Setting Up Remote Desktop connection on windows
Decades ago, it’s impossible to work remotely. Everything has to be done in the office, where your work desktop is. Even as laptops became available, work was constrained by location. Since certain systems and files cannot be accessed from a remote location, computer tasks were completed within company premises. However, as technology improves, many options are available for enabling remote work. One of which is Windows Remote Desktop.
Remote desktop software lets users access another computer from their local device. The second computer may be in a remote location but they can control it as if they’re working on a local system. There are various ways how to enable remote desktops, and they depend on the requirements of an organization.
Remote desktop in windows 10 can resolve two issues regarding remote work:
1. Access files instantly on a local network
If the employee is accessing the private network of the company, the IT team can make all corporate applications available for them immediately. All the work done in the corporate system remains private since it does not have to be transferred through another medium. Since employees can access files directly from their work computers, sensitive data don’t leave the confines of the company, reducing the risks of cybersecurity.
2. Mitigates bandwidth issues
Bandwidth is the amount of data that moves across network connections. An employee working remotely can eat up much bandwidth if she has to perform a task on an application remotely and sends it back to company servers.
With remote desktop software, all tasks are done on the same computer even if they are not present in the exact location. There won’t be any concerns over sending large amounts of data back and forth.
Difference between Remote Desktop and VPN
Remote desktop and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are both used to connect a remote employee to corporate systems, although they are situated on different parts of the workflow.
Remote desktop allows users to access a computer in a different location over any kind of network connection. On the other hand, VPN is the connection itself. It creates a secure passage between the remote user and the corporate network.
Establishing Remote Desktop in Windows 10
There are different remote desktop tools that can be used including Windows Remote Desktop, RemotePC, ConnectWise Control, and others. Your choice depends on budget, features, and existing architecture.
For broad enterprise usage, you can follow these basic steps to set up a remote desktop in windows 10
- The host computer or server should be able to accept remote requests.
- Endpoints should have a client that can connect to the host.
There might be cases where individual connections make sense, outside the large-scale deployment of a remote desktop application. For instance, a help desk technician may need access to a computer to verify settings when debugging an issue.
The basic steps for an individual connection are similar but companies using the Windows environment can take advantage of the built-in application from the said operating system.
Setting Up a Host Computer to Receive Remote Requests
If the host computer is running on a Windows 10 Pro, the remote desktop application can be viewed under Start > Settings, and then System. It can also be accessed by clicking Start and then typing “Remote Desktop Settings” in the search bar. Once you launch the app, choose “Enable Remote Desktop.”
The name of the PC is needed to enable the remote desktop connection. To quickly find the name of the computer, click the Start button and type “Computer Name”, then choose “View your PC name” from the search results. The host PC can now be controlled either through a Windows computer or mobile device.
Connecting a Device to a Host Computer
On a Windows computer, click the start button and type “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search area. After opening the Remote Desktop Connection application, input the name of the host PC and choose to connect.
This simple connection requires both computers to be on the same private network. To allow access outside the local network, the IT department needs to set up port forwarding on the router or use a VPN connection. VPNs are commonly used in this case as port forwarding creates security vulnerabilities.
Remote Desktop Software: ITarian
ITarian is a great choice for organizations looking for an uncomplicated remote tool. This software allows you to get your tasks done remotely – whether it is transferring files, troubleshooting issues, or resolving IT tickets.
