Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYou can control a Windows PC from a Mac with Microsoft’s Windows App: enable Remote Desktop on the PC, add its hostname or IP address in the Mac app, then connect with an account authorized on that PC. The PC must run a Windows edition that can host Remote Desktop, and the Mac must be able to reach it over the network.
Check that your Mac and Windows PC are compatible
- Windows edition: Windows Professional, Enterprise, Education, and Windows Server can host incoming Remote Desktop connections. Windows Home cannot host them, so this method will not work with a Home PC. Check the edition before troubleshooting the Mac app. Microsoft’s edition guidance explains the host requirement.
- Mac: For a direct connection to a PC, Microsoft lists a manufacturer-supported Mac running macOS 12.0 or later. Microsoft’s Windows App setup instructions cover the prerequisites and Mac workflow.
- Network and account: The Mac must have network connectivity to the PC, and you need an account permitted to access that PC. Signing in to Windows App is not required for a direct remote-PC connection.
Enable Remote Desktop on the Windows PC
- On the PC, open Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Switch Enable Remote Desktop to On and confirm when prompted. You need an administrator account or someone with administrative privileges to change this setting.
- Note the PC’s hostname or IP address; you will enter one of these in Windows App on the Mac.
Microsoft recommends enabling Remote Desktop only on trusted networks, such as a home network, and using strong, unique passwords for accounts that can connect remotely. Enabling it makes the PC accessible to devices on its network. See Microsoft’s Remote Desktop security guidance.
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Install Windows App and add the PC on your Mac
- Install Windows App from the Mac App Store and open it. Microsoft also documents a standalone
.pkginstaller. The older Remote Desktop client for macOS has been replaced by Windows App; see Microsoft’s macOS client page. - In Windows App, select the + button, then choose Add PC.
- Enter the Windows PC’s hostname or IP address in PC Name. You can optionally set an account, friendly name, display settings, and device or audio redirection.
- Select Add. Open the Devices tab and double-click the PC to connect.
- If you did not save an account with the PC entry, enter the remote PC account when prompted.
Connecting from outside the PC’s network
A PC’s local hostname or IP address is not automatically reachable from another network. Microsoft describes a VPN or port forwarding as possible ways to reach a PC from outside its network. This requires deliberate network configuration; Windows App does not provide a public-internet relay for a personal PC. Because exposing Remote Desktop has security implications, use a secure setup and avoid making the PC broadly accessible. Microsoft’s security recommendations emphasize trusted networks and strong, unique passwords.
If the connection does not work
- Windows App cannot connect and the PC runs Home: Home cannot host incoming Remote Desktop connections. The Windows edition must support hosting.
- The PC is not found: Confirm the hostname or IP address is correct and that the Mac has network connectivity to the PC. A local address may not work from outside the PC’s network.
- Access is denied: Check that you are using an account allowed to access the PC and that the credentials are correct. An administrator may need to grant the account access.
- You cannot enable Remote Desktop: The setting requires administrator privileges.
Windows App also supports managed workspaces and cloud resources, but those are separate connection types and may require an organization-provided account or workspace. The steps here apply to a direct connection to a personal or otherwise directly reachable Windows PC.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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