- Connections using the Remote Desktop app is locked from May 27
- New Windows -App occupies its place but there are already known problems
- You need to manually uninstall the old app and install the new
Microsoft Senior Product Manager Hilary Braun has confirmed that the company will drop support for the Remote Desktop app, which begins May 27, 2025.
Services will live on, but the app is replaced by the Windows app described as a new Unified Gateway for remote connections.
Continued access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Dev Box require users to transfer to the new app, which has a comprehensive range across multiple platforms.
Remote Desktop app is replaced by the Windows app
Microsoft’s support page confirms that the Windows app is working across Windows and MacOS Desktops, iOS/iPados mobile devices and web browsers. It is also available in preview of Android, Chromeos and Meta Quest devices.
Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services and Remote PC services are all handled via the updated app, but there is limited functionality for Remote Desktop and PC Services on Windows devices and web browsers, according to the support article.
However, the transition seems to be anything but smooth. Braun advised users who required access to the soon-to-be printed Remote Desktop app to use Remote Desktop Connection “until support for this connection type is available in the Windows app.”
Redmond has also published a list of known problems and restrictions on the Windows app.
Uninstalling the remote -desktop app follows the same process as removing other apps. Like that app, the Windows app can be downloaded from Microsoft Store.
Apart from actually switching between the two, Braun also reminded companies to update their internal resources, such as user guidance, Helpdesk documentation and administrative materials to reflect the changes and make the change smoother for employees and users.
Meanwhile, customers have just over two weeks before connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box via the Remote Desktop app is blocked.
