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Switch from Microsoft Remote Desktop

Switch from Remote Desktop: reach Windows Home PCs through any router

Remote Desktop can't reach a PC running Windows Home, needs port forwarding or a VPN to reach a PC from outside its network, and Microsoft's Windows App can't open a remote PC in a web browser.

RemoteAccessApp works on Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 and 11 and connects through any router with no ports to open. And your existing RDP connections open in its tabs too.

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  • Works on Windows Home
  • No port forwarding or VPN
  • Keeps your RDP hosts too

Fed up with Microsoft Remote Desktop? Here's what changes

  • Windows Home can't be reached

    With Microsoft Remote Desktop: Microsoft's documentation says Windows Home editions can't be Remote Desktop hosts, only clients.

    With RemoteAccessApp: RemoteAccessApp has its own Agent, so Home and Pro editions of Windows 10 and 11 can both be reached.

  • Port forwarding or a VPN

    With Microsoft Remote Desktop: To reach a PC from outside its network, Microsoft says to set up port forwarding or a VPN.

    With RemoteAccessApp: PCs connect out to RemoteAccessApp, so it works through home and office routers with nothing to open. It reaches your PCs over the internet, not only on your home network, as switching from Splashtop explains.

  • No browser access to your own PC

    With Microsoft Remote Desktop: Microsoft's Windows App documentation shows connecting to a remote PC from a web browser as not supported.

    With RemoteAccessApp: Open your PCs at remoteaccessapp.com in any browser, phones included, free.

More reasons to switch

  • Works on Windows Home

    RemoteAccessApp has its own Agent, so Home editions of Windows 10 and 11 can be reached just like Pro. Remote desktop for Windows.

  • No port forwarding or VPN

    PCs connect out to RemoteAccessApp, so it works behind home and office routers with nothing opened on the way in. The relay is run for you, with no server to host, as switching from RustDesk explains. Why that matters.

  • From any browser

    Open your PCs at remoteaccessapp.com on a Mac, a Chromebook, a phone or another PC.

  • The person at the PC stays in the loop

    RemoteAccessApp shares the PC's signed-in screen, so the person there sees what you do. It asks them first unless unattended access is on, and shows a banner with chat, view-only and quit. If you help them with Quick Assist today, switching from Quick Assist shows how a one-time setup replaces the code.

  • Keep your RDP connections

    Save RDP hosts in RemoteAccessApp and open them in tabs, using the Remote Desktop component built into Windows, next to your SSH, SFTP and VNC hosts. RDP and VNC manager.

Microsoft Remote Desktop vs RemoteAccessApp

Microsoft Remote Desktop and RemoteAccessApp side by side, as of October 2026
PriceMicrosoft Remote DesktopIncluded with WindowsRemoteAccessAppFree for 5 PCs and 5 saved hosts, for personal and work use
Windows Home as the PC you reachMicrosoft Remote DesktopNo, Home can't hostRemoteAccessAppYes, Home and Pro
Reach a PC from outside its networkMicrosoft Remote DesktopPort forwarding or a VPNRemoteAccessAppYes: PCs connect out, no port forwarding or VPN
Connect to a PC from a web browserMicrosoft Remote DesktopNot supported for remote PCsRemoteAccessAppYes, in the free plan, phones included
Saved RDP connections in tabsMicrosoft Remote DesktopRemote Desktop Connection and Windows AppRemoteAccessAppYes: saved RDP and VNC connections in tabs, free

Microsoft Remote Desktop facts are from its official website and documentation as of October 2026; products change. RemoteAccessApp facts are for the current version.

Switch from Microsoft Remote Desktop if

  • A PC you want to reach runs Windows Home.
  • You don't want to forward ports or set up a VPN.
  • You want to connect from a phone or Mac browser.
  • You're helping someone and want them to see the session.
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Switch from Microsoft Remote Desktop in 2 minutes

What carries over, what doesn't and tips for each kind of tool are in the switching guide.

  1. Step 1: Install RemoteAccessApp on the PC you want to reach

    Download the free installer, choose Set up this PC and sign in, or type the 6-digit setup code from Add a PC. It works on Home and Pro editions.

  2. Step 2: Keep the PC awake and signed in

    Set it not to sleep while plugged in, and leave Start RemoteAccessApp with Windows ticked. RemoteAccessApp runs in the signed-in session and can't unlock the lock screen. Keeping a PC reachable.

  3. Step 3: Turn on unattended access if nobody will be there

    Switch it on at the PC itself. How to do it safely.

  4. Step 4: Bring your RDP hosts along

    In the Console's Connections tab, Import from this PC… finds saved .rdp files and Windows' recent Remote Desktop connections, so the PCs you reach over RDP open in tabs too.

  5. Step 5: Close forwarded ports you no longer need

    If you forwarded port 3389 on your router for Remote Desktop, remove that rule once you no longer use it from outside, so it isn't left open to the internet.

Questions, answered

Microsoft Remote Desktop and other product names on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, used only to identify those products. RemoteAccessApp isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by them. Facts about other products come from their official websites as of .

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