Windows App to replace Remote Desktop app for Windows



 Windows IT Pro Blog:

Editor's note 3.11.2025 – This blog applies only to the Windows App replacement of the Remote Desktop app downloaded from the Microsoft Store. It does not apply to the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI), which can be downloaded from Download and install the Remote Desktop client for Windows (MSI).

Starting May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported or available for download and installation. Users must transition to Windows App to ensure continued access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.

apps.microsoft.com

Windows App - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store

Windows App is your gateway to securely connect to Windows across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, and more. Embrace the simplicity of a unified client with Windows App and use your work or school account to connect to your Windows in the Cloud with ease and security, from...
apps.microsoft.com
play.google.com

Windows App - Apps on Google Play

Windows App allows you to connect to remote PCs and virtual apps.
play.google.com play.google.com
apps.apple.com

‎Windows App Mobile

‎Windows App Mobile for iOS and iPadOS (previously named Remote Desktop Mobile) is your gateway to securely connect to Windows including remote PCs and admin-provided virtual apps and desktops across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Dev Box and Remote Desktop Services. Embrace the...
apps.apple.com apps.apple.com
apps.apple.com

‎Windows App

‎Windows App for Mac (previously named Microsoft Remote Desktop) is your gateway to securely connect to Windows including remote PCs and admin-provided virtual apps and desktops across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Dev Box and Remote Desktop Services. Embrace the simplicity of a unified...
apps.apple.com apps.apple.com

Windows App provides several improvements over the Remote Desktop app for Windows, including:
  • Unified access to multiple Windows services, including Cloud PCs and virtual desktops from a single, streamlined interface.
  • Customizable home screens, multimonitor support, and dynamic display resolutions.
Enhanced remote work experiences with features such as device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching. Connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box via the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store will be blocked after May 27, 2025. For all other users, the Remote Desktop app will no longer be supported.

Prepare for the transition​

Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box users:
Remote desktop users: Users connecting to remote desktops from the Remote Desktop app should use Remote Desktop Connection until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.

Remote Desktop Services users: Users connecting to Remote Desktop Services from the Remote Desktop app should use RemoteApp and Desktop Connection until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.

Known issues: To understand if there are current feature gaps that may create challenges for migrating to Windows App, review Known issues and limitations of Windows App. Be sure to check this list over time as the feature gaps will be resolved.

Uninstall the Remote Desktop app: For uninstallation methods that align with how you manage your apps, visit our Uninstall your apps and Remove Apps documentation.

IT administrators can help prepare their organizations by encouraging users of Remote Desktop app for Windows to start their transition to Windows App, and by updating internal resources such as user guidance, help desk documentation, and administrative materials, as needed.


 Source:

techcommunity.microsoft.com

Windows App to replace Remote Desktop app for Windows - Windows IT Pro Blog

On May 27, 2025, Remote Desktop app for Windows will no longer be supported. Get ready by transitioning to Windows App.
techcommunity.microsoft.com techcommunity.microsoft.com
 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
For context, a different RDP client was originally provided in MS Store for the benefit of users connecting mostly to cloud PC's. That app is being retired in favor of a replacement RDP client, again mostly for cloud PC users.

If you're not using a cloud PC, you're not impacted by any of this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
The Windows app for mobile devices is fantastic for connecting to a PC from an iDevice. Even with my six monitors, the Windows app works well.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Does the new Windows App on Windows 10/11 support adding Remote desktop PCs without adding some stupid account?

What a shame that Windows App on iOS and Android is far ahead in terms of features compared to Microsoft's own native Windows platform. It's clear MS themselves don't use Windows these days.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    9800X3D
    Motherboard
    Asus X870E ProArt
    Memory
    Patriot 8200MTs DDR5 CL38
    Graphics Card(s)
    Galax RTX 4090ST
    PSU
    Asus Strix 1000W
    Case
    Lian Li O11 Vision

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Someone correct me if I am wrong. Maybe I am misunderstanding but I read that Remote Destop will not stop working if you already have it. It will just no longer be offered in the store nor will remote desktop be supported further. One of the articles I read had a link to the remote desktop msi installer. I downloaded it for safe keeping.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3194
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
MS released three different versions of a RDP client.
  • Default Remote Desktop client that comes with Windows. Prior to 24H2, it was provided as an optional Feature on Demand. Now in 24H2, it's a removable app listed under Programs & Apps. This version works locally and within AD domains. It does not work for cloud PC domains. To re-install this version requires the MSI file.

    On March 27, 2026, the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI) for Windows will reach end of support. Before that date, IT administrators may need to migrate their users to Windows App so they can continue connecting to their remote resources via Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box. Remote Desktop client will continue to receive security updates until end of support, after which it will no longer be available for download.
    Click to expand...

  • Remote Desktop for Windows client that is a Store app. While it can connect locally and with AD, it's primarily intended for connecting to cloud PC's. It's going away.

  • Windows App client that is a Store app. Same idea, different app.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

  • Article Article
What is new in Windows 11 for March 2025
Replies
0
Views
269
Brink
Brink
  • Article Article
Windows App now available on all major platforms
Replies
7
Views
1K
Marcus Vinicus
Marcus Vinicus
  • Article Article
New end-user experiences for Windows in the cloud: December 2024
Replies
0
Views
156
Brink
Brink
  • Article Article
Windows App for Windows, Web, Android, iOS, and macOS general availability coming soon
Replies
1
Views
750
garlin
G
  • Article Article
What is new in Windows 11 for December 2024
Replies
0
Views
588
Brink
Brink

Latest Support Threads

Latest Tutorials

Back
Top Bottom