The new Windows App will soon replace Remote Desktop

Windows App is only available with a Microsoft work or school account

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by Claudiu Andone 

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Microsoft removes Remote Desktop and replaces it with Windows App

Microsoft has announced that the Remote Desktop app for Windows, available through the Microsoft Store, will be retired on May 27, 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to the new Windows App (very uninspired name, right?), which offers enhanced features and a more streamlined experience for accessing remote services.

The Remote Desktop app has been widely used to connect to services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. However, starting from the retirement date, the app will no longer be supported or available for download. Microsoft has highlighted several benefits of the new Windows App, which is set to replace the older application:

  • Unified Access: The Windows App provides a single interface for accessing multiple Windows services, including Cloud PCs and virtual desktops.
  • Enhanced Features: Users can enjoy customizable home screens, multimonitor support, and dynamic display resolutions.
  • Optimized Remote Work: The app includes advanced features such as device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching.

For users who primarily use the Remote Desktop app to connect to remote PCs, Microsoft recommends using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection utility until the Windows App fully supports this functionality.

Microsoft has also acknowledged that the Windows App currently has some limitations and known issues. Users are advised to review these details and prepare for the transition by updating internal resources, such as user guidance and administrative materials. Another problem is that Windows App is only available with a work or school account.

This change follows a similar transition for macOS users, as Microsoft continues to unify its remote access tools across platforms. The company aims to provide a more cohesive and feature-rich experience for users of its remote services.

For more information, visit the Microsoft Tech Community blog. Will you miss the Remote Desktop app? Let us know in the comments below.

More about the topics: Microsoft 365, Remote Desktop Connection

Claudiu Andone

Claudiu Andone Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft. His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school. With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!

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