Microsoft Remote Desktop for iOS Adds Windows Virtual Desktop Support

A new update for Microsoft Remote Desktop for iOS brings several new features that make the app more useful.

According to a new report from OnMSFT, the more-noteworthy parts include the added support for RDP files and URIs connections, the addition of collapsible workspace headers and links to supported devices, and the removal of a force-touch gesture in the Mouse Pointer mode.

Here’s the official release notes with all of the changes:

It’s 2020 and time for our first release of the year with new features and bug fixes. Here’s what is included in this update:

  • Support for launching connections from RDP files and RDP URIs.
  • Workspace headers are now collapsible.
  • Concurrent zoom and pan is now supported in Mouse Pointer mode.
  • A press-and-hold gesture in Mouse Pointer mode will now trigger a right-click in the remote session.
  • The force-touch gesture for right-click in Mouse Pointer mode has been removed.
  • The in-session switcher screen now supports disconnecting, even if no apps are connected.
  • Light dismiss is now supported in the in-session switcher screen.
  • PCs and apps are no longer automatically reordered in the in-session switcher screen.
  • The hit test area for the PC thumbnail view ellipses menu has been enlarged.
  • The Input Devices settings page now contains a link to supported devices.
  • Fixed a bug that caused the Bluetooth permissions UI to repeatedly appear at launch for some users.
  • Fixed crashes that were showing up in error reporting.

“Use Microsoft Remote Desktop for iOS to connect to a remote PC or virtual apps and desktops made available by your admin,” reads the app’s description in the App Store. “With Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can be productive no matter where you are.”

Windows Virtual Desktop allows people to “deploy and scale” Windows desktop and apps on Azure. Microsoft’s page explaining the service states that it is “the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Office 365 ProPlus, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments. Deploy and scale your Windows desktops and apps on Azure in minutes, and get built-in security and compliance features.”

P.S. - Like our news? Support the site with a coffee/beer. Or shop with our Amazon link. We use affiliate links when possible--thank you for supporting independent media.