Microsoft’s Windows App Transition: What Houston Businesses Need to Know About Remote Desktop Changes

Microsoft has announced a significant change to its remote access ecosystem. The company is phasing out the Remote Desktop app for Windows in favor of its new “Windows App” solution. This transition represents a consolidation of Microsoft’s remote access tools under a single unified application, but comes with important considerations for current Remote Desktop users.

 Initial Announcement and Timeline

Microsoft first revealed plans to replace the Remote Desktop app with the Windows App in September 2024, when the Windows App was officially launched as generally available for Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and web browsers (with Android in public preview). The Remote Desktop apps for mobile devices and Mac had already been updated to Windows App at that time.

According to Microsoft’s announcement on March 10, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported starting May 27, 2025. After this date, the app will be removed from the Microsoft Store and will not be available for download or installation.

 Affected Services

After May 27, 2025, connections to the following Microsoft services via the Remote Desktop app will be blocked:

• Windows 365
• Azure Virtual Desktop
• Microsoft Dev Box

Users of these services must transition to the Windows App to ensure continued access.

 Feature Gaps and Transition Instructions

Despite being positioned as a replacement, the Windows App currently has some notable feature gaps compared to the Remote Desktop app. Most significantly, the Windows App on Windows doesn’t yet support:

1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections to local PCs
2. Remote Desktop Services connections

For users who need these capabilities, Microsoft has provided specific transition instructions:

• For local RDP connections: Continue using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection application (mstsc.exe), which is not affected by this change. Microsoft notes this is a temporary solution “until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.”
• For Remote Desktop Services: Use the RemoteApp and Desktop Connection until support for this connection type is available in Windows App.

Microsoft advises IT administrators to review the “Known issues and limitations of Windows App” documentation to identify any feature gaps that might create challenges during migration.

 Windows App Benefits

Microsoft emphasizes several advantages of the Windows App over the Remote Desktop app:

• Unified access to multiple Windows services from a single interface
• Customizable home screens
• Multi-monitor support
• Dynamic display resolutions
• Enhanced remote work features (device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, easy account switching)

 How CinchOps Can Assist

As organizations navigate this transition, CinchOps can provide valuable support:

1. Transition Planning: Our experts can assess your current Remote Desktop usage and create a customized migration plan to the Windows App.
2. Gap Analysis: We’ll identify any feature gaps that might affect your workflow and recommend appropriate alternatives or workarounds.
3. User Training: We offer comprehensive training sessions to help your team adapt to the Windows App interface and maximize its capabilities.
4. IT Support Documentation: We can develop updated documentation for your IT support teams to handle Windows App-related inquiries effectively.
5. Custom Solutions: For organizations with specific requirements not yet supported by Windows App, we can develop or recommend alternative remote access solutions.

Don’t let Microsoft’s Remote Desktop transition disrupt your operations. Contact CinchOps today to ensure a smooth migration to the Windows App or appropriate alternatives that meet your specific needs

Discover more about our enterprise-grade and business enabling services on our IT Services page.

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