The "Windows App" is Finally Free to Use for Remote Desktop!
If you’ve ever tried to use Microsoft’s unified "Windows App" to connect to another computer, you might have run into a frustrating wall. Until recently, even though the app was free on macOS, iOS, and Android, the Windows version required a "Work or School" account just to use basic features.
But that has finally changed! Microsoft has released a major update that makes the app much more accessible for everyone.
What is the Windows App?
The Windows App is intended to be a single, unified hub for all your Microsoft cloud services. It brings together:
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Microsoft Dev Box
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Azure Virtual Desktop
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Windows 365 (Cloud PC)
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Remote Desktop (RDP)
The Big Update: No Sign-In Required for RDP
The most significant change in this update is the removal of the strict login requirement for Remote Desktop.
Previously, users couldn't even use the local Remote Desktop feature without logging into a professional Microsoft account. Personal accounts simply didn't work.
Now, when you open the app, you are greeted with a choice:
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Sign in (to access cloud services like Windows 365).
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Use Remote Desktop without signing in.
This means you can now add a remote PC and connect to it instantly, just like the old standalone Remote Desktop apps.
Better Than the Original
Microsoft is discontinuing the standalone Remote Desktop app in favor of this new unified experience. Fortunately, the version of RDP inside the Windows App feels faster and more modern.
Key Features include:
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Reliability with RDP Multipath: The app now supports parallel network connections (UDP). If one path drops, the session stays active, making your connection significantly more stable.
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Advanced Display & Split-Screen: Beyond standard multi-monitor support, the app now features dynamic resolution and a "Split-Screen" mode (in the web version), allowing you to view two virtual monitors side-by-side in a single window.
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Enhanced Security: New built-in protections include keyboard input protection to guard against keyloggers and "Entra Token Protection" for more secure logins.
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Seamless Device Redirection: Effortlessly redirect your local hardware—including cameras, microphones, printers, and smart cards—directly into your remote session.
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Microsoft Teams Optimization: Improved performance for video calls and audio sharing when using Teams within a remote session.
Conclusion
If you were avoiding the Windows App because of the login restrictions, now is the time to give it another look. It’s faster, more powerful, and—most importantly—finally free to use for your standard Remote Desktop needs.
Download the Windows App here: Microsoft Store Link
I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.
Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.