Microsoft is officially sunsetting its legacy Remote Desktop app for Windows, with support ending on May 27, 2025. While this might sound like a major shift, users won’t lose access to key remote connectivity features.
Instead, the company is steering users toward its modern Windows app, a move that aligns with the company’s broader push toward cloud-based computing.
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Microsoft’s Hilary Braun confirmed the phase-out in a Windows IT Pro Blog post, stating that the Remote Desktop app will no longer be available for download or installation from the Microsoft Store after the deadline.
Users relying on it for Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box must switch to the Windows app to maintain seamless access.
What This Means for Users
On May 27, 2025, connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box will be blocked in the outgoing Remote Desktop app. However, for those using the app for other purposes, it will still function—but without updates or support from Microsoft.
Adding to the confusion, Windows already includes a built-in Remote Desktop Connection app, which will remain the primary way to use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections post-phase-out.
Eventually, Microsoft plans to integrate this functionality into the Windows app, further consolidating its remote access solutions.
The Windows App: A Logical Move or a Branding Headache?
Microsoft has been signaling this transition for some time. Last year, it launched the Windows app across platforms, including an update to the Remote Desktop client on Apple’s App Store.
The branding, however, has left some users scratching their heads. With Windows 365, the company has been pushing cloud-based OS streaming, making the name “Windows app” slightly more logical—but not without controversy.
Tech communities, especially on Reddit, reacted humorously to the naming choice.
One user joked that Microsoft’s product naming team should be “shot into the sun,” while another referenced the classic Xzibit meme, saying, “Yo dawg, I heard you like Windows, so I took Windows App and put it in your Windows so you can Windows while you Windows.”
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