For Windows administrators, and even some casual users looking to access their computer and all of its contents remotely, remote access is a very powerful and useful tool. It provides access functionality for a number of devices, as long as the device has been configured beforehand, and is calibrated to access the remote PC.
In case the main system is out of reach, one can really benefit from having a remote management that allows you to access the entirety of the remote pc. To aid with that, in this article, we will be discussing how to configure remote management for various devices, in Windows 10. Additionally, we will also be discussing some of the remote management tools for Windows Server (Remote Server Administration Tools).
Configuring Windows 10 Remote Access
Following is a step by step guide to configuring and using Windows 10 Remote Desktop.
Setting up the PC which will be Remotely Accessed
Windows 10 comes with an easy setup procedure which allows the PC that you ewant to remotely manage, to allow remote connections.
- On the PC that you want to connect, press Start, and then Settings.
- In the settings menu, select System, and then Remote Desktop. Turn on the feature by clicking on Enable Remote Desktop.
- On the same page, there will be a heading saying How to connect to this PC, under which will be the name of the PC that is to be remotely connected. Either note down this name if remember it, as this will be important in the later steps.
Configuring Remote Desktop for a Windows Device/PC
The following procedure will allow you to configure remote access functionality from another PC.
- In the search bar on your Windows desktop, type Remote Desktop. (Note: You will require Windows 10 on the PC in which you are enabling remote access)
- Select the Remote Desktop Connection tab. A bar will open up, in which you need to type in the name of the remote PC, as directed to remember in the initial configuration stages. Click on Connect to complete the Remote Desktop connection.
Configuring Remote Desktop for Windows Mobile, Android or iOS Device
The following procedure is for remote connection via mobile devices.
- Download the Remote Desktop app from the Windows Store, App Store or Google Play.
- Start the app and add in the name of the remote PC. The app will also search automatically for devices which have Remote Desktop enabled in the vicinity.
- The connection will take some time to establish. In case the remote PC is password protected, you will be required to enter the user name and password before the connection is initiated.
Remote Server Administration Tools
Microsoft offers a more detailed version of remote management for server administrators using Windows Server. The complete remote server administration suite, called RSAT, is available for download from the Microsoft website. The set of tools consists of the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins, Server Manager, a number of command-line tools, as well as Windows PowerShell providers and cmdlets.
The command line tolls give role and feature management access while running in Windows Remote Server. RSAT tools are currently compatible with Windows Server 2016, Server 2012 R2, and in some particular cases, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012 basic.
Advantages of Windows Remote Desktop
On the surface, it may seem like a tool to allow users to simply run their PC from a remote location; however, it is much more than that. It allows, for example, global access to shared applications, software app hosting, among other activities which can benefit from remote access functionality.
Plus, it is free to downlead and use, and very easy to set up on just about any device.
Understanding how to configure remote access in Microsoft Windows is a vital part of the MCSA certification, as well as one of the focus points in QuickStart’s MCSA certification learning path. Additionally, it is a useful tool to have in any potential server administrator’s arsenal.