Microsoft Phases Out Remote Desktop App – Switch to Windows App Before May 2025
If you often need to remotely access your PC while traveling, a significant change is coming that could impact your workflow. Microsoft is officially retiring the Remote Desktop app and transitioning users to its new Windows App, which consolidates several remote connectivity services into a single platform.
For years, the Remote Desktop app has been a go-to tool for accessing a PC from anywhere, allowing users to control their desktop, access files, and even transfer basic data remotely. However, after the Windows 11 October 2024 Update, the app began experiencing performance issues, making it less reliable for many users. In response, Microsoft started integrating its remote access solutions into a single service, the Windows App, to provide a more streamlined experience across devices.
Now, Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for the Remote Desktop app in favor of the Windows App.
When Is Remote Desktop Being Discontinued?
Microsoft has provided a clear timeline for this transition:
“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 if you rely on Remote Desktop, you’ll need to switch to the Windows App before the deadline to ensure uninterrupted remote access.
How Will This Affect Remote Desktop Users?
Depending on your use case, the transition could be simple or slightly complicated:
- For standard remote access: You should start using the Windows App as soon as possible.
- For Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) users: Microsoft advises continuing with RDC until the feature is fully implemented in the Windows App.
- For Remote Desktop Services (RDS) users: If you depend on RemoteApp and Desktop Connection, you’ll need to stick with it until Microsoft adds full support for these services in the Windows App.
What Is the Windows App?
The Windows App is Microsoft’s next-generation remote access tool, designed to unify various remote desktop solutions and virtual environments. It supports:
- Remote connections to personal PCs
- Windows 365 (Cloud PC) access
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Microsoft Dev Box
The goal is to create a more seamless experience across PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, offering improved performance and security compared to the aging Remote Desktop app.
How to Prepare for the Change
To avoid disruptions, you should switch to the Windows App now by downloading it from the Microsoft Store. Testing it ahead of time will help you get accustomed to the new interface and features before the May 2025 cutoff.
With over a year before Remote Desktop is officially retired, transitioning early will ensure you continue to access your PC remotely without interruptions.
