How to Add or Remove Remote Desktop Users in Windows 11

Is it Safe to Allow Remote Access?

Remote access presents security risks. An intruder gaining access can view private files or install malware. Restrict permissions to trusted individuals, and protect every account with a strong password.

Methods to Manage Remote Desktop Users

You can manage Remote Desktop users through several methods in Windows 11. Choose the method that fits your workflow from the options below.

Using the Settings App (Requires Admin Privileges)

Managing Remote Desktop Users Windows 11 through the Settings ⚙️ app lets you control who can connect to your computer. You need administrator privileges to make these changes. Open Settings, select System, click Remote Desktop, and expand the user settings to add or remove people from your allowed list.

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)

Managing Remote Desktop Users Windows 11 via the classic Control Panel 🎛️ gives you a direct way to change system properties. You must have administrator privileges to do this. Open the Control Panel, go to System and Security, click Allow remote access, and use the system properties window to add or remove users.

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)

Managing Remote Desktop Users Windows 11 with Local Users and Groups (a built-in management console for managing user accounts and security groups) is a great option for advanced users. You need administrator privileges for this step. Open the management console by running lusrmgr.msc, select Groups, and edit the Remote Desktop Users group.

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)

Managing Remote Desktop Users Windows 11 using Command Prompt or PowerShell lets you add or remove access with simple text commands. You must run these tools as an administrator. Type the net localgroup command with your account details to instantly grant or revoke remote connection permissions.

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 run into issues connecting to your computer with Remote Desktop in Windows 11, checking a few common items can often resolve the problem.

Summary

Keeping your Remote Desktop users list up-to-date in Windows 11 is key for security and making sure only the right people can connect.