Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users
Support Technician at a non-profit with 1-10 employees
Real User
Offers a very secure network by enabling restriction of user numbers and accessibility when required
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution now includes a multi-screen feature which is great."
  • "Sometimes difficult to set up without the requirement for login credentials each time."

What is our primary use case?

We predominantly use RDS to connect up to a computer and a LAN. We are non-profit and help other non-profits with their technology. We are customers of Microsoft. 

What is most valuable?

This is a user-friendly solution and I'm very pleased that RDS now includes multi-screen. If you're remotely controlling a system that has two monitors, you can split and have your own, it's a nice feature. I like the ubiquity of the product, the fact that it's around as a protocol, and that it can be utilized at the admin level to look at any console that one might need. You don't need to think about it very much. Of course, the fact that it uses an active directory for security and authentication is pretty nice. It helps secure a network to a large extent because you can really restrict the number of users and accessibility if needed. Those are all good things.

What needs improvement?

I've sometimes had trouble setting up an RDS connection if I want a specific user to be able to log in with their credentials and have the RDS element retain those settings so that the password isn't required each time. There can be issues with that. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for many, many years. 

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,997 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I've got no issues with the stability of RDS. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I don't have much to offer regarding scalability. We use RDS predominantly for admin connection to other servers in a network. I might log into one computer in a remote network and then use RDS to get from that server to a different server but that's as far as it goes.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is relatively straightforward, especially if you're familiar with the solution. Most organizations we deal with have a technician, or at least a network administrator who deals with any day-to-day issues. We generally maintain the operating system for these organizations and we run updates on them all the time.

What other advice do I have?

There's nothing to be afraid of with this solution. I don't have any problems with it, it's great for me. 

I rate this solution 10 out of 10. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Technical Manager at a manufacturing company with 5,001-10,000 employees
Real User
Very user friendly, has smooth connectivity and works with a low bandwidth
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution has very smooth connectivity and is very user friendly."
  • "Updates sometimes impact the application and we have system crashes."

What is our primary use case?

I'm a technical manager and we are customers of Microsoft.

What is most valuable?

The solution has very smooth connectivity and is a very user friendly product. An additional advantage is that it works with very low bandwidth. 

What needs improvement?

We've had a few occasions when the application has crashed suddenly, possibly due to updates. Microsoft updates should not directly impact the application and rather than releasing post hotfixes, it would be better to carry out testing before releasing it to the environment. It's a challenge for us; the new application is upgraded, but there's an incompatibility. It should be the other way around - testing in the lab environment and then commercially released.

An additional feature we'd like to see would be cross-platform support. With more OSs in the market whether Microsoft, iMac or Android applications, it would be good to have a smooth transition between cross-platform support both in terms of operating system and in terms of devices. Moving from tabs to mobiles to desktops to laptops to notebooks - the transition between multiple OSs and multiple hardwares.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using this solution for the last five years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is scalable, we have over 500 users. 

How are customer service and technical support?

The quality of the technical support is quite good although it's often dependent on the quality of the Microsoft partner. If the partner is good, then support is good but if not, there can be issues. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing in comparison to similar products is quite good.

What other advice do I have?

I would suggest a UAT test on a smaller group or pilot deployment. Once you do a test run on the pilot deployment, then it should be rolled out for a larger base of users.

In terms of overall experience, I rate the solution eight out of 10. 

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
831,997 professionals have used our research since 2012.
System Organizer at a translation and localization position with 1-10 employees
Real User
Top 5
Helps to connect with remote workers but needs to improve security
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution works on Microsoft servers."
  • "Microsoft Remote Desktop Services needs to improve its security."

What is our primary use case?

We have a group of users who work remotely for us, as well as others who connect to our computers from various locations.

What is most valuable?

The solution works on Microsoft servers. 

What needs improvement?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services needs to improve its security. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the product for 20 years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Microsoft Remote Desktop Services' stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the tool's scalability a nine out of ten. My company has 80 users. 

How are customer service and support?

We don't use technical support from Microsoft. We have outsourced it to another company. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We chose Microsoft because it was cheaper. 

How was the initial setup?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services' deployment is easy. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The tool's pricing is high in the Slovenian market. I rate it a nine out of ten. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate Microsoft Remote Desktop Services a nine out of ten. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Software Engineer at Apmosys Technology Pvt. Ltd.
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
An exceptionally scalable tool requiring a straightforward setup phase
Pros and Cons
  • "Things can be made easier if someone is not with us or at a long distance since we can connect easily with those people. So, it's easy for us to use such features."
  • "There have been some network issues in the solution. So, when we used to connect it, the solution suddenly got disconnected. So the network part needs to be improved."

What is our primary use case?

If any of our clients using the internet are facing an issue, we connect Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and troubleshoot the exact issue.

What is most valuable?

Things can be made easier if someone is not with us or at a long distance since we can connect easily with those people. So, it's easy for us to use such features.

What needs improvement?

There have been some network issues in the solution. So, when we used to connect it, the solution suddenly got disconnected. So the network part needs to be improved. Also, for a long duration, if we share Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, then network issues come up, so I suggest improvements in the aforementioned areas. Also, the pricing could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Remote Desktop Services for one or two months. Also, I am using the solution's latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The network issue is something that causes us to invest longer time duration in connecting, after which it gets disconnected. Hence, I rate the solution's stability nine and a half out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten. Around five to ten of our clients are users using the solution. Also, the solution is being used extensively.

I do have plans to increase the usage of the solution. The number of users is increasing. In the last month, we have had two or three potential clients in the pipeline. In the near future, its usage will increase.

How are customer service and support?

I have never contacted technical support.

How was the initial setup?

The solution's initial setup process was straightforward. The deployment process took around a week.

Deployment steps are followed. For every network deployment, it is necessary to generate a single token. Once this token is generated, payment will be required. Once we obtain the UI connector, it is essential to verify that everything is running smoothly. Only then can it be directly connected, ensuring that the deployment process takes place without any issues.

Regarding the deployment of one server, if done by someone knowledgeable with Microsoft products, then it can be done directly. Else it will take a month since we need time to learn all these things. An engineer looks into a few things.


What about the implementation team?

The implementation can be done in-house.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is expensive. Since things are made to be a bit easier in the solution, the solution's cost is a bit on the higher side.

What other advice do I have?

I will recommend it to others when I think it's quite an easy tool, especially if its implementation is easy. We should also be able to connect and solve our problems through troubleshooting issues remotely. For long-distance purposes, the tool gets quite easier for its users. I will recommend that everyone should use it.

Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1908987 - PeerSpot reviewer
ICT Manager at a transportation company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Top 20
Scalable, stable, and initial setup simple
Pros and Cons
  • "Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is scalable."
  • "Microsoft Remote Desktop Services could improve by allowing the sharing of the office application. For example, the ability to replace a PC when something is wrong."

What is our primary use case?

We have deployed Microsoft Remote Desktop Services for logistics, CNC, and machine shop areas. I think that is very flexible in order to provide the correct maintenance and deploy the services.

What needs improvement?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services could improve by allowing the sharing of the office application. For example, the ability to replace a PC when something is wrong.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Microsoft Remote Desktop Services for approximately four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is stable. However, the first stage was a bit unstable because you need to spend time in order to set up all the settings in a proper way based on the organization. The system is stable and functional when set up the correct way.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is scalable.

You have to set up an additional remote desktop server in order to leverage the resource in terms of elaboration RAM et cetera.

We have approximately 40 people using this solution in my company.

How are customer service and support?

We work with a partner for our support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have used Citrix previously and it is more stable but it's a more expensive platform. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is easy.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is less expensive than some other solutions on the market.

I rate the price of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services a three out of five.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others.

I rate Microsoft Remote Desktop Services an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Group Cyber Security Manager at Tod's SpA
Real User
A stable solution with good customer support, however similar products are available for free
Pros and Cons
  • "I've had good experiences with Microsoft customer support."
  • "I would say it's expensive as there similar products available for free."

What is our primary use case?

It allows me to remotely take control of a desktop if my wife or son has a problem.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for one or two years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It doesn't need to be scalable in my case as I only implement the solution on a few desktops at home. 

How are customer service and support?

I've had good experiences with Microsoft customer support. 

How was the initial setup?

It was easy for me, but I have experience working in this field.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I would say it's expensive as there similar products available for free. 

What other advice do I have?

I rate this solution a seven out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Tellers at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Feature-rich, integrates well between PowerPoint and Excel, and it's easy to use
Pros and Cons
  • "Everything is really good and it works well."
  • "The user interface needs improvement."

What is our primary use case?

I am using this product to do my PowerPoint presentations, keep my records, and perform my database queries.

I also use it for integration.

What is most valuable?

Everything is really good and it works well.

It has all of the features, for example, Microsoft Office, and PowerPoint. It integrates well between Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, where you can edit the PowerPoint presentation in Excel. It's a feature of integration.

What needs improvement?

The user interface needs improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is stable. It works well.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 5,000 users in our organization.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not used technical support yet.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Previously, I did not use another product. I have only used Microsoft.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was easy, I did it from scratch. 

It took 15 minutes to deploy.

We have technical people to maintain this product and we contact Microsoft whenever we need to.

What about the implementation team?

I implemented this solution myself.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It's not an expensive product.

What other advice do I have?

I plan to use this product in the future. It's something that is important in my life.

Most of my friends use this product and I recommend it.

I would rate this solution a ten out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1338708 - PeerSpot reviewer
Microsoft UC Solutions Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
Good remote application access that can be allowed on a per-user or per-group basis
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature is the remote application access."
  • "There are problems with using Microsoft Teams within a virtual desktop on a mobile device."

What is our primary use case?

We are a solution integrator and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is one of the products that we have been implementing for our clients. This software provides a Windows 10 desktop on a virtual machine.

It's a multi-session VDI solution that allows people to work from home. It allows users to access company resources and applications, which is important because we don't want them using their personal home networks to access corporate devices. This helps prevent problems such as the introduction of a computer virus from home to office.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the remote application access. You can update applications and assign them to different groups of users. For example, one user might require Microsoft Visio, whereas another user does not require it. Access can be granted by segmenting users into different groups.

What needs improvement?

There are problems with using Microsoft Teams within a virtual desktop on a mobile device. Specifically, if you are using Teams and conferencing, then there is no microphone capability. To be clear, if you install Teams directly on your mobile device then it will work. However, if you use it as an application within the virtual desktop that is running on the mobile device, it does not work. This is something that needs to be fixed.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with RDS for about three years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Generally, this solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability-wise, it is very good. There is auto-scaling, so if there are more users required then Azure will help you to automatically manage it. In addition, it is HA, so I think that the overall scalability is pretty good.

How are customer service and technical support?

I have not been in contact with technical support. There is a good community of people who write about Microsoft solutions in blogs, which is helpful.

How was the initial setup?

Setting up the basic service is quite simple. It's more of managing your Windows image, such as a Windows 10 image, which probably requires some expertise. It is very fast to deploy and you can have everything ready within a day.

What about the implementation team?

The setup is quite clear and you don't need a team to do it. All of the instructions are available on the internet and because it's a Microsoft solution, there are many blogs available with the steps for you to follow.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It will probably cost about $500 USD to get the resources set up in the cloud.

What other advice do I have?

My advice to anybody who is implementing this solution is to first ensure that the network is set up properly. The applications need to be set up properly because if the applications are being used on-premises, but the virtual machines are stored in the cloud, then you will incur additional charges for accessing them.

This is a good solution, although it is still new compared to some other remote desktop services that have been out there for a very long time. It still has room for improvement such as accessing the microphone for Android remote access. Because of this, using it on an Android device may not be the best choice.

I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.