Microsoft has announced the imminent shutdown of its legacy Remote Desktop client. Starting May 27, 2025, users who want to continue accessing Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box are encouraged to transition to the Windows App.
Not to confuse with the Windows built-in remote access feature, Microsoft Remote Desktop is an app available for Windows, Mac, and smartphone users, allowing access to physical or cloud machines. The app is mainly used to control Microsoft 365 cloud services easily and securely. So, in an effort to streamline its product portfolio, the brand is phasing out the older Remote Desktop in favour of the newer Windows App.
That said, note that this announcement mainly concerns the app obtained via the Microsoft store. The Remote Desktop web client and standalone installer available through the brand’s website are still supported, at least for the time being. Knowing the beast, I would get used to the new app quickly before these also follow suit.
While migrating to a new bit of software is annoying enough by itself (I still miss the basic Windows mail), lacking previously present features is unacceptable. In the case of Windows App, users connecting to Remote Desktop Services from the Remote Desktop app should use RemoteApp and Desktop Connection until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.
Windows App provides several improvements over Remote Desktop, such as unified access to multiple Windows services, including Cloud PCs and virtual desktops from a single interface, customisable home screens, multi-monitor support, and dynamic display resolutions. It also offers device redirection and easy account switching.
Now, if you’ve had enough of Microsoft changing its mind like the wind, you can always try alternatives such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk. The latter is very simple to use and less annoying in its free version from my experience. Just note that both alternatives do not support the Remote Desktop Protocol required for Windows 365 Cloud PCs, i.e. you will need to install them on those machines to gain access.
