You will see a page, containing a photo looking something like the one featured above. When you get to this page, click the “Get” button to initiate the app download. Once the app has downloaded you will be prompted to “Add” a computer. To find the correct computer name to add in this field:

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Click System and Security > System

On the View basic information about your computer page, see the Full computer name under the section Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings.

Once you have found the name, add it to your Remote Desktop app.

To allow a remote connection inside your local network, simply configure the computer you’re trying to access to allow remote desktop. To allow Remote Desktop, do the following:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Click System and Security
3. Click on Allow remote access
4. Under Remote Desktop make sure to select Allow remote connections to this computer.
5. Click OK
6. Click Apply
7. Click OK to complete the task

Once these steps are completed, your computer will allow a remote desktop connection. Additionally, Windows 10 is also designed to automatically add the necessary rules in the firewall to keep this connection safe.

If you are attempting to establish a connection using an internet connection, you can continue with the instructions below. If not skip to How to start remote desktop connection.

If you plan to remotely access your computer over the internet, you will need to have the previous steps done as well as have your local router set up to allow remote connections to pass through. After those things are configured, find you public IP address, write it down and you are ready to go.

How to find your public IP address

Finding your IP address sounds like a daunting task, but you probably do harder things on your computer every day. The easiest way to find this information is to open your web browser and do a search for “What is my IP”. Your public IP address will be displayed directly below the search bar.

REMINDER: Most internet providers offer dynamic public IP addresses, which means that your public IP address may change from time to time.

Though, there are several services that give you the option to track when your public IP address changes. This is called a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System). If you do not want to continuously reconfigure your computer to match the changing IP address, you can also contact your internet service provider and get a static IP address for an additional fee to your internet bill.

Let’s start by understanding what port forwarding is. Port forwarding is a technique that is used to allow external devices access to computers services on a private network. You should also know the difference between TCP/UDP ports, here is a short guide.

A TCP/UDP port identifies an application or service on a machine in a TCP/IP network. On a TCP/IP network every device must have an IP address. The IP address identifies the device. However, a device can run multiple applications/services. The port identifies the application/service running on the machine.

Alright, enough facts about ports and forwarding, lets figure out how to . You will need to forward the TCP port 3389 on your router, follow the steps below:

1. Open Command Prompt
2. Type the following command and press Enter
   1. Ipconfig
3. The IPv4 Address information is the address that identifies your computer on the local network. Additionally, note the Default Gateway is the IPv4 address of your router.
4. Open your web browser
5. Type the IPv4 address of your router and press Enter
6. Log-in to your router with your user name and password
7. Navigate through the available settings and find the Port Forwarding section
8. Ensure Port Forwarding is turned on

Under the Port Forwarding list add the necessary information listed below:

• Service Name: This mane is only for reference, you can use any name you want.
  • Protocol: Select TCP
  • Local Port: Enter the same TCP port number 3389
  • Local IP: Enter the IPv4 address of your computer
  • Port Range: Enter the TCP port number 3389

Make sure to add the new rule to the router. (Enable Port Forwarding)