How to Add or Remove Remote Desktop Users in Windows 11
You add or remove Remote Desktop users in Windows 11 to control who can access your PC remotely.
Remote Desktop allows you to connect to your Windows 11 computer from another device, giving you full control as if you were sitting in front of it.
This is crucial for managing access, especially since Remote Desktop is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, not Home.
You can grant specific users permission to connect, or revoke their access when needed, ensuring your system remains secure.
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.
- Open the Settings app and click System on the left side.
- Select the Remote Desktop tile.
- Click the Remote Desktop users tile.
- Click Add to give someone access, or select a name and click Remove to take it away.
- In the pop-up, click Advanced to search for a specific user.
- Click Find Now, choose the user from the list, and click OK.
- 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.
- Go to System and Security and click Allow remote access.
- On the window that appears, click Select Users.
- 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.
- Search for “lusrmgr.msc” and open it.
- Select Groups on the left and double-click Remote Desktop Users.
- 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.
Can I use Remote Desktop on 🪟 Windows 11 Home?
No, the Remote Desktop host feature is exclusive to Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. While you can use the Remote Desktop client on Windows 11 Home to connect to other computers, you cannot host a remote session on a Home edition PC without third-party software.
Why is the ‘Select Users’ button greyed out?
The ‘Select Users’ button is typically greyed out if Remote Desktop is disabled or if you are not logged in with an administrator account. Ensure you have enabled remote connections in your system settings and that you have the necessary User Account Control (UAC) permissions to modify access lists.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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