Remote desktop is a valuable feature for many individuals and businesses, offering the ability to access a computer from a remote location. Despite its utility, Windows 10 Home edition users might notice that this feature is not readily available, unlike in the Professional or Enterprise editions. However, this doesn’t mean that enabling remote desktop is impossible. With some workarounds, we can activate it and enjoy the benefits of remote desktop connectivity even on a Windows 10 Home system.
At the core of this setup is the distinction between the remote desktop server and the remote desktop client. Windows 10 Home edition does come with the client component, allowing us to connect to other machines that have remote desktop enabled. But to allow other devices to connect to our Windows 10 Home system, we typically need to install third-party software or implement other solutions, since the server portion of remote desktop is not included in this edition. This ensures that we too can manage our work and personal tasks remotely without the need to upgrade to a pricier version of Windows.
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Preparing Your Windows 10 Home PC for Remote Desktop
In our experience, the standard Windows 10 Home edition doesn’t support the Remote Desktop feature by default. But through certain methods, we can enable this useful functionality. Let’s walk through the steps necessary to prepare your Windows 10 Home PC to accept Remote Desktop connections.
Enabling the Hidden RDP Feature
By default, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is not enabled on Windows 10 Home. We’ll begin by accessing the system properties. This is where we would normally find RDP settings in other editions of Windows. To do this, we can open the command prompt and execute a command that brings up the system properties. However, you’ll notice the absence of a Remote Desktop section since this feature is hidden in the Home edition.
Using RDP Wrapper Library
To enable the hidden RDP feature, we use the RDP Wrapper Library. This clever piece of software isn’t included with Windows. Instead, it’s a third-party solution we can find on GitHub. The RDP Wrapper essentially creates a layer that activates the dormant remote desktop server in the Home edition. Here’s how to proceed—with care, of course, since we’re dealing with system files and third-party software.
| Step | Action | Comment |
| 1 | Download from GitHub | Ensure it’s from a reliable source |
| 2 | Run Install.bat | Run as administrator |
| 3 | Verify Installation | Check if RDP service is running |
Once installed, the system should listen on the default RDP port, TCP 3389. It’s critical to ensure your network is configured to allow connections on this port. Additionally, using PowerShell or the command prompt, we can verify that the RDP service is running. Upon successful installation, our PC will be ready to accept Remote Desktop connections, just as if it were running a Professional edition of Windows.
Configuring Network and Security Settings
Ensuring the security and proper configuration of network settings is pivotal for a smooth and protected remote desktop experience. We’re focusing on adjusting the Windows Firewall to permit Remote Desktop connections and configuring Network Level Authentication for an added layer of security.
Adjusting Firewall Settings
Firewall settings should always align with the organization’s security protocols. It may require setting specific rules for RDP connections, like the scope of allowed IP addresses and the ports that Remote Desktop can listen on, typically TCP port 3389.
Setting Up Network Level Authentication
This preemptive measure significantly enhances security, ensuring that RDP endpoints are less exposed to vulnerabilities and brute-force attacks. Utilizing NLA also decreases the load on our system since it requires less processing power from our system until the user’s identity is verified. Additionally, encryption kicks in at the authentication phase, protecting the credentials from potential eavesdropping.
Establishing the Remote Connection
In this section, we’re going to guide you through connecting to your Home PC remotely and resolving any roadblocks encountered during the process.
Connecting to the Home PC from Another Computer
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Exploring Alternative Solutions
In situations where built-in remote desktop functionality isn’t available, we widen our horizons by considering third-party options. These applications come with their own sets of features that cater to various remote access needs.
Utilizing Third-Party Remote Desktop Applications
When Windows Remote Desktop isn’t an option, as is the case with Windows 10 Home Edition, we can turn to alternative solutions. Third-party applications offer a range of functionalities that can even exceed the native tools provided by Microsoft.
Another strong contender is Chrome Remote Desktop, an extension for the Chrome browser that allows easy setup and use. It’s particularly user-friendly and integrates well with Google services.
We also like to explore options available in the Microsoft Store, like Microsoft Remote Desktop. This is a solid choice for those invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and relatively seamless operation.
While each application comes with its own learning curve, they often feature intuitive interfaces and detailed guidance, making setup and connection management quite straightforward. By choosing the right third-party application, we ensure remote access that aligns with our preferences and technical requirements.