In order to access your Home or Office computer from a remote location, the Remote Desktop (RDP) feature needs to be enabled on your computer.
The ability to make the full use of Remote Desktop (RDP) is only available on computers using Windows Pro, Windows Server and the Enterprise version of Windows.
Although, the Home Edition of Windows comes equipped with Remote Desktop Client software, it lacks support for the propriety RDP Server from Microsoft, which is required for accessing remote computers.
Enable Remote Desktop in Windows 10/11
If your computer is using the Pro version of Windows, you can enable the Remote Desktop feature on your computer by using the Settings App, Control Panel and the Run Command.
Once the Remote Desktop (RDP) feature is enabled on the computer, you should be able to access your computer from a remote location by using steps as provided in this guide: How to Access Remote Computer Using RDP.
Note: The downside of enabling Remote Desktop (RDP) is that it can make your computer vulnerable to remote attacks. However, you can limit the risk by enforcing Network Level Authentication (see below) and by using strong passwords.
1. Enable Remote Desktop Using Settings
If you are like most users, it is likely that you prefer using the Settings menu to enable Remote Desktop (RDP) feature on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop in the left-pane. In the right-pane, move the toggle next to Remote Desktop to ON position.
Note: Make sure “Keep my PC awake for connections when it is plugged in” option is selected, so that it remains available to accept Remote Connection requests.
2. On the confirmation pop-up, click on Confirm.
3. On the same screen, click on Advanced Settings and enable Network Level Authentication.
As mentioned above, enabling Network Level Authentication provides a layer of security by forcing Users to authenticate, before allowing network connection to your computer.
After this go to Settings > System > About and note down the Name of your computer. The Name of computer or its IP Address is required to connect to the computer from a Remote Location.
2. Enable Remote Desktop Using Sysdm.cpl
This method checks the power settings on your computer and prompts you to change power settings, if they are not compatible with RDP.
1. Type sysdm.cpl in the Search bar and select sysdm.cpl Control Panel Item.
2. On System Properties screen, go to Remote tab and select Allow Remote connections to this computer option.
3. Click on Apply and OK to save this setting on your computer.
Note: You may be prompted to change the Sleep Settings on your computer, if they are not compatible.
3. Enable Remote Desktop Using Control Panel
You can also enable the Remote Desktop feature on your computer by using Control Panel.
1. Open Control Panel > click on System and Security.
2. On System and Security Screen, click on Allow Remote Access option.
3. On the next screen, switch to Remote Tab and select Allow Remote connections to this computer option.
4. Click on Apply and OK to save this setting on your computer.
4. Enable Remote Desktop By Using Run Command
Another way to Enable Remote Desktop connection is by going to System Properties screen using the Run Command.
1. Press Win + R keys > type SystemPropertiesAdvanced and click on OK.
2. On System Properties screen, go to Remote tab and select Allow Remote connections to this computer option.
3. Make sure you click on Apply and OK.
As mentioned above, you may be prompted to change the Sleep Settings on your computer, so that it never goes to sleep and always remains available for Remote Connections.