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:

MicrosoftAccount\jhon.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:

• Open the Windows Defender Firewall by searching for it in the Start menu.
• In the sidebar, click Advanced Settings.
• Go to Inbound Rules.
• Find and enable the following rules:
  • Core Networking Diagnostics - ICMP Echo Request (ICMPv4-In)
  • Core Networking Diagnostics - ICMP Echo Request (ICMPv6-In)
• Ensure both rules are set to apply on Private and Public profiles (unless you're on a corporate domain).
• 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.

3. Set Your Network Profile to "Private" #

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

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

4. Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 11 #

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Remote Desktop.
• Toggle Enable Remote Desktop to On.
• A message will appear: "Users with permission can remotely connect to this PC."
• 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

• On the Windows 11 machine you want to connect to, press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
• In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig
• Look for the section labeled Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter (depending on your connection).
• 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

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

6. Connect Using Remote Desktop #

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

• Open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
• In the "Computer" field, enter the IP address or DNS name of the Windows 11 machine.
• When prompted for credentials, use:
  • Username: MicrosoftAccount\your_email@outlook.com
  • Password: The same one used for your Microsoft login.
• 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 all network drivers are up to date.
• 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.

EXTRA: NordVPN or any VPN remote connection #

This extra step should have been done if you want to access your device through the Windows App on Android devices.

Open PowerShell as Administrator.

Run:

Get-NetConnectionProfile

Look for the entry whose InterfaceAlias (or Name) is your NordLynx adapter.

Then set it to private:

Set-NetConnectionProfile -InterfaceAlias "NordLynx" -NetworkCategory Private

(If your alias isn't exactly "NordLynx," substitute the exact name shown by Get-NetConnectionProfile.)