How to enable remote desktop services in Windows Server 2025?

Multiple monitor support, with custom and dynamic display resolutions and scaling.

Using Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2025 allows you to extend or duplicate your workspace across multiple screens, so you can customize the resolution and scaling for each monitor individually. Which seamlessly matches your workflow. When you’re working across screens or managing multiple apps, RDS will adjust to your display configuration for a smooth experience.

Optimized Microsoft Teams Experience

This optimization includes improved camera streaming, background noise suppression, and screen sharing quality, including deep Microsoft Teams integration, enabling better audio and video performance during remote sessions. Making virtual meetings go as smoothly with reduced latency and enhanced bandwidth management, collaboration through Teams is now faster and more natural — even over Remote Desktop.

Advanced Device Redirection

Advanced Device Redirection ensures a truly integrated experience, allowing you to print documents, use video conferencing tools, or transfer files between your local computer and remote desktop effortlessly, without compromising security or performance, and this also allows users to access local resources like webcams, microphones, printers, USB drives, and storage devices directly within their remote session.

Single Sign-On (SSO) for Seamless Access

This SSO (Single Sign-On) integrates smoothly with Active Directory and other identity management systems, creating a secure, efficient, and user-friendly authentication process. Users only need to authenticate once to access all authorized remote apps and desktops.

Multi-Account Sign-In With Easy Switching

Now you can stay signed in across sessions, easily toggle between accounts, and maintain personalized settings for each, boosting productivity and convenience in multi-user or hybrid work environments.

Windows Server 2025 RDS allows you to sign in with multiple accounts and switch between them instantly, which makes this a perfect choice for professionals who manage multiple environments, clients, or user profiles.

Step 1: Download the Remote Desktop App

Download and install “Remote Desktop” from the Microsoft Store

(Note: Microsoft has replaced this app with the new Windows App, which offers better performance and more features.)

Step 2: Prepare the Remote Computer

Before you connect, make sure the remote PC or server is ready:

• Enable Remote Desktop on the target system.
• Ensure the firewall allows Remote Desktop connections.
• If you’re connecting to a business or hosted server, your IT admin may have already configured Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

Step 3: Add a Remote PC Connection

1. Open the Remote Desktop app. And Click “+ Add” → “PCs.”
2. Enter your connection details:
   • PC name: Computer name, domain, or IP address (for example: myserver.domain.com or 192.168.1.50).
   • User account: Choose or add the username you’ll log in with (user@domain.com or domain\user).
3. Click Show more if you’d like to customize options like:
   • Display name (to label your connection)
   • Resolution and display scaling
   • Clipboard, audio, microphone, or printer redirection
   • RD Gateway (if connecting through a corporate network)
4. Finally, click Save to store your setup.

Step 4: Add a Workspace (for RemoteApp or RDS Access)

If your admin has shared a workspace (for remote apps or desktops):

• Click “+ Add” → “Workspaces,” then enter the feed URL provided by your administrator.
• Sign in with your organization account.
• Your list of available remote apps and desktops will appear automatically.

Step 5: Start a Remote Session

• In the Connection Center, select your saved PC or workspace. Then Sign in if prompted.
• If a certificate warning appears, choose Connect (only if you trust the source).
• Once connected, use the connection bar at the top of the screen to:
  • Go full screen or switch to windowed mode
  • Disconnect or return to the home screen
  • Toggle between touch and mouse modes

Step 6: Manage Your Settings

Open the Settings section to personalize your experience:

• Manage user accounts – Add or remove accounts for quick logins.
• Set up Gateways – Configure secure network access.
• Organize your devices – Create groups to manage multiple PCs or servers.
• Adjust display settings – Choose options like full-screen startup or automatic window resizing.
• Customize keyboard shortcuts – Make key combinations (like Alt+Tab) work just the way you want.