The Remote Desktop app for Windows is no longer supported: what to use instead

The Problem: Remote Desktop App Support Has Ended

As of May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows (from the Microsoft Store) is officially dead—no more support, no more downloads. If you’re using it for Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box, you’re directed to the shiny new Windows App. But here’s the kicker: the Windows App doesn’t yet support Windows-to-Windows remote desktop connections (yes, it’s ironic and ridiculous). So, for those of us needing to connect one Windows machine to another—like IT admins managing servers or remote PCs—we’re stuck reverting to the old-school Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) until Microsoft gets its act together.

Why This Sucks

Let’s be real: this temporary migration is infuriating. You’re being forced to juggle tools, update workflows, and maybe even explain this nonsense to users or colleagues—all because the Windows App isn’t ready to fully replace what we had. For IT pros who live and breathe efficiency, this feels like a slap in the face. You’re not alone in your frustration; countless admins are in the same boat, grumbling about this step backward.

What You Need to Do

Step 1: Confirm Your Connection Type

• Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box: Switch to the Windows App now.
• Windows-to-Windows Connections: You’re stuck with Remote Desktop Connection (instructions below).

Step 2: Switch to Remote Desktop Connection

For Windows-to-Windows remote desktop connections:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type mstsc and hit Enter—this launches Remote Desktop Connection.
3. Enter the remote computer’s name or IP address.
4. Adjust settings if needed (e.g., display size, local resources).
5. Click "Connect" to get going.

Step 3: Ditch the Old App (Optional)

• If you’re done with the Remote Desktop app and want it gone, uninstall it:
  • Windows 10/11: Go to Settings Apps Apps & features, find "Remote Desktop," and hit "Uninstall."
• Not mandatory, but it might save you from accidentally relying on a dead tool.

Step 4: Keep an Eye Out

Microsoft will add Windows-to-Windows support to the Windows App—eventually. Check the Windows IT Pro Blog or Microsoft updates for news. Once it’s ready, you can ditch Remote Desktop Connection and move to the Windows App for good.

We Feel Your Pain

This sucks. There’s no sugarcoating it. Having to fall back on an ancient tool like Remote Desktop Connection because the new solution isn’t fully baked is maddening—especially for IT admins who need reliable, modern tools to keep things running. We’re just as pissed off as you are about this half-baked transition. Want to vent? Tell Microsoft directly via the Feedback Hub—the more noise we make, the faster they might fix this.

The Silver Lining

This is temporary. Microsoft’s working on it, and soon enough, the Windows App will handle Windows-to-Windows connections, letting us ditch this clunky workaround. Hang in there.

Need Help?

If you’re stuck or just want to yell about this with someone who gets it, email us at support@itsolver.net or book a session at cal.com/itsolver/support-plan-customers. We’ve got your back through this annoying detour.