How to Add or Remove Remote Desktop Users in Windows 11

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful tool that allows you to connect to your computer from another device. By using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client or the Windows App, you can control your PC from anywhere.

Why do this? It provides flexibility to work on your files or run apps when you are away from your desk. What happens when done? Once configured, authorized users gain full control over your session, making it vital to manage permissions carefully.

Before You Begin: Prerequisites

Remote Desktop is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. If you are using Windows 11 Home, this feature is not included. You must also ensure your PC is connected to a network and that you have enabled remote connections in your system settings. Always keep your system updated to ensure Network Level Authentication (NLA) is active, which adds a layer of security by requiring users to authenticate before a session is established.

Is it Safe to Allow Remote Access?

Allowing remote access carries security risks. If an unauthorized person gains access, they could potentially view your private files or install malicious software. Only grant access to people you trust. Always use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts on your system to prevent unauthorized entry.

Methods to Manage Remote Desktop Users

You can choose the method that fits your comfort level. Below is a comparison to help you decide.

Method	Ease of Use	Best For
Settings App	Easy	General users
Control Panel	Moderate	Users familiar with legacy menus
Command Prompt	Advanced	Power users and IT admins

Using the Settings App (Requires Admin Privileges)

The Settings app is the most straightforward way to manage permissions. Note: This action requires admin privileges.

1. Open the Settings app and click System on the left side.

2. Select the Remote Desktop tile.

3. Click the Remote Desktop users tile.

4. Click Add to give someone access, or select a name and click Remove to take it away.

5. In the pop-up, click Advanced to search for a specific user.

6. Click Find Now, choose the user from the list, and click OK.

7. Click OK again to finish.

Using the Control Panel (Requires Admin Privileges)

The classic Control Panel provides a direct path to system properties. Note: This action requires admin privileges.

1. Go to System and Security and click Allow remote access.

2. On the window that appears, click Select Users.

3. Follow the same steps as above to add or remove names.

Using Local Users and Groups (Requires Admin Privileges)

This method uses the lusrmgr.msc tool. Note: This action requires admin privileges.

1. Search for “lusrmgr.msc” and open it.
2. Select Groups on the left and double-click Remote Desktop Users.

3. Click Add or Remove to change who has access.

Using Command Prompt or PowerShell (Requires Admin Privileges)

Advanced users can use the Command Prompt to update permissions. You must open Windows Terminal as an administrator to run these commands.

To add a user via Command Prompt:

net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users" "GenericUser" /add

To remove a user via Command Prompt:

net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users" "GenericUser" /delete

To add a user via PowerShell:

Add-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users" -Member "GenericUser"

To remove a user via PowerShell:

Remove-LocalGroupMember -Group "Remote Desktop Users" -Member "GenericUser"

Troubleshooting Access Issues

If you cannot connect, check these common issues: 1. Ensure the remote computer is turned on and not in sleep mode. 2. Verify that the user account has a password (blank passwords are often blocked). 3. Check your firewall settings to ensure RDP traffic is allowed. 4. Confirm that the user you are trying to connect with is actually in the ‘Remote Desktop Users’ group.

Summary

Managing Remote Desktop users is essential for maintaining a secure and functional remote connection. By using the Settings app, Control Panel, or command-line tools, you can easily control who accesses your Windows 11 Pro system. Always prioritize security by limiting access to trusted users and ensuring your system is fully updated to support modern authentication protocols.