What is a remote PC?
A remote PC is a computer that you can connect to from somewhere else and control as if you were there in person. It’s also called a remote desktop.
How does a remote PC work?
A remote PC works by storing data on a server in the cloud (the host) and accessing it from another device (the client). One way to implement a remote PC is by accessing your Windows in the cloud with the Windows 365 Cloud PC.
Step one: Set up a host device
First, IT staff set up a host server on-premises or in the cloud and make sure it can be accessed remotely. The host could also be a work computer.
Step two: Set up a client device
Next, IT staff issue company-owned devices, or employees can use their personal devices. Either way, it’s important to configure devices and install updates to help improve security.
Step three: Create a more secure connection
Since remote PCs use the internet to connect to the host, IT staff will then create a website that people can use on their client devices to access host devices more safely.
Step four: Manage remote PCs
After people start using their remote PCs, IT staff provide support to help ensure that the PCs are configured correctly.
Introducing the Windows 365 Cloud PC
Stream your full Windows desktop to any device with a Windows 365 Cloud PC. It’s easy to switch back and forth between personal and corporate devices since your changes save automatically.
Benefits of using a remote PC
Make it easy to work from anywhere
With remote PCs, employees don’t have to come into the office to get the job done. They can sign into their work computers and stream their entire desktop—including apps, documents, and settings—to any device. Use remote PCs to support any type of work.
Save time for new employees and IT staff
Use remote PCs to speed up hardware deployment and onboarding. IT staff have a centralized place to manage everyone’s processing power and settings, so it’s faster to set up new employees, scale with growth, or remove access for temporary workers.
Give employees more time to focus on work and less time commuting or setting up devices. Remote PCs provide the same experience on any device, so it’s also faster for people to pick up right where they left off instead of emailing files to themselves.
Get more value out of hardware
Make the most of device investments, both corporate and personal, while giving people the flexibility to work how they want.
Help improve security quickly and easily
Keep your data safe by storing it in the cloud, not on devices. With remote PCs, IT staff can quickly revoke access to the host server if someone loses their phone or laptop so sensitive information isn’t compromised.
With remote PCs, it’s also easier to check analytics and diagnostics for servers and endpoints since people don’t have to bring their devices into the office. Get visibility into whether devices are in compliance and what upgrades are needed from anywhere.
Deliver remote access quickly
Increase employee satisfaction by saving people time with remote PCs. People don’t even have to go into the office to set up access—their work desktops are delivered in minutes.
Remote PCs explained
Remote PCs make it easier for organizations to support remote and hybrid work, which have become the norm in the past few years. Employees expect to be able to start a new job remotely, get set up quickly, and start work without ever meeting IT staff in person—all of which is possible with a Cloud PC.
Remote PCs also address the security risks associated with remote and hybrid work. Data is more safely stored in the cloud instead of on devices, and IT staff can remotely assign, deploy, and deliver a Cloud PC quickly.
Remote PC solutions
Choose from remote PC solutions like host devices, client devices, remote PC security solutions, and remote desktop apps. Here are a few options:
- Try a Windows 365 Cloud PC and see how easy it is to stream your complete Windows experience—desktop, apps, and files—to any device.
- Find the right fit for your organization with Windows 365 Business and Windows 365 Enterprise.
- Learn how to use a remote desktop.
Remote PC resources
Discover what’s new
Make remote work easier with the latest updates to Microsoft Viva, Teams, and Defender for Business.
Get the hybrid work guide
Learn how to help people collaborate and do their best work while working remotely and in person.
Make remote work more secure
Help protect business data and remote workers with seven cybersecurity best practices.
Manage your time wisely
Read what six authors have to say about working from home efficiently.
Explore industry recognition
Discover how Microsoft is recognized as a leader in hybrid work solutions.
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes, you can remotely control a PC if the PC and the device you’re using to control it (the client device) are connected online and the PC is set up to allow remote access.
-
Set up your home computer as a host device, then use a client device like your phone, tablet, or laptop to remotely access your home computer online and use it as a remote desktop.
-
Access your computer from anywhere by configuring it as a host device, and then use a remote PC to connect to your computer over the internet. One solution is to use Windows 365 Cloud PC, which delivers a remote PC experience.
-
Remote desktop works from anywhere if both the host device and client device are connected to the internet and have been configured correctly.
Connect with Windows 365:
Follow Us