While Windows has a built-in solution that works "fine," the landscape of remote access has evolved. Different protocols offer different benefits—some prioritize speed, others prioritize security, and some focus on cross-platform compatibility.
If mRemoteNG is the car, is the spaceship. RDM centralizes all remote connections (over 50 protocols including RDP, SSH, VPN, and even FTP) into a single secure platform shared across the entire team.
The Windows Remote Desktop Client, also known as Remote Desktop Connection (RDC), is a popular tool for remotely accessing and controlling Windows computers. In this write-up, we'll explore the features, benefits, and limitations of the Windows Remote Desktop Client, as well as some of its top use cases.
| Tool | Best For | Platform Support | Security & Key 2026 Feature | Pricing Model | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Microsoft Cloud Users | Win, Mac, iOS, Android, Web | Entra ID integration; Direct clipboard file sharing | Free (requires Cloud sub) | | mRemoteNG | IT Generalists | Windows | Tabbed multi-protocol (RDP/SSH/VNC) | Free (Open Source) | | Royal TS | Structured Admins | Windows, macOS | Scripting engine; Shared connection documents | Commercial (Per user) | | Devolutions RDM | Enterprise Security | Windows, Mac, Linux, Mobile | MCP AI commands; 50+ protocols; Centralized vault | Freemium / Subscription | | Remmina | Linux Workstations | Linux, Unix-like | RDP/VNC/SSH in one GTK interface | Free (Open Source) | | FreeRDP | Developers | Cross-platform | AV1 Codec support (3.25.0+) | Free (Apache 2.0) | | TSplus | App Publishing | Browser (Any OS) | Secure HTML5 gateway; No RDS CALs required | Commercial (Server License) | | TeamViewer | Remote Support | All major platforms | Works behind firewalls; E2E encryption | Freemium / Subscription | | AnyDesk | Low-Latency Tasks | Win, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Proprietary DeskRT codec for slow networks | Freemium / Subscription | windows remote desktop client top
Small to medium businesses that need a balance of security, price, and performance.
Ensure the tool handles RDP, SSH, and VNC if you run mixed OS environments.
Syncs automatically with corporate resources published by your IT department via RemoteApp. While Windows has a built-in solution that works
Cross-platform users needing seamless mobile-to-desktop access. Cost: Paid subscription.
User interface can feel minimalist to some, licensing model changes have frustrated some long-term users.
Don’t discount the native option. The Microsoft Remote Desktop client (often updated via the Microsoft Store or as a standalone download) is the gold standard for connecting to Windows machines using the RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). RDM centralizes all remote connections (over 50 protocols
To his relief, the connection was smooth and quick. He was prompted to enter his credentials again, and then he was in. He was now sitting at his work computer, albeit remotely. The files and folders looked just as he had left them, and he quickly located the presentation he needed.
Because of these regressions, the search for alternatives has exploded. For daily driving, security, and multi-protocol flexibility, third-party tools have never been more necessary.