Work from home using Windows 10 Remote Desktop App

It has been a desire of the majority of the people to work part-time or full-time with a flexible schedule, the ability to work from home or any location and avoid commuting. But the challenge is how to access the required resources remotely? This article has tried to help and answer this question and explains how to configure a remote desktop using Windows 10. The recent pandemic COVID-19 has provided opportunities to such people, lead the organizations to allow the employees to work from home.

Besides third party software for remote access, Microsoft Windows 10 has a built-in feature called Remote Desktop or remote desktop protocol (rdp) that allows you to access your computer wherever you are through an Internet connection. You may access your computer just like you have been using it in your office.

How to Setup Remote Desktop (rdp) in Windows 10 to work from home

Please follow the given steps to set up a remote desktop and how to access another computer over the internet using Windows 10.

Note: that this feature is available only in Windows 10 Professional or Windows 10 Enterprise.

Step 1. How to enable Remote Desktop Access

To enable the remote desktop (rdp) access in Windows 10:

1. Click the Windows Start button. 
2. Click Settings. 
3. Click System.
4. Click Remote Desktop in the left pan (sidebar). 
5. Click the slider in the right pan (sidebar) to Enable Remote Desktop. 

A new window will pop-up and will ask you to confirm if you would like to enable the remote desktop. It also informs you that you and all other users of the system will have the access to the system remotely. The system is now enabled for remote access; you need to configure the security Firewall.

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Step 2. How to configure the Security Firewall

1. Click the Windows Start button. 
2. Click Settings. 
3. Click System.
4. Click Windows Security in the left pan (sidebar). 

1. Click Firewall & Network Protection in the right pan (sidebar). A new window will pop-up to customize the security options.
2. Click on Allow an App through Firewall, the option listed in the right side pan.

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1. Another window will open, click on Change Settings.
2. Scroll down and locate the Remote Desktop option, and ensure that the checkboxes under the Private and Public columns are checked.
3. Click OK.

You have now enabled the system to allow the Remote Desktop application through the firewall. You have configured your computer to:

• Access your computer desktop remotely
• Allowed the Remote Desktop app to communicate through the Firewall

Step 3. How to know your IP Address

To get connected to the remote computer, you will need the IP Address of that particular computer. To know the IP Address:

1. Open a web browser and type what is my IP address into the address bar.
2. Your public IP Address will be displayed in the browser, note/copy it. Your public IP address will be a series of numbers separated by periods, e.g. 192.199.0.23.

Keep this IP Address safe, secure, and do not share with anyone you don’t trust. This IP Address can be used to hack your computer and steal your confidential/personal information.

Be Cautious

Now, you can access this computer over the internet. Here’s how:

How to Remotely Access Another Computer Over the Internet

Once you have configured the computer to be accessed remotely (rdp), you need to access it from another (client) computer, but how? Follow the given steps on your client computer:

1. Click the Windows Start button. 
2. Click on Windows Accessories
3. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app

1. In the Computer field, enter your public IP address (already obtained from the web browser). 
2. Click Connect.
3. Enter the User name and Password of the remote (host) computer to connect.
4. Click OK.

If the information is correctly provided, the remote connection will be successfully established, and you will see the view of the computer you are trying to access. 

You can also use your mobile phone to connect to the remote computer, using either Windows, Android, or iOS device to connect to the remote system. You may download the Remote Desktop app from Microsoft Store, Google Play, and the Mac App Store.

Other 3rd party software available to remotely access your computer system are listed below:

• AnyDesk.com
• SolarWindsDameware Remote Support
• Iperius Remote
• Supremo Remote Desktop
• ISL Light Remote Desktop
• NinjaRMM
• RemotePC
• Remote Desktop Manager
• Team Viewer
• VNC Connect
• LogMeIn
• GoToMyPC

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