Microsoft Replaces Remote Desktop with Windows App – What You Need to Know
If you frequently remote into your PC while traveling, you’ll soon need to switch to a new tool. Microsoft is retiring the Remote Desktop app and shifting users to the Windows App, its latest effort to consolidate remote access and virtual desktop services into one platform.
For years, the Remote Desktop app has been a reliable way to access a computer from another location, whether for work, troubleshooting, or personal use. However, since the October 2024 Windows 11 update, the app has been experiencing increasing reliability issues, which may have prompted Microsoft’s decision to sunset the service.
To address these issues and streamline remote connectivity, Microsoft introduced the Windows App in September 2024, integrating several remote desktop solutions into one unified tool. Now, the company is moving forward with fully discontinuing the Remote Desktop app.
What’s Changing and When?
Microsoft has officially announced:
“Starting May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported or available for download and installation. Users must transition to the Windows App to ensure continued access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.”
This means that Remote Desktop users must migrate to the Windows App before this deadline to continue using Microsoft’s official remote access services.
Who Will Be Affected?
If you’re currently using Remote Desktop, here’s how the change might impact you:
- For general users: The Windows App is now the recommended way to connect to remote PCs.
- For Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) users: Microsoft advises sticking with RDC until its features are fully integrated into the Windows App.
- For Remote Desktop Services (RDS) users: If you rely on RemoteApp and Desktop Connection, Microsoft recommends continuing with these tools until they are added to the Windows App.
What’s the Windows App?
The Windows App is designed as a next-generation remote access solution that integrates:
- Remote PC connections
- Windows 365 Cloud PC access
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Microsoft Dev Box
This move aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy of unifying its remote access solutions while improving security, reliability, and compatibility across different devices.
What You Should Do Now
To avoid any disruptions in your remote access setup, download and start using the Windows App today. Microsoft recommends testing it well before the May 2025 deadline to ensure a smooth transition.
With over a year before the Remote Desktop app is officially retired, making the switch early will help ensure uninterrupted access to your PC and cloud services.