Accessing Local Files and Folders on Remote Desktop Session

Much easier than emailing yourself

The Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) feature of Windows allows you to remotely view and control remote Windows desktops. Sharing resources between your local and remote PC can be tricky, but it is possible to share your local files and folders over a remote desktop session using RDC or other remote desktop tools likeTightVNC.

If you’re using RDC and want to access the files and folders on your PC when you’re connected, you’ll need to configure your RDC setup. You can set this every time you connect or, alternatively, create a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) shortcut file to save your settings.

Accessing Local Files & Folders Over a Remote Desktop Connection

The Remote Desktop Connection tool uses Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol to create a remote desktop session to Windows PCs and servers. It’s included with all editions of Windows 10 and Windows Server.

Microsoft also offers RDP-capable software to allow you toconnect to Windows PCs on Mac, as well as on mobile platforms like Android and iOS. If you’re on a Mac, you can share your Mac files and folders to Windows in theRedirectiontab of the Remote Desktop app.

On Windows, the built-in Remote Desktop Connection tool allows you to configure your file and folder sharing settings before you connect.

The Remote Desktop Connection tool, when first launched, is pretty basic. Normally, you would insert the IP address for your remote PC and clickconnect, but you’ll need to configure things further before you connect if you want to access your local files and folders.

These settings may only last for the duration of your connection to your remote desktop. To save these settings, you’ll need to save your connection as a shortcut using an RDP settings file.

Saving RDC Settings With An RDP Shortcut File

Remote Desktop Protocol settings files are designed to be interchangeable with other software that allows RDP connections.

Once your RDP file is saved, you can then use it to directly connect to your remote desktop in future. Double-clicking on the file to open it will launch the RDC tool and automatically connect with your predetermined settings applied.

You can also access the file from within the Remote Desktop Connection tool by clickingOpenunder theConnection settingssection.

If, at any point, you wish to change these settings, then follow the instructions above to overwrite the saved RDP file.

Sharing Files & Folders Over VNC

While Windows comes with the RDC tool, you can use other, third-party remote desktop connection software to connect to Windows and other operating systems. VNC is one of the more popular alternative protocols to RDP, with various connection clients you can use.

One of the most popular VNC server-client software combinations isRealVNC, but this only supports file transfers with a professional or enterprise subscription. A good, free alternative for Windows users isTightVNC, which does allow for file transfers.

You’ll need a VNC server installed on your remote desktop to be able to do this. Installing TightVNC generally installs both the server and the viewer components, unless you customize this during the setup process.

Once you agree to begin the transfer, the files and folders you’ve selected will begin copying across. If you want to cancel the transfer, click theCancelbutton at the bottom of the window.

If you’d rather use another client, you can use file transfer software like WinSCP to move files between your local and remote Windows PCs instead.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

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