How to Enable Remote Access on Windows 10

The Remote Desktop setting can be adjusted within the OS. Open the Start menu and type settings. Select Settings from the list.

A new window will open with a selection of categories. Choose System. Select Remote Desktop from the left-hand panel.

Using the slider, enable Remote Desktop. As long as this slider is enabled, users can connect to the machine. Click the slider again to disable remote access and prevent new connections.

By default, the admin account on the machine has Remote Desktop permission. You can, however, add additional users. On the same screen used to enable Remote Desktop, look under User accounts and choose Select users that can remotely access this PC. You can add users that populate in the list or manually add them with an email address.

Once Remote Desktop is enabled, you may want to tweak a few other settings. Next to the checkbox for Keep my PC awake for connections when it is plugged in choose Show Settings. Make sure the power settings won't turn the machine off while you need it.

The default remote access application is called Remote Desktop Connection. You can open it by typing the name into the Start menu and clicking on the application from the list.

Once it is open, enter the IP address of the machine you want to connect to. When prompted, confirm your username and password.

If you are unable to connect, verify the IP address of the machine. Make sure the machine is powered on, not in sleep mode, and connected to the internet.

You will be unable to connect without appropriate permission. Confirm that Remote Desktop is enabled and the account you're connecting with has permission to log in remotely.

You may also be interested in our guide on Windows 10 remote desktop tips.