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Unlock Seamless Remote Access with Remote Desktop & Remote.It: Your Ultimate Guide

February 22, 2024

UPDATE: Remote.It ScreenView is available for remote viewing and control of Android devices.

Are you trying to access your work computer from home? Or your home computer while on vacation? Remote Desktop is a standard solution to access a computer remotely; the experience is like sitting in front of the actual computer. It may be a little slow, but it's a great solution.

The challenge has always been figuring out the network connectivity settings to make this work. Testing connections on the same local network is easy. You need the IP address of the target computer you are trying to access and the login credentials.

Using an RDP client application like Microsoft Remote Desktop, enter the IP address, default port 3389, username, and password. 

But making this connection from a different location requires network configuration like firewall settings and port forwarding. Network connectivity issues are the number 1 problem users have when trying to establish a remote connection to another computer.

Misconfigure your network settings and put your entire network at risk from bots and malicious actors.

Remote.It manages network configuration, so you don't have to understand networking, change any network setting, or worry about your security posture.

How to setup Remote Desktop using Remote.It

Watch the setup video

Steps to setup Remote Desktop using Remote.It


Prerequisites:

  • Enable Remote Desktop on your target Windows PC (Note: Not supported on Windows 10 Home Edition).
  • Change sleep settings to "Never Sleep" on the Windows PC.
  • Ensure you have administrative access for remote installation.

Install RemoteIt on Target Windows PC:

  • Visit the RemoteIt website and download the software for Windows.
  • Install the software and sign in or create a new account.

Register Device and Services:

  • Add the device to accept RDP services.

Install RemoteIt on Remote Computer:

  • The Remote Computer is the computer you will use to access the Target PC and could be Windows, Mac, Linux, or Mobile.
  • Install the RemoteIt application and sign in.

Initiate Connection:

  • Open the RemoteIt application on the remote computer and select the target Windows PC from the device list.
  • Connect to the Windows RDP service and make a remote desktop connection.

Use our Windows Desktop Client application:

  • Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop client, add a new PC, and input the URL and port from the Remote.It application
  • Enter the username and password for the target Windows PC.

Remote Access:

  • You should now have remote access to the Windows desktop.

How do you remotely access non-Windows computers?

If you are trying to access a Mac, Raspberry Pi, or Linux, you can follow the same steps but use VNC (Virtual Network Computing) protocol instead of RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol ).  Remote.It supports cross-platform access for any TCP or UDP-based protocol.

Everyday Use Cases for Remote Desktop

Remote Work and Telecommuting

One of the most prevalent use cases for Remote Desktop is enabling remote work. Employees can access their office computers from home or anywhere, ensuring they have the resources to perform their tasks effectively.

IT Support and Troubleshooting

Remote Desktop is a vital tool for IT professionals who need to provide technical support. They can remotely access the user's computer to diagnose issues, install updates, or configure settings, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Software Development and Testing

Developers often use Remote Desktop to access virtual machines or servers to develop and test software. Developers work in a controlled environment and easily replicate bugs or issues.

Server Management

System administrators use Remote Desktop to manage servers on-premises or in the cloud. Remote Desktop enables them to perform tasks like system updates, process monitoring, and data backup without being physically present at the server location.

Collaborative Projects

Teams working on collaborative projects can use Remote Desktop to share access to a central workstation. Remote Desktop ensures that all team members can access the files, software, and resources they need to contribute to the project.

Training and Education

Instructors can use Remote Desktop to access a central computer that hosts educational software or resources in educational settings. Teachers can also give remote access to software students may not have on their computers.

Access to Specialized Software

Due to licensing or hardware constraints, some industries require specialized software installed only on specific workstations. Remote Desktop allows users to access these applications from other machines.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

In the event of a natural disaster or other disruptive events, Remote Desktop can be a part of a business continuity plan. Employees can continue to work from alternative locations, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.

Monitoring and Reporting

Companies use Remote Desktops to monitor systems or processes in real-time. Monitoring is handy in the manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, where constant monitoring is essential for operations and compliance.

IoT Device Management

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Remote Desktop is increasingly used to manage and monitor IoT devices. IoT includes everything from smart home devices to industrial machinery.

Benefits of Using Microsoft Remote Desktop

Simplified Remote Access

Microsoft Remote Desktop allows users to access their work or home computers virtually anywhere, provided an internet connection. Remote access solutions benefit professionals constantly moving or organizations with multiple offices in different locations.

Cost-Effectiveness

Setting up a remote desktop environment can be more cost-effective than maintaining multiple workstations. Users can access a powerful central computer from less capable machines, reducing the need for high-end hardware at every desk.

Centralized Data Management

With Microsoft Remote Desktop, companies can store all their data centrally on a single machine or server. Centralization makes managing, backing, and securing essential files and applications easier. Centralized data management is especially beneficial for businesses that need to comply with data protection regulations.

Enhanced Collaboration

Remote Desktop enables seamless collaboration among team members. Users can easily share resources, files, and applications, making it easier to work on joint projects, even with geographically dispersed team members.

Application Compatibility

Companies may host specialized software applications on specific machines due to licensing restrictions or hardware requirements. Remote Desktop allows users to access these applications remotely, eliminating the need to transfer large files or install the software on multiple machines.

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

A remote desktop setup can ensure business continuity in unexpected events like natural disasters or pandemics. Employees can continue working remotely, ensuring business operations.

Security

Microsoft Remote Desktop comes with strong security features, including Network Level Authentication (NLA) and encryption, providing an additional layer of security for remote connections. Security is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive or confidential data.

Streamlined IT Management

For IT administrators, Remote Desktop simplifies the process of managing multiple workstations. They can perform maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting remotely, reducing the time and effort required for these tasks.

Developer and IT Use-Cases

Developers often use Remote Desktop to test software on different operating systems or to access development servers. IT professionals may use it to manage cloud-based or on-premise servers, databases, and other resources.

IoT and Specialized Devices

In the era of IoT, companies use Remote Desktop to manage and monitor specialized devices, including manufacturing machinery, medical equipment, and retail kiosks, among others. IoT device management via remote desktop allows employees to use interfaces they already use and understand instead of command-line access tools.

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