Alternatives to Windows App

Microsoft's remote desktop client for connecting to Windows PCs, Remote Desktop Services and cloud desktops. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Windows App.

  • FreeRDP

    A free implementation of Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol, and the engine inside most Linux RDP clients.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line

    FreeRDP is a free Apache-2.0 RDP implementation for Windows, macOS and Linux, mainly a command line client and library, without Microsoft cloud desktop support noted.

  • Remmina

    The standard Linux remote desktop client, with plugins for RDP, VNC, SSH, SPICE and X2Go behind one connection list.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Remmina is a GPL-2.0 Linux client that handles RDP alongside VNC, SSH and SPICE in one connection list, but it has no Windows or macOS build.

  • Royal TS

    Connection manager for RDP, SSH, VNC and web sessions in one window.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Royal TS is a closed-source Windows and macOS connection manager covering RDP, SSH, VNC and web sessions, with a free tier that caps connections per document.

  • mRemoteNG

    A tabbed connection manager for Windows that keeps all your RDP, VNC, SSH and HTTP sessions in one organised tree.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    mRemoteNG is a free GPL-2.0 Windows-only tabbed manager for RDP, VNC and SSH sessions, whose last stable release dates from 2019.

  • Apache Guacamole

    A self-hosted remote desktop gateway that gives browser access to machines over VNC, RDP and SSH.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Apache Guacamole gives browser-based RDP, VNC and SSH access through a self-hosted Apache-2.0 gateway, which you must set up and maintain yourself.

  • KRDC

    KDE's remote desktop client for viewing and controlling other computers over VNC and RDP.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    KRDC is KDE's GPL-licensed Linux client for RDP and VNC connections, released with KDE Gear, but it does not cover Microsoft cloud desktops.

  • Connections

    GNOME's remote desktop client for connecting to other computers and virtual machines over VNC and RDP.

    FreeOpen sourceLinux

    Connections is GNOME's open-source Linux client for VNC and RDP with a simple interface, offering fewer options than dedicated clients and no mobile apps.

  • Remote Desktop Manager

    A connection manager that keeps RDP, VNC, SSH and other remote sessions in one workspace.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    Remote Desktop Manager is a freemium connection manager with a credential vault, bundling RDP, VNC and SSH across desktop and mobile, with team features paid.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Windows App as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • bVNC

    Open-source VNC client for Android, part of a suite that also covers RDP, SPICE and oVirt.

    FreeOpen sourceAndroid

    Windows App is Microsoft's free closed-source client for Windows PCs and cloud desktops over RDP, without VNC, SPICE or Proxmox support.

  • Jump Desktop

    A remote desktop client and connection service supporting RDP, VNC and its own Fluid protocol.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSAndroidiOS

    Windows App is Microsoft's free RDP client on desktop, mobile and browser, but drops VNC and focuses on the Microsoft remote desktop ecosystem.

  • Screens

    A VNC-based screen sharing app for controlling computers from a Mac, iPhone, iPad or Vision Pro.

    PaidProprietarymacOSiOS

    Windows App is Microsoft's free client for Windows PCs and cloud desktops on desktop, mobile and web, but it uses RDP rather than VNC.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.