Remote Desktop Preview updated for UWP; Now supports Windows 10 Mobile and Continuum Mode

The latest update to the Universal Windows Platform based Remote Desktop Preview app now allows you to remotely access resources using any Windows 10 desktop, tablet or phone.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

January 13, 2016

2 Min Read
Remote Desktop Preview updated for UWP; Now supports Windows 10 Mobile and Continuum Mode

Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services team announced a big update to the Remote Desktop Preview app on Windows 10 over on their blog late last night.

This update turns the preview into a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app and it can now be used on Windows 10 desktops, tablets and phones.  It has also added support for Continuum Mode which is available on the new Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL devices released last year.

Just like Microsoft has done with other apps, this preview is a testing environment that allows Microsoft to develop new features and tweak performance as necessary before the app is published as an official release. Once ready this app will take the place of the current Remote Desktop app.

The Remote Desktop Preview app continues to provide the following features:

  • Access to remote resources through your Remote Desktop Gateway

  • Rich multi-touch experience with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and RemoteFX supporting Windows gestures

  • Secure connection to your data and applications

  • Simple management of your connections from the connection center

  • High quality video and audio streaming

I did a quick test of this updated app to connect from one of my laptops to my main desktop machine and it worked very well across my local network. Be sure to check out the screenshots of that process over in the associated gallery.

Of course, the biggest change with this update is the app now being available for Windows 10 Mobile users and the added support for Continuum Mode on supported devices such as the Lumia 950 and 950 XL.

I decided to try out the app in Continuum Mode on my Lumia 950 and it works just fine. Performance is decent but not quite as fast compared to a Windows 10 desktop device however, it is functional in a pinch. I collected some screenshots of the experience and have them in the associated Remote Desktop Preview (UWP) gallery as well.

It is good to see Microsoft continuing to lead the way to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and adding Continuum support so it is available for not only the Lumia 950 and 950 XL but phones from other manufacturers as they hit the market.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author(s)

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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