Windows 10 Home can use Remote Desktop to connect to another computer, but it can’t be controlled by Remote Desktop. To connect out, press Windows key + R, type mstsc, enter the other PC’s name or IP address, and click Connect. The PC you connect to must run Windows 10 or 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education with Remote Desktop turned on. To control a Windows 10 Home PC remotely, use a free alternative like Quick Assist or Chrome Remote Desktop, or upgrade that PC to Windows Pro.
Here’s how each option works and which one fits your situation.
What Windows 10 Home can and can’t do
| Task | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10/11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Connect to another PC with Remote Desktop | Yes | Yes |
| Let others connect to it with Remote Desktop | No | Yes |
| Quick Assist (screen sharing help) | Yes | Yes |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Yes | Yes |
How to connect from Windows 10 Home to a Pro PC
- On the Pro PC, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and turn on Enable Remote Desktop. Note the PC name shown there.
- On your Windows 10 Home PC, press Windows key + R, type mstsc, and press Enter. You can also search for Remote Desktop Connection in the Start menu.
- Type the other PC’s name or IP address in the Computer box.
- Click Connect, then sign in with an account on the other PC.
This works easily on the same home or office network. Connecting over the internet usually requires a VPN. Don’t open Remote Desktop’s port directly to the internet, because attackers constantly scan for it.
How to control a Windows 10 Home PC remotely
Option 1: Quick Assist (built in, free)
Quick Assist is best for helping someone with their computer while they’re there to approve it.
- Both people open Quick Assist from the Start menu. Install it from the Microsoft Store if it’s missing.
- The helper clicks Help someone, signs in with a Microsoft account, and shares the security code.
- The person getting help enters the code, clicks Submit, and allows screen sharing or full control.
Option 2: Chrome Remote Desktop (free)
Chrome Remote Desktop works for unattended access to your own PC, even when no one is sitting at it.
- On the Home PC, go to remotedesktop.google.com/access in Chrome and sign in with your Google Account.
- Click Set up remote access, install the app, name the computer, and create a PIN.
- On another computer or phone, go to the same site (or use the app), choose the PC, and enter your PIN.
Option 3: Upgrade to Windows Pro
If you want the built-in Remote Desktop host, upgrade in Settings > Update & Security > Activation > Go to the Store. The upgrade is paid, and it keeps your files and apps. Windows 10 is no longer supported, so upgrading the PC to Windows 11 Pro is the better long-term choice if it’s compatible.
What about RDP Wrapper and similar hacks?
Tools that patch Windows Home to accept Remote Desktop connections go against Microsoft’s license terms, often break after Windows updates, and are sometimes flagged as malware. We don’t recommend them. Use one of the free options above instead.
For Pro PCs, see how to use Windows Remote Desktop.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have Windows 10 Home or Pro?
Go to Settings > System > About and look at Edition.
Is Quick Assist safe?
Yes, when you use it with people you know. Scammers sometimes call pretending to be tech support and ask you to open Quick Assist. Never give a code to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
Can I use Remote Desktop from my phone?
Yes. Install Microsoft’s Windows App (formerly Remote Desktop) on iPhone or Android to connect to a Pro PC.
Does Windows 11 Home support Remote Desktop hosting?
No. Like Windows 10 Home, it can only connect out.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.