Microsoft’s Remote Desktop program is nearing its demise. An upcoming adjustment from Microsoft may surprise some IT teams and remote workers. On May 27, the IT giant will stop supporting it, this means that the Remote Desktop software for Windows will be terminated, so if you depend on it. This is a means of forcing customers to switch to the company’s Windows app with all of its advantages and disadvantages. Get ready. This implies that users will no longer be able to connect to Microsoft Dev Box, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Windows 365. Rather, the Windows App will allow you to accomplish all of this. You will need to switch to the Windows app if you use the Remote Desktop app to connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box computers.
Microsoft described this move days ago as the modification and its effects on the Windows IT Pro Blog. With features like device redirection and Microsoft Teams improvements, as well as a streamlined interface for managing numerous remote services and enhanced multi-monitor support, the firm claims that the Windows App will provide a better experience. Even though there could be a general upgrade, you will need to manually switch before the old app stops functioning.
In 2024, the Windows App was met with a lacklustre reaction. At the time, Microsoft stated: “This unified app serves as your secure gateway to connect to Windows across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box, and more.”
Launched in September, the new Windows app offers dynamic display resolutions, multimonitor compatibility, and simple access to virtual desktops and cloud PCs.
It’s essentially the Remote Desktop application dressed up. Or to quote Microsoft: “Unified access to multiple Windows services, including Cloud PCs and virtual desktops from a single, streamlined interface.”
According to one user, it was “the dumbest rebranding ever.”
But the Remote Desktop app’s demise was inevitable, and the code will be taken down from the Microsoft Store on May 27. Do you require access to Microsoft Dev Box, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Windows 365? Till Microsoft rebrands once more and manages to cram the word “Copilot” into it, you’ll have to use the Windows App.
The Remote Desktop Connection software, which has been a part of Windows for many years, should not be confused with the Remote Desktop app. Microsoft claims that the Windows App does not now support the connection type that Remote Desktop Connection and Remote Desktop Services employ.
To use the Windows App at the moment, users also need to have an account at work or school.
Dynamic resolution scaling, multi-monitor configurations, and configurable home screens are all supported by the Windows app. Additionally, Microsoft Teams optimization and device redirection are available. Neither local Start Menu integration nor the use of Private Link to access Azure Virtual Desktop are supported.
Microsoft cautioned that in certain circumstances where proxy servers need proxy/HTTP authentication, the Windows App may not function. Additionally, Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) single sign-on (SSO) is not supported.
By May 27, users of the Remote Desktop software must switch. At that point, “connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box via the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store will be blocked.”
A smooth transition is not assured for users of Remote Desktop Services or remote desktop connections. Until Windows App fully supports these connections, Microsoft advises utilizing RemoteApp and Desktop Connection or Remote Desktop Connection as a workaround. In order to prevent users from having to scramble when the deadline comes, IT managers are being advised to begin planning now.
Before switching, you may examine what functionality could be lacking from the Windows app by looking through Microsoft’s Known Issues and Limitations list if you’re still using the outdated version. At least you have a few months to work things out.
Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection software, which has been included with Windows for more than 20 years, should not be mistaken with the current Remote Desktop app. According to Microsoft, this application will be available in Windows 11 until May 27th and can still be used to connect to computers until the Windows app supports the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
The reference to RDP support may indicate that Microsoft plans to add personal accounts to its Windows app in the future. Despite Microsoft’s long-term goal of transferring Windows entirely to the cloud to “enable improved AI-powered services and full roaming of people’s digital experience,” you can only access the Windows app if you have a Microsoft account from work or school.
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