Desktop Client | Microsoft Remote

| | Microsoft RDP Client | VNC | TeamViewer | Chrome Remote Desktop | |-------------|--------------------------|---------|----------------|----------------------------| | Native audio | Yes | No | Yes | No | | Printer redirection | Yes | No | Yes | No | | Multi-monitor | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | | Encryption | TLS | Optional (VNC + SSL) | TLS | TLS | | Commercial use | Free (with Windows license) | Free (open source) | Paid | Free | | Gateway support | Yes | No | Yes | No |

| | Description | |------------|-----------------| | No native Linux client in repos | Must download from Microsoft manually | | No copy/paste of files > 2GB | Historically limited (improved in newer versions) | | Multi-monitor setup complexity | Different behavior across platform clients | | Printer redirection unreliable | Especially with non-standard drivers | | No simultaneous multi-user GUI | Cannot show multiple remote sessions in tabs (third-party tools required) | | Performance over high latency >300 ms | Poor user experience without optimization | microsoft remote desktop client

Microsoft continues to invest in the Remote Desktop client as part of its and Azure Virtual Desktop strategy. Expected enhancements: | | Microsoft RDP Client | VNC |

The Microsoft Remote Desktop (RD) Client is a software application used to connect to and control remote computers or virtual desktops. Crucially, Microsoft has announced the retirement of the legacy Windows client (MSRDC) on March 27, 2026 . All organizations are advised to migrate to the new Windows App to ensure continued security updates and support for services like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. 1. Core Functionality & Access All organizations are advised to migrate to the

Deploying the Remote Desktop Client requires strict security configurations. The client is often the "front door" to the corporate network; if left unsecured, it provides a vector for lateral movement.