Where Is My Remote Desktop? | Quick Start Tips

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On Windows, open Start and type “Remote Desktop” or run mstsc; on Mac, install Microsoft’s Windows app to connect.

If you landed here because the app seems missing, you’re not alone. “Remote Desktop” can mean different things depending on your device: the classic Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) built into Windows, the Settings page that turns RDP hosting on, or Microsoft’s Windows app for cloud PCs and managed desktops. This guide shows the exact places to open each one, plus quick fixes when it doesn’t show up.

What You’re Looking For, Exactly

There are three common items people confuse:

  • The client tool used to initiate a session: the classic Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).
  • The Windows feature that allows a PC to accept connections: the RDP host setting under Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
  • Microsoft’s Windows app, the modern client for Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and admin-provided desktops.

Where To Find The Remote Desktop App (Windows & Mac)

Windows 11 And Windows 10

  • Start menu search: Press the Windows key and type “Remote Desktop Connection” or just “mstsc.” Launch it from the results.
  • Run box: Press Windows+R, type mstsc, press Enter. This opens the classic client immediately.
  • File path: The executable lives in C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe. Create a shortcut if you use it often.
  • Settings page for hosting: Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop to toggle the feature that lets your PC accept incoming RDP sessions. On Pro/Enterprise/Education editions, turn it on and confirm the prompt.

macOS

Install Microsoft’s Windows app from the Mac App Store, then add your PC or workspace. The app was previously branded Microsoft Remote Desktop; the store listing now shows “Windows” as the publisher’s client. After install, open it from Applications or Spotlight, then add a PC by its name or IP.

Android, iPhone, iPad

Grab the Windows app from your platform’s store and sign in if your org requires it. Then add a PC or select a workspace.

Quick Differences So You Use The Right Thing

  • Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc): Classic Windows client. Works with direct RDP to a PC by name or IP.
  • Remote Desktop (Windows Settings): Turns your Windows PC into a host that accepts RDP connections from client apps.
  • Windows app: Newer cross-platform client that centralizes access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and similar services. It can also save direct PC connections in many cases.
  • Quick Assist: A separate support tool for screen sharing and help sessions. Great for one-off assistance and doesn’t require enabling the host setting.

Can’t See It In Search? Do These Checks

  • Spellings and result filters: In the Start menu, type mstsc. If nothing shows, open the Run box with Windows+R and enter mstsc to bypass indexing.
  • Edition check: Windows Home editions can run the client but can’t act as an RDP host. If you’re trying to enable hosting on Home, the toggle won’t appear.
  • Work PC policies: Company devices might hide or restrict the store app. Ask IT whether the Windows app is allowed and if your account has access to Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop.
  • Feature off: If you’re connecting to a work PC, that PC must have the host setting turned on and be reachable on the network.

Where To Find Your PC Name And IP

You can connect by name on the same network or by IP. Here are simple ways to find both on Windows:

  • Settings route: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Properties for your active connection. Look for the IPv4 address.
  • Command line route: Press Windows+R, type cmd, press Enter, then run ipconfig. Your local IPv4 address appears under your active adapter. To find the device name, open Start, type “View your PC name,” and copy the Device name field.

Copy-Ready Shortcuts

Open the classic client:

mstsc

Open the host settings page directly:

SystemPropertiesRemote.exe

Check your IP in Command Prompt:

ipconfig

Need advanced switches and syntax? See Microsoft’s mstsc command reference.

Turn On The Host Setting Safely

If your edition supports it, flip the Remote Desktop toggle under Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Leave “Require devices to use Network Level Authentication” on; it reduces unwanted prompts and blocks older, riskier clients. If you plan to connect across the internet, speak with your network admin about VPN or a secure gateway. Avoid exposing port 3389 directly to the internet. For full setup flow on different devices, Microsoft’s guide How to use Remote Desktop walks through the steps.

Connect Step-By-Step (Same Network)

On The PC You’ll Use For Control

  1. Launch the client (mstsc or the Windows app).
  2. Enter the target PC’s name or local IP and select Connect.
  3. When prompted, enter an account that exists on the target PC.

On The PC You’ll Control

  1. Ensure it’s awake and unlocked at least once after a reboot.
  2. Verify the host setting is on (Pro/Enterprise/Education only).
  3. Keep the device on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet as the controller unless you use VPN.

Connect Over The Internet (The Safe Way)

The simplest safe approach is a VPN into your home or office network, then connect by name or IP as if you were local. Many routers support a vendor VPN; workplaces often provide a client. Admin-managed services such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop avoid opening inbound ports to your PC and can be launched from the Windows app.

If The Button Or App Is Missing

  • Windows Home: The host control isn’t present. You can still open the client and reach other PCs. For hosting from a Home machine, use Quick Assist for support sessions or a third-party tool. Upgrading to Pro adds the host toggle.
  • Work store blocks: If the store shows no Windows app, install it from a direct link in your browser or ask IT for deployment.
  • Removed shortcuts: Recreate a shortcut pointing to C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe, or pin the item from a Start search.

Fast Troubleshooting When It Won’t Connect

  • Network: Make sure both PCs are online. Try pinging the target by name, then by IP.
  • Host setting: Confirm the toggle is on and the device allows connections only with Network Level Authentication.
  • Firewall: On managed networks, the RDP rule may be off. Ask an admin to allow Remote Desktop on the private profile at a minimum.
  • Credentials: Use an account on the target PC or an account your org has authorized for that device.
  • Version shifts: If you used the Store-delivered “Remote Desktop” client before and it now reads “Windows,” that’s expected. Use the new app or the classic client.

Where It Lives: Quick Reference Table

Platform How To Open Extra Notes
Windows 11/10 Start search “Remote Desktop Connection,” Run mstsc, or open C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe Use Settings > System > Remote Desktop to enable hosting (Pro/Enterprise/Education).
macOS Install Windows from the Mac App Store; open from Applications or Spotlight Sign in if your org uses Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop.
iOS/iPadOS/Android Install Windows from your app store; open and add a PC/workspace Mobile clients work best with managed cloud desktops or VPN.

When To Use Quick Assist Instead

If your goal is guiding a friend or coworker through a fix, Quick Assist is simpler. The helper generates a one-time code, and the other person approves screen sharing or full control. No port forwarding, no network changes.

Safety Tips You Should Not Skip

  • Keep the host setting off when you don’t need it on machines exposed to public networks.
  • Use strong account passwords and multifactor sign-in where available.
  • Keep Windows up to date. Client and host improvements arrive through normal updates and the app stores.
  • Prefer VPN or a secure gateway for remote work. Avoid exposing RDP directly to the internet.

FAQ-Style Clarifications Without The Fluff

  • Is the classic client going away? No. The built-in client (mstsc.exe) remains part of Windows. The store app branding changed to Windows for cloud-focused scenarios.
  • Do I need Pro edition? Only for hosting. Any edition can use the client to reach another PC that allows connections.
  • Can I control a Mac from Windows with RDP? RDP targets Windows hosts. For a Mac host, use Apple’s Screen Sharing or a cross-platform tool.

Menu Paths You Can Follow

Windows Settings path for hosting: Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop. Toggle it on and copy the device name.

Classic client path: Start > All apps > Windows Tools > Remote Desktop Connection. Pin it to Start or the taskbar for one-click access.

Windows app path: Open Microsoft Store, search “Windows,” install the app, choose + Add to add a PC or a workspace URL.

Mac path: Open the App Store, search “Windows,” install, then press + to add a PC by name or IP.

Quick Checks Before You Connect

If the target PC is shut down, you won’t reach it unless your network supports wake features. Leave the device asleep, or set it to stay awake for network access. Multi-monitor tip: the client can use all screens with the /multimon switch, while the Windows app exposes this as a setting. Start windowed, then switch to full screen. Clipboard issues? Enable clipboard redirection in client options, then reconnect.

Pin And Save For Next Time

After you open the client, save an .rdp file with display, local resources, and audio so the next session takes two clicks. In the Windows app, group workspaces and PCs to keep home and work separate.

Wrap-Up: You’re Minutes Away

You now know where to open the client on each platform, how to turn on the host setting, how to grab your PC’s name or IP, and what to try when search comes up empty. Save a shortcut to mstsc, install the Windows app where it helps, and keep security front and center.