The Remote Desktop application for Windows is set to be phased out, with Microsoft announcing that it will no longer support this legacy client after May 27, 2025. This decision aligns with the company’s prior moves to replace the Remote Desktop app on other platforms. Despite this change, users will still have access to essential functions for remote connections and technical support, utilizing either built-in Windows features or the newly introduced Windows app. The naming of this new app has sparked some confusion among users, but it marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to remote desktop connections.
According to Hilary Braun, a Microsoft representative, the Remote Desktop app downloadable from the Microsoft Store will cease to be available from May 27, 2025. Users are encouraged to transition to the Windows app to maintain uninterrupted access to services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. After the deadline, while the Remote Desktop app will still be operational for some users, it will not receive any more updates or support.
Interestingly, Windows includes a built-in Remote Desktop Connection feature that allows users to utilize Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. This built-in option will serve as the primary method for remote connections after the retirement of the standalone Remote Desktop app. Microsoft also plans to integrate features of the Remote Desktop into the new Windows app over time, enhancing its capabilities.
Thurrott.com has highlighted that Microsoft had previously signaled its intention to phase out the Remote Desktop app and replace it with the Windows app during the rollout of major updates last year. This new application has already made headway as an update to the Remote Desktop client available on Apple devices.
The naming of the “Windows app” appears to stem from Microsoft’s strategy to position its operating system in the cloud. The introduction of Windows 365 in 2021 allows users to stream a virtual Windows environment to their devices, making the branding of the unified app more logical in the context of cloud computing. Nevertheless, the naming choice has led to some humorous reactions online, with users expressing their thoughts about Microsoft’s product naming strategies.
A Reddit discussion regarding the Windows app’s launch revealed mixed feelings among fans. One user joked about how Microsoft should reconsider their product naming processes, while others used memes to highlight the situation’s absurdity. Such reactions indicate a broader frustration with Microsoft’s branding decisions and the ongoing confusion among users.
Overall, the impending changes reflect a significant step in advancing remote desktop functionalities on Windows. Users will have to adapt to the new Windows app as the landscape of remote work and cloud services continues to evolve. The transition marks a greater emphasis on integrating cloud solutions into everyday user experiences, illustrating Microsoft’s focus on modernizing their offerings for an increasingly digital world. With these developments, users can expect to see an effort towards streamlining remote access and creating a more unified platform for their computing needs.