.

How to use Android Microsoft Remote Desktop

Initiating the utilization of Android Microsoft Remote Desktop for remote computer control involves a two-step process. Initially, establish Microsoft Remote Desktop on your computer, ensuring the necessary permissions are in place for remote control. Subsequently, configure Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Android device. Learn how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop on Android with the following comprehensive tutorial.

By the way, Microsoft Remote Desktop is also available for iOS, called RD Client. Microsoft Remote Desktop iOS version allows you to remotely control your computer from an iPhone or iPad.

Part 1. Prepare Windows Remote Desktop on your PC

There are a few things you'll need to do:

• Enable Windows Remote Desktop

Step 1. Press Windows +  S to open the Search box.  Search “remote desktop settings” in the search box, and double-click it to open Remote Desktop Settings.

Step 2. Toggle the button to the On position to enable Remote Desktop on Windows.

• Allow remote connections

Step 1. Enable Windows Remote Desktop on your PC. Press Win+ R, enter "sysdm.cpl" into the prompt, and press Enter.

Step 2. Select the Remote tab and check the box next to “Allow remote connections to this computer”. Then press the OK button.

• Get computer IP address & name

Step 1. To open Command Prompt, press Win + R, then type "cmd" and press Enter. Next, type “ipconfig” and press Enter to get the IP address. Now, a list of IP addresses should appear. IPv4 address is the one you’ll need later.

Step 2. Then type “query user” to find the PC name.

Part 2. Remotely control the PC from an Android device

Step 1. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Android app store. First, install it, and then run it. Tap the “+” icon to select desktop, and then wait for the app to search your local network for connected PCs. You must manually add the one you want to connect to if it does not appear automatically.

Step 2. A security dialog will appear when you first connect to a remote server. Make sure to check the Never ask for connections to this PC checkbox before tapping Connect. Enter your Windows login information to access the remote PC.

Step 3. There you go. You’re now connected remotely to the Windows laptop you wanted.

Bonus tip: Pros and cons of Android Microsoft Remote Desktop

Let’s see the pros and cons of Android Microsoft Remote Desktop.

✔ Pros:

• It is completely free.
• It is built into server computers and doesn’t need to be downloaded.
• Its client software (installed on the device used to connect) is available for multiple operating systems other than Android, for example, iOS, Linux, and macOS.

✖ Cons:

• It can only be used when the two devices are on LAN or WiFi. Additional port forwarding configuration is required when connecting from outside.
• It requires a complex configuration on the computer side.
• It’s only included in Pro, Business, or Ultimate versions of Windows. Controlling computers running Windows  Home and Standard editions is not allowed.
• It locks the remote screen, preventing the user from seeing or controlling activities.
• It doesn’t support running multiple sessions simultaneously.

AnyViewer: An easier way to remotely control a PC from Android 

For a more user-friendly approach to remotely controlling your computer from an Android device, AnyViewer stands out as the premier alternative to Microsoft Remote Desktop. This application serves as a seamless free remote control solution, bridging Windows and Android platforms. With AnyViewer, users gain the ability to manage their PCs remotely using their Android devices effortlessly, offering a convenient and accessible solution at any given moment.

Why choose AnyViewer instead of Microsoft Remote Desktop?

These are the reasons why you should choose AnyViewer instead of Microsoft Remote Desktop for Android remote control PC:

• It can be used whether the two devices are on LAN or across the internet.
• It has an intuitive interface and a simple configuration process on the computer side.
• It supports control of computers running multiple Windows editions, including Home and Standard editions.
• It supports control of Android phones from the computer side as well.

How to use AnyViewer with ease

With an AnyViewer account, you can remotely access a computer from your Android phone without permission. Let's see how.

Note: AnyViewer also has an iOS version, so you can remotely access a PC from iPhone or iPad.

Part 1. Set up AnyViewer on the PC you want to control

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your computer.

Step 2. Go to Log in, and then Register now. (You can log in directly if you have already signed up on its official website)

Step 3. Complete the sign-up form.

Step 4. You have successfully logged into AnyViewer now. Your device will be automatically assigned to the account to which you have logged in.

Part 2. Start control on your Android phone

Step 1. Install AnyViewer for Android on your Android device.

Step 2. Log in to the account you created above.

Step 3. The My devices list will show the devices that have been logged into the same account.

Step 4. Tap your target PC and then One-click control to connect to it quickly.

Step 5. The Android device can then take full control of the remote PC. Android can even run Windows applications.

★Tips:

For enhanced capabilities in Android remote control, consider upgrading to a professional or enterprise plan. This allows you to assign more devices to your account, expanding your remote control capabilities and enjoying higher image quality.

 

The bottom line

This post primarily provides a full tutorial on how to use Android Microsoft Remote Desktop. Meanwhile, we recommend a Microsoft Remote Desktop Android alternative AnyViewer. With it, you can easily control your computer on your Android from anywhere you want. Besides, it is perfectly compatible with multiple versions of Windows.