Microsoft is Replacing Remote Desktop with Its New Windows App

In a significant move to streamline remote computing, Microsoft has announced that it will retire its Remote Desktop app for Windows. The company revealed on March 10, 2025, that the app will no longer be supported or available for download from the Microsoft Store starting May 27, 2025.

Replacing the legacy Remote Desktop app is a new Windows App designed to unify access to multiple Windows services. This includes Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The change reflects Microsoft’s push to enhance the remote work experience by offering a more modern and integrated solution.

The new Windows App introduces several improvements. It features a unified interface for accessing Cloud PCs and virtual desktops, customizable home screens, and multimonitor support. Users will also benefit from dynamic display resolutions and enhanced device redirection for peripherals like printers and webcams.

Additional optimizations for Microsoft Teams and easy account switching further highlight the app’s focus on streamlining productivity. These updates aim to address common pain points in remote work, making it easier for users to stay connected and efficient.

While the transition is set to take place on May 27, 2025, users are encouraged to prepare early. Microsoft has provided guidance for a smooth switch, including downloading the new app from the Microsoft Store or its official website. Familiarizing oneself with the app’s features and known limitations is also recommended.

For those relying on specific connections, such as Remote Desktop Connection or RemoteApp, Microsoft advises continuing to use these until the new app fully supports these features. IT administrators are urged to assist organizations in transitioning, including updating documentation and user guidance.

After the deadline, connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box via the old Remote Desktop app will be blocked. This change underscores Microsoft’s broader strategy to unify and enhance the remote work experience across its Windows ecosystem.

For more details, users can visit the source article for a deeper dive into the transition and its implications.

To ensure a smooth transition, Microsoft has provided specific guidance for users. They are advised to review the “get started” guide tailored to their platform, download the new Windows App from either the Microsoft Store or Microsoft’s official website, and familiarize themselves with any known issues or limitations of the new app.

For users who rely on Remote Desktop Connection, Microsoft recommends continuing to use this method until support for this connection type is added to the new Windows App. Similarly, those using Remote Desktop Services should continue with RemoteApp and Desktop Connection until the Windows App supports this connection type.

IT administrators play a crucial role in facilitating this transition. They are encouraged to promote the switch within their organizations, update internal resources and documentation, and assist users in uninstalling the old Remote Desktop app when necessary. This proactive approach will help minimize disruptions and ensure a seamless experience for all users.

Microsoft views this change as a strategic step toward improving and unifying the remote work experience across its Windows services. By consolidating access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box into a single, modern interface, the company aims to enhance productivity and streamline remote computing for both individuals and organizations.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s decision to retire the Remote Desktop app for Windows and replace it with a new Windows App marks a significant step forward in enhancing the remote work experience. The new app offers a unified, modern interface with features like customizable home screens, multimonitor support, and improved device redirection, making it a more efficient and streamlined solution for accessing Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. While the transition may require some adjustments, Microsoft has provided clear guidance to ensure a smooth switch. Users and organizations are encouraged to prepare early to take full advantage of the new app’s capabilities and align with Microsoft’s vision of a unified and enhanced remote computing ecosystem.

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