In this article I’ll show you how to disable Remote Desktop and, most importantly, why you should – applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Remote Desktop is a feature that allows users or support services to remotely access a PC. Remote Desktop is predominantly enabled and used in corporate environments to allow employees to access their work computers from home. However, for your average home user Remote Desktop is rarely required.
Why You Should Disable Remote Access
Remote Desktop is one of the most commonly exploited features in Windows and should be disabled unless absolutely essential (such as within a corporate environment). Fortunately, disabling Remote Desktop is very simple, as is enabling it again if/when the need arises.
How To Disable Remote Desktop In Windows 10
Navigate to Settings > System > Remote Desktop (toward the bottom of the left-hand panel):
Now, in the main panel, you will see the Remote Desktop setting toggle switch, make sure that switch is set to Off:
How To Disable Remote Desktop In Windows 11
Navigate to Settings > System and click Remote Desktop (in the main panel):
Make sure the Remote Desktop toggle switch is set to Off:
If ever you need to enable Remote Desktop, perhaps to receive assistance from a friend or official support service, simply follow the same steps and switch the remote Desktop setting to On.
BOTTOM LINE – WARNING
Remote Desktop is a powerful tool and, once you allow remote access, the person to whom you grant access has complete control over your system. They can plant malware, search through your sensitive information, anything they want. So, it’s extremely important to grant remote access only to someone you trust implicitly.
Rule of thumb: Never grant requests for remote access from unsolicited sources. For example, if someone purporting to represent an antivirus company, Microsoft, or a tech support service contacts you and requests remote access, tell them no. If you can, get their name and phone number, but I guarantee in most cases they will either refuse or give you false information.
Stay safe out there!
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Not all Windows 11 though, right?
Windows 11 Home does not include the built-in Remote Desktop feature.
Users can still access their devices remotely using third-party applications.
Microsoft offers Remote Desktop in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions.
Alternatives like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop are available for remote access.
Windows 11 Home users can enable remote assistance through the Quick Assist app.
Ensure that any third-party software used for remote access is secure and trusted.
“Windows 11 Home does not include the built-in Remote Desktop feature”
incorrect. Home editions include Remote Desktop but only the client side. Home users can therefore receive remote assistance from someone running Windows Pro but cannot provide assistance to anyone.