Microsoft Remote Desktop update improves thumbnails and bookmarks

Remote Desktop Ipad Mac
Remote Desktop Ipad Mac (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop just received an update on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
  • The iOS version of the app now supports a two-column thumbnail view for larger iPhones.
  • On macOS, the app adds a background refresh feature for subscribed workspaces.

Microsoft Remote Desktop has updates available on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. Both versions of the app have a long list of new features, including background refresh for subscribed workspaces on macOS and a two-column thumbnail view for larger iPhones like the iPhone 12.

Microsoft Remote Desktop has a long changelog for macOS, including several fixes and general improvements:

  • Added background refresh for subscribed workspaces.
  • Fixed an issue where the session window may jump to another monitor when auto-reconnect kicks in.
  • Fixed an issue where the session window would sometimes be enlarged after connecting.
  • Addressed an issue where the name of a redirected folder would be incorrect in the remote session.
  • Fixed a bug that made it difficult to resize remote app windows.
  • Improved the error messages that are displayed when user accounts fail to update.
  • Fixed an issue where window titles in the list of connected remote apps were blank.
  • Addressed a multimon issue where the mouse cursor shape would not update correctly when dragging between monitors.
  • Added a checkbox to General Preferences to enable/disable Microsoft Teams optimizations.
  • Added UI to report if a remote app could not be launched on the server due to not being on the system allow list.
  • Fixed an issue where the session window could not be made wider when placed at the top or bottom of the screen.
  • Addressed scenarios where the mouse cursor would disappear while connected to a remote PC.
  • Deletion of an Azure Virtual Desktop workspace now correctly removes all associated workspaces.
  • Fixed an issue where adding a folder to redirect to a bookmark would enable the "Add" button with an empty PC name.
  • Addressed an issue where double-clicking the title bar incorrectly stretched the session window.
  • Updated the mouse to change to a hand glyph when hovering over a red input error indicator.
  • Fixed an issue where the session window would flash rapidly in the "Mission Control" or "Application windows" view.

Here's what's new for Microsoft Remote Desktop on iOS and iPadOS:

  • Additional two-column thumbnail view for larger iPhones.
  • Revamped PC thumbnail styling.
  • Cleaned up PC bookmark list view (only available on iPhones).
  • Press-and-hold semantics for PC bookmarks and workspace headers.
  • New context menus for interaction with PC bookmarks and workspaces.
  • Ability to duplicate PC bookmarks.
  • Full preview of the PC bookmark thumbnail after a press-and-hold.
  • New pull-down menu for interaction with the Connection Center.
  • Pull-to-refresh behavior for subscribed workspaces.
  • Animated sorting of PC bookmarks by name or last connected time.
  • Auto-expanded search field on iPads.

If you're new to using a remote desktop, make sure to check out our guide on how to use Remote Desktop to connect to a Windows 10 PC.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.