This post is authored by Eva Seydl, Program Manager, Remote Desktop Services.
It is time to hit refresh on the Remote Desktop (RD) experience for macOS. Download the next generation application in the App Store today to enjoy the new UI design, improvements in the look and feel of managing your connections, and new functionalities available in a remote session.
Use new device redirections in the remote session
When connecting to a PC or Server remotely you can redirect printers today into a remote session. With the new app the following additional devices can be enabled:
- Redirect your local microphone
- Redirect smart cards
Please note that you can’t use a redirected smart card to sign into your remote PC. The redirected smart card isn’t available until after you sign in.
Use macOS shortcuts in a remote session
You can now use the MacOS keyboard shortcuts to cut, copy, and paste in a remote session.
Leverage the new UI to manage and use multiple saved connections
Based on a lot of feedback from customers trying to manage a high number of connections in the previous release, we’ve made the following UI improvements:
- Assign desktop connections to custom groups.
- Easily identify active connections in the connection center.
- Manage a single list of user accounts in the preferences of the app.
- Store multiple entries of the same username with different passwords.
How to migrate connection data from Microsoft Remote Desktop 8.0?
Verify you have the latest version 8.0.43 installed to migrate your connection data.Next look for Microsoft Remote Desktop in the App Store to download the new application on your Mac running OS X Yosemite or higher. Once installed you can skip the first run experience. In the menu click connections and choose the option to import connections from the other app. Now you are set to use the new app.
Note: friendly names for the connections are not ported to the new app.
How to provide feedback?
Click Help > Recommend New Features in the apps menu to open the UserVoice forum where you can suggest new ideas. Use the opportunity to rate the app in the store.
Learn more about Remote Desktop Services and our other applications.