How to Remote Desktop from Mac to Windows (2025)

September 12, 2025

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🗓️ September 12, 2025, By ✍️ Karly Wood

Key Takeaways

Add your Windows PC in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app on your Mac (macOS Tahoe tested) and sign in with your Windows credentials.
You can access a Windows PC remotely from your Mac using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
Ensure Remote Desktop is enabled on your Windows PC (available on Pro and Enterprise editions).
Get your Windows PC’s IP address or hostname and make sure it’s on the same network or reachable via VPN.

Why Remote Desktop from Mac to Windows

You might want to do this to:

IN THIS ARTICLE

Run Windows-only applications while using your Mac.
Access a work or school Windows machine from home.
Use the Windows environment for certain tasks (development, compatibility, etc.) without a separate PC.

To set this up, you’ll need:

A Windows PC that supports Remote Desktop (usually Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or the server versions).
The Windows PC must have Remote Desktop enabled and a user account that’s permissioned for Remote Desktop.
Network access between your Mac and the Windows machine (over LAN or via VPN if remote).
On the Mac, a Remote Desktop client app.

Enable Remote Desktop on Windows
- On the Windows PC, go to Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
- Turn on Remote Desktop.
- Allow users: ensure the user account you’ll sign in with is added under “Users allowed to remote connect.”
- Note the PC name.
Check Firewall and Network Access
- Make sure Windows Firewall (or any other firewall) allows Remote Desktop (typically TCP port 3389).
- If connecting from off the local network, you may need to use a VPN or configure port forwarding (be cautious about security).
Obtain the IP Address or Hostname
- If local network, IP like 192.168.x.x will do; or the Windows machine’s name. note ip address, Open Command Prompt on Windows, and type ipconfig – get ipv4 address.
- If remote over internet, public IP / DNS.

Install Microsoft Remote Desktop (or “Windows App”)
- Microsoft offers a Remote Desktop client for macOS (often called Microsoft Remote Desktop).
- Sometimes Microsoft is replacing older versions and recommending a “Windows App” for RDP connections.
Open the Remote Desktop Client
- Launch the app.
- If needed, accept permissions (like screen recording, accessibility, etc.).
Add a PC / New Connection
- Click “+” or “Add PC / Desktop.”
- Enter the PC name or IP address of your Windows machine.
- Optionally give it a friendly name.

Enter Credentials
- Provide the Windows user account name and password. Sometimes you may have to specify the domain (if it’s part of a domain) or prefix, e.g. DOMAIN\username or username@domain.com. / PC username and password. (Watch the hands-on video given here.)
Connect to the Windows PC
- Double-click the connection or select “Connect.”
- You may get a certificate warning; usually ok to proceed if you trust the network/PC.
Adjust Settings (optional but helpful)
- Display resolution: choose full screen or windowed.
- Audio redirection, sound, etc.
- Key mapping: note that Mac’s Command key maps differently; function-key behavior may change.

VPN: If the Windows machine is on a private network, you might need a VPN to access it from outside.
Third-party remote apps: Splashtop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc., for cases where RDP isn’t possible or ideal.

Problem	Possible Cause / Fix
Can’t connect / “Unable to reach the PC”	Check IP or hostname; ensure Windows PC is powered on and connected; firewall might be blocking port 3389.
Credentials rejected	Make sure the user has permission for remote access; check domain or format of username; password correct.
Poor performance / laggy display	Use lower resolution; if connecting over internet, use a faster connection or adjust quality settings.
Security warnings	If using self-signed certificates, expect warnings — verify you trust the PC.
Can’t connect from off-site	Might need VPN; or port forwarding (if you’re comfortable configuring routers, with attention to security).

Use strong passwords on the Windows user account.
Limit which user accounts have RDP access.
If you open Remote Desktop to the internet, consider using a VPN or changing default port (though changing ports is not full protection).
Keep both macOS and Windows updated with patches.
Consider enabling network level authentication (NLA) on Windows (helps protect the connection).