Microsoft to Phase Out Remote Desktop App, Introducing New Windows App for Remote Connections

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Microsoft is making significant changes to how users connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box. As of May 27, 2025, the company will discontinue support for the Remote Desktop app available through the Microsoft Store, urging users to transition to a new Windows app for these services. While the transition is required for app users, it does not affect the standalone Remote Desktop client. This change comes alongside the launch of a new Windows app designed to offer streamlined, unified access to a range of remote desktop solutions.

Summary:

Microsoft announced that it will be phasing out the Remote Desktop app for Windows available through the Microsoft Store by May 27, 2025. Users currently relying on this app to access services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box will be required to switch to the newly introduced Windows app. The Remote Desktop client that can be manually installed remains unaffected by this change, and users who prefer the older setup can continue to use it.

The new Windows app, launched in September, provides a more integrated experience for accessing multiple Windows services. Key features include support for Cloud PCs, virtual desktops, customizable home screens, multimonitor setups, and dynamic display resolutions. After May 27, 2025, connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box via the Microsoft Store’s Remote Desktop app will be blocked.

For users eager to make the switch, the new Windows app is available for download from the Microsoft Store and the official Microsoft website. Microsoft also suggests using Remote Desktop Connection or RemoteApp and Desktop Connection for those who connect to remote desktops through the Remote Desktop app.

What Undercode Says:

The decision to discontinue the Remote Desktop app via the Microsoft Store signals a shift towards centralizing Microsoft’s remote desktop solutions into a more unified platform. The new Windows app, which already integrates Cloud PCs and virtual desktops, is designed to offer a more seamless user experience. As businesses increasingly rely on remote work and cloud-based systems, this consolidation of services under one roof makes sense from both a user and technical perspective. The move to phase out the older app is likely in response to feedback and usage patterns, as Microsoft aims to simplify how users connect to remote desktops and streamline support.

While the transition may initially be inconvenient for users accustomed to the legacy Remote Desktop app, the long-term benefits of using the new Windows app far outweigh the temporary disruption. The app’s customizable home screens and multi-monitor support reflect the increasing demand for sophisticated and personalized virtual desktop environments. This is an important development for professionals who rely on remote work setups and need a stable and flexible platform to manage their tasks.

Microsoft’s approach also indicates a broader trend within the company to consolidate and modernize its product suite, pushing users toward a more consistent and efficient digital experience. As more organizations adopt cloud services and hybrid work models, it’s crucial that technology providers offer integrated tools that work across various platforms and services. By creating a more unified access point for these services, Microsoft is positioning itself to be a central player in the evolving cloud-based workspace.

The new app will likely be met with mixed reactions. Some users may appreciate the modernization and added features, such as dynamic display resolutions, while others may struggle with the transition from a familiar interface. Nonetheless, Microsoft’s emphasis on supporting both the manual installation of the standalone Remote Desktop client and the new app indicates an effort to ease the shift for users. Furthermore, the availability of detailed instructions and support options should help users make the change smoothly.

Microsoft’s commitment to offering enhanced tools for remote access through this new app could pave the way for even more innovation in the future. The landscape of remote work and cloud computing is rapidly changing, and Microsoft appears determined to stay ahead of the curve by continuously improving its solutions to meet the evolving needs of its users.

Fact Checker Results:

The transition from the Remote Desktop app to the new Windows app will be mandatory after May 27, 2025, for those using the Microsoft Store version.
The standalone Remote Desktop client, available for manual installation, is unaffected by this change.
Users can download the new Windows app from both the Microsoft Store and Microsoft’s official website.

References:

Reported By: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/microsoft-to-replace-remote-desktop-app-with-new-windows-app-1866431
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