How to Start an RDP Session From macOS With Windows App

Source: Dev.to

After a long time, I came across the RDP protocol again: I thought no one used it anymore. But instead, I discovered that it’s alive and well. Here’s how to use it from macOS, without spending a penny — yes, because there is also a paid version. It’s much quicker and easier than expected.

Why Should I Use the RDP Protocol?

You shouldn’t—there are more reliable methods for communicating between operating systems—but I needed it for a Google Cloud Platform course (Workload Manager Validation for SQL Server) that required RDP.

• Chrome for Windows natively supports the URL handler for the protocol, so you don’t need to download anything.
• The problem arises if you use macOS or Linux: do not confuse this feature with Chrome Remote Desktop, which uses a proprietary protocol.
• Apple provides a paid application on the Mac App Store sold in Italy for €89.99, but it does not support the RDP protocol, so it’s not the solution I recommend.

Install Windows App From the Mac App Store

Microsoft Remote Desktop, now called Windows App, is a free application that provides a graphical interface for the RDP protocol.

• The app recognizes files with the .rdp extension, allowing you to import a pre‑configured connection.
• In my case I set a new password directly from GCP because the instance was a virtual machine in the cloud.
• Windows App can connect to any Windows instance, whether it’s a physical computer or a cloud VM.

Configure and Save Connection Settings

Remote desktop connections are saved as “connections.” You can add a new connection in several ways:

1. Import an .rdp file – I used this method.
2. Create a new connection manually – specify an IP address or hostname, then provide a username and password for an authorized account.

After adding a connection you can also export it to an .rdp file for later use.

RDP provides a graphical interface, which is useful for remote support or tasks that require a GUI, as opposed to SSH’s command‑line‑only approach.

Run a Remote Session From Your Mac

• By default the session opens in full‑screen mode; you can change this in the settings and specify resolution and color depth (16–32 bits).
• Windows App supports Retina display optimization.
• You can share devices connected to the Mac with the remote session, such as:
  • Printers (selected by default)
  • Smart cards (selected by default)
  • Webcams
  • Microphones
• File/folder sharing and clipboard sharing are also available.

Performance can be slower for running programs and command prompts remotely, depending on your internet connection.

The RDP Protocol Is Not the Best Solution

I wouldn’t use this solution unless necessary. While I was able to remote into a Windows VM with relative ease, I experienced occasional slowdowns that cost me time during a time‑limited workshop.

• As a developer, I rarely need a remote graphical interface; SSH is usually sufficient.
• This exercise was mainly for fun and may be useful to others who need occasional GUI access to a Windows machine.