How to Add or Remove Remote Desktop Users in Windows 11
Remote Desktop is a built-in Windows 11 feature that lets you connect to and control your computer from another device over a network. This tool works on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, but is missing from Windows 11 Home.
Adding specific user accounts gives other people permission to log in from a distance while keeping unauthorized people locked out. You can manage these permissions at any time through the system settings.
Open Settings , go to System, then Remote Desktop, and click the Remote Desktop users tile. Click Add to grant access or select a user and click Remove to deny it.
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. Choosing the best method depends on your preference. Review the following options to select the approach that works best for you.
| 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)
Adding or removing people who can connect to your computer using Remote Desktop in Windows 11 requires administrator permissions. Open Settings and select System on the left menu. Click Remote Desktop, then expand the Remote Desktop users section to manage access.
- 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 also offers a direct path to system properties. Note: Adding or removing Remote Desktop users requires administrator privileges. This means you’ll need administrative rights on the computer to complete this task.
- 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)
Advanced users can manage permissions through the Local Users and Groups snap-in (a built-in Windows management console). Note: This action requires administrator 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)
Remote Desktop Users in Windows 11 can be managed using Command Prompt or PowerShell by running these tools as an administrator. To allow a user remote connection, type: net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users" "UserName" /add. To revoke a user's remote connection, type: net localgroup "Remote Desktop Users" "UserName" /delete.
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.
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 might be greyed out if Remote Desktop is turned off or if you're not logged in with an administrator account. Make sure remote connections are enabled in your system settings and that you have the required 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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