Remote Desktop is a powerful Windows feature that allows you to access your PC from another device — even when you’re far away. In this guide, you will learn how to enable Remote Desktop in Windows 11, how to connect using an IP address, how to enable it using Command Line, Registry, and PowerShell, plus all related Windows versions like Windows 10 and Windows 7.

This guide also includes helpful internal resources such as:

• How to change brightness on Windows 11
• How to update drivers on Windows 11
• Windows 11 setup without internet

What is Remote Desktop in Windows?

Remote Desktop is a built-in Windows feature that helps users control their PC from another computer or mobile device. It works over a local network or even the internet using an IP address or Microsoft Account.

Benefits of Remote Desktop

Using Remote Desktop in Windows 11 offers several advantages:

• Access your PC files and software from anywhere
• Control your work or home PC while traveling
• Provide remote support to family or clients
• No need for third-party remote access apps
• Fast and secure Microsoft-protected connection

⭐ How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11 (Easy Method)

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to System
3. Scroll down and select Remote Desktop
4. Turn ON the toggle Remote Desktop
5. Click Confirm
6. Note your PC Name — required for connecting later

You have successfully enabled Remote Desktop on Windows 11.

How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 10

Even though this guide focuses on Windows 11, enabling Remote Desktop in Windows 10 is very similar:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Remote Desktop
3. Enable Allow Remote Desktop
4. Save your PC name

Windows 10 Home edition does not support Remote Desktop as a host (it can connect but cannot be controlled).

Remote Desktop Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Home cannot host Remote Desktop sessions.
You can only connect to other PCs. To enable full hosting capability, upgrade to Windows 10 Pro or use third-party tools like AnyDesk or Chrome Remote Desktop.

How to Connect Remote Desktop Using IP Address in Windows 11

After enabling Remote Desktop:

Step 1: Find Your PC’s IP Address

• Press Windows + R, type cmd, press Enter
• Type: ipconfig
• Note the IPv4 Address

Step 2: Connect via Remote Desktop

1. On another PC, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)
2. Enter your IP Address
3. Enter your Username & Password
4. Click Connect

If connected over the internet, ensure you forward port 3389 in your router.

How to Connect Remote Desktop Over the Internet

To access your Windows 11 computer from anywhere:

1. Enable Remote Desktop on your PC

(Already done above)

2. Set a Static IP or Use Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

If your public IP changes, DDNS helps keep a constant hostname.

3. Configure Port Forwarding

Open your router settings → Port Forwarding
Forward port 3389 to your Windows PC IP.

4. Connect from another device

Open Remote Desktop (mstsc) → enter public IP or DDNS name.

Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11 Command Line

You can enable Remote Desktop using CMD:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" /v fDenyTSConnections /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Then enable the firewall rule:

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="remote desktop" new enable=Yes

Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11 PowerShell

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\' -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 0
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup "Remote Desktop"

How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11 Registry

You can manually enable it through Registry Editor:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server
3. Double-click fDenyTSConnections
4. Change value from 1 to 0
5. Restart PC

Enable Remote Desktop Windows 7

To enable Remote Desktop in Windows 7:

1. Right-click Computer → Properties
2. Click Remote Settings
3. Enable:
   • Allow Remote Assistance
   • Allow connections from computers running Remote Desktop

Note: Windows 7 Home Basic and Starter editions have limitations similar to Windows 10 Home.

FAQs – How to Enable Remote Desktop Windows 11

1. Why can’t I find Remote Desktop in Windows 11?

You may be using Windows 11 Home, which supports connecting but cannot host Remote Desktop sessions.

2. Is Remote Desktop safe?

Yes, it’s encrypted, but using strong passwords and firewall rules is recommended.

3. Can I use Remote Desktop without internet?

Yes, it works on local Wi-Fi or LAN.

4. How do I know my PC name for Remote Desktop?

Go to Settings → System → Remote Desktop to find the PC name.

5. Which port is used for Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop uses TCP 3389.