Windows 7 / Getting Started

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Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Connections

You use Remote Desktop to access one computer from another remotely. With Remote Desktop Connection, you can access a computer running Windows from another computer running Windows that is connected to the same network or to the Internet. For example, you can use all your work computer's programs, files, and network resources from your home computer, and it's just like you're sitting in front of your computer at work.

You cannot use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to computers running Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, and you can only create outgoing connections from those editions of Windows 7. Only Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions support Remote Desktop Hosting.

Note: You cannot use Remote Desktop Connection to connect to computers running Windows XP Home Edition.

To connect to a remote computer, it must meet the following criteria:

• The remote computer must be turned on.
• The remote computer must have a network connection.
• Remote Desktop must be enabled.
• You must have network access to the remote computer (this could be through the Internet).
• You must have permission to connect (a member of the administrators group or the Remote Desktop Users group. For permission to connect, you must be on the list of users.

To use Remote Desktop, the computer that you are trying to connect to must be on, Remote Desktop must be enabled, and you must have the proper rights.

Note: Remote Desktop uses port 3389.

To allow remote connections on the computer you want to connect to, do the following:

1. Click the Start button. Right-click Computer and select Properties.
2. Click Remote Settings and then select one of the three options under Remote Desktop. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Click Select Users. If you are enabling Remote Desktop for your current user account, your name is automatically added to this list of remote users, and you can skip the next two steps.
4. In the Remote Desktop Users dialog box, click Add. This adds users to the Remote Desktop Users group.
5. In the Select Users dialog box, do the following:
   • To specify the search location, click Locations and then select the location you want to search.
   • In Enter the object names to select, type the name of the user that you want to add and then click OK.

The name is displayed in the list of users in the Remote Desktop Users dialog box.

To start Remote Desktop on the computer you want to work from, do the following:

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection by clicking the Start button, select Accessories, and select Remote Desktop Connection.
2. From the screen in the Computer field, type the name of the computer that you want to connect to and then click Connect. (You can also type the IP address instead of the computer name if you want.)

For more advanced options before the connection, click the Options button.