Microsoft has officially announced the impending phase-out of its Remote Desktop app for Windows, a tool that has long been a staple for users needing to connect to PCs and cloud workspaces like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. As one of the most popular free remote desktop solutions available, it has served as a reliable alternative to other applications, such as Chrome Remote Desktop.
Remote Desktop for Windows is being discontinued
According to a recent blog post on Microsoft’s Techcommunity website, the Remote Desktop app will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store after May 27, 2025. While users can still install the app before this date, they should be aware that certain key features will be disabled once the deadline arrives. Specifically, connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box will be blocked, although other functionalities may remain accessible.
It remains uncertain whether existing users will receive an automatic update to transition to the Windows app after support for the Remote Desktop app ends. Notably, Microsoft had previously rebranded the Remote Desktop app to simply “Windows app” for macOS users, hinting at a broader strategy for its remote access solutions.
Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to the Windows app, which offers several advantages, including unified access to multiple Windows services, customizable home screens, multimonitor support, and dynamic display resolutions. The Windows app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, providing a seamless transition for users looking to maintain their remote access capabilities.
The Windows app is currently missing some important features
While the Windows app presents a more integrated experience, it is not without its limitations. Currently, it lacks the ability to connect to remote desktops and Remote Desktop Services, features that are expected to be added in future updates. In the meantime, users can still utilize Remote Desktop Connection for remote desktop access and RemoteApp and Desktop Connection for remote desktop services, ensuring that essential functionalities remain available during this transitional period.
