Microsoft has announced that the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI) for Windows will reach its end of support on March 27, 2026. To maintain seamless remote access to services like Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box, it’s essential to transition to the Windows App before this date.
Why the Change?
The Windows App offers several enhancements over the traditional Remote Desktop client, including:
Consistent Cross-Platform Experience: Access multiple Windows services seamlessly across different devices.
Customizable Home Screens: Personalize your interface for improved usability.
Multimonitor Support & Dynamic Display Resolutions: Enjoy a more flexible and responsive display setup.
Enhanced Remote Work Features: Benefit from device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching.
Current Feature Gaps:
While the Windows App is being developed to achieve feature parity with the existing Remote Desktop client, some gaps remain:
Proxy/HTTP Authentication: The app may not function in environments requiring proxy authentication.
Azure Private Link: Currently, connections via Azure Private Link to Azure Virtual Desktop aren’t supported (support coming soon).
Azure Government & AD FS SSO: Support for connecting to Azure Government and Single Sign-On with Active Directory Federation Services is forthcoming.
Start Menu Integration: The app doesn’t yet integrate with the local Windows Start menu.
For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of known issues and limitations, refer to the official documentation.
What’s Not Changing?
The Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC) application will continue to be supported for remote desktop connections, ensuring that users have alternative options during this transition.
Next Steps
To prepare for this transition:
Educate Your Team: Familiarize IT administrators and users with the Windows App by reviewing the getting started guide.
Download the Windows App: Access it via the Microsoft Store or as an MSIX package from the official page.
Review Known Issues: Stay informed about current limitations by consulting the known issues documentation.
Monitor Client Usage: Utilize Azure Virtual Desktop Insights to track client versions and plan your migration effectively.
Uninstall the Old Client: Once the transition is complete, remove the outdated Remote Desktop client from devices following the uninstallation guidelines.
By proactively migrating to the Windows App, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your remote resources and take advantage of the latest features designed to enhance your remote work experience.
