Prepare for the Remote Desktop client for Windows end of support

On March 27, 2026, the Remote Desktop client standalone installer (MSI) for Windows will reach end of support. Before that date, IT administrators may need to migrate their users to Windows App so they can continue connecting to their remote resources via Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Dev Box. Remote Desktop client will continue to receive security updates until end of support, after which it will no longer be available for download.  

We’re working to ensure Windows App reaches feature parity with the Remote Desktop client for Windows to ease this migration. Windows App provides several improvements over the Remote Desktop client for Windows, including:

• Consistent experience across platforms to connect to multiple Windows services, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box.
• Customizable home screens, multimonitor support, and dynamic display resolutions.
• Enhanced remote work experiences with features such as device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching.

Ready for a closer look at Windows App? Watch this short video:

Current feature gaps

Some notable feature gaps between Remote Desktop client and Windows App are listed below. Please regularly refer to Known issues and limitations of Windows App to review gaps and stay updated as they are resolved.

• Windows App doesn’t work in some environments where proxy servers require proxy/HTTP authentication
• Using Azure Private Link to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop isn’t supported (coming soon)
• Connecting to Azure Government (coming soon)
• Single sign-on (SSO) with Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) (coming soon)
• Integration with your local Windows Start menu
• Connecting to Azure operated by 21Vianet or to Azure Virtual Desktop (classic) 
• Session controls in system tray (coming soon)
• Support for versions of Windows 10, version 21H2 and earlier, including Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)

If you find other feature gaps not listed above or in the documentation, please raise them by clicking on the Feedback icon in Windows App where available.  

What’s not changing

Remote Desktop Connection (Microsoft Terminal Services Client, MSTSC) will remain a supported application for connections to remote desktops.

Next steps

We recommend preparing for the migration to Windows App now to experience the full benefits Windows App has to offer, and to avoid losing access to remote resources on March 27, 2026. To make the migration easier:

• IT administrators should read Get started with Windows App to connect to desktops and apps and admin documentation to update internal processes and/or create guidance for users and help desk teams.
• Download Windows App from the Microsoft Store or directly from the What’s new in Windows App page as an MSIX package.
• Review Known issues and limitations of Windows App to understand if there are current feature gaps that may create challenges for migrating to Windows App.
• Identify the clients your users are connecting with by monitoring Azure Virtual Desktop client version use with Azure Virtual Desktop Insights. Insights on client versions for Windows 365 are coming soon. For more information, see our page for Client version usage.
• After your users are using Windows App, you can uninstall the Remote Desktop client for Windows from Windows devices. For methods on how to perform these actions, visit our Uninstall your apps and Remove Apps documentation, depending on how you manage your apps.

Continue the conversation. Find best practices. Bookmark the Windows Tech Community, then follow us @MSWindowsITPro on X and on LinkedIn. Looking for support? Visit Windows on Microsoft Q&A.