March 13, 2025, 9:36 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Windows is not only the most widely used operating system in the world for consumers but also the market leader for professional use. The ability to access Microsoft’s Office apps, virtual environments, and remote desktops is particularly useful in this case. Until now, users have been able to use the remote desktop app for these functions.
However, Microsoft has now announced that it will no longer support the remote desktop app from May 27, 2025. It is already no longer being supplied with updates via the Microsoft Store. Anyone who relies on the app’s functionality will have to switch to the Windows app.
What Exactly Is the Remote Desktop App?
Microsoft introduced the app for professional users in 2012. They can use it to access cloud PCs running Windows Professional, Windows Enterprise, or Windows Server remotely via Windows 365. Developers get access to special workstation systems via Microsoft Dev Box. It also allows virtual desktop environments to be used in Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform.
This should not be confused with Remote Desktop Connection — an app that is pre-installed on Windows computers by default. The Remote Desktop Client, which can be installed as a classic program on Windows, is also not affected. Both applications continue to enable remote access to other PCs running Windows.
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New Windows App Does Not Yet Support All Features
In order to access Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box, the Windows app, which can be found in the Microsoft Store, is required from May 27, 2025. The app has a few advantages over Remote Desktop, as the company writes on the Windows IT Pro blog:
- Unified access to multiple Windows services, including cloud PCs and virtual desktops, from a single, simplified interface.
- Customizable start screens, support for multiple monitors and dynamic screen resolutions.
So far, however, the Windows app does not support the core feature of Remote Desktop: connecting to remote PCs. To continue using this feature, you will either need to install the Remote Desktop client or use the Remote Desktop Connection app built into Windows.
Windows is not the first platform from which Remote Desktop is disappearing. Microsoft renamed the iOS version of the app to Windows App Mobile last year. The company has not yet released a Windows App for Android. Remote Desktop is still available here — and with five million downloads, it is still an essential tool for many users.