Remote Desktop is disabled by default in Windows, but it’s easy enough to turn on if you want your PC to be remote control requests from the network. Remote Desktop allows you to take remote control over another networked PC. It’s comprised of a Remote Desktop server service that allows connections to the PC from the network and a Remote Desktop client that makes that connection to a remote PC. The client is included in all editions of Windows—Home, Professional, Enterprise, and so on. The server part is only available on Professional and Enterprise versions. This means that you can initiate a Remote Desktop connection from pretty much any PC running Windows, but you can only connect to PCs running a Pro or Enterprise edition. Of course, if you are running a Home edition of Windows on a PC to which you want to make a connection, you can always use a third party service like TeamViewer, or even Chrome. RELATED: Remote Desktop Roundup: TeamViewer vs. Splashtop vs. Windows RDP We’re going to cover Windows 10 in this article, but the instructions should work fine for Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10. The screens might look slightly different (especially in Windows 8), but it’s all roughly the same thing. Hit Start, type “remote access,” and then click the “Allow remote access to your computer” result. In the “System Properties” window, on the “Remote” tab, select the “Allow remote connections to this computer” option. In Windows 8 and 10, the option for only allowing connections from PCs running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication is also enabled by default. Modern versions of Windows all support this level of authentication, so it’s best to leave it enabled. If you must allow connections from PCs running Windows XP or earlier, you’ll need to disable this option. If you’re using Windows 7 or Vista, things work the same, but are presented in a slightly different way. Notice that you have three distinct options in Windows 7—don’t allow remote access, allow connections from any version of Remote Desktop, and allow only connections that run with Network Level Authentication. The overall choice is the same, though. On any version of Windows, you can also click the “Select Users” button to set up specific users that are allowed to make remote connections. When you’re done setting things up, click the “OK” button to have your PC start listening for remote connections. If you’re planning to connect from other PCs on the same local network, that should be all you have to do. Windows automatically creates exceptions in the Windows Firewall to allow remote connection traffic to get through. You can start a remote connection from those computers by clicking Start, typing “remote,” and then choosing the “Remote Desktop Connection” result. Just type in the name or IP address for the PC to initiate the connection. RELATED: How to Access Windows Remote Desktop Over the Internet If you’re planning to connect to the remote PC over the Internet, you’ll have to do a little extra setup that involves allowing Remote Desktop traffic through your router and forwarding those types of packets to the right PC. Check out our guide to accessing Remote Desktop over the Internet for more information about that. READ NEXT

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How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. Want to know more? Most people don’t know that Windows 7 comes with a remote access feature. This allows you to connect to computing devices from afar, eliminating the need for you to be physically presented to get a task done. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remote desktop connection windows 7.

What Is Remote Access Software?

Remote access refers to the ability to establish a remote connection between two computing devices. Simply put, it allows users to access another computer from a different location. With the help of this technology, a user doesn’t need to be where the computer is to access and control it. The remote connection enables the user to accomplish certain computing tasks as if they were sitting right in front of it. In the past, only certain people were privileged enough to use remote access. Now, almost anyone can use this for any number of practical purposes and uses. Modern dynamics of business are moving at the speed of light, so organizations need a tool that allows them to keep up with such a demanding pace. Remote access Software allows employees to stay connected to their important office files even outside of working hours.

How to Enable Remote Access Windows 7

There are various ways to enable remote access using remote desktop connection windows 7. We’ve focused on two of the most common remote access solutions for this operating system. Here they are: 1. Windows Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). Windows Remote Desktop Connection is a Microsoft feature that comes in all Windows-running computers. This free Microsoft tool allows users to access another computer from an off-site location. Windows RDC is disabled by default, but enabling this feature is easy to do. To enable Windows RDC, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Launch the «Start» panel.
• Step 2: Right-click the «Computer» icon.
• Step 3: Select «Properties.»
• Step 4: Select «Remote Settings.»
• Step 5: Click the «Allow connection from computers running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure)» option.
• Step 6: Select «OK.»

The problem with Windows RDC is that by default, it can only be used to connect to remote endpoints using the same network. You may need to establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the help of the internet to use this feature outside your local network. 2. Third-Party Software: ITarian Remote Access If you want to connect to remote endpoints outside your network with little to no inconvenience, then consider investing in third-party software. This type of program, just like Windows RDC, can grant you the ability to connect to computing devices from remote locations. Typically, third-party software needs the help of the internet to establish a remote connection. Once installed on both the local and remote servers, using one is easy. If you’re looking for affordable yet effective third-party software, then consider getting ITarian Remote Access. This Remote access software allows users to connect to remote endpoints from anywhere at any time. Although relatively new, ITarian Remote Access is both easy and safe to use. Even non-tech-savvy users can use this software with ease and convenience. Standout features of ITarian Remote Access are:

• Secure Remote Access. ITarian Remote Access uses solid encryption technologies that protect your remote sessions from being maliciously recorded.
• Session Confirmation. ITarian Remote Access requires all users to provide the necessary login credentials to ensure that all access requests made on the remote device are authorized and authenticated.
• Firewall Free. ITarian Remote Access doesn’t require you to open up your firewall settings in order to connect to remote endpoints.
• Auto-Update. ITarian Remote Access provides you with its latest offerings through its auto-update technology.

To download Remote desktop Access, follow these steps below:

• Step 1: Search for «ITarian Remote Access» on Google.
• Step 2: On its website homepage, click «GET NOW.»
• Step 3: Type in your email address.
• Step 4: Click «GET NOW» again.
• Step 5: Click «Save File.»
• Step 6: Run the setup file.
• Step 7: Accept the license agreement.
• Step 8: Click «Install.»
• Step 9: Select «Launch.»

Conclusion

To summarize, remote access software can provide you with a more convenient and safe remote access experience. With this, you don’t need to worry about creating a VPN Access or exposing your device to the internet to connect to remote endpoints outside your network. Now that you know how to remote access Windows 7, it’s time for you to use this knowledge to widen your connectivity and virtual reach. Interested in ITarian Remote Access? Then click here to get yours for free.

Awareness about Remote Access Windows 7 is useful?

Share the wealth!

As you are well aware, working from home has become a new normal with the global pandemic spreading all over the world. This has triggered more demand for software applications that allow easy access and control of remote desktops. It would be no exaggeration to say that the Microsoft Remote Desktop app is one of the major solutions out there to solve the problem of remote connection to both personal and corporate devices. In today’s article, you’ll find simple instructions on how to use this remote desktop tool on Windows 10 to connect to Windows 7 and the other way around.

The Remote Desktop Protocol – what it means

You can hardly find anyone who has never heard of RDP. Surely, you have some idea of how easy it is to control your remote Windows computer once you access it over the Remote Desktop Protocol. In a nutshell, thanks to the outstanding capabilities of the Remote Desktop app built into the majority of Windows platforms, it’s possible to transmit data from the remote server to your local client computer and redirect the input devices, including your mouse and keyboard, from the local PC to the remote machine. Once you establish a Remote Desktop Connection, you are able to work on the remote PC, use its resources and run any Windows-based apps like you would on your local computer. The Remote Desktop Protocol allows access between different Windows versions and now we’ll see how to effortlessly connect from Windows 7 to Windows 10 remote desktop or vice versa.

Step 1. Enable the Remote Desktop Connection on Windows 10

As you already know the Remote Desktop solution provided by Microsoft is what will help you if you decide to utilize one (or several) of your remote Windows computers remotely. A connection to the remote PC is most commonly created over LAN or the internet. The required settings will depend on which network you use. If the local area network is your choice, it will only be necessary to check whether the Remote Desktop Connection is allowed on the computer you are going to access. To enable the RDP option on Windows 10, follow these instructions:

1. Go to Windows Settings and select Update & Security > For developers.
2. Enable the option Change settings to allow remote connections to this computer. Once done, click Show settings next to this option.
3. In the window that will appear, select the tab named Remote.
4. In the Remote Assistance section, check the box to allow remote access to your computer.
5. In the Remote Desktop section, enable the recommended option to allow access only from PCs running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.
6. Hit Ok, then Apply, and again Ok.
7. That’s it. Your Windows 10 machine has become accessible to remote devices over RDP.

To learn more about setting up RDP on Windows 10 read our complete guide. Note: There are a couple of ways to create a connection to a remote computer: 1. The standard desktop utility coming with the Windows operating system.
2. The dedicated Remote Desktop app that you can get from the Microsoft Store. It’s compatible with a wider range of platforms and works well with Android and iOS.
3. A third-party tool like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Dameware Remote Everywhere, etc.

Step 2. Allow RDP access on Windows 7

Now that the RDP settings are configured on your Windows 10 machine, it’s time to enable the RDP feature on the Windows 7 PC. Note: You should do this, if you want to establish a remote desktop connection from Windows 10 to Windows 7 and in the opposite direction. By default, the RDP option is disabled on Windows 7 systems. Here’s what you need to do to enable it:

1. Open the Start menu and select Computer > Properties.
2. In the window that shows up find Remote Settings. Click it.
3. In the Remote Desktop section, put a tick next to Allow connections from machines running any version of Remote Desktop (less secure). This option will allow communications with older RDP versions of other Windows platforms.

Note: Members of the Administrators group will have the right to connect to the Win7 PC over RDP by default. If the user does not have Administrator access, they should get permission to connect to the Windows 7 computer. To provide permission, click the Select Users button and add the user who needs it to the user list.

Step 3. How to establish a Remote Desktop Connection from Windows 10 to 7 over a network

People still use Windows XP and Windows 7 even though Microsoft has discontinued support for those OS versions. In this regard, an RDP connection between the newer and older Windows editions like Win10 and 7 isn’t something uncommon.

How to connect from Windows 10 to Windows 7 remote desktop

1. Start the Remote desktop application on your local PC and enter the hostname or IP address of the computer you are going to access remotely.
2. Click the Connect button.
3. Typing your login credentials for authentication on the remote machine will be the next step.

Note: If you don’t want to re-enter your username and password every time you access that PC, you should use the option to remember them. Here you go! The remote PC is at your disposal with all of its applications and any folder available on click

Some of the reasons why your Remote Desktop Connection might not be working

Having taken the abovementioned steps to create an RDP connection, you should be able to get access to the remote PC and use it with no hassle. If you have some difficulties setting up your RDP connection, check the following:

• • Your Firewall and antivirus software should be set to allow RDP connection to your computer.
• • There may be some system configurations that do not allow the RDP client to work on your system, try using a VPN to solve the issue.
• • Sometimes problems with Remote Desktop arise after the installation of a Windows update. Removal of the update should help you.

Conclusion

As you see, accessing remote machines over RDP does not require complex settings neither on the server nor on the client side. Just a few mouse clicks and you can work on a remote desktop like it was your local PC. On top of that, with the RDP application from the Microsoft Store it’s possible to create sessions between different Windows versions and mobile platforms like Android and iOS.

Remote Desktop: Connect to Another Computer (Windows 7)

NOTE: In order to connect to an on-campus computer, you must first log into the LSU VPN. For more information see VPN: LSU Overview

Step 1 — On the Computer That You Plan To CONNECT TO :

These steps allow for Remote Access to a specific Windows 7 Computer. This is typically your Office Computer, however it could also be a server or other departmental resource. 1. Open the Control Panel: Start | Control Panel. 2. Click System and Security.

3. Click Allow Remote Access.

4. Under the Remote Tab:

• Select «Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer».
• Select «Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (more secure)».

5. Click Select Users.

• Click Add.

• Enter your myLSU ID and click OK when finished.

6. Under the Computer Name Tab: Make a note of the [Full Computer Name].

Step 2 — Remotely Connect to Another Computer

1. Click Start and search for Remote Desktop Connection. 2. Enter the Full Computer Name you noted in Step 6, and click Connect. You may need to enter a username and password depending on the access credentials that are required by the other user or the other computer. 3. To Disconnect: Click Start | Log Off. This will log you out of the remote computer.

Note: If you have problems connecting to the remote computer, double-check the full computer name. If this is correct, you might need to change your firewall connection. To do this, open the Control Panel and select Windows Firewall. Make sure that under General, the box that reads «Don’t allow exceptions» is not checked, and that under Exceptions, Remote Desktop is selected.

Configure the Firewall Settings

If the Firewall is Enabled, it needs to have Remote Desktop Exception Enabled. 1. Click Start | Control Panel. 2. Click on System and Security. 3. Click on Windows Firewall. 4. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall. 5. Scroll through the list of programs and features until you find Remote Desktop. CHECK the box marked Remote Desktop and both boxes to the left field. 6. Click OK. Article ID:
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Summary

The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 8.0 update lets you use the new Remote Desktop Services features that were introduced in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. These features are now available for computers that are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Check out the new features and known issues in RDP 8.0. To use this update, you must download the update, install a prerequisite and then install this update.
Note You may have to restart the computer multiple times when you install this update. If you install RDP 8.0 on the client, you must manually enable it after the installation.

Download the RDP 8.0 update

Download the Update for Windows 7 SP1 for x86-based systems package now. Download the Update for Windows 7 SP1 for x64-based systems package now. Download the Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based systems package now.

Install the prerequisite

Before you install the RDP 8.0 update, you must have hotfix 2574819 installed as a prerequisite.

Enable the update on the client

To enable RDP 8.0 on a remote computer that’s running Windows 7 SP1, follow these steps: Note The following instructions are applicable only to remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1.

1. Install the appropriate version of the update package by running the Windows6.1-KB2592687 update file.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
4. Enable the Remote Desktop Protocol policy. The setting for this policy is under the following node:Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Remote Session Environment
5. If the UDP functionality is required, enable the RDP Transport policy, and then set the value to Use both TCP and UDP. The setting for the RDP Transport policy is under the following node:Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\ConnectionsNote Configuring the RDP Transport policy also lets the firewall allow UDP port 3389.
6. Restart the computer.

More Information

RDP 8.0 is not compatible with versions of Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) 2010 prior to Service Pack 3. For more information, see What’s new in Forefront UAG Service Pack 3. To verify that RDP 8.0 is enabled on a remote computer that’s running Windows 7 SP1, use Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 8.0 to connect to the computer from a computer that’s running Windows 8 or Windows 7 SP1. Then, follow these steps to verify that RDP 8.0 is enabled:

1. If RDP 8.0 is enabled, the connection quality button will be displayed in the connection bar.
2. Click the connection quality button to open an information dialog box that resembles the following. (Refer to the following screen shot for this step.)

The presence of the connection quality icon and the connection quality dialog box confirms the availability of RDP 8.0 for the remote connection.

New features in RDP 8.0 for Windows 7 SP1

This update introduces the following features for remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1:

• Performance counters for monitoring the user experiencePerformance counters (RemoteFX Graphics and RemoteFX Network counter groups) let administrators monitor and troubleshoot user experience issues.

These features are available only when you use a client that is compatible with RDP 8.0. For example, a computer that’s running Windows 8 or Windows 7 SP1 with the RDP 8.0 update installed can connect to another computer that is running Windows 7 SP1 with the RDP 8.0 update installed.

New features in the Remote Desktop Connection 8.0 client for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

The Remote Desktop Connection 8.0 update supports the following new features when you connect to a supported and appropriately configured server:

• Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0RDP 8.0 support includes the following:
  • Remote for WAN
  • RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics
  • Remote Network Auto Detect
  • RemoteFX Media StreamingThis feature is available when you connect to computers that are running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7 with RDP 8.0 installed and enabled
• Dynamic In-Session USB RedirectionThis feature lets users select USB devices for redirection in the middle of a remote session. USB devices can be swapped between remote sessions or with the local computer. When the RemoteFX USB redirection feature is enabled, users can tap the Devices icon on the connection bar to select which devices are redirected.Dynamic In-Session USB Redirection is available when you connect to computers that are running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7 with the RDP 7.1 RemoteFX vGPU feature enabled
  • Windows 7 with RDP 8.0 installed and enabled
• Improved single sign-in experience for Remote Desktop Web AccessThis feature simplifies and improves the user experience. It lets users provide their user names and passwords only one time when they connect to IT published apps and desktops. Users are not prompted to provide their credentials for successive connections.For more information about how to configure Web Single Sign-On (web SSO), see Remote Desktop Web Access single sign-on now easier to enable in Windows Server 2012. This feature is available only when you connect to Windows Server 2012 virtual-machine based deployments and session-based desktop deployments.
• Reconnect for RemoteApp and Desktop ConnectionsThis feature lets users easily disconnect and reconnect to IT published apps and desktops. It is available to users when they use the RemoteApp and Desktop Connections feature to connect to Windows Server 2012 virtual machine-based desktop deployments and session-based desktop deployments.
• Support for RemoteFX Media Redirection APIs for VoIP applicationsThis feature enables applications such as Lync 2013 to deliver a rich audio and video conferencing experience. For more information, see General information about Microsoft Lync 2013 VDI Plugin. This feature is available when you connect to computers that are running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Server 2008 R2

Known issues with the RDP 8.0 update

• Virtual desktops that have RemoteFX vGPU installed cannot use RDP 8.0.IssueAfter you use Group Policy to install and enable RDP 8.0 on a computer that has RemoteFX vGPU installed, RDP 8.0 is not available. Resolution This update does not enable RDP 8.0 for connections to computers that have RemoteFX vGPU installed. If you must have RDP 8.0 enabled, remove RemoteFX vGPU from the virtual desktop.
• The Shadow command cannot be used to remotely monitor another user’s remote connection.IssueWindows 7 SP1 supports the Shadow command (Remote Control). This command can be used by an administrator to view or control an active session of another user. After RDP 8.0 is enabled on a computer that’s running Windows 7 SP1, an administrator user cannot use the Shadow command to view or control another user’s session. Resolution Administrators can use Remote Assistance or another product that provides similar capability to view or control another user’s session.
• Aero Glass support is unavailable.IssueThe Aero Glass remoting feature in Windows 7 lets users who are running compatible Remote Desktop Connection clients use features such as a Flip-3D, the live task bar preview, and the translucent window border in a remote desktop session when a compatible RDC 7.0 client is used. After RDP 8.0 is enabled, users cannot use the Aero Glass remoting feature. Resolution Administrators should not enable RDP 8.0 on remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1 for users who must use the Aero Glass remoting feature.
• RDP 8.0 on remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1 does not use the UDP protocol.IssueThe RemoteFX for WAN feature in RDP 8.0 uses TCP and UDP protocols to optimize the user experience. After you install and enable RDP 8.0 on computers that are running Windows 7 SP1, RDP 8.0 is configured to use only the TCP protocol. Resolution Configure RDP 8.0 to use both the TCP and UDP protocols.
• Local administrators who are not members of the Remote Desktop Users group cannot sign in by using a Remote Desktop Connection client.IssueAfter RDP 8.0 is enabled, local administrators who are not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group cannot sign in. Resolution Add local administrator users to the Remote Desktop Users group.
• The firewall rule that allows UDP traffic is not enabled when you use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to enable RDP 8.0.IssueIf you use a GPO to enable RDP 8.0, the UDP firewall rule that allows UDP traffic may not be enabled. Resolution Create a GPO to enable the «Remote Desktop — User Mode (UDP-In)» firewall.
• The firewall rule that allows TCP traffic may not be enabled if you apply this update manually.IssueIf you use Local Security Policy to enable RDP 8.0, the TCP firewall rule that allows TCP traffic may not be enabled. Resolution Enable the «Remote Desktop — RemoteFX (TCP-In)» firewall rule in the Windows Firewall with Advanced security.
• You experience slow performance when IPsec is deployed in the network.IssueIf you connect to a computer by using the RDP 8.0 protocol when IPsec is deployed on the network, you may experience slow performance. Resolution Install hotfix 2570170 on the server.
• You cannot use the multi-touch and gestures functionalities when you connect to a computer remotely.IssueThis issue occurs when you use Remote Desktop Connection Client 8.0 on a computer that is running Windows 7 SP1. Resolution The RemoteFX multi-touch feature is supported only when both the client and server computers are running Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.
• You are repeatedly prompted for authentication when you connect to computers by using Remote Web Access in Small Business Server 2011 and Windows Server 2012 Essentials domains.IssueWhen you try to connect to a computer in a Windows Server 2012 Essentials, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, or Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials domain by using Remote Web Access or Remote Desktop Gateway, you are repeatedly prompted for authentication. Resolution To work around this issue, see Information about how to work around multiple authentication prompts after you apply updates 2574819 and 2592687.

For more information about the RDP 8.0 update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, see Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0 Update for Windows 7 SP1: Enabling a great WAN user experience for Windows 7 SP1 virtual desktops.

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