The Tool Desk
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This guide explains which option to use, how to install it, and what Windows edition the remote computer needs.
Which Microsoft Remote Desktop app should you install?
| What you want to do | Install or use | Important status |
|---|---|---|
| Connect to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, or a supported remote PC | Windows App | Available through the Microsoft Store and Microsoft’s download page |
| Use the older standalone client distributed as an MSI installer | Remote Desktop MSI client | Still downloadable, but no longer supported for public-cloud Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, or Microsoft Dev Box after March 27, 2026 |
| Connect directly to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro computer by its PC name | Remote Desktop Connection | Built into Windows; no separate download is required |
| Download the old Microsoft Store app named Remote Desktop | Do not use it | Its final public version was 10.2.3012 and Microsoft lists it as no longer available for download |
Option 1: Install Windows App from the Microsoft Store
Windows App is the current Microsoft replacement for the former Store-based Remote Desktop app. It became the new product name with version 11.0.0, released on September 19, 2024. In the newer interface, Microsoft replaced the old Workspaces and PCs sections with Favorites, Devices, and Apps.
Use Windows App for:
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Windows 365
- Microsoft Dev Box
- Remote Desktop Services
- Supported remote PC connections
Install it from Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Search for Windows App. The listing is not named “Microsoft Remote Desktop.”
- Select the Microsoft-published Windows App listing.
- Select Get or Install.
- After installation, open Start, search for Windows App, and launch it.
Microsoft also provides direct Windows App downloads for Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, and Windows Arm64 from its Windows App release page. Microsoft lists version 2.0.1247.0, published July 14, 2026, as the current public Windows release.
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Add a resource in Windows App
The exact sign-in and subscription options depend on the service your organization provides. Sign in with the work or school account associated with Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Dev Box, or the relevant remote service. Your published desktops and applications appear in the Windows App interface under the relevant resource area.
Option 2: Download and install the standalone Remote Desktop MSI client
Microsoft still distributes a separate installer called the Remote Desktop client for Windows. After installation, the program appears in Windows as Remote Desktop. This is not the old Store app, and it is not the same as the built-in Remote Desktop Connection utility.
Microsoft lists MSI downloads for three processor architectures:
- Windows 64-bit — the correct choice for most current PCs
- Windows 32-bit — for 32-bit Windows installations
- Windows ARM64 — for compatible ARM-based Windows devices
The current public MSI release listed by Microsoft is version 1.2.7279, dated July 14, 2026. Download the installer from Microsoft’s Remote Desktop client installation page, rather than from a third-party download site.
Install the MSI with the graphical installer
- Download the MSI that matches your Windows architecture.
- Open the downloaded MSI file.
- On the welcome screen, select Next.
- Check I accept the terms in the License Agreement, then select Next.
- Choose an Installation Scope:
- Install just for you installs the client for the current Windows user and does not require local administrator rights.
- Install for all users of this machine installs it for every user and requires local administrator rights.
- Select Install.
- Select Finish when setup completes.
- If Launch Remote Desktop when setup exits is selected, the application opens automatically. Otherwise, open Start and search for Remote Desktop.
Install the MSI from Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as administrator, replace the placeholder with the full path to the downloaded MSI, and run the command for the required installation type.
For a per-device installation, run: msiexec /i <path to the MSI> /qn ALLUSERS=1
For a per-user installation, run: msiexec /i <path to the MSI> /qn ALLUSERS=2 MSIINSTALLPERUSER=1
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For example, if the installer is in your Downloads folder, the path may look like this: msiexec /i “C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\RDC-Windows-x64.msi” /qn ALLUSERS=1
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Subscribe to a workspace in the MSI client
A workspace is a collection of desktops and applications made available by an administrator, commonly for Remote Desktop Services or Azure Virtual Desktop environments that still support this client.
- Open Remote Desktop.
- On the Let’s get started screen, select Subscribe or Subscribe with URL.
- Sign in or enter the workspace feed URL supplied by your administrator.
- Open the published desktop or application after the workspace appears.
To manage a subscribed workspace, select the three dots next to its name. The available commands are Details, Refresh, and Unsubscribe.
Option 3: Use the built-in Remote Desktop Connection client
If you simply need to connect from one Windows PC to another, you may not need Windows App or the MSI client. Windows includes a desktop program named Remote Desktop Connection.
Prepare the remote PC
The remote computer—not necessarily the computer you are using as the client—must run Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro for an ordinary direct Remote Desktop connection. The client PC can run any Windows edition, including Home.
Check the remote computer’s edition:
- Open Start > Settings > System > About.
- Under Windows specifications, find Edition.
- Confirm that it says Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro.
Enable incoming connections on the remote PC:
- Open Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Turn on Remote Desktop.
- Select Confirm.
- Record the value shown under PC name.
Connect from Windows 11 or Windows 10
- In the taskbar search box, type Remote Desktop Connection.
- Open the matching desktop application.
- Enter the remote computer’s PC name.
- Select Connect.
- Sign in with an account authorized to use the remote PC.
This built-in client is separate from both the MSI application named Remote Desktop and the discontinued Microsoft Store app.
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System requirements for the MSI client
The standalone Windows MSI client requires internet access and supports:
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later
.NET Framework 4.6.2 or later may need to be installed manually on Windows Server 2016 and some Windows 10 versions.
Although Microsoft’s MSI documentation still lists Windows 10 as a client platform, Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date.
Important MSI support restriction after March 27, 2026
Installing the MSI does not make it a current replacement for Windows App in every scenario. Microsoft ended MSI support for public-cloud Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box on March 27, 2026. Use Windows App for those services.
Microsoft extended MSI support through September 28, 2026 only for:
- Azure Government
- Azure operated by 21Vianet
- AVD Classic
If your administrator tells you to install the MSI for one of those environments, confirm the required architecture and workspace URL with them.
Update the MSI Remote Desktop client
- Open Remote Desktop.
- Select the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select About.
- If an update is available, select Install update.
When the client is current, the About screen shows a green check box and You’re up to date. The client also checks automatically for updates.
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Administrators can control MSI update behavior through the registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSRDC\Policies.
Create or configure the REG_DWORD value AutomaticUpdates:
| Value | Behavior |
|---|---|
| 0 | Disables update notifications and automatic updates |
| 1 | Uses notification-based updates |
| 2 | Default behavior; per-user installations support notification, silent on-close, and background updates, while per-machine installations use notification-based updates |
Common installation and connection problems
The Microsoft Store does not show “Remote Desktop”
This is expected. The former Store Remote Desktop app is intentionally unavailable for new downloads or installations. Search for Windows App instead.
I installed the MSI, but my Azure resource does not work
Check whether the resource is public-cloud Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, or Microsoft Dev Box. The MSI is no longer supported for those scenarios after March 27, 2026. Install Windows App and sign in there.
Windows says the remote PC cannot be reached
Verify the PC name, network connection, firewall configuration, and whether the remote computer is powered on. Also confirm that Remote Desktop is enabled on the remote PC and that your account is authorized.
I receive an Azure Virtual Desktop installation warning
If the old Store-based Azure Virtual Desktop app and the MSI client are installed together, Microsoft may show a message beginning “A version of this application called Azure Virtual Desktop was installed from the Microsoft Store.” Microsoft supports that specific coexistence case and provides Continue anyway, but recommends using only one client version at a time. The same remote resource can be confusing when it appears in both applications.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which option should you choose?
- Choose Windows App for current Microsoft cloud resources and the current Microsoft Store experience.
- Choose the Remote Desktop MSI only when your organization or supported legacy environment specifically requires it.
- Choose Remote Desktop Connection for a direct connection to a Windows Pro PC on your network or through an appropriately configured remote-access setup.
FAQ
Is Microsoft Remote Desktop still available in the Microsoft Store?
The old Microsoft Store app named Remote Desktop is no longer available for new download or installation. Microsoft’s current Store replacement is Windows App.
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- This remote is a universal remote controller, it is normal thata few keys might not be applicable to your device because of different codes by different manufacturer, Up to 5 keys can be programed from your TV remote, it is much easier for you to control both TV and Android TV Box with one remote.
What replaced the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on Windows?
Windows App replaced the former Store-based Remote Desktop app. Microsoft renamed it beginning with version 11.0.0, released September 19, 2024.
Can I install Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows 10 Home?
A Windows Home PC can act as the client and connect to another PC. However, for a normal direct Remote Desktop connection, the remote host must run Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro. Windows 10 itself reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
What is the difference between Windows App and the Remote Desktop MSI?
Windows App is Microsoft’s current client for Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and supported remote PC connections. The MSI is a separate standalone client that remains available for selected legacy or special environments, but it is not supported for public-cloud Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, or Microsoft Dev Box after March 27, 2026.
Where is Remote Desktop Connection in Windows 11?
Open the taskbar search box, type Remote Desktop Connection, and open the desktop application. Enter the remote PC’s name and select Connect.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhich MSI version should I download?
Download the MSI matching your system architecture: Windows 64-bit for most PCs, Windows 32-bit for 32-bit Windows, or Windows ARM64 for ARM-based devices.
The Bottom Line
Do not look for the old Microsoft Remote Desktop Store app—it has been retired. Install Windows App for current Microsoft cloud services, use the Remote Desktop MSI only for a supported legacy or organization-specific scenario, or open the built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool for a direct connection to a Windows Pro PC.
