How do I connect to my home PC via Remote Desktop?

Have you ever been away from home and realized you need a file or program that's only on your home computer? That's where remote desktop access comes in handy. It allows you to connect to your home PC from virtually anywhere, making it feel like you're sitting right in front of it.

Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) is a tool developed by Microsoft that allows a user to connect to another computer over a network connection. This means you can control your home PC from another device, using its screen, keyboard, and mouse as if you were there in person. The following introduces a stepwise tutorial on how to remote desktop to home computer from work.

How to connect to my home computer using Remote Desktop

Now see how to set up remote access to my home computer using Remote Desktop. 

Part 1. Set up Remote Desktop on home computer in advance

Before you start connecting to your home computer from work using Remote Desktop, there are several things you need to complete on your home computer.

1. Enable Remote Desktop

Although RDP is widely used, it is not compatible with all Windows operating systems. For example, if acts as the server side to receive remote control, Windows Home/Standard Edition does not support Remote Desktop. Therefore, as long as your home computer is Windows Professional or higher, you can easily access your home computer from another device via RDP. So, the first thing you need to do is to check the Windows version of your home computer. 

Navigate: Settings > System > Remote Desktop, if your computer is not Windows Home/Standard Edition, you can turn on Enable Remote Desktop.

If your computer is Windows Home/Standard Edition, you'll see the warning - Your Home edition of Windows 11 doesn't support Remote Desktop. You can choose to upgrade your Windows edition or resort to a free Remote Desktop alternative.

2. Allow Remote Desktop through Windows Firewall

Step 1. Open Control Panel, and navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 2. On the left pane, select Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall.

Step 3. Locate and tick Remote Desktop, then click OK.

3. Look up the IP address and username

Step 1. Press Win + R, enter “cmd” and press OK.

Step 2. To get the IP address, enter the command "ipconfig" and note down the IPv4 Address.

Step 3. To get the username, enter the command “query user” and note down the username.

4. Forward port on your router (optional)

If you are connecting from outside your network, for example, accessing your work computer from home or vice versa, you need to port forward for RDP. If the two devices are on LAN, you can skip this section to Part 2.

Step 1. Open a web browser, type in your router address, and press Enter.

Step 2. Input the username and password, then click Login. (If you don’t know the login details, check your router’s user manual)

Step 3. When you logged in, click Port Forwarding/Port Triggering on the left pane, and click Add Custom Service.

Step 4. Then enter a name for the service, select "TCP/UDP" or "Both" under Service Type, type in the RDP port number (default 3389), and enter the IP address.

Step 5. Click Apply to save the settings and, if necessary, restart the router.

Part 2. Connect to home computer from local computer

Now you can see how to connnect to my home ocmputer using Remote Desktop.

Step 1. Search Remote Desktop Connection in the start menu and click Open.

Step 2. Enter the IP address and username of your home computer, then click Connect.

Step 3. Enter your credentials and click OK.

Free Remote Desktop alternative: Connecting to home computer easily

As you can see, Remote Desktop requires extensive initial setup before you can start a connection. For many users, it’s not the most user-friendly option for remote access. You might need a simpler alternative to Remote Desktop, and that's what we'll discuss.

AnyViewer stands out as one of the best free remote desktop software due to its comprehensive feature set, robust security measures, user-friendly interface, and versatile use cases. Whether you are an individual seeking to connect to your home computer or a business looking for a reliable remote support solution, AnyViewer offers the perfect blend of performance and convenience.

Compatibility. RDP only supports remote connection to higher Windows editions (Professional and Enterprise). While AnyViewer supports multiple Windows systems, including Windows Home, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise editions.

Less network restriction. RDP can’t be used when the two devices are on different networks unless you set up a port forwarding or use a VPN, while AnyViewer can be used directly without network restriction.

 Built-in chat. RDP doesn’t support built-in text chat, while AnyViewer supports it, which allows you can communicate with your partner conveniently. 

It requires downloading AnyViewer on both your home computer and remote computer, but it’s worth it!

Here is how AnyViewer works:

Step 1. Start up AnyViewer on home computer, and click Sign up for account registration. Complete the information needed.

Step 2. Start up AnyViewer on the local computer, log in to the same account, and your device will be automatically assigned to the account.

Step 3. Go to Device, select your home computer from the list, and click "One-click control" to start a remote session with that device.

Step 4. Now you have connected to your home computer with one click.

Tips:✎...You can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights:

Expanded device allocation within the same account for unattended access.

Increased allowance for concurrent connections simultaneously.

Access in privacy mode such as blacking out the remote PC screen and disabling remote keyboard and mouse clicks.

Accelerated file transfer speeds.

Additional screen walls for efficient management and monitoring of multiple devices.

Creation of enterprise device groups for streamlined management of extensive device portfolios.

Creation of custom roles for sub-accounts and modify permissions for each role.

Conclusion

How can I connect to my home computer using Remote Desktop from work or other places? In conclusion, connecting to your home PC via Remote Desktop is a convenient solution for accessing files and programs remotely. By following the outlined steps—ensuring your PC supports RDP, enabling it, configuring firewall settings, and optionally setting up port forwarding—you can securely connect to your home computer from school or elsewhere.

Alternatively, for a more user-friendly and versatile option, consider AnyViewer, which supports all Windows editions and requires minimal setup. Both methods provide effective remote access, allowing you to utilize your home PC as if you were physically present.