Windows App

Windows App is Microsoft's remote-access client for Windows PCs and administrator-provided desktops and applications. It replaces the Mac client previously called Microsoft Remote Desktop. It is suitable for Mac users working with Windows business applications, cloud desktops, and managed workstations.

Main capabilities

• Keep remote devices and apps together in a Connection Center with favorites.
• Access Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop Services, or an enabled remote PC.
• Use multiple monitors, custom resolutions, and display scaling.
• Redirect supported folders, clipboard data, audio, cameras, and other local devices, subject to administrator policy.
• Use supported Microsoft Teams media optimizations.
• Switch between organizational accounts and use configured Remote Desktop Gateways.

Installation and getting connected

Install the Mac client using brew install --cask windows-app, Microsoft's official PKG installer, or the Mac App Store. For a managed desktop, sign in with the work or school account and assigned resources supplied by your administrator; Remote Desktop Services may require a workspace URL or email address. Personal Microsoft accounts cannot be used for the organizational sign-in workflow.

For a direct PC connection, enable Remote Desktop on a supported Windows host, ensure that the Mac can reach it, and add the PC address and an authorized Windows user account. This workflow does not require signing in to Windows App itself. Installing this client does not turn a Mac into a Windows host or install a local Windows virtual machine.

Requirements and platform support

The recorded 11.4.3 Homebrew cask and the Mac App Store listing require macOS 14 or later. The cask supports Intel and Apple Silicon and declares no additional formula dependency or explicit cask conflict. Microsoft's broad getting-started article retains older macOS minimums in some service-specific sections; use the current installer requirements for this release.

Microsoft also offers clients for Windows, iOS/iPadOS, Android/Chrome OS, web browsers, and Meta Quest. Services and device-redirection features vary by client and policy; the Mac package does not install those clients. Remote hosts, organizational service entitlements, credentials, and a reachable network are prerequisites. Consult the service-specific requirements rather than assuming every platform supports every connection type.

Accounts, cost, and license

The Mac client is free to download and is proprietary Microsoft software governed by the Windows App license and privacy terms. Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Dev Box, Windows host licenses, and organizational infrastructure have separate licensing or charges. A free client download does not include a Cloud PC subscription.

The official 11.4.3 PKG transfer size is 106,363,925 bytes; this is not installed disk usage. No universal RAM or installed-space minimum was established. The accompanying image is Microsoft's Mac App Store promotional illustration of the Connection Center, not a screenshot captured from a live session or a guarantee of the exact 11.4.3 UI.

Sources: Microsoft overview, Connection setup and service requirements, Official Mac App Store listing, License, Homebrew cask.