The remote desktop feature allows you to remotely access your files and applications on your computer using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). You can use it to offer help to someone or to control a computer without being physically present at that location. Today we will show you how you can enable remote desktop on your Windows 11 computer.
Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 (2021)
Windows 11 offers several ways to enable remote desktop, including the Settings menu, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and Windows PowerShell. In this article, you will learn all of these methods to remotely access files and applications on your computer. So let’s get started.
Steps to Enable Remote Desktop on Your Windows 11 PC
Before we move on to the tutorial, there is something you need to keep in mind. Remote Desktop is only available on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise. If you’re using Windows 11 Home, check out the best third-party remote desktop apps for Windows. We recommend Team Viewer or AnyDeskbut if you don’t need all the fancy features and need a completely free solution, Chrome Remote Desktop is also a good option.
Method 1: Enable Remote Desktop Via Settings in Windows 11
The Settings menu includes an easy way to open Remote Desktop in Windows 11. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the settings (using the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut Win + I) and click “system” in the left sidebar. Now, “Remote Desktop” in the right pane.
- On the next page, “Remote Desktoptoggle ” and click ”To approve” to save the changes.
This much. You can now connect to your computer using the Remote Desktop application (free) or Remote Desktop Connection wizard.
Method 2: Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11 via Control Panel
- Open Control Panel on your Windows 11 PC. To do this, search for “control panel” (without the quotes) in the Windows search bar and click “Control Panel” from the results.
- In the Control Panel, make sure you are using the “Category” view and click “System and Security” choice.
- On the next page, “Allow remote access” Under System. You will now see a popup with options to connect to a remote desktop.
- In the System Properties pop-up window “Allow remote connections to this computerMake sure to select the checkbox next to “Only allow connections from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication”. Finally, hit the “OK” button to save the changes.
Once you complete these steps, Remote Desktop will be enabled on your Windows 11 PC, allowing you to access remote computers with ease.
Method 3: Enable Remote Desktop with Command Prompt in Windows 11
To turn on remote desktop access using Command Prompt on your Windows 11 computer, follow these steps:
- First, open a Command Prompt window in Administrator mode. To do this “cmd” (without the quotes) Select and in the Windows search bar. Run as administrator.
- Now, copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt window:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f. Finally, press Enter to enable remote desktop on your Windows 11 computer.
- While not required, ideally you should also execute the following command to allow remote desktop through Windows Firewall:
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote desktop" new enable=Yes
Once the commands are executed as expected without any error messages, you will be able to use the Remote Desktop application to access other client devices remotely.
Method 4: Enable Remote Desktop Via PowerShell in Windows 11
Another way to enable the feature is to use Windows PowerShell. This is how you do it:
- Open Windows PowerShell in Administrator mode on your Windows PC. To do this, search for “powershell” in the Windows search bar and click it. Run as administrator.
- Copy and paste the following command in the PowerShell window and press Enter:
Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server' -name "fDenyTSConnections" -value 0
- Moreover, Make sure Windows Firewall is not blocking your remote desktop connection. To do this, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"
This much. Now you have successfully opened remote desktop on your Windows 11 PC using PowerShell. You should now be able to access remote computers to offer support or access your work files at home.
Access Windows 11 Computers Remotely in Few Steps!
As you can see, enabling remote desktop in Windows 11 is an easy task once you know how to do it. So, enable the feature on your computer to offer technical assistance to your friends and family, or to access important files and documents on your own computer while you’re at work. In the meantime, on the topic of remote access, check out how to remotely control an Android device and the best practices for controlling your Windows computer with an Android or iPhone.
