How to Listen to the Sound from a Remote Computer using Remote Desktop

By default, Windows Remote Desktop Connection can play the audio from the remote computer on the device you're using to connect. If you face any issues, you can adjust the relevant settings by launching the Remote Desktop software, opening the advanced settings, and selecting 'Play on this device.' These steps apply whether you're connecting from a mobile device or a desktop computer. Be sure to verify that your device isn't muted!

Download and open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. Click 'Free' to download and select 'Open' once the installation is complete.

• The app is available for Android and iOS from their respective stores.
• Android also offers some third-party remote desktop apps with similar features, such as RemoteToGo, though these are not officially supported by Windows Remote Desktop Connection.

Tap the '+' icon located at the bottom of the screen. The 'Add Desktop' page will appear.

Tap 'Advanced'. This button is at the top of the page, and a list of additional settings will show up.

Click the 'Sound' dropdown menu and select 'Play on this device'. You can also choose to play the sound on the remote device or disable it from this menu.

Tap 'General'. You will be redirected back to the login information page.

Enter the login credentials for the remote computer. The username will be the name or IP address of the computer you want to connect to, and the password will be the login password for that computer.

• If you're unsure of the computer's name, go to 'Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > System' on that computer to find it.
• You can find the computer's IP address by typing 'ipconfig' in the command line of that computer.
• Click the disk icon to save the remote computer profile for future use.

Click 'Connect'. This button is located at the bottom of the screen, and the connection to the remote computer will begin.

Test the sound from the remote computer. Once the remote desktop appears on your local screen, click the speaker icon at the bottom right of the taskbar to open the sound control panel. After adjusting the volume to your preference, a confirmation sound will play to indicate a successful change.

Launch the Remote Desktop Client. Press the ⊞ Win key and type 'Remote Desktop Connection' in the search bar. Then, click on the search result to launch it.

• Microsoft also offers a Mac client with similar functionality.

Click the 'Options' button at the bottom of the window. Once clicked, the window will expand, showing several tabs.

Click on 'Local Resources'. This tab is located to the right of the default 'General' tab.

Click the 'Settings…' button located below the 'Remote Audio' section. A window will pop up with audio options.

Select 'Play on this computer'. You can also choose to play audio from the remote computer or disable it from this menu.

Click 'OK' to save the settings. The pop-up window will close.

Enter the login details for the remote computer. The username will be the name or IP address of the computer you wish to connect to, and the password will be the login password for that computer.

• If you're unsure of the computer's name, you can go to 'Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > System' on that computer to find it.
• You can find the computer's IP address by typing 'ipconfig' in the command line on that computer.
• You can click the 'Save' button at the bottom left to store the login information for future use.

Click on the 'Connect' button located at the bottom right of the window. This will initiate the connection to the remote computer.

Test the sound from the remote computer. When the remote desktop appears on your local screen, click the speaker icon at the bottom-right of the taskbar to open the sound control panel. After adjusting the volume to your liking, a confirmation chime will sound, indicating that the change was successful.

• Don't forget to check and make sure that the device you are using isn't muted. You can click on the speaker icon at the bottom-right of the taskbar or use the volume buttons on your phone. Then, verify the remote computer's sound through the remote desktop app similarly. If the sound is muted on the computer, you won’t hear anything!
• If the server or remote device is using a dedicated sound card (or external audio device), it might have its own volume controls. Check the 'Sound controllers' section in the device manager to see which audio device is being used.