How to enable remote desktop services in Windows Server 2025?

Note: This applies to all types of Windows Server 2025, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 11, Windows 10.

To enable remote desktop services in Windows Server 2025, you can use either the Windows App or the Remote Desktop client to connect to desktops and applications that run on Remote Desktop Services. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to enable this with simplified steps you can use to enable in your Windows Server 2025.

Windows App and the Remote Desktop client are available on many different types of devices on different platforms and form factors, such as desktops and laptops, tablets, smartphones, through a web browser, and virtual reality headsets. This choice provides flexibility and convenience to access desktops and apps from anywhere.

List of features you can use to enhance your remote experience, such as:

Before we dive into the topic to know more about Windows Server 2025, also check out our latest review update

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.

Windows App vs Remote Desktop Client: What You Need to Know

Before connecting to Remote Desktop Services, you need to choose between the Windows App and the Remote Desktop client.

Microsoft is gradually moving towards the Windows App as a modern replacement for the older Remote Desktop app. The Windows App is available on multiple platforms and is designed to provide access to services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box from a single interface.

However, it’s important to note that Windows App does not yet fully support all Remote Desktop Services (RDS) scenarios on every platform. Because of this limitation, some users may still need to use the traditional Remote Desktop client (mstsc.exe) or other legacy connection methods, especially for classic RDS environments.

In simple terms:

Windows App is the newer, unified solution and will eventually replace the old Remote Desktop app.
Remote Desktop client is still required for certain Remote Desktop Services connections.
Not all platforms currently support full RDS connectivity through Windows App.

If you are using modern cloud-based remote services, the Windows App is recommended. For traditional Remote Desktop Services setups, the Remote Desktop client remains the reliable choice until full support is available in the Windows App.

How to Use the Remote Desktop App to Connect to Your PC or Server for Windows

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

Open the Remote Desktop app. And Click “+ Add” → “PCs.”
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).
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)
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.

Get the Right Remote Desktop Services Licensing

A properly configured Remote Desktop Services environment provides secure and flexible access to applications and desktops across different devices. For business deployments, the correct Windows Server edition and RDS Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs) are essential for compliant access.

If you are planning to deploy or expand RDS on Windows Server 2025, explore our Remote Desktop Services licensing solutions and choose the licensing model that fits your users, devices, and infrastructure.

Need help selecting the right RDS license? Contact our team today for licensing guidance and assistance with your Windows Server and Remote Desktop Services requirements. Contact us to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in Windows Server 2025?

Remote Desktop Services is a Windows Server role that allows users to access remote desktops, applications, and other server-based resources. It can support centralized application delivery and remote working environments.

2. Do I need an RDS CAL for every Remote Desktop user?

Yes, users or devices accessing a Windows Server Remote Desktop Session Host generally require an appropriate RDS CAL, in addition to the underlying Windows Server licensing. Organizations should select either User CALs or Device CALs according to their usage model.

3. What is the difference between Windows Server CAL and RDS CAL?

A Windows Server CAL provides access rights to Windows Server services, while an RDS CAL provides additional rights to use Remote Desktop Services functionality. They serve different licensing purposes and may both be required.

4. Can I use Remote Desktop without installing the full RDS environment?

Yes. Windows Server includes basic Remote Desktop functionality for administrative access. However, using Remote Desktop Services to provide regular remote desktops or applications to multiple users requires the appropriate RDS roles and licensing.

5. Is Windows App the same as Remote Desktop Services?

No. Windows App is a client application used to connect to supported remote resources, while Remote Desktop Services is a server-side technology for delivering remote desktops and applications. The client you use depends on the remote service and platform.

6. How can businesses choose the right RDS license?

Start by identifying the number of users and devices that need access, how they connect, and whether access is shared across multiple devices. Then determine whether User CALs or Device CALs are more appropriate and verify compatibility with your Windows Server version.

For businesses that need help selecting genuine licensing for Windows Server and RDS, WinLicense can help you evaluate the appropriate licensing requirements before deployment.