The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Microsoft’s Store version of Remote Desktop for Windows is no longer supported or available to download, but that does not mean every kind of remote connection stopped working. The September 30, 2025 block applied to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box connections made through the Store app; Microsoft says direct remote-PC and Remote Desktop Services connections were unaffected. Which client you should use now depends on what you are connecting to and which device you are using.
What Microsoft changed—and what it did not
Microsoft announced on March 10, 2025, that Windows App would replace the Microsoft Store Remote Desktop app for Windows. The announcement was updated on September 26, 2025. Microsoft’s lifecycle notes say the Store app stopped being supported and available for download and installation on May 27, 2025. Beginning September 30, 2025, it could no longer connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box. Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro announcement and Remote Desktop client release notes describe the transition.
That block was not a shutdown of all Windows remote access. Microsoft says connections to Remote Desktop Services and direct remote PCs were unaffected by the Store-app block. The built-in Remote Desktop Connection client for Windows is also distinct from the retired Store app.
The announcement’s wording refers to Windows App replacing the Store app, but Microsoft’s current documentation does not establish a separate general-availability date for direct remote-PC connections in Windows App. Treat “GA” as a headline claim, not a verified date for that specific capability.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Choose the client by connection type
First identify the system you need to reach: a Windows PC you or someone else administers, an organization’s Remote Desktop Services environment, or a managed service such as Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, or Dev Box. Then choose a client for your source device. The names are easy to confuse, but the products and their support boundaries are not interchangeable.
| What you are connecting to | Windows source device | Other source devices |
|---|---|---|
| Direct connection to a Windows PC | Remote Desktop Connection, according to Microsoft’s setup instructions | Windows App for macOS and iOS; Remote Desktop app for Android, according to Microsoft’s platform-specific instructions |
| Remote Desktop Services | Remote Desktop client or browser access, as listed in Microsoft Learn’s platform guidance | Microsoft lists Windows App for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and Android; the Remote Desktop client is also listed for Apple and Android platforms. Windows App does not currently connect to Remote Desktop Services from every platform. |
| Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box | Do not use the retired Store Remote Desktop app; its connections to these services were blocked starting September 30, 2025. | Use the client supported for the service and platform. Microsoft’s platform and service guidance is subject to change. |
For Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft’s documentation is explicit about the platform caveat: “Windows App replaces the Remote Desktop client and it’s available for all platforms, but you can’t currently connect to Remote Desktop Services using Windows App from all platforms, so you might still need to use the Remote Desktop client.” This statement concerns Remote Desktop Services; it should not be read as a blanket rule for direct PC connections. See Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services client guidance for the platform table.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Connect to a Windows PC from another Windows device
For a direct remote-PC connection, the computer being controlled—the host—must run Windows Pro. Microsoft’s instructions cover Windows 10 and Windows 11. A Windows Home PC cannot serve as the host under this guidance, though a device running Home can be used as the connecting client.
- Check the host edition. On the PC you want to reach, confirm that Windows is Pro.
- Enable Remote Desktop on the host. Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turn on Remote Desktop.
- Record the PC name. Note the host’s PC name, which you will enter from the connecting device.
- Start the connection from Windows. On the source device, open Remote Desktop Connection, enter the host PC name, and connect.
- Sign in. Use an account authorized to access the host PC.
Microsoft provides separate connection steps for macOS and iOS using Windows App, and for Android using the Remote Desktop app. Follow the instructions for your source platform rather than assuming the Windows client steps apply to every device. See Microsoft Support’s Remote Desktop setup guide.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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How to decide what to do with an old Store-app setup
- You connected to your own or another Windows Pro PC: The September 30 block did not affect direct remote-PC connections. On Windows, use Remote Desktop Connection and follow Microsoft’s host setup instructions.
- You connected to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Dev Box: The Store app can no longer make those connections. Identify the service and use a client currently supported for that service and your device platform.
- You connected to Remote Desktop Services: This service was also outside the Store-app block. Check Microsoft’s platform table; Windows App does not support Remote Desktop Services on every platform, so the Remote Desktop client may still be needed.
Microsoft’s release-notes page includes later updates for the separate Remote Desktop client, so client versions and availability can change. Check the live notes and the relevant service documentation before troubleshooting a new deployment or replacing a working client.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
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