Microsoft Remote Desktop review

A free and reliable tool for Windows-to-Windows connections, but lacks advanced management features.

Verdict

Microsoft's native Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a solid, secure, and free tool for connecting to Windows Pro or Enterprise machines, but it lacks the centralized management, cross-platform support, and ease-of-use of paid third-party tools.

What customers praise

Because it's built into the Windows operating system, there is no third-party software to install on the host, and performance is highly optimized for Windows environments.

What customers criticise

Setting it up for access over the internet requires technical knowledge of port forwarding and network security, posing a significant challenge and security risk for non-technical users.

Best for

Businesses operating exclusively within the Windows ecosystem that need a basic, no-cost solution for remote access.

At a glance

• Integrations: Active Directory, Azure
• Regions served: Global
• Free tier: yes

Red flags

Public risk signals as of June 2026: low. RDP is a frequent target for attackers if not properly secured (e.g., exposed to the internet on default port 3389). Requires careful network configuration. See the full red-flag report.

Alternatives

See alternatives to Microsoft Remote Desktop, or compare against the next-ranked entry: Microsoft Remote Desktop vs RustDesk.

Source: Top 11 The 11 Best Remote Desktop Software for Business, verified June 20, 2026 — no paid placement.