How to Setup Remote Desktop in Windows 11

With Remote Desktop, you can access your Windows 11 PC from anywhere. This feature is available on Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise. Follow the steps below to set up Remote Desktop in Windows 11.

Part 1: Enabling Remote Desktop in Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

• Press ⊞ Win+I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Remote Desktop.

Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop

• Toggle the switch to “On”.
• Click “Confirm” when prompted.

Step 3: Note the Remote Desktop Port

• Click the dropdown under “Remote Desktop port”.
• By default, the port number is 3389. Write it down for future use.

Step 4: Add Remote Desktop Users

• Click “Remote Desktop Users”.
• Click “Add” and enter the usernames allowed to access this PC.

Part 2: Changing the Remote Desktop Port (Optional)

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

• Press ⊞ Win+R, type “regedit”, and press Enter.
• Navigate to:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerWinStationsRDP-Tcp

Step 2: Modify the Port Number

• Find “PortNumber”, double-click it, and select Decimal.
• Change the value from 3389 to a unique number (e.g., 15275).
• Click OK and restart your PC.

Part 3: Configuring Firewall for Remote Desktop

Step 1: Open Windows Defender Firewall

• Search for “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” and open it.
• Click “Inbound Rules” on the left panel.

Step 2: Create a New Rule

• Click “New Rule” on the right panel.
• Select “Port” and click Next.
• Select “TCP” and enter your port number (e.g., 15275).
• Click “Allow the Connection”, then click Next.

Step 3: Save the Firewall Rule

• Keep the defaults checked for Domain, Private, and Public.
• Name the rule (e.g., “Remote Desktop Access”) and click Finish.

Part 4: Port Forwarding for Remote Desktop

Step 1: Access Your Router’s Settings

• Open Command Prompt (⊞ Win+R → type “cmd” → Enter).
• Type “ipconfig” and note your Default Gateway IP address.
• Enter this IP in your browser’s address bar and log in to your router.

Step 2: Set Up Port Forwarding

• Find the Port Forwarding section.
• Enter the port number you set earlier (e.g., 15275).
• Set the protocol to TCP or BOTH.
• Enter your computer’s local IP address.
• Save the settings and restart your router.

Part 5: Connecting to Your PC Remotely

Step 1: Open Remote Desktop Connection

• Press ⊞ Win+S, type “Remote Desktop Connection”, and open the app.

Step 2: Enter Connection Details

• Enter your Public IP Address followed by the port number (e.g., 122.123.145.100:15275).
• Click “Connect” and enter your Windows username and password.

Step 3: Start Remote Access

• Click “OK” and accept the certificate warning.
• You are now connected to your Windows 11 PC remotely.