David Bridges
The legacy Remote Desktop app for Windows is approaching its end; however, the modern Windows app is here to stay. Microsoft announced on Monday that support for its outdated Remote Desktop client will cease on Windows after May 27, 2025. This change won’t hinder your ability to provide technical support to family or friends, as you can utilize the built-in features of Windows or the newly updated Windows app, which has a rather perplexing name that reflects the challenges of Microsoft’s marketing strategies.
According to Hilary Braun from Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro Blog, “Starting May 27, 2025, the Remote Desktop app for Windows from the Microsoft Store will no longer be supported or available for download and installation.” To ensure seamless access to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box, users are encouraged to transition to the Windows app, which promises an improved experience.
On the expiration date of May 27, connections to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft Dev Box through the Remote Desktop app will be blocked. While the app will continue to function for other users, it will no longer receive support or updates from Microsoft. This transition emphasizes the importance of moving to the newer app for consistent functionality.
Adding to the confusion, Windows includes a built-in Remote Desktop Connection app that will remain the sole option for utilizing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections after May 27. Microsoft has plans to integrate this functionality directly into the new Windows app in the future, streamlining the user experience.
As noted by Thurrot.com, Microsoft indicated that the Remote Desktop app would eventually be replaced by the Windows app when it launched last fall. Notably, the new app also served as an update to the Remote Desktop client available on the Apple App Store, signifying a broader strategy for cross-platform functionality.
The choice of branding for the Windows app appears to reflect Microsoft’s ambition to shift towards a more cloud-centric approach. The introduction of Windows 365 in 2021 allows users to stream a virtual version of the operating system from various devices, making the designation of the app as “Windows app” seem more logical in this context.
Nevertheless, a Reddit thread that surfaced during the Windows app’s September launch showcased a variety of humorous responses from users. One user humorously suggested that Microsoft should “collect all the staff responsible for naming or renaming their products in the past 15 years and shoot them into the sun.” Another user cleverly referenced the Xzibit meme, commenting: “Yo dawg, I heard you like Windows, so I took Windows App and put it in your Windows so you can Windows while you Windows.”
Daniel Mercer
Ethan Carter
