In today’s world, remote access has become an essential part of our digital lives, especially with the recent social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a beginner, if you want to access your desktop over the internet, then this beginner geek guide will help you.

The ability to access your desktop over the internet means you can work on your computer from anywhere. You may be on vacation, working from a coffee shop, or simply accessing your computer from another room in your home. There are different ways to remotely access your desktop; we will discuss the two most popular options.

Option 1: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to access your desktop from another computer. To use RDP, you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: On the computer you want to connect to, open the start menu, search for “Remote Desktop” and select “Remote Desktop Connection.”

Step 2: A new window will appear, enter the name or IP address of the computer you want to connect to under the ‘Computer’ tab and click Connect.

Step 3: You will be prompted to enter your login credentials for the remote PC. Once you’ve entered the login credentials, click OK, and you will be connected.

Option 2: Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Another popular option is to use a VPN to access your desktop. A VPN creates a secure connection between your computer and a remote server. This means your computer’s IP address will appear as if you are at the remote location, allowing you to access your computer from anywhere.

There are several VPN services available; however, we will discuss using the built-in Windows VPN client.

Step 1: On the computer you want to connect to remotely, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN > Add a VPN Connection.

Step 2: Fill out the necessary information such as name, server name or IP address, and login credentials.

Step 3: Once saved, click on the connect button under the VPN connection, and you will be connected securely.

Conclusion

Remote access to your desktop provides convenience, flexibility, and mobility for users, allowing you to work or access files from anywhere. As a beginner, both Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) are excellent options to access your desktop over the internet. By following the steps outlined in this beginner geek guide, you will be able to access your computer remotely in no time.