There are many differences between Windows 11/10 Home and Professional, including the Remote Desktop feature. Unlike the professional version, you cannot use the Remote Desktop feature in the home version. In this post, I will share how to use Windows Remote Desktop in Windows 11/10 Home and suggest an alternative for the best experience.
Using Remote Desktop in Windows 11/10 Home
Your Home edition does of Windows doesn’t support Remote Desktop
It is interesting to note that components and services for the RDP server, which makes the remote connection possible, are also available in Windows Home. However, the feature is disabled or blocked on the Home version. That said, this solution is a workaround that comes from the developer binary master in the form of an RDP wrapper library.
Steps to enable Windows 11/10 Home Remote Desktop feature
- Download the latest version of RDP Wrapper library from Github
- Run the installation file. It will allow everything that is needed for the remote desktop.
- Type Remote Desktop in the search, and you should be able to see the RDP software.
- Type in the remote computer name and password to connect with the computer.
Make sure that Remote Desktop Connection is allowed on the computer you want to connect.
I connected my Laptop, which is running the Home version, to my desktop, which is running Windows Pro. It works flawlessly, just like it does on Pro versions.
After installation, if you go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop, it will still say that the remote desktop is not available. However, other computers can connect with the Windows Home PC.
How does RDP wrapper library work
So, how is it working? The RDP wrapper library—the one we just installed—makes communication possible as the necessary services are already available on the computer. If you are wondering why Microsoft didn’t completely remove it, it’s because it is needed for support and also makes third-party services possible.
We know how expensive it is to upgrade Windows Pro from Windows Home. So, you can either use this workaround or choose a third-party application. Also, it may not be legal to use an RDP wrapper as it modifies some configuration files.
Read: How to use new Windows App on Mac, Android, or iOS. It allows the user to connect to a remote desktop or a server from their client computer, so it’s basically a re-labeling of the older Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
Third Party Remote Desktop Apps
If you are not very confident about the above solution, and maybe it doesn’t work for you as expected, choose something else. If you do not want a full-fledged solution, select a remote connection via Skype or something similar.
However, if you want a complete solution, it is best to use solutions like TeamViewer. The app is now available in Windows Store as well and makes it possible to use it.
Can Windows 11 Home use Remote Desktop?
The components and service for the RDP server, which make the remote connection possible, are also available in Windows 11/10 Home. However, the feature is disabled or blocked on the Home version.
How many users can Remote Desktop into Windows 11?
Windows 11/10 Enterprise and Pro allow only one remote session connection. The new SKU can handle as many as 10 simultaneous connections.
Related: Enable Remote Desktop using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
