Can you remotely control your computer with your phone?

Answered by Tom Adger

It is possible to remotely control your computer with your phone. Microsoft provides a Remote Desktop app that allows you to access and control a computer from a non-Windows device. This app is available for Mac, iOS, and Android.

To get started, there are a few requirements. Firstly, you need to ensure that you have Windows 10 Pro installed on your computer. The Remote Desktop feature is not available on Windows 10 Home edition. If you have the Home edition, you may need to consider upgrading to the Pro version.

Once you have the appropriate Windows edition, you will need to download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your phone. This app is available in the respective app stores for Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Simply search for “Microsoft Remote Desktop” and install the app on your device.

After installing the app, follow these steps to set up and use Remote Desktop:

1. Enable Remote Desktop on your Windows computer: On your computer, go to the Start menu and search for “Remote Desktop settings.” Open the Remote Desktop settings and toggle the switch to enable Remote Desktop. You may also need to adjust additional settings like network access, user permissions, and security options.

2. Configure your computer for remote access: Make sure your computer is connected to the internet and has a stable network connection. If your computer is behind a router or firewall, you may need to set up port forwarding or configure the firewall to allow Remote Desktop connections.

3. Launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your phone: Open the app on your phone and tap on the “+” button to add a new remote desktop connection.

4. Enter the connection details: In the Remote Desktop Connection setup, enter the PC name or IP address of your Windows computer. You can find this information by going to the Control Panel on your computer and navigating to System and Security > System. Alternatively, you can use the computer’s hostname. You can also give the connection a name to easily identify it later.

5. Configure additional settings: You can customize various settings like display resolution, audio playback, keyboard, and mouse behavior according to your preferences.

6. Save and connect: Once you have entered the connection details and configured the settings, tap on the “Save” button. The saved connection will appear in the app’s main screen. Tap on the connection to initiate the remote desktop session.

7. Authenticate and control your computer: When you connect to your computer for the first time, you will be prompted to enter your Windows username and password. Once authenticated, you will be able to remotely control your computer from your phone. The app provides a touch-friendly interface with virtual mouse and keyboard inputs.

It’s worth noting that the remote desktop experience may vary depending on the speed of your internet connection and the performance capabilities of your computer. A stable and fast internet connection is recommended for a smoother remote desktop experience.

Using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, you can access and control your Windows computer from your phone regardless of whether you are using a Mac, iOS, or Android device. This can be particularly useful when you need to access your computer remotely, manage files, run applications, or perform tasks while on the go.

I hope this detailed explanation helps you understand how to remotely control your computer with your phone using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.