Remote desktop to a Mac without VNC
The remote access built into macOS is VNC-based, so a Windows PC usually ends up with a VNC viewer. If you would rather not use VNC at all, the other way is to give the Mac an RDP server. Then the Windows PC connects with the Remote Desktop Connection it already has.
Why VNC keeps coming up
macOS includes Screen Sharing. To let non-Apple VNC software connect, Apple's Remote Desktop guide has you turn on "VNC viewers may control screen with password", and it warns that VNC in non-Apple software may not encrypt keystrokes sent over the network.
Windows Remote Desktop Connection speaks RDP, not VNC, and a Mac has no RDP server of its own. So without an add-on, mstsc cannot reach a Mac.
The no-VNC setup in four moves
One: install RDPyon on the Mac and allow Screen Recording and Accessibility.
Two: read the Local IP and Port in the RDPyon menu bar menu. The default port is 3389.
Three: on Windows, press the Windows key and R and run mstsc with that address and port.
Four: sign in with the Mac account's short name and password. The connection uses TLS.
What you give up
Only a Windows client connects, one viewer and one display at a time, over the same network or a VPN. The Mac must be logged in; you cannot connect at the login window. If the Mac screen locks during a session, the connection ends by default.
Network Level Authentication is not provided. If you need to reach the Mac from phones, tablets or Linux, a VNC route or another tool will fit better.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any VNC on the Mac when I use RDPyon?
RDPyon does not use VNC. It runs a Remote Desktop Protocol server, built on a patched FreeRDP server (FreeRDP is open source), and sends the screen of the logged-in Mac session.
Do I install a viewer on Windows?
No. You use the Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe) that comes with Windows.
What does it cost?
$19 one-time for up to 2 Macs, with a 30-day refund. See the pricing page for the current terms.
Checked October 2026. Sources: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/turn-screen-sharing-on-or-off-mh11848/mac, https://support.apple.com/guide/remote-desktop/apdbed09830/mac. Vendor plans and prices change, so check the vendor's page.
Related pages
See pricingFull step-by-step guide: Windows to Mac Remote DesktopMac Screen Sharing slow from WindowsRDP server for MacA Chrome Remote Desktop alternative for Mac
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