23 replies to this topic

[crpainter]

I use this software on my Windows 11 machine  to remote in to my on-mount Windows 11 machine running NINA.  Microsoft is saying this software will enter end of life later this month and to use the new "Windows" app.  Apparently this replacement app lacks true RDP support - the user reviews for the app are scathing.

 

I'm wondering what others are doing about this situation:

- continue to use the existing program

- try to get the new Windows app working

- use another program such as Anydesk

 

Any advice appreciated.

[airscottdenning]

WIndows app is just RDP with a new name. It's identical as far as I can see.

[rgsalinger]

I just use the regular WRD and not the app. That is not being deprecated.

[CandiStarlight]

I use Chrome Remote Desktop and it's been very reliable.

[starrycanuck]

Transition is a ittle more nuanced but to connect to a remote PC from a Window PC, the RDP app is still the recommended approach as the “Windows app” doesn’t yet support it (see this MS support page).

 

You can’t download the RDP from the Microsoft store on the cutoff date but you can still download the client package directly.

 

Seems clear that the RDP client will go away at some point but I’ve not seen a firm EOL date for yet.

[JimB1]

I use RealVNC, works fine and free. They have viewers for iOS and Mac as well. 

[Brian Carter]

I use the Windows app to RDP into client's computers and into my telescope computers.  I made the transition from the old version some time ago and I haven't noticed a difference.  It works fine.

[Couder]

If it's working now, why worry?

[crpainter]

Thanks for the replies.

 

An update: the program that is being deprecated is called Windows Remote Desktop.  The suggested replacement, "Windows" app, does not support RDP (at least not yet) and requires a Microsoft Work or School account (whatever that is).  Windows Remote Desktop will likely continue to work in the short term although I suspect a future Windows update will ultimately break it.

 

However there is another program in Windows which I just discovered: Windows Remote Desktop Connection.  This seems to offer the same functionality as the program being deprecated, in a more stripped down fashion.  I think I will switch to using this program going forward.  Of course I always have the option of using Anydesk or similar third party methods.

[bignerdguy]

 

However there is another program in Windows which I just discovered: Windows Remote Desktop Connection.  This seems to offer the same functionality as the program being deprecated, in a more stripped down fashion.  I think I will switch to using this program going forward.  Of course I always have the option of using Anydesk or similar third party methods.

I have always used Windows RDC as it has been in Windows for quite a while and offers easy access to remote machines.  I have never used an Windows Store app to access from a pc to a pc, I've always used RDC.  Its easy to setup and use.

[rgsalinger]

Transition is a ittle more nuanced but to connect to a remote PC from a Window PC, the RDP app is still the recommended approach as the “Windows app” doesn’t yet support it (see this MS support page).

 

You can’t download the RDP from the Microsoft store on the cutoff date but you can still download the client package directly.

 

Seems clear that the RDP client will go away at some point but I’ve not seen a firm EOL date for yet.

Why is this "clear"? RDP works perfectly and has been around for at least 15 years. 

[shakafell]

The new "Windows" app does remote desktop. Who is telling you that it doesn't? I've used it from multiple devices (Mac, iOS, Android). And you don't need an account.

Edited by shakafell, 13 May 2025 - 07:29 PM.

[*skyguy*]

Try TightVNC:

 

https://www.tightvnc.com/

 

It's fast, reliable, easy to use, needs minimal resources and it's free.

 

I've used it for decades in my observatory, without a single problem.

[crpainter]

The new "Windows" app does remote desktop. Who is telling you that it doesn't? I've used it from multiple devices (Mac, iOS, Android). And you don't need an account.

When I fired up the "Windows" app on my Windows 11 laptop the first thing it asked was for me to sign in.  You are correct that this is not the case for iOS (I have no personal experience with Android or Mac).

[ButterFly]

Thanks for the replies.

 

An update: the program that is being deprecated is called Windows Remote Desktop.  The suggested replacement, "Windows" app, does not support RDP (at least not yet) and requires a Microsoft Work or School account (whatever that is).  Windows Remote Desktop will likely continue to work in the short term although I suspect a future Windows update will ultimately break it.

 

However there is another program in Windows which I just discovered: Windows Remote Desktop Connection.  This seems to offer the same functionality as the program being deprecated, in a more stripped down fashion.  I think I will switch to using this program going forward.  Of course I always have the option of using Anydesk or similar third party methods.

"Remote Desktop Connection" is the standard desktop application that Windows uses to establish remote connections.  For example, when one right clicks on a computer in the Network folder, it is using "Remote Desktop Connection".  You can just search "rdp" in the various search boxes of the start menus to get there.  When you use the "Show Options" drop down, you can adjust settings, as well as "Save" those settings.  You can double click on that saved file to get the kind of connection you want, to the computer you want, and keep the file on your Desktop, or somewhere else convenient.  In general, I have stayed far away from Microsoft "Apps" to run on a computer since their launch in Windows 8.

 

In Android, I am always weary of updates.  I use CxFileExplorer to create backups of Android Apps I find to be in good working order - just the way I like them.  That way, if an update goes sour, I have the backup to work with.  Other solutions can do the same thing.

[shakafell]

When I fired up the "Windows" app on my Windows 11 laptop the first thing it asked was for me to sign in.  You are correct that this is not the case for iOS (I have no personal experience with Android or Mac).

What's confusing all of us is they have so many things with similar names. Check out these posts:

 

https://techcommunit...windows/4390893

https://techcommunit...support/4397724

-------------------------------

Relevant parts:

This blog applies only to the Windows App replacement of the Remote Desktop app downloaded from the Microsoft Store. It does not apply to the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI), which can be downloaded from Download and install the Remote Desktop client for Windows (MSI).

 

Remote desktop users: Users connecting to remote desktops from the Remote Desktop app should use Remote Desktop Connection until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.

 

What's not changing

Remote Desktop Connection (Microsoft Terminal Services Client, MSTSC) will remain a supported application for connections to remote desktops.

----------------------------------------------

 

So it looks like the app you found will continue to be supported. And at some point they will update the "Windows" app for Windows.

 

Whatever the case I'm confident that Microsoft would not prevent you from accessing Remote Desktop from their own OS. Especially when they just updated it for every other platform.

[starrycanuck]

Why is this "clear"? RDP works perfectly and has been around for at least 15 years. 

Because MS postings state that, at some future time, Remote Desktop Connection’s functionality will be included in the new “Windows” app and I would expect, Remote Desktop Connection will be deprecated and eventually EOL.

[Silent_Light]

It won't suddenly stop working, so whatever ...

[airscottdenning]

It's just MS branding that's changing. The "Windows App" is the new brand-name for what they used to call "Microsoft Remote Desktop."

 

It's the same program. It works exactly the same, with the same interface and functionality. It even accepts the same saved profiles from the "old" app.

[crpainter]

It's just MS branding that's changing. The "Windows App" is the new brand-name for what they used to call "Microsoft Remote Desktop."

 

It's the same program. It works exactly the same, with the same interface and functionality. It even accepts the same saved profiles from the "old" app.

You are correct for iOS (and I guess Android and MacOS although I personally don't use those systems).  This is NOT the case for Windows.

[rgsalinger]

Tempest in a teapot.

 

"What's not changing Remote Desktop Connection (Microsoft Terminal Services Client, MSTSC) will remain a supported application for connections to remote desktops"

 

and no "postings" that terminal services features are being deprecated. 

[PIEJr]

Never knowingly used Windows Remote Desktop.

I've long used TightVnc.

Through... 4 computers, and Windows 7 through 11.

I just dope-de-doe along and enjoy.

That is, as long as I don't get some grenade update.

But hey, I've survived. Even survived the Klez virous.

I even survived the "Plug and Pray" era building my own computers.

I'm as resilient as a fart in an elevator.

But I don't worry.

[rgsalinger]

As long as you have simple LAN based use cases Tight VNC is a workable solution. Remote desktop comes built into Windows and is used by professionals all over the world - it's core Windows technology. 

 

TightVNC is not equivalent to either AnyDesk or TeamViewer as it requires opening ports and using NAT on the remote router to work over a WAN. At that point you might as well just use NAT in the first place. I played with it a while back and that's what I learned. 

Edited by rgsalinger, 17 May 2025 - 01:13 AM.

[AstroFromHome]

On my Android tablet I am running Windows App as RD Tool to connect to my mini PC on the telescope. I used to use Remote Desktop but on Android the app automatically updated to Windows App.

 

On my laptop I am still running Remote Desktop with the notification message that I shall switch to Windows App. I have tried Windows App on my laptop the to my mini PC cannot be established.

 

Not sure why but I entered everything the same way like on my tablet.