Windows App vs Microsoft Remote Desktop comparison for remote work

General
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Remote work has become a staple in our professional lives, and having reliable tools to access work computers from afar is crucial. Microsoft offers two solutions: the newer Windows App and the established Microsoft Remote Desktop. While both enable remote access to Windows PCs, Windows App emerges as the superior choice. It’s more user-friendly and feature-rich, making it ideal for both IT professionals and casual remote workers. Let’s explore the key differences between these two tools and why Windows App is generally the better option.

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Core functionalities

Windows App (preview)

  • Full desktop access
  • Individual application access without launching the entire desktop
  • Seamless integration with cloud services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Primarily focuses on providing full desktop access to remote Windows PCs
  • Allows users to interact with a remote computer’s desktop over a network connection
Feature Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Full desktop access :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
Individual app access :heavy_check_mark: :x:
Cloud service integration :heavy_check_mark: Limited

Platform support

Windows App

  • Offers broad platform support
  • Provides a consistent experience across various operating systems and devices

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Primarily designed for Windows platforms
  • Limited support for other operating systems
Platform Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Windows :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
macOS :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark: (limited features)
iOS/iPadOS :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark: (limited features)
Android :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark: (limited features)
Web browsers :heavy_check_mark: :x:

Multi-monitor support

Windows App

  • Enhanced multi-monitor support
  • Allows for a larger number of displays and higher resolutions

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Supports multiple monitors, but with limitations on display count and resolution
Feature Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Maximum monitors Up to 16 Limited (varies by version)
Maximum resolution 8K per monitor, 32K total Varies by version

Device redirection capabilities

Windows App

  • Comprehensive device redirection capabilities
  • Improved support for a wide range of devices
  • Seamless integration with peripherals

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Basic device redirection for common peripherals like printers and USB devices
Device Type Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Printers :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
USB devices :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark: (limited)
Smart cards :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
Cameras :heavy_check_mark: :x:
Microphones :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
Speakers :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:

Clipboard functionality

Windows App

  • Bidirectional clipboard support
  • Seamless copy and paste operations between local and remote environments simultaneously

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Typically offers unidirectional clipboard support
  • Copy and paste limited to one direction at a time
Clipboard Feature Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Text copying Bidirectional Unidirectional
Image copying Bidirectional Limited
File copying Bidirectional Limited

Security features

Windows App

  • Advanced security measures designed for modern cybersecurity challenges

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Basic security features such as encryption and network-level authentication
Security Feature Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Encryption :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
Network-level authentication :heavy_check_mark: :heavy_check_mark:
Multi-factor authentication Built-in support Requires additional setup
Conditional access :heavy_check_mark: Limited

Dynamic resolution and scaling

Windows App

  • Advanced dynamic resolution and scaling capabilities
  • Smooth transitions when changing window sizes or switching displays

Microsoft Remote Desktop

  • Basic support for resolution changes
  • May require session reconnection when adjusting display settings
Feature Windows App (preview) Microsoft Remote Desktop
Dynamic resolution :heavy_check_mark: Limited
Dynamic scaling :heavy_check_mark: Limited
Seamless resolution changes :heavy_check_mark: :x:

Windows App clearly outshines Microsoft Remote Desktop in most aspects, offering a more robust, flexible, and user-friendly experience for remote work. Its broader platform support, enhanced multi-monitor capabilities, advanced security features, and seamless integration with cloud services make it the preferred choice for both individuals and businesses seeking a comprehensive remote access solution.

While Microsoft Remote Desktop remains a viable option for basic remote access needs, Windows App’s superior functionality and ongoing improvements position it as the go-to tool for those requiring a powerful and versatile remote work environment. As Microsoft continues to refine and expand Windows App’s capabilities, it’s likely to become an even more indispensable tool for remote workers and IT professionals alike.