Microsoft to End Support for Remote Desktop App in 2025: Here’s What You Need to Know
Microsoft has officially announced that it will discontinue support for its Remote Desktop app on May 27, 2025. This decision impacts users who rely on the application to connect to remote services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. To ensure a smooth transition, Microsoft is encouraging users to shift to the Windows App, which serves as a replacement for the Remote Desktop application.
What is Happening?
The Remote Desktop app has been a key tool for users who need to access remote computers and virtual desktops. However, Microsoft is now phasing it out in favor of the Windows App, which was introduced in September 2024. The Windows App offers a more unified and enhanced experience, making it the new go-to solution for accessing Windows in the cloud.
According to Microsoft, after May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app will no longer receive updates or support. Users are advised to migrate to the Windows App as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in their remote access experience.
Why is Microsoft Ending Remote Desktop Support?
Microsoft’s decision to phase out the Remote Desktop app aligns with its broader strategy to shift towards cloud-based computing and AI-powered services. The company envisions a future where Windows is more integrated into the cloud, offering users a seamless experience across different devices. The Windows App plays a crucial role in this transition, as it consolidates remote desktop functionalities into a single platform while offering enhanced features and performance.
Additionally, Microsoft aims to streamline its services and reduce redundancy. The Remote Desktop app was primarily used for accessing virtual desktops, a function that the Windows App can handle more efficiently. By focusing on a single application, Microsoft can provide better updates, security, and user experience.
The Windows App: A More Advanced Alternative
The Windows App is designed as a comprehensive solution for streaming Windows from multiple sources. It supports Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop, making it a powerful alternative to the outgoing Remote Desktop app.
Some of the key features of the Windows App include:
- Customizable Home Screen: Users can personalize their remote desktop experience with a home screen tailored to their workflow.
- Multi-Monitor Support: The app allows users to work across multiple screens, improving productivity.
- Dynamic Display Resolutions: It automatically adjusts resolution settings based on the device being used.
- USB Redirection: Users can connect peripherals like webcams, storage devices, and printers to their remote desktops as if they were physically attached.
Microsoft has made the Windows App available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or Apple’s App Store, ensuring accessibility across different devices.
What About Remote Desktop Connection?
Many users may be concerned about the future of Remote Desktop Connection, the built-in Windows utility that has been available for over two decades. Microsoft has clarified that this tool will continue to be supported. However, in the long run, Microsoft may integrate its functionalities into the Windows App, making it the default remote access solution.
For now, users who rely on Remote Desktop Connection for local RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections can continue to use it without any immediate concerns. The shift primarily affects those using the standalone Remote Desktop app for cloud-based remote access.
Who Will Be Affected?
The discontinuation of the Remote Desktop app will primarily affect:
Businesses and professionals using the app to access cloud-based Windows environments like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.
- IT administrators managing remote desktops for organizations.
- Individual users who use Remote Desktop for personal or work-related tasks on virtual machines.
Organizations that have deployed the Remote Desktop app should begin planning the transition to the Windows App to ensure uninterrupted access. Microsoft recommends that businesses test the new app and educate employees about its features before the May 27, 2025 deadline.
How to Transition to the Windows App
To switch from the Remote Desktop app to the Windows App, users need to follow these steps:
1. Download the Windows App
- Windows users can get it from the Microsoft Store.
- Mac and iOS users can download it from the Apple App Store.
- Microsoft is expected to expand availability to more platforms over time.
2. Sign in with a Work or School Account
- Currently, the Windows App only supports work or school Microsoft accounts. Personal account support may be added in the future.
3. Set Up Remote Access
- Connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Remote Desktop.
- Configure multi-monitor settings, USB redirection, and display preferences as needed.
4. Test Compatibility
- Before fully transitioning, test the Windows App to ensure it meets all your remote access needs.
5. Train Users
- If used in an organization, train employees on how to navigate and use the new Windows App efficiently.
What’s Next for Microsoft’s Cloud Strategy?
Microsoft’s shift from the Remote Desktop app to the Windows App is part of its broader initiative to push Windows into the cloud. With advancements in AI and cloud computing, Microsoft aims to create an environment where users can seamlessly access their desktops from anywhere with enhanced security and flexibility.
This move also aligns with Microsoft’s Windows 365 vision, where entire operating systems run in the cloud rather than on local devices. As cloud computing continues to evolve, users can expect more features, better integration, and improved performance from Microsoft’s cloud-based services.
Final Thoughts
The end of support for the Remote Desktop app marks a significant change in how users access Windows remotely. While some may find the transition inconvenient, the Windows App provides a robust and future-ready alternative with enhanced features. Microsoft’s cloud-first approach is evident in this shift, and users should take proactive steps to adapt to the new remote desktop experience.
With less than a year before the Remote Desktop app is phased out, users and businesses should start transitioning now to avoid any last-minute disruptions. The Windows App is already available for download, making it easy for users to make the switch well before the deadline.
As Microsoft continues to refine its cloud services, the Windows App is expected to evolve further, offering even more capabilities in the future. For now, making the transition early will ensure a seamless remote desktop experience moving forward.
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