Microsoft has unveiled a significant enhancement to its Windows App, now offering general availability for remote PC connections on Windows. This development allows users to seamlessly access both physical and virtual Windows PCs, integrating resources from Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box into a unified interface.
The Windows App serves as a modern replacement for the Remote Desktop app previously available through the Microsoft Store, as well as the standalone Remote Desktop client used for cloud services. Notably, the traditional Remote Desktop Connection tool (mstsc.exe) continues to be supported, ensuring that users have multiple options for their remote access needs.
Connecting to remote PCs
To connect to a remote PC, users simply need to input the computer’s name or IP address. The app offers customization options for display preferences and local resource redirection, allowing users to control how the remote session interacts with resources on their local device. By default, all redirections are turned off, providing an added layer of security. Additionally, connections can be saved for future use, and frequently accessed computers can be conveniently pinned to a Favorites list.
Marvin Quinzon, Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of this update, stating, “This milestone is especially important for users and organizations that need flexibility across both cloud and traditional remote access scenarios.” This enhancement reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing versatile solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its user base.
