How to Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11 Using a Microsoft Account

If you want to connect to your Windows 11 device from another computer using Remote Desktop and you sign in with a Microsoft account, follow these key steps. It doesn’t matter if you use Windows Hello or another sign-in method—Remote Desktop will still work.

1. Confirm the Correct Remote Desktop Username

When logging in via Remote Desktop with a Microsoft account, the username format must be:

MicrosoftAccount\your_email@outlook.com

For example, if your Microsoft email is jhon.doe@outlook.com, your Remote Desktop username will be:

MicrosoftAccountjhon.doe@outlook.com

You’ll use your Microsoft account password to authenticate remote access.

2. Allow Inbound ICMP Requests (Enable Ping)

By default, Windows 11 blocks ICMP (ping) requests, which can interfere with Remote Desktop traffic. To allow basic network diagnostics before initiating a remote session:

1. Open the Windows Defender Firewall by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. In the sidebar, click Advanced Settings.
3. Go to Inbound Rules.
4. Find and enable the following rules:
   • Core Networking Diagnostics – ICMP Echo Request (ICMPv4-In)
   • Core Networking Diagnostics – ICMP Echo Request (ICMPv6-In)
5. Ensure both rules are set to apply on Private and Public profiles (unless you’re on a corporate domain).
6. If either rule is disabled, right-click and choose Enable Rule.

This enables ping responses (IPv4 and IPv6), which help confirm basic connectivity before testing Remote Desktop.

Note: Microsoft disables these rules by default in many setups, so enabling them manually is often necessary.

3. Set Your Network Profile to “Private”

Windows applies stricter firewall rules to Public networks. To ensure Remote Desktop and ICMP rules function properly:

1. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select Network & Internet settings.
2. Under Status, click your current connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Under Network Profile, select Private (only do this on trusted networks like home or office).

Leaving your network as Public might block Remote Desktop access—even if ICMP rules are enabled.

4. Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Remote Desktop.
3. Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
4. A message will appear: “Users with permission can remotely connect to this PC.”
5. To manage access:
   • Click Remote Desktop Users.
   • Ensure your Microsoft account is listed in the format MicrosoftAccount\your_email@outlook.com. If not, click Add, enter your full email address, and confirm.

5. Test Basic Connectivity with Ping

Before launching a Remote Desktop session, test if the target Windows 11 machine is reachable on your local network.

➤ First, find the IP address of your Windows 11 device:

1. On the Windows 11 machine you want to connect to, press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
2. In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter: ipcofig
3. Look for the section labeled Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter (depending on your connection).
4. Find the line labeled IPv4 Address—that’s the local IP you’ll use for the ping test and RDP connection (e.g., 192.168.1.5).

➤ Then, test the connection:

1. From another device on the same network, open Command Prompt or Terminal.
2. Run the following command, replacing the IP address with the one you found: ping 192.168.1.5
3. If you receive replies like Reply from 192.168.1.5..., it means basic connectivity is working and the firewall allows ICMP traffic.

If the ping fails, go back and check the ICMP rules and ensure the network profile is set to Private.

6. Connect Using Remote Desktop

From the client device (Windows, macOS, or mobile):

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
2. In the “Computer” field, enter the IP address or DNS name of the Windows 11 machine.
3. When prompted for credentials, use:
   • Username: MicrosoftAccount\your_email@outlook.com
   • Password: The same one used for your Microsoft login.
4. Click Connect. You should see the Windows 11 login screen and gain full access after authentication.

7. Final Recommendations

• Keep Windows updated: Ensure Windows 11 and network drivers are current.
• Check port 3389: Remote Desktop uses TCP port 3389. Make sure a router or firewall does not block it.
• Use secure access methods: If you plan to access RDP from outside your local network, use a VPN or SSH tunnel. Exposing port 3389 directly to the internet increases the risk of brute-force attacks.
• Test locally first: Always confirm that Remote Desktop works within your local network before attempting remote access.