Where Is The Remote Desktop App In Windows 10? | Fast Access

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In Windows 10, you’ll find Remote Desktop via Start search (“Remote Desktop Connection”) or the Microsoft Store client.

If you’re trying to open a remote session right now and can’t spot the right icon, you’re not alone. Windows 10 includes two ways to connect: the classic client built in since the XP era, and a Store-delivered client that many workplaces use. This guide shows every entry point, the exact clicks and commands, and quick fixes when nothing launches.

Quick Ways To Open Remote Desktop In Windows 10

Pick the route that fits your screen:

Start Menu Search

  1. Press Windows key.
  2. Type Remote Desktop Connection.
  3. Open the desktop app with the computer-and-plug icon.

Run Box Or Terminal

Use a single word command:

mstsc

That launches the classic client on all modern editions of Windows 10.

Direct Settings Shortcut

Jump straight to the Remote Desktop section in Settings (useful when you need to allow incoming connections on the PC you’ll control):

ms-settings:remotedesktop

File Explorer Path

You can launch the executable directly from System32:

%SystemRoot%\System32\mstsc.exe

Classic Menu Path On Older Builds

On some systems you’ll also see a folder shortcut:

  1. Start → Windows Accessories → Remote Desktop Connection.

Find The Remote Desktop App On Windows 10: All Entry Points

Windows 10 exposes two clients you might see referenced at work or in help docs. They sit in different places and have different strengths:

1) The Built-In Client (“Remote Desktop Connection”)

This is the long-standing desktop program that ships with Windows. It opens with the command above and saves .rdp files. If you need command-line switches or want to script connections, this is the one that uses mstsc. Microsoft documents its flags and behavior in the official command reference, which is handy when you’re automating multi-monitor or gateway scenarios.

2) The Store Client (“Microsoft Remote Desktop”)

This app came from the Microsoft Store and was popular for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Many companies pinned it on the taskbar because it syncs work resources and feeds. If you don’t see it, your organization may have replaced it with the newer Windows App (details below). You can still open it from Start if it’s installed—type Remote Desktop and look for the app-style tile.

What Should You Use Today?

  • To connect to a regular PC by name or IP: the classic client (mstsc) is fast and always present.
  • To reach cloud PCs and curated resources from work: the app previously offered a simple feed, now often replaced by the Windows App your IT team provides.

Step-By-Step: Open It From Anywhere

Method A — Start Search

  1. Press Windows key, type remote.
  2. Choose Remote Desktop Connection.
  3. Enter the PC name or IP and select Connect.

Method B — Run Or Terminal

Hit Windows + R and run:

mstsc /v:PCNameOrIP

Add switches when needed. A few handy ones:

mstsc /admin          
mstsc /multimon       
mstsc path\file.rdp

Method C — Settings Deep Link

When the goal is to allow a machine to accept incoming sessions, open the Settings page directly:

ms-settings:remotedesktop

Toggle Remote Desktop on, copy the PC name shown, and keep the device awake so it’s reachable.

Method D — File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Paste %SystemRoot%\System32\mstsc.exe into the address bar.
  3. Press Enter.

Enable The PC You Want To Reach

Opening the client is only half of the task; the destination PC must accept remote connections. On the PC you plan to control:

  1. Open Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
  2. Turn on Remote Desktop and confirm.
  3. Optionally limit users and require Network Level Authentication (recommended for security).

Microsoft’s setup page walks through the same steps and explains the security prompts and network notes. Link: Enable Remote Desktop on your PC.

About The Store App And The New “Windows App”

In mid-2025, Microsoft stopped updating the older Store-delivered Remote Desktop app on Windows. Many organizations moved to a unified Windows App for Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. The classic desktop client (the one launched by mstsc) remains available in Windows and keeps working for direct RDP to PCs. If your company manages devices, you’ll likely see the newer app deployed and pinned. If you’re a home user connecting to your own Pro edition PC, the built-in client is all you need.

If you’re reading this on a work machine and your shortcut disappeared, search Start for Windows App or check your company portal. The change doesn’t remove the classic client—only the Store app path changed.

Edition Limits You Should Know

Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education can accept incoming RDP sessions once enabled. Windows 10 Home can’t act as an RDP host. It can still launch the client to reach other PCs, but it won’t accept a connection itself. If your target PC runs Home, use alternatives like Microsoft’s Quick Assist for one-off help or upgrade the edition when permanent remote access is needed.

Network Prep And Safety Basics

Local network access is typically plug-and-play. Reaching a PC over the internet needs more care. A few guardrails:

  • Use a VPN when connecting across the internet.
  • Strong sign-in: long password or passkey, plus multi-factor on the account.
  • Firewall rules: keep RDP open only where required; avoid blanket port forwarding.
  • Lock screen: set the remote PC to lock after disconnect.

Handy Copy-Paste Commands

Drop these into Windows + R or a terminal window:

# Launch classic client
mstsc

# Launch client and connect to a host right away
mstsc /v:OfficePC

# Open an .rdp file you saved earlier
mstsc C:\Users\<you>\Documents\OfficePC.rdp

# Jump to Remote Desktop settings on the local machine
ms-settings:remotedesktop

Common Mistakes And Quick Fixes

“Nothing Happens” After Running mstsc

  • Try Start → type “remote” and pick the desktop app. If it opens, pin it for quicker access next time.
  • Run the command as the current user, not elevated in a locked-down shell that blocks GUI apps.

“Can’t Connect” Pop-up

  • Confirm the destination PC is awake and signed in. Sleep and hibernate stop incoming sessions.
  • Verify the PC name or IP. If you’re off-site, a VPN is usually required.
  • On the host, turn on Remote Desktop in Settings, add your user, and keep Network Level Authentication on for better security.

Remote Desktop Works On LAN, Fails From Home

  • That points to routing. Use your company’s VPN or a secure gateway rather than opening ports on a router.

Edition Roadblock

  • If the target runs Windows 10 Home, it won’t accept incoming RDP. Use Quick Assist for ad-hoc help, a remote access tool, or upgrade the edition.

Deep-Link Docs You’ll Revisit

When you need options like multi-monitor spanning or saved profiles, the official command page lists every switch and .rdp property. Link: mstsc command reference. For setup on the host side, keep this bookmark handy as well: How to use Remote Desktop.

Quick Reference Table

The cheat sheet below compresses where to launch and when to use each route.

Method Where To Open Best For
Start Search Press Windows key → type Remote Desktop Connection Everyday use; always present
Run/Terminal mstsc or mstsc /v:PCName Fast launches; scripting
Settings Link ms-settings:remotedesktop Turning the host feature on
File Path %SystemRoot%\System32\mstsc.exe When shortcuts are missing
Windows App Start → search Windows App Cloud PCs and work resources

Pro Tips For Faster Connects

  • Pin it: Right-click the icon on the taskbar → Pin to taskbar.
  • Save a profile: In the client, select Show Options → enter settings → Save As… an .rdp file.
  • Multi-monitor: Use the Display tab in the client or launch with mstsc /multimon.
  • Clipboard and drives: Local Resources tab lets you copy-paste and map drives into the session.

FAQ-Style Clarifiers Without The Jargon

Is The Classic Client Going Away?

No. The desktop client that launches with mstsc remains part of Windows. The change in 2025 applied to the separate Store app that many companies used for cloud desktops; organizations moved to the newer Windows App for that role.

Where Are My Saved Connections?

By default, the client drops a hidden file named Default.rdp in your Documents folder. Any profiles you save with Save As… go wherever you choose; keep them in Documents or a work folder so they roam with backups.

Do I Need Admin Rights To Use The Client?

No. You only need rights on the destination PC. If you lack permission, ask the owner or IT admin to add your account to the allowed users list on that machine.

Bottom Line

You’ll reach the client fastest with Start search or the mstsc command. Open Settings on the destination machine to allow access, keep security basics tight, and, if your company points you to a newer app for cloud desktops, follow that path. With these entry points and the quick fixes above, you can launch a session in seconds and get back to work.