In this tutorial, we explain, step by step, how to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10 over a local network and a Wi-Fi network. You work from home and need a folder stored on your computer in the office, you need the assistance of a friend for a computer troubleshooting? If you are in one of these cases then the Windows Remote Desktop feature is your best ally.
In this tutorial, we explain, step by step, how to set up and use Remote Desktop over a local network and a Wi-Fi network.
How To Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10
To take advantage of the Remote Desktop to Windows 10, you must be in possession of the professional version of the operating system of Microsoft.
If you have the home edition, remote PC control is not possible. However, you can use joinme or both RealVNC and TeamViewer services.
Why not save your documents in a cloud and share them with your colleagues? You can access it anytime and from anywhere.
Network Storage Servers ( NAS) are another alternative. With these, store and share your data (large documents, music, movies …) between multiple computers.
Enable Remote Desktop from your Local Area Network (LAN)
If you have Windows 10 and want to control a computer from another part of your home or from your workplace then follow the configuration steps below.
- First, you must allow connections on the computer to be monitored. Open File Explorer, right-click This PC (in the left menu), and select Properties.
- In the new window that opens, click Remote Usage Settings.
- Select the Allow remote connections to this computer check box and make sure that Allow remote assistance connections to this computer is checked.
- Then, uncheck Allow only the connection of computers running Remote Desktop with NLA authentication (security system), as this will complicate the process.
- Finally, click Apply and OK.
- Now, to locate the computer on the network, it is necessary to have its IP address (authentication number). To do this, press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to open the command prompt.
- At the window that appears, press Enter. A new window appears, type ipconfig, and then press the Enter key.
- Data about the network and various connections are displayed on the screen. The IPv4 Address (a series of numbers separated by periods) and the Default Gateway are the information you need, write them down.
- IPv4 is the identifier needed to connect two computers connected to the same local network (your home, your place of work …).
- The Default Gateway ID is used to connect two remote computers. It is required for WAN connections, via internet.
- Once you have prepared the computer, go to the remote PC.
- On the Start Menu , type Remote Desktop Connection and open the application.
- In the Computer field, enter the IP address of the computer, and then click Connect. All you have to do is enter the username and password.
Enable Remote Desktop via Internet (WAN)
Want to access a PC via the Internet? Follow these steps.
- On the remote computer, make sure that the Windows Firewall does not block the Remote Desktop feature.
- To do this follow the path, Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall → Allow an application through the Windows Firewall.
- Then click Edit Settings and check the boxes next to Remote Desktop. Confirm with OK.
- Now you must configure the router to recognize the computers. Have the default IP address and Gateway listed above.
- Then, in the Port Forward section of the router, allow port 3389 (specific to Remote Desktop).
- To find the IP address of the remote computer, open an internet browser from the PC and enter whatismyipaddress in the search bar.
- If you intend to connect remotely frequently, be aware that your ISP may need to change the IP address of your box. To obtain a fixed address, it is possible to subscribe to the free DNS service no-ip.com (in English).
- Also, many routers have native DNS support, take a look at your manual for more information.
- All you have to do is Enable Remote Desktop Connection, enter the IP address and click Connect. Finally, enter the username and password.
You now have access to the PC you want to control.