Where Is My Remote Desktop Connection? | Quick Access Tips

Guide / By

Remote Desktop Connection lives in Start > Windows Tools, or launch it by typing “mstsc”; on Mac, use Microsoft’s Windows App.

Lost the Remote Desktop client on your PC? You’re not alone. Windows tucks the shortcut into a few spots, and names shift between versions. This guide shows every fast way to open the client, where the executable sits, and what to check if you’re trying to reach a PC that isn’t accepting connections. You’ll also see quick commands you can copy, plus a short section for Mac and mobile.

Find Remote Desktop Connection On Windows

The classic client is built into Windows and still ships with Windows 11 and Windows 10. You can open it from the Start menu, a search, a Run command, a terminal, or by starting the executable directly.

Start Menu Paths (Windows 11 And Windows 10)

Windows 11: Open Start → All apps → Windows Tools → Remote Desktop Connection.
Windows 10: Open Start → All apps → Windows Accessories → Remote Desktop Connection.

Can’t spot it in the list? Use search. Press the Windows key and type remote desktop connection. The app appears under Apps as “Remote Desktop Connection.”

Run Box, Terminal, And File Path

These are the two fastest open-anywhere methods:

  • Run: Press Windows+R, type mstsc, press Enter.
  • Terminal / Command Prompt / PowerShell: Type mstsc and press Enter.

If you want the exact location, the executable sits here on a default install:

C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe

Right-click mstsc.exe → Create shortcut to drop a shortcut on the desktop, then pin it to Start or the taskbar.

Open Host Settings Instantly

If you need the host PC’s Remote Desktop settings, these quick launchers jump straight to the right screen:

  • System Properties (Remote tab): SystemPropertiesRemote.exe
  • Windows Settings page: ms-settings:remotedesktop

Make Sure The Host PC Allows RDP

The client can be easy to find, but you’ll still hit a wall if the destination PC isn’t set to allow connections. On Windows 11 and Windows 10 Pro (and higher editions), you can enable incoming connections through Settings. Microsoft’s guide walks through the switch and prerequisites; it’s the safest reference if you’re unsure about the toggles or requirements. See Enable Remote Desktop on your PC.

Check Your Windows Edition

Any edition can use the client to connect out. Hosting incoming Remote Desktop sessions uses features that are included in Pro, Enterprise, and Education. If your PC runs the Home edition, you can still connect to another machine, but you can’t host an incoming session using the built-in listener. To check your edition: Settings → System → About → Windows specifications.

Turn On Remote Desktop In Settings (Host PC)

  1. On the PC you’ll connect to, open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
  2. Flip Remote Desktop to On, confirm the prompt.
  3. Note the PC name shown on that page; that’s the name you’ll enter in the client.
  4. Keep the PC awake or allow wake-on-LAN if you plan to connect when it’s idle.

Windows creates a firewall rule for TCP 3389 during this process. If you use a third-party firewall, add an allow rule for the same port.

Quick Security Tweaks

  • Turn on Network Level Authentication in the Remote Desktop settings for the host. It reduces exposure before the sign-in screen loads.
  • Use strong account passwords and avoid exposing 3389 directly to the internet. Prefer a VPN or a remote gateway.

Open The Client With Useful Switches

The client accepts command-line switches that change behavior, which is handy for multi-monitor setups, saved profiles, or prefilled credentials. Microsoft documents these options in the reference for the command. See mstsc command reference.

Copy-Ready Commands

Paste any of these into Run, Command Prompt, or PowerShell:

mstsc                        
mstsc /v:PC-NAME             
mstsc /multimon              
mstsc /admin                 
mstsc C:\Paths\WorkPC.rdp    
SystemPropertiesRemote.exe   
ms-settings:remotedesktop

Use The Client On macOS, iOS, And Android

Microsoft publishes a first-party client on each platform. On Mac, search the App Store for Windows App by Microsoft. On iPhone or iPad, use the same listing. On Android, install Microsoft’s remote client from Google Play. Sign in if your organization uses Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, or add a PC by address for direct RDP when your network allows it.

If The Shortcut Seems Missing

The executable is still present on supported Windows editions. Try these quick checks:

  • Press Windows+R, run mstsc. If it opens, pin it to Start or the taskbar.
  • Search Remote Desktop Connection, then right-click → Pin to taskbar.
  • Open C:\Windows\System32; locate mstsc.exe; right-click → Create shortcut.
  • If search finds nothing, rebuild the search index: Settings → Privacy & security → Searching Windows → Advanced indexing options → Advanced → Rebuild.

Quick Ways To Launch Across Platforms

Pick the route that feels fastest for you. These work well for daily use or when you’re guiding someone over chat.

Platform Where To Open Fast Command
Windows 11 Start → Windows Tools → Remote Desktop Connection mstsc
Windows 10 Start → Windows Accessories → Remote Desktop Connection mstsc
macOS Install Microsoft’s Windows App from the App Store Search “Windows App”

Connect Step-By-Step (Client Side)

  1. Open the client by any method above.
  2. Enter the host’s name or IP. If you’re off-site, use the VPN or gateway your admin provides.
  3. Click Show Options to set display, local resources (clipboard, printers, drives), and credentials.
  4. Press Connect, accept the certificate prompt if it matches your expected host, then sign in.

Common Roadblocks And Fast Fixes

“The Remote Computer Isn’t Available”

Check that the host is powered on, awake, on the same network (or reachable over VPN), and allowing RDP. Confirm the PC name matches the one in the host’s Remote Desktop page. If you recently changed the computer name, reboot the host.

“Your Credentials Did Not Work”

Try HOSTNAME\username or .\username for local accounts. If the host belongs to a domain or Entra ID (Azure AD), use that sign-in format. Clear cached credentials in the client’s General tab under Delete.

Black Screen Or Disconnects

  • Uncheck Persistent bitmap caching under the client’s Experience tab.
  • Drop the color depth to 16-bit and lower resolution in Display.
  • Update graphics drivers on the host and the device you’re connecting from.

Can’t Hear Audio Or Use Clipboard

Open Local Resources in the client. For sound, pick Play on this computer. For copy/paste, ensure Clipboard is checked. If you need to print remotely, enable Printers and install the correct drivers on both sides.

Power Tips For Frequent Users

  • Save .rdp files: Click Show Options → Save As. Keep separate files for work, lab, and home.
  • Multi-monitor setups: Launch with mstsc /multimon. Great for side-by-side windows.
  • Admin sessions: Use mstsc /admin to connect to the console on servers you manage.
  • Pin a shortcut: Create a desktop shortcut with target C:\Windows\System32\mstsc.exe /v:PC-NAME, then set “Start in” to your documents folder for tidy saved .rdp files.

When You See Two Microsoft Apps

Windows includes the classic client covered here. Microsoft also publishes a cross-platform “Windows App” for cloud PCs and virtual desktops, and many organizations use it. Your PC still keeps the built-in client for direct RDP connections to a computer on your network. If you’re unsure which one your job needs, check with your admin; both can live side by side.

Recap: Fastest Paths You’ll Use Daily

  • Windows: Press Windows+R, run mstsc, or open it from Windows Tools.
  • macOS/iOS: Install Microsoft’s Windows App, add your PC or cloud resource, and connect.
  • Host prep: Turn on the setting in System → Remote Desktop on the destination PC, and note the name.

References Worth Saving

For deep options and the most current toggles, Microsoft’s docs are the best place to cross-check details: