How do I connect to my Windows 11 Pro PC via Remote Desktop using the new Windows app (Android)?

Question

Hello,

I can't figure out which credentials to use with the new Windows app (Android) to connect to remote desktop.

I don't have a Work/School account so I click on "Add PC Connection", I put in the name of my PC, and I have it set to ask for credentials when required. When it comes time to put in my credentials I've tried:

MicrosoftAccount\username + password

******@outlook.com + password

username + password

I've even tried using my pin in the password field, none of these work, it just says "The user name or password did not work.". I've read the only way to get it working is to set up a local non Microsoft account on windows 11... yet it seems Microsoft is trying to bury the ability to create local windows accounts?

Answer 1

Hi Joseph,

I completely understand the confusion around the required credentials for the new Windows app. The Q&A Assist has already highlighted some settings to check, but here are a few additional points you may want to consider:

1 - Suggested format

• MicrosoftAccount\your-email@example.com
• The password of that Microsoft account

2 - Network Level Authentication (NLA)

• Select Start > Settings > System > Remote Desktop
• Leave Require devices to use Network Level Authentication ON
• The Android Windows app supports NLA correctly

3 - Use the correct PC name

• Use the full PC name exactly as shown in Settings > System > About
• Not the Microsoft account device name from the web

If it still fails after using the exact format above, let me know whether you're connecting over LAN or the internet. And does RDP work from another Windows PC?

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Answer 2

To connect from the Windows App on Android to a Windows 11 Pro PC, the credentials must match an actual user account on the target PC that has Remote Desktop permission, and Remote Desktop must be enabled on that PC.

Use these steps end-to-end:

1. On the Windows 11 Pro PC (the one to connect to):
   1. Confirm it is Windows 11 Pro and that Remote Desktop is enabled:
      • Select Start → Settings → System → Remote Desktop.
      • Turn Remote Desktop to On, then select Confirm.
      • Note the PC name shown; this is what is entered in the Android app.
   2. Ensure the user account used for sign-in is allowed to connect via Remote Desktop (by default, members of Administrators can connect when Remote Desktop is enabled).
2. Understand which credentials to enter in Windows App (Android):
   • When using PC connection in Windows App on Android, it connects directly to a remote PC and does not require a work or school account in the app itself.
   • At the credential prompt, enter the same username and password used to sign in to Windows on that PC’s sign-in screen.
   • If the Windows account is a Microsoft account, the username is typically the full email address and the password is the Microsoft account password (not the PIN). The PIN cannot be used as the Remote Desktop password.
   • If a local account is used on the PC, enter the local account name and its password (for example, PCName\\LocalUser or just LocalUser if that is how the account is defined on the PC) with that account’s password.
3. Connect from Android using Windows App:
   1. Install and open Windows App from Google Play.
   2. Add a PC connection:
      • Tap the + icon → PC connection.
      • In PC Name, enter the PC name or IP address noted earlier.
      • Optionally leave it set to ask for credentials when required.
      • Tap Save.
   3. In the Devices tab, tap the new PC entry.
   4. When prompted for credentials, enter the Windows sign-in account (as above) and its password, then connect.

If sign-in still fails with “The user name or password did not work,” verify on the PC that Remote Desktop is enabled and that the account and password being used are correct by signing out and signing back in locally on that PC with the same credentials.

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References:

• Get started with Windows App to connect to devices and apps (remote-pc)
• How to use Remote Desktop
• Get started with Windows App to connect to devices and apps (remote-desktop-services)
• Manage user accounts in Windows App