Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Reviews

Name: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.0 (77 reviews)

Vendor: Microsoft

4.0 out of 5

77 reviews
86% willing to recommend

2,734 followers

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What is Microsoft Remote Desktop Services?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is a highly regarded remote access tool in addition to being a top-ranked Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution in the marketplace today.

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Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is the #2 ranked solution in top Remote Access solutions and #5 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Remote Desktop Services an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 77 most recent Microsoft Remote Desktop Services reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.6. (Among the lowest in the category). Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is most commonly compared to Microsoft Intune: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Microsoft Intune. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 58% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 12% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

December 2024

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Featured reviews

Mihai Dinca

Information Technology Consultant at Eta2u

The availability is very good. It's easy to use. New users especially find it very simple. You just connect and go. The solution is stable and reliable. You can combine the Remote Desktop Services with Citrix in some form, however, not with all of the features of both. It depends on the situation.

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BHARAT B SHARMA

Director at Shreenathji Solutions

The implementation is very straightforward. If there are some problems or if clients have installation issues, that can be solved by the technician and it's very easy. I'd rate the implementation a three out of five in terms of the ease of the process. It does not take too much time due to the remote desktop. You just have to do some settings on the server or computer. We only need about three people to handle deployment tasks.

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Mohd Abdul Aziz Shah Sulaiman

Assistant General Manager Endpoint Application at Telekom Malaysia

My current role is as an Assistant General Manager in Point Application Services. I am a global administrator for Microsoft 365. We chose this solution based on the requirements we had We are using Azure Virtual Desktop, this is the most valuable feature. The product can be improved by ensuring…

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Microsoft Remote Desktop Services mindshare

Product category:

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services in the Remote Access category stands at 17.1%, down from 19.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Remote Access

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Remote Access	Dec 31, 2024	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 31, 2024	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Microsoft Intune	Dec 31, 2024	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Workspace ONE UEM	Dec 31, 2024	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs TeamViewer	Dec 31, 2024	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Intune	4.1	N/A	93%	233 interviews Add to research
Workspace ONE UEM	4.1	N/A	83%	100 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Users appreciate Microsoft Remote Desktop Services for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and high-performance capabilities. Key features include secure remote access, efficient resource allocation, seamless integration with various operating systems, and robust multi-user support. Additionally, users highlight the ease of deployment, centralized management, and cost-effectiveness as significant advantages.

"It allows employees to log on to corporate resources remotely."
"The product's initial setup phase was easy."
"The solution is easy to use."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services needs better performance over slower networks, more integration with Linux, enhanced user experience, and improved security. The interface and session handling could be more intuitive. Compatibility with Macs and other operating systems is lacking. Users seek features like graphical acceleration, web-based access, and better pricing. The service can be unstable and resource-intensive, with issues related to updates, multifactor authentication, and disconnects. Cross-platform support and simplified management are desired.

"The current process I have to go through to get a Windows 11 VM up and running is difficult. Windows 10 worked a whole lot better than Windows 11."
"In the past, my company had faced some issues related to the stability of the product. The product's stability can be improved."
"The stability could be improved."

ROI

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services significantly reduced travel costs, lowered hardware investments, and increased productivity by enabling remote work. Users experienced improved data security and faster access to critical applications. Additionally, this technology enhanced employee flexibility and collaboration while minimizing downtime. Cost savings were also evident in reduced infrastructure and maintenance expenditures. Enhanced user performance and streamlined IT management were noted as key benefits, leading to higher efficiency and better resource allocation.

Pricing

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users found the pricing to be varied, with many noting it is bundled with other Microsoft products or included free with Windows. Some highlighted reasonable or moderately priced plans, while others mentioned that it could be expensive, especially with monthly licensing or additional costs for cloud setup and maintenance. The licensing options include perpetual, annual, and monthly models, with some users citing complexity in Microsoft's licensing policies.

"We do not have to pay for the product."
"The tool must be cheaper."
"There is a licensing cost."

Popular Use Cases

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is primarily used for improving mobility, accessing current sessions, application virtualization, remote access, and control of computers and servers. It facilitates secure connections via VPN, helps prevent virus introduction, and allows for remote file access, server management, and monitoring services. Users benefit from its ability to administer servers, access company resources, manage workplaces securely, and assist with technical issues remotely.

Service and Support

Customer service and support of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are generally good. Many find it helpful and responsive, though some note occasional delays. Support quality can be dependent on the specific support line or partner involved. There are mixed experiences regarding accessibility and responsiveness, with some reporting quicker resolutions for larger contracts. Many have not needed to contact support regularly, citing ease of use and available community resources for self-help.

Deployment

The initial setup of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is straightforward and relatively simple. Users found the process easy and quick, with deployments often taking less than a day. While some mentioned needing technical expertise, many highlighted that it could be handled by a single technician. Occasional challenges, such as configuring remote printing, were noted but generally didn't obstruct the setup process. Users appreciated the step-by-step documentation provided by Microsoft.

Scalability

Many find Microsoft Remote Desktop Services scalable for small to large organizations. Some report high satisfaction with auto-scaling, ease of adding users, and extensive use, while others experience limitations in specific setups. Scalability depends on infrastructure and user needs, making it highly adaptable but occasionally challenging. Generally seen as reliable and effective, its scalability is viewed as good to excellent by most users.

Stability

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is highly stable and reliable with no bugs, glitches, or crashes. Users consistently report positive performance, rating its stability from seven to ten out of ten. Initial setup issues are mentioned but later resolved. Stability is sometimes affected by connectivity, leading to occasional disconnections. Despite minor problems, users are generally satisfied with its reliability, using it daily without significant issues.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Healthcare Company

University

Educational Organization

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Non Profit

Legal Firm

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Marketing Services Firm

Logistics Company

Compare Microsoft Remote Desktop Services with alternative products

Learn more about Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a suite of valuable elements of the Windows operating system (OS) that serve specific desired objectives. Microsoft RDS integrates various features that allow approved users to gain access to graphical desktops and Windows applications remotely. Approved users are able to deploy applications or even a complete desktop without having to install anything on their devices. Everything remains in the cloud. This ensures that there are never any compatibility issues and keeps the organization's original network secure at all times. Administrators are also able to ensure that data cannot be stored in any unapproved location, such as the local device, unapproved drives, or any other location.

Microsoft RDS makes it easy for business organizations to access Windows Desktops and other Windows applications remotely to ensure today’s busy enterprise organizations are able to maintain the highest levels of productivity at all times. There are two basic ways organizations can effectively utilize RDS.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Component: This allows users to connect with various alternate desktops from their current device. Once the user has gained a secure connection based on the approved administrative permissions, the user can seamlessly access and interact with the remote desktop. Users have the feeling of having this new virtual desktop installed directly on their machine.

RemoteApp: Users are able to easily access cloud-based applications via their own personal desktop computers or other approved mobile devices. This application ensures overall application management is centralized and consistent throughout the entire business enterprise.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Benefits

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has many benefits. Some of its most valuable benefits include:

Access Windows applications remotely from any device
Enhanced consistent application performance
Increased computing resources
Secure cloud-based data storage.
Streamlined management processes
Reduction in technical administrative resources
Reduction in hardware and device costs.
Improved employee productivity
Cost-effective
Improved Profitability
Reduce carbon footprint

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services makes it easy for busy enterprise organizations to stay productive and remain competitive in today’s aggressive marketplace. An organization's end-users can be given access to their own specific desktops from any location, anytime, using any approved device. Additionally, users can access Microsoft applications without having an effect on their device's resource capacity or performance.

Reviews from Real Users

“What I found most valuable in Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is accessibility because the solution lets you take control of your computer remotely, and that's a good feature.” Pascal B., IT consultant at Secoptrial

“The most valuable features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are unification, central management, and accessibility.” Jan S. Solution Architect at a tech services company

“The most valuable features are that it is fast and cost-effective. I am not aware of a replacement currently on the market.” Ramon H. Director at Empaco

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services was previously known as Remote Desktop Services, MS Remote Desktop Services.