Microsoft revealed today that it’s launching a brand-new app called Windows App as an app for Windows that enables users to run Windows and likewise Windows apps(it’s likewise concerning macOS, iOS, web internet browsers, and remains in public sneak peek for Android).

On the majority of those platforms, Windows App is a replacement for the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, which was utilized for linking to a copy of Windows working on a remote computer system or server– for some users and IT companies, a fairly simple method to run Windows software application on gadgets that aren’t running Windows or can’t run Windows natively.

The brand-new name, though possibly complicated, tries to summarize the app’s function: It’s a unified method to access your own Windows PCs with Remote Desktop gain access to switched on, cloud-hosted Windows 365 and Microsoft Dev Box systems, and specific from another location hosted apps that have actually been provisioned by your work or school.

“This unified app serves as your secure gateway to connect to Windows across Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box, and more,” checks out the post from Microsoft’s Windows 365 Senior Product Manager Hilary Braun.

Microsoft states that aside from unifying several services into a single app, Windows App’s improvements consist of much easier account changing, much better gadget management for IT administrators, assistance for the variation of Windows 365 for frontline employees, and assistance for Microsoft’s “Relayed RDP Shortpath,” which can allow Remote Desktop on networks that generally would not permit it.

On macOS, iOS, and Android, the Windows App is a total replacement for the Remote Desktop Connection app– if you have actually Remote Desktop set up, an upgrade will alter it to the Windows App. On Windows, the Remote Desktop Connection stays readily available, and Windows App is just utilized for Microsoft’s other services; it likewise needs some type of account sign-in on Windows, while it works without a user account on other platforms.

For connections to your own Remote Desktop-equipped PCs, Windows App has the majority of the very same functions and requirements as the Remote Desktop Connection app did previously, consisting of assistance for numerous screens, gadget redirection for gadgets like web cams and audio input/output, and vibrant resolution assistance (so that your Windows desktop resizes as you resize the app window).