Microsoft
Microsoft today announced the release of a new app for Windows called the Windows App, which can run Windows and Windows apps (it’s also coming to macOS, iOS, web browsers, and is in public preview on Android).
On most of these platforms, the Windows app replaces the Microsoft Remote Desktop app used to connect to a copy of Windows running on a remote computer or server, and for some users and IT organizations it’s a relatively easy way to run Windows software on devices that aren’t running Windows or can’t run Windows natively.
The new name, while potentially confusing, attempts to summarise the purpose of the app – to provide a unified way to access your own Windows PCs with remote desktop access enabled, your cloud-hosted Windows 365 and Microsoft Dev Box systems, and individual remotely hosted apps provisioned by your work or school.
“This unified app acts as a secure gateway for connecting to Windows through Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box and more,” wrote a post from Hilary Braun, senior product manager for Windows 365 at Microsoft.
In addition to consolidating multiple services into one app, Microsoft says Windows app enhancements will include easier account switching, improved device management for IT admins, support for Windows 365 versions for frontline workers, and support for Microsoft’s “Relayed RDP Shortpath,” which enables remote desktop over networks where it normally wouldn’t be allowed.
On macOS, iOS, and Android, the Windows app is a full replacement for the Remote Desktop Connection app. If you have Remote Desktop installed, an update will change it to the Windows app. On Windows, Remote Desktop Connection is still available, the Windows app is only used for other Microsoft services. Also, Windows requires some kind of account sign-in, whereas other platforms work without a user account.
For connecting to your own PC with Remote Desktop, the Windows app has most of the same features and requirements as the previous Remote Desktop Connection app, including support for multiple monitors, redirection of devices like webcams and audio input/output, and dynamic resolution support (resizing the Windows desktop as you resize the app window).
