By Hester / Last Updated February 10, 2023

Can I connect to my home computer using Remote Desktop?

 

I have a really good PC at home so I was wondering if I could turn my PC and remotely use it at school. I have heard this can be unsafe and I would like to do this safely. I also learned that Windows has a built-in Remote Desktop program. I also would not like to spend any money. Can I connect to my home computer using Remote Desktop?”

- Question from Windows Forum

What is Remote Access

Though RDP is widely used for remote communication, it is not compatible with all Windows operating systems. For example, if acts as the server side to receive remote control, Windows Home/Standard Edition does not support Remote Desktop. Therefore, as long as your home computer is Windows Professional or higher, you can easily access your home computer from another device via RDP.

How to use Remote Desktop Connection

Here is how to connect to home computer remotely using Remote Desktop Connection.

Part 1. Preparation work on remote PC

Before you start, there are several things you need to complete on your home computer.

1. Enable Remote Desktop

Navigate: Settings > System > Remote Desktop > Turn on Enable Remote Desktop.

Enable Remote Desktop

2. Allow Remote Desktop through Windows Firewall

Step 1. Open Control Panel, and navigate to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.

Defender Frewall

Step 2. On the left pane, select Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall.

Allow App or Feature

Step 3. Locate and tick Remote Desktop, then click OK.

Tick Remote Deskop

3. Look up the IP address and username

Step 1. Press Win + R, enter “cmd” and press OK.

Run Box CMD

Step 2. To get the IP address, enter the command "ipconfig" and note down the IPv4 Address.

Find the Computer Name in the Console

Step 3. To get the username, enter the command “query user” and note down the username.

Find the Username in the Control Panel

4. Forward port on your router (optional)

If you are connecting from outside your network, you need to port forward for RDP. If the two devices are on LAN, you can skip this section to Part 2.

Step 1. Open a web browser, type in your router address, and press Enter.

Login Router Address

Step 2. Input the username and password, then click Login. (If you don’t know the login details, check your router’s user manual)

Router Login

Step 3. When you logged in, click Port Forwarding/Port Triggering on the left pane, and click Add Custom Service.

Add Custom Service

Step 4. Then enter a name for the service, select "TCP/UDP" or "Both" under Service Type, type in the RDP port number (default 3389), and enter the IP address.

Set Up Port Mapping

Step 5. Click Apply to save the settings and, if necessary, restart the router.

Part 2. Start a remote session from local PC

Now you can see how to RDP into a computer.

Step 1. Search Remote Desktop Connection in the start menu and click Open.

RDC

Step 2. Enter the IP address and username of your home computer, then click Connect.

General Tab

Step 3. Enter your credentials and click OK.

Enter Your Credentials

AnyViewer: Access your home computer with ease

As you can see, Remote Desktop requires a lot of initial setup before starting a connection. Besides, it doesn’t support multiple monitors at all. For many users, it isn’t exactly the prettiest option for remote access. You may need an easier solution, and that’s what we will discuss.

The simplest way to access another computer is to use the excellent remote desktop software AnyViewer, which is incredibly easy to set up and has some very useful functions. You can establish unattended remote access to another computer, quickly share files between computers, view multiple monitors, etc.

It requires downloading AnyViewer on both your home computer and remote computer, but it’s totally worth it!

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Here is how AnyViewer works:

Step 1. Start up AnyViewer on home computer, and click Sign up for account registration.

Log in AnyViewer

Step 2. Complete the information and click Sign up.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. Start up AnyViewer on client computer, log in to the same account, and your device will be automaticallyassigned to the account.

Free Editions

Step 4. Go to Device, select your home computer from the list, and click One-click control to start a remote session with that device.

Connect to My Devices

AnyViewer offers several considerate options in a remote session:

Remote Access Operations

Tips:✎...You can upgrade to Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy more rights!

Note that AnyViewer also has an iOS and Android app, you can conveniently access computer from your phone.

Unattended Remote Control iOS

Conclusion

Can I connect to my home computer using Remote Desktop? Yes! We have already introduced how to connect your home computer using Remote Desktop Connection and AnyViewer. They're almost equally good at remote connecting. However, it is more complicated to use RDP if you are away from home, we recommend you try AnyViewer and you won’t regret it.