How to access Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac?

Looking for the complete guide about how to use RDP client for macOS and the Importance of RDP client on Mac. Here you will get all the important RDP knowledgebase for macOS.

Updated: 09 Feb, 24 by Antoniy Yushkevych 4 Min

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It seems like for decades we were unable to use Apple and Microsoft devices together. However, as technology progresses, the two competitors are putting aside their rivalries and closing the divide between Windows and Mac applications for the benefit of the user. In this article about remote desktop Mac, you will get to know the answer to the question “Is there an RDP client for Mac?”.

Not that long ago, it was hard to imagine being able to fully control a Microsoft Windows device from a macOS device. Thankfully, if you have macOS version 10.10 or higher, there is a way to use RDP from Mac using Microsoft’s RDP, and we will show you how. However, first, let us get into what exactly is the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Unlike Windows, macOS does not have an inbuilt application for establishing an RDP connection. Therefore, the very first step is installing an app that is known by many to be the best RDP client for Mac to Windows, the Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Step 1: Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app

Step 1: Navigate to Dock and click on the App Store.How to connect through RDP from macOS

Step 2: Within the App Store, search for Microsoft Remote Desktop and install the official app from Microsoft Corporation; which is the best RDP client for macOS.How to use RDP on macOS Step 2

Step 2: Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app

Step 3: Once the installation is completed, click on the Launchpad icon in Dock and click on Microsoft Remote Desktop.How to use RDP on macOS Step 3

Step 3: Add a PC

Step 4: Now, let’s add a new remote desktop connection. Click on the + icon on the top and select Desktop from the drop-down list. How to use RDP on macOS Step 4

Step 5: Type in the IP address section of the RDP server into the PC name field. Under it, select Add User Account. (This step is optional, however, very convenient if you don’t want to type in the username and password each time you use this connection.) If you do not add a user account, skip the next step.

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How to use RDP on macOS Step 5

Step 6: Enter the Username and Password of the RDP server. Here you can also select a “Friendly Name” to identify the server more easily. Click on the Add section when finished.How to use RDP on macOS Step 6

Step 7: You can edit the rest of the settings for your convenience, however, from this point on, clicking Add again will create the RDP connection and it should immediately appear in the Desktops list on the default interface.

Step 4: Connect to the remote PC

Step 8: On the default page, select your newly added connection. If you skipped step 6, you will be asked to provide a username and password, if not, you may see a certificate warning. Click on Continue and enjoy being able to control a Windows device from an Apple one.

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How to use RDP on macOS Step 8

So, we think here you are completely familiar with setting up an RDP client for MacBook. for using the RDP client for Mac OS you should be familiar with enabling RDP in Windows machines. 

At this point, we hope you have the complete knowledge base about the RDP client for Mac, how to use RDP files on Mac, before setting up it How to enable RDP on Windows, and tips you need to know how to do it and how to establish a secure RDP connection.

You can use the built-in "Remote Desktop Connection" app on your Mac. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Remote Desktop Connection, then enter the IP address or hostname of the remote PC you want to connect to.

To enable remote access to your Mac, go to System Preferences > Sharing, then check the "Remote Management" option. You can specify which users can access your Mac remotely and configure other settings as needed.

Yes, there are several Remote Desktop alternatives for Mac, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and Chrome Remote Desktop. These tools offer similar functionalities for remotely accessing and controlling computers.

Yes, Microsoft Remote Desktop is available for Mac. You can download it for free from the Mac App Store. It allows you to connect to remote Windows PCs and access resources and applications as if you were sitting in front of them.

Antoniy Yushkevych

Antoniy Yushkevych

Master of word when it comes to technology, internet and privacy. I'm also your usual guy that always aims for the best result and takes a skateboard to work. If you need me, you will find me at the office's Counter-Strike championships on Fridays or at a.yushkevych@monovm.com