How to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection for Mac

Can you use Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection on Mac?

You can indeed use Microsoft Remote Desktop on a Mac. Microsoft provides a specific Remote Desktop app for macOS, enabling you to connect to a Windows PC remotely. The app is available for free on the Mac App Store. After downloading and installing it, you can set it up to control and access a Windows computer, offering a smooth remote desktop experience.

Advantages of Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection on Mac

Microsoft Remote Desktop provides several valuable advantages for Mac users.With this tool, you can easily access your Windows applications and files from virtually anywhere, making it ideal for remote work.

• Enhanced Productivity: Microsoft Remote Desktop ensures you have the full Windows experience on your Mac, allowing you to work without interruptions.
• Smooth Integration: Connecting to your PC or virtual machine is simple, giving you quick access to all your files.
• Freedom and Flexibility: With remote access to your Windows desktop, you're not tied to one location and can work from anywhere.
• Robust Security: Microsoft Remote Desktop uses Network Level Authentication (NLA) and encryption to protect your sensitive data, ensuring your information stays secure.

How to set up Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection for Mac

The Microsoft Remote Desktop app has provided countless users with the reassurance that they can stay productive from any location. If you're ready to start using this valuable tool, you'll need to follow a few straightforward steps to set up the connection between your Windows PC and Mac. Below, we'll walk you through each step in detail.

Step 1. Enable Remote Desktop on your Windows PC

Before installing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac, you need to make sure that Remote Desktop is enabled on your Windows PC. Here's how to do it:

• Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
• Toggle the switch to enable remote connections.

★Important:

Remote Desktop is only compatible with Windows Professional editions. If you're using the Home edition, you'll need to upgrade to Pro before you can use the service.

Additionally, make a note of your PC's name and IP address, as you'll need these details later. Press Win + R on the host computer to open the Run dialog box. Enter "cmd" and click OK to open Command Prompt:

• Type "ipconfig" and note down the IPv4 Address

• Type "query user" and your PC name will be displayed.

Finally, disable sleep mode to ensure your PC stays awake while you're connected. To do this, go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep and select Never from the Sleep drop-down menu.

Step 2. Download the Microsoft Remote DesktopConnectionapp for Mac

Next, download the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app from the Mac App Store.

• Open the Mac App Store.
• Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop and click Get to start the download.

The app is free, and the download process should only take a few seconds.

Step 3. Launch the app on Mac

After installing the app, open Finder and search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop." Click on the app in the search results to launch it.

Step 4. Add your PC to the app

To connect to your Windows PC, follow these steps in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac:

• Press the "+" button. Select "Desktop" to initiate a new connection.

• A pop-up window will appear where you'll need to enter your PC's name or its IP address.

Tip: If you want to avoid entering your username and password each time, change the “User Account” setting from Ask when required to Add User Account. Enter your details and click Continue to save the settings. After that, click Add to finish adding your PC.

Step 5. Establish the connection

Select the connection you’ve added to initiate the remote desktop session. A prompt will appear asking for the computer's credentials, which should have been provided by your professor or system administrator. Enter the required details and click "Continue."

You should now have established a remote desktop.

To disconnect, simply close the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app on your Mac.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection on Mac

If you're having trouble connecting to your Windows PC using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac, there are a few common solutions to try. Here are the key troubleshooting steps:

• Check Your Internet Connection: Both your Mac and Windows PC must be connected to the internet for remote access. Make sure your internet connection is both stable and fast enough to handle remote desktop tasks effectively.
• Verify Remote Desktop is Enabled on Your PC: One of the most crucial steps is making sure that remote desktop is enabled on your PC. Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Remote Desktop" and turn on the switch to allow remote connections.
• Ensure You're Using the Latest Version of the App: Outdated versions of the Microsoft Remote Desktop app may cause connection issues. Visit the "Mac App Store" and search for any updates for the app.
• Double-Check Your User Credentials: Ensure that you're using the correct username and password to connect to your PC. Incorrect login details could prevent the connection from being established.
• Review Firewall Settings: In some cases, firewalls on either your Mac or PC may be blocking the remote connection. Check the firewall settings on both devices to ensure they aren't restricting the connection.

Bonus tip: AnyViewer as the best Microsoft Remote Desktop alternative for Mac

While Microsoft Remote Desktop offers a reliable solution for accessing Windows PCs from a Mac, other options can provide additional flexibility, ease of use, and enhanced performance. One such alternative is AnyViewer, a powerful remote desktop software that serves as an excellent choice for Mac users looking for a seamless connection to both Windows and Mac systems. Here's why AnyViewer might be a better fit for your remote desktop needs:

• Cross-Platform Support: Unlike Microsoft Remote Desktop, which is mainly designed for Mac-to-Windows connections, AnyViewer allows you to connect not only to Windows PCs but also to Macs, Android, and iOS devices. This versatility makes it ideal for users who need to manage a wide range of devices across different platforms.
• User-Friendly Interface: AnyViewer features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it perfect for users who aren't as tech-savvy. Setting up remote connections is simple, with just a few clicks required to get started.
• High-Performance Experience: With AnyViewer, you can enjoy smoother, lag-free remote connections, even when working with large files or graphics-heavy applications. The software is optimized for high-performance remote access, ensuring that your work isn't interrupted by connection drops or slow speeds.
• Robust Security Features: AnyViewer provides strong encryption protocols and security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), ensuring that your remote sessions are protected from unauthorized access. This added layer of security is crucial for sensitive work environments.
• Free Version Available: For those who don't want to invest in a paid solution, AnyViewer offers a robust free version, which is the perfect remote desktop software for small businesses and casual users. Even the free version allows for remote access to Windows and Mac systems, making it an excellent alternative to Microsoft Remote Desktop without the cost.

Here's how to remotely control Windows from Mac via AnyViewer in 3 steps:

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on your Mac. Then, sign in or create a new account.

Step 2. Download AnyViewer on your Windows PC and log in with the same account.

Step 3. On your Mac, go to the "Device" tab. Your Windows PC will appear. Click on it and choose "One-click control". You'll now be able to access your PC remotely from your Mac.

★Tips: Upgrading to a Professional or Enterprise account offers several benefits, including:

Add more users for unattended remote access.

Control unlimited devices from your Mac simultaneously.

Install AnyViewer on unlimited remote devices in a domain.

Create device groups for easier management of large numbers of devices.

Set roles and permissions to control user access.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac is a solid option for users who need to connect to Windows PCs, AnyViewer offers a more flexible, secure, and user-friendly experience, especially for those who need cross-platform compatibility and high performance. It's a powerful alternative that could better suit your remote desktop needs, making it worth considering for both personal and business use.