[How-to]Microsoft Remote Desktop iOS: Access PC from iPhone or iPad

Is Remote Desktop available on iOS?

"I want to use Remote Desktop from iPhone to Windows 10 for file access, but I don’t know if I can use Microsoft Remote Desktop on my iPhone that is running iOS 12.5.6. If there is not, are there any ways to achieve remote connection through my iPhone?"

Get Microsoft Remote Desktop client for iOS 

The answer is complete yes! Remote Desktop, developed by Microsoft, comes with Windows advanced versions and allows users to connect to a Windows computer via a Remote Desktop client app. To access one PC from another PC, you just need to open the Remote Desktop client for Windows, Remote Desktop Connection. To access one PC from an iOS device, you need to download the Remote Desktop client for iOS, usually, it is called RD client.

How to use Microsoft Remote Desktop iOS to connect to a PC 

Now, see how to use the Microsoft Remote Desktop client on iPad/iPhone to connect your remote Windows computer.

✍ Preparation work: You should enable Remote Desktop on the Windows computer that you want to access from your iOS device. 

On Windows 10/11, press Win + I  open "Settings", and then go to "System" > "Remote Desktop". Under “Enable Remote Desktop”, drag the toggle button rightward to enable Remote Desktop. 

On Windows 7, you can right-click on “This PC”, and then choose “Properties” > “Remote Settings” >  “Remote” > “Allow connections from computer running any version of Remote Desktop”.

Step 1. Download and install the RD client from App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Run it. 

Step 2. Tap the “+” button in the upper right corner of the interface, and select “Add PC” in the pop-up window.

Step 3. Tap "PC Name". Enter the hostname or IP address of the remote PC that you want to access. 

Step 4. Click “User Account”. If you often need to remotely control a PC from iPhone, it's recommended that you select "Add User Account". If you are not, you can choose the default "Ask When Required“.

Step 5. Back to the main interface and click the IP address icon just created, enter the user name and password of the PC in the pop-up window, and click ”Continue“.

Step 6. Then you can connect the remote PC successfully from your iPhone or iPad and you know the way to use RD Client iOS. 

Note: To use RD Client on the iOS device to control your PC, two devices should be on the same LAN, otherwise you need to perform port forwarding.

A secure & fast alternative to Microsoft Remtoe Desktop iOS app -- AnyViewer

In the above text we have clearly shown you how to use Windows Remote Dekstop iOS client app to connect to a Windows computer with the same network. If you come across issues like  “RD Client 0x204 error” on your iPad or iPhone, it's advised to switch to a third-party remote desktop software, like AnyViewer.

Compared to RDP Client, the advantages of AnyViewer can be listed as follows:

 Withotu LAN limitation: AnyViewer can let you realize remote connection without the limitation of the same LAN, which means you can remotely access a PC on the same LAN or from a different network without port forwarding.

 Outstanding and stable performance: It enables you to connect to a computer from an iOS device quickly and keeps connection. 

Share screen is supported: It won't lock the screen of the remote computer during the session, which enables you to share the same screen with the one on the other end. 

 High security: The whole remote session is secured by Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) encryption, protecting your privacy from being leaked.

Now, see how to use AnyViewer to access a remote Windows desktop/laptop from your iPhone/iPad. 

Step 1. Download AnyViewer Windows version on the computer that you need to access. Install and run it. 

Step 2. Download AnyViewer iOS version on your iPhone or iPad. 

Step 3. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and log in to it on both devices. 

Step 4. On your iOS device, go to Device, locate the PC you need to control, tap it and tap "One-click control".  

Step 5. Then you can see the desktop of the remote computer from your iOS device and use it as if you were sitting in front of it.  By clicking the menu icon on the corner of the right side, you can see many functions like “Stop connection” and “Hide desktop wallpaper"...

Notes:

• AnyViewers supports you in controlling a computer via security code or by sending a remote control request.
• It also allows you to control PC from Android or from another PC. 

 

Conclusion

The concrete steps to using iOS Microsoft Remote Desktop are shown above. However, if the 2 devices are not on the same LAN or you encounter some RDP errors in the course of using the RDP Client on iOS, AnyViewer can be a good alternative for you.