Microsoft to Discontinue Remote Desktop App in May, Replacing It with Enhanced Windows App

Microsoft announced that it is sunsetting its Remote Desktop app on Windows, which will stop supporting it on May 27, 2025. The action marks a key shift for user access to remote desktop offerings since they will need to transition over to the newer Windows App if they want to keep gaining continuous access to resources like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.
Remote Desktop, the classic Windows remote-access app, won’t be available for download in the Microsoft Store after the provided date. Though users will be able to keep downloading and installing the app up to May 27, its features will become unavailable on this date. For instance, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box connections will no longer be supported by the Remote Desktop app. However, existing app users will still be able to utilize other features but will no longer receive any updates from Microsoft.
Microsoft is encouraging users to switch to the Windows App, which has several advantages over the Remote Desktop app. The Windows App provides one interface to access multiple Windows services, including Cloud PCs and virtual desktops, from a single streamlined interface. It also provides customizable home screens, multi-monitor support, and dynamic display resolutions, making it more versatile for remote work use cases.
In addition, the Windows App is Microsoft Teams optimized and possesses device redirection and is optimized to further enhance remote work experience. It is easy to switch accounts within the application, which was designed to drive productivity and efficiency. The application initially shipped during September 2024 and since then has gradually expanded to embrace more features and services.
The transition to the Windows App does not occur automatically, and the users must transition to the new app manually in order to avoid disruptions. Microsoft has provided steps for users to make a transition without any trouble, but certain users have also complained about the short time duration for the change and the insufficient support for all types of connections in the Windows App.
It should be mentioned that the original Remote Desktop Connection tool that comes with Windows will still be there and will not be affected by this change. The tool remains available for local RDP connections, although it will not offer the same level of cloud integration as the Windows App.
Microsoft’s intention to remove the Remote Desktop application is one component of its broader effort to consolidate and enhance remote access functionality within the Windows App. The migration, though it may require some adjustment on users’ behalf, will provide a cleaner and richer experience for remote desktop access.