It is completely free and requires no third-party installation on the host machine if you are running Windows Pro or Enterprise.
Microsoft has phased out the legacy Remote Desktop client, transitioning users toward the unified Windows App for cloud and remote PC access, though native RDP tools remain. Top 2026 remote access solutions include the new Windows App for ecosystem integration, Splashtop for high-performance creative work, and AnyDesk for low-bandwidth environments. Read the full analysis at The Verge . windows remote desktop client top