NoMicrosoft to Discontinue Remote Desktop App for Windows by May 27, Replacing It with New Windows App

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Microsoft to Retire Remote Desktop App for Windows by May 27, Replacing with New Windows App
Microsoft announced that it will drop support for the Remote Desktop app for Windows starting May 27, 2025. The decision is a big shift towards the new Windows App that is designed to offer unified access to a number of Windows services, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. The Remote Desktop app will no longer be available for download or installation from the Microsoft Store following the cut-off date.
The Windows App is an improvement over its previous version in several aspects. It provides an easier interface to connect to multiple Windows environments, such as virtual desktops and cloud PCs. It enables users to customize their experience with customizable home screens, multi-monitor, and dynamic display resolutions. The application also enhances remote work experiences with device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching.
For users utilizing Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box, they must transition to using the Windows App to be able to access these services moving forward. Connection to these services through the Remote Desktop app will be blocked after May 27, 2025. However, users connecting to remote desktops from the Remote Desktop app must use temporarily the Remote Desktop Connection utility until the time that the Windows App will be able to support this kind of connection.
The Remote Desktop Connection application, a system application that comes with Windows, will still be supported in Windows. The application allows connection to computers through the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), something that is not yet fully supported in the Windows App. In the long run, Microsoft is planning to have RDP support in the Windows App, maybe expanding its functionality to replace the Remote Desktop Connection application.
The transition to the Windows App will cause some confusion due to its naming, which is easily mixed up with the Windows operating system itself. The naming has frightened IT administrators and users alike since it makes discussing and web searching for the app challenging.
Currently, the Windows App is largely aimed at business users with work or school Microsoft accounts. However, in the long run, Microsoft wants to shift Windows services to the cloud, and that could eventually open up the Windows App to personal accounts as well. The shift is part of Microsoft’s broader vision to drive AI-driven services and provide end-to-end roaming of users’ digital experiences.
In preparation for the transition, IT administrators are advised to nudge users to start migrating to the Windows App and update internal materials such as user documentation and admin resources. Users can download the Windows App from the Microsoft Store or directly from the What’s New in Windows App page.
Despite its potential, the Windows App has received mixed reviews on the Microsoft Store, with an average of 2.6 stars. Some users have reported issues with using the app for remote desktop connections locally, which still utilize the Remote Desktop Connection tool. Positive reviews cite the app’s unified Task View and customized interface.
Overall, Microsoft’s phasing out of the Remote Desktop app in favor of the Windows App is part of its thrust to bring remote access experiences and cloud services into a single environment. While the transition may be issue-prone, it can potentially make remote desktops more streamlined and more flexible.