Transitioning from Remote Desktop to Windows App: What You Need to Know

Microsoft is set to retire its Remote Desktop app for Windows on May 27, 2025—a change that marks another step in the evolution of remote work tools. Instead of fretting over the loss of a familiar app, Windows users are encouraged to make the transition to the new Windows App, a more versatile solution launched last September.

Embracing the Windows App​

The Windows App is designed to consolidate various Windows services into one streamlined interface. Here’s what users need to know about this new offering:

• Unified Access: With the Windows App, you can connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote PCs all from one place. This integration simplifies the remote work process and reduces the need for juggling multiple apps.
• Enhanced Customization: The interface provides customizable home screens, letting you set up your workspace exactly how you like it. Multimonitor support and dynamic display resolutions ensure that your experience is both flexible and responsive.
• Optimized for Collaboration: The app is built with remote work in mind, featuring advanced device redirection and optimizations for Microsoft Teams. Seamless account switching makes managing multiple accounts easier, an improvement particularly beneficial for IT professionals juggling work and client needs.

The switch means that after May 27, 2025, any attempts to use the Remote Desktop app to connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box will be blocked. It’s a clear signal from Microsoft that the future of remote connectivity lies with the Windows App.

What Does This Transition Mean for Windows Users?​

For those accustomed to the Remote Desktop app available via the Microsoft Store, this transition may seem daunting at first glance. However, the Windows App is not just a substitute—it brings several compelling advantages:

Why the Change?​

• Streamlined Experience: By consolidating the tools needed for remote access into one app, Microsoft is simplifying the user experience. Instead of hopping between different interfaces, you get a unified platform that does it all.
• Improved Performance: With features like adaptive display resolutions and extended multimonitor support, the Windows App is engineered for modern work setups, catering well to the high demands of today’s remote and hybrid work environments.
• Enhanced Security and Integration: As organizations increasingly rely on secure remote connections, the Windows App’s deeper integration with Microsoft 365 and its encryption protocols offer a more secure and stable experience for business users.

What Should Users Do?​

• Plan for Transition: If you’re currently dependent on the Remote Desktop app for your remote connectivity needs, now is the time to explore the Windows App. Get acquainted with its layout, test its features, and familiarize yourself with its extended functionalities.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure that your remote desktop connections — be they Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or even Remote PCs — are configured to work with the new app. This might involve minor adjustments to your current setup.
• Stay Updated: Monitor official communications via Microsoft Tech Community posts or Windows update channels. Keeping tabs on the rollout will help troubleshoot any hiccups during the transition.

In short, the transition isn’t just about replacing an app—it’s about embracing a more integrated, secure, and effective way of managing remote connections.

Distinguishing Between Remote Desktop Tools​

There’s a bit of confusion that might arise, especially given the similarity in names between Microsoft’s remote desktop solutions. Let’s break it down:

Remote Desktop app vs. Remote Desktop Connection app​

• Remote Desktop App (Microsoft Store):
  • What’s Changing: This is the app being phased out on May 27, 2025. It will no longer support connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box.
  • User Base: Primarily, those with school or work accounts who rely on first-party Windows services.
  • Future: Post-May 2025, if you want access to these services, the Windows App will be your only option.
• Remote Desktop Connection App (Built into Windows 11):
  • What Remains: This long-standing app remains a part of Windows 11. It uses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and isn’t impacted by the upcoming changes.
  • Versatility: It supports a wide range of remote desktop scenarios not limited by account type, making it a versatile tool especially for personal use.
  • Continuity: Since it hasn’t been slated for any retirement, users who still require traditional RDP connections can continue using it without worry.

Understanding the differences between these tools is crucial for selecting the right solution for your remote connectivity needs. If you’re looking for a solution that centralizes access to Microsoft’s cloud-first services, the Windows App is clearly the future. However, if your primary need is classic RDP connectivity, the Remote Desktop Connection app remains a robust option.

The Broader Implications for Remote Work​

Microsoft’s decision to sunset the Remote Desktop app in favor of the Windows App isn’t just a routine product update. It reflects a broader shift in how remote work is managed across the globe. Here’s why this matters:

Integration and Efficiency​

By consolidating remote connectivity under a single umbrella, Microsoft is aiming to break down the silos of traditional remote desktop management. This integrated approach means fewer apps, fewer updates to manage, and a more cohesive experience overall. IT administrators and end-users alike stand to benefit from a more predictable, stable platform that's easier to secure and update.

Enhanced User Experience​

The enhancements offered by the Windows App—customizable dashboards, multimonitor support, and better integration with Microsoft Teams—cater directly to today’s fast-paced work culture. These advanced features can lead to improved productivity. For instance, the ability to switch accounts seamlessly addresses the common pain point for professionals who manage multiple connections across different services.

Security and Future-Proofing​

In an era where cybersecurity threats are ever-present, the move to a more integrated, tightly managed application can also be seen as a proactive step towards bolstering security. With the Windows App, Microsoft can ensure that the latest security patches and updates are uniformly applied, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities that might arise from disparate app ecosystems.

Real-World Perspective​

Imagine a company that has recently transitioned to a hybrid work environment. Previously, IT teams might have faced challenges coordinating between separate remote desktop solutions for different services. With the Windows App, the same teams can enjoy a single interface that meets all their needs—streamlining everything from initial login to advanced multi-account switching. This not only saves time but also minimizes the learning curve for new team members.

Preparing for the Transition: A Step-by-Step Guide​

For IT professionals and remote workers planning to transition from the Remote Desktop app to the Windows App, a few proactive steps can ease the process:

1. Review Your Current Setup:
   • Take stock of which services you connect to using the Remote Desktop app.
   • Identify any custom configurations or specific settings that might require adjustment.
2. Download and Explore the Windows App:
   • If you haven’t already, download the Windows App from the appropriate channel.
   • Spend some time navigating its interface, exploring the customizable home screens, and testing account switching features.
3. Pilot Testing:
   • Consider a phased approach—start by using the Windows App for non-critical connections before transitioning essential services.
   • Document the experience, noting any issues for further troubleshooting.
4. Educate Your Team:
   • If you’re managing a team, ensure that everyone is aware of the transition timeline.
   • Host a training session or provide written guidance highlighting the differences between the old and new platforms.
5. Monitor for Updates:
   • Stay tuned for further communications or updates from Microsoft regarding feature enhancements or additional tips for making the switch.
   • Engage with community forums and the Microsoft Tech Community to share experiences and solutions.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Remote Connectivity​

Microsoft’s shift from the Remote Desktop app to the Windows App is emblematic of the ongoing evolution in remote work and digital connectivity. As organizations continue to pivot towards cloud-centric solutions, the demand for unified, secure, and easy-to-manage platforms will only grow. Here are a few key trends to watch:

• Consolidated Platforms: As companies adopt more hybrid work models, the need for integrated solutions that simplify access to multiple services in one place will become increasingly critical.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Centralizing remote connections opens the door for more consistent and robust security protocols across all services.
• User-Centric Design: Future apps will likely place even greater emphasis on customizable interfaces and real-time collaboration tools, driven by feedback from a diverse user base.

From an IT perspective, this transition is an opportunity to rethink and refine the remote work experience. It's a call to leverage technology not just to replicate old workflows but to reimagine them—bringing forth a new era where remote access is not only simpler and more efficient but also more adaptable to the dynamic needs of modern organizations.

In Summary​

Microsoft’s retirement of its Remote Desktop app on May 27, 2025, signals a clear move towards modernization and integration.

• For Windows users, the new Windows App offers a unified, secure, and expansive suite of remote connectivity options.
• For IT administrators, it provides a more manageable and streamlined toolset, reducing fragmentation in remote access workflows.
• For the broader remote work ecosystem, it sets the stage for more cohesive digital workspaces, where efficiency and security are paramount.

Ultimately, whether you are an individual remote worker or part of a large IT infrastructure, this transition provides both a challenge and an opportunity to adapt to future needs. Embrace the change now, and prepare for a more integrated, dynamic, and secure remote work experience with the Windows App.

---

Source: Inkl Say goodbye to Microsoft's Remote Desktop app and get ready to move to the Windows App