Microsoft is rolling out another set of changes that could puzzle users of its products. In the wake of recent issues with Microsoft Teams, the company is rebranding the Remote Desktop application to the Windows App on some platforms.
On Windows, Microsoft plans to launch the Windows App while still keeping the traditional remote desktop applications available for now.
The Windows App
So, what exactly is the Windows App? Microsoft describes it as the “gateway to Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, and remote PCs.” This app can be accessed on various devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and even through a web browser.
At present, the app is in a preview stage. Users of the original Microsoft Remote Desktop app on macOS and iOS will receive a notification banner about the name change, which states: “In an upcoming update for Remote Desktop the client will have a new name, Windows App!”.
Additionally, Microsoft has set up a support page to help users get started; however, it does not clarify the reasons behind the name change. Instead, it highlights several features designed to enhance the remote access experience.
The features include:
- Support for multiple monitors.
- Customizable display resolutions.
- Dynamic display resolution with scaling options.
- Device redirection for webcams, audio, storage devices, and printers.
- Optimizations tailored for Microsoft Teams.
These features, however, are not directly related to the name change.
Not all features, referred to by Microsoft as experiences, are universally available across all platforms. The Windows App for Windows supports all of the mentioned features, while the macOS version does not include localization or Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) support. Similarly, the iOS version lacks these features, along with integrated application support, and the web version is without support for both integrated apps and URI schemes.
Furthermore, functionality differs across the platforms, with only the Windows App for Windows providing the complete range of features, while the versions for other platforms have certain limitations. You can check out the feature comparison here.
Reactions to the name change have been mixed. There’s an active conversation on Reddit and Twitter regarding it. Some users are in favor of the new name, suggesting it might make it simpler for non-technical individuals to identify the correct app for Windows-related connections.
The Windows app can currently be downloaded on Windows via the Microsoft Store, alongside the existing remote desktop applications on the OS.
Microsoft has yet to specify whether the new app will fully replace the classic versions on Windows or if both will be available simultaneously.
In contrast, for macOS and iOS, Microsoft has clearly stated that the Windows App will be taking over the current application.
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