Windows App

Microsoft's client for connecting to Windows PCs, Cloud PCs and virtual desktops, replacing the Remote Desktop app.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Windows App

Windows App is Microsoft's current client for remote Windows sessions. It connects to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services and ordinary PCs with Remote Desktop enabled, and it replaces the older Microsoft Remote Desktop client on most platforms. It uses Microsoft's RDP protocol, so performance on Windows targets is good and features like multiple monitors, clipboard and device redirection come built in. The app itself is free; what you pay for, if anything, is the service behind it, such as a Cloud PC subscription, or a Windows edition that can host incoming Remote Desktop connections (Pro and above). Signing in with a work or school account unlocks the cloud services, while direct PC connections can be added without signing in. It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS and iPadOS, Android and ChromeOS, in web browsers and on Meta Quest headsets. It cannot reach Macs or Linux machines and offers no attended-support mode.

Best for: People and companies connecting to Windows PCs, Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365.

What works

Free client using native RDP for smooth Windows sessions
One app for Cloud PCs, virtual desktops and regular PCs
Available on desktop, mobile, web and VR headsets

Why people leave

Only connects to Windows targets
Personal Microsoft accounts can't sign in to the cloud features
Not designed for ad-hoc support of someone else's machine

Top Windows App alternatives

See all 5

1
Remmina
Free open-source RDP client for Linux desktops, which Windows App doesn't cover.
66.5
2
Jump Desktop
Polished RDP and VNC client for Mac and iOS that also reaches Macs and Linux machines.
62.6
3
Remote Desktop Manager
Manages many RDP connections and their credentials in one place for IT teams.
59.6
4
Chrome Remote Desktop
Works without enabling RDP or a Pro edition of Windows on the target machine.
57.2
5
Apache Guacamole
Self-hosted browser gateway that serves RDP sessions without any client install.
55.3

Why people left Windows App

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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Windows App: common questions

Is Windows App free?

Yes, Windows App is free to use.

Is Windows App open source?

No, Windows App is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Remmina and Apache Guacamole.

What platforms does Windows App run on?

Windows App is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Web.

What are the best alternatives to Windows App?

The highest-ranked Windows App alternatives right now are Remmina, Jump Desktop and Remote Desktop Manager. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 Windows App alternatives

Windows App facts

4 of 4 verified

Connects to: Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Dev Box, RDS, PCs; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “Feedback Summarize this article for me In this article Windows App connects remotely to your Windows devices and apps from Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote”
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android/ChromeOS, web, Meta Quest; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “Windows App is available for the following platforms: Windows macOS iOS/iPadOS Android/Chrome OS Web browsers Meta Quest”
Replaces: Microsoft Remote Desktop client; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “Windows App replaces the Remote Desktop client”
Account for sign-in: Work or school account; Checked Oct 25, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab); “Signing in requires a Microsoft work or school account provided by your administrator.”