How to Use Remote Desktop On Windows 7 Operating System

How to Use Remote Desktop on Windows 7 Operating System

Remote Desktop allows you to control another networked PC remotely, making it a valuable tool for accessing multiple systems from a single location. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up and use Remote Desktop on a Windows 7 Operating System.

Requirements

Before starting, ensure the following:

1. Windows 7 Edition: Remote Desktop is only available on Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions for hosting connections. The client part can be on any edition, including Home Premium, Professional, or Enterprise.
2. Network Connection: Both the target (host) and connection (client) computers must be connected to the same network.

Step 1: Enable Remote Desktop on the Target Computer

1. Verify Windows Edition:
   • Ensure the target computer is running a supported edition (Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise).
2. Open System Settings:
   • Click the Start menu.
   • Right-click on Computer and select Properties.
   • In the System window, click on Remote settings in the left-hand sidebar.
3. Configure Remote Desktop Settings:
   • In the System Properties window, under the Remote tab, select the option to Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop or Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended for better security).
   • If you are using Windows 7 on both the target and connection computers, choose the latter option.
   • Click Select Users to specify which users are allowed to connect. Click Add, enter the user names, and click OK.
4. Find the IP Address:
   • Open the Command Prompt on the target computer (you can do this by typing cmd in the Start menu search box).
   • Type ipconfig and press Enter.
   • Locate the IPv4 Address in the output and note it down. This is the address you’ll use to connect remotely.
5. Enable Network Connections:
   • Ensure the target computer is connected to the network and that the firewall allows Remote Desktop connections. You can check firewall settings under Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall > Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.

Step 2: Connect to the Target Computer from the Connection Computer

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection:
   • On the connection computer, click the Start menu and type Remote Desktop Connection in the search box.
   • Open the Remote Desktop Connection application.
2. Enter the Target Computer’s IP Address:
   • In the Remote Desktop Connection window, enter the IPv4 Address of the target computer that you noted earlier.
3. Enter Login Credentials:
   • Enter the login credentials (username and password) for the target computer.
4. Connect to the Target Computer:
   • Click OK to establish the connection. If the connection is successful, you will see the desktop of the target computer on your screen.

Additional Tips

• Multiple Monitors: If you are using multiple monitors, Remote Desktop can be configured to use all monitors. This can be done by clicking the Options button in the Remote Desktop Connection window and selecting the Display tab. Check the box for Use all my monitors for the remote session.
• Security: For enhanced security, use strong passwords for both the host and client computers and ensure that your network is secure.

By following these steps, you can easily set up and use Remote Desktop on a Windows 7 Operating System, allowing you to control another computer remotely from your current location.