How to Turn on Remote Desktop Audio & Troubleshoot Issues

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Complete setup guide for Windows, Mac, or mobile

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: March 5, 2026 Fact Checked

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Using Remote Desktop Connection

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Using Windows App for Mac

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Using the Remote Desktop Mobile App

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Troubleshooting

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Windows Remote Desktop Connection will play sound from the remote computer on the one you are using to access it by default.^{[1]
X
Research source} If you are having trouble, you can check that the correct options are set by launching the Remote Desktop software, opening the advanced settings, and selecting to “Play on this device”. Similar steps will work whether you're connecting from a phone or a desktop. We’ll also explain how to enable remote sound in the Mac version of the Remote Desktop app, which is now called Windows App. Don’t forget to check that your local computer/phone is not muted!

Enabling Audio in Remote Desktop

Click Show Options in the Remote Desktop client.
Click the Local Resources tab.
Select Settings under the Remote Audio header.
Enable Play on this computer and click OK.
Enter the name or IP address of the remote computer and click Connect.

Section 1 of 4:

Using Remote Desktop Connection

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1
Start the Remote Desktop Client. Press Windows key + R and enter mstsc. Click OK to launch the client.^{[2]
X
Research source} You can also search for remote desktop in the Taskbar search bar.
This button is located at the bottom of the window and will expand the window to display a number of tabs.

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This tab is located near the top of the window.
A pop-up window with audio options will appear.
You can also choose to play audio on the remote computer or none at all from this menu.
The pop-up window will close.
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Enter the login credentials for the remote computer. In the main window for the Remote Desktop Connection app, enter the name or IP address of the computer you want to connect to, then click Connect. Enter the remote computer’s login credentials when prompted.^{[3]
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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- If you’ve never connected with another PC remotely, you may need to do some additional setup first.
Once the remote desktop appears on your local display, click the speaker icon in the lower-right taskbar to open the sound controls. Adjust the volume and you will hear a chime confirming the change.

Section 2 of 4:

Using Windows App for Mac

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1
Launch Windows App. This is the Mac version of Remote Desktop. It’s available from the App Store.
- If you’ve never used Windows App before, you’ll be prompted to allow access to your camera and microphone.
- You can also enable screen and audio sharing permissions for specific apps by going to
  Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Remote Desktop and granting permission for any apps listed there.^{[4]
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  Research source}
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Select a connection option from the Connections menu. Select Connections from the menu bar at the top of the screen and select an option (such as PC Quick Connect or Add PC).
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Click the Devices & Audio tab. You’ll see several options for redirecting certain devices and features from your remote Windows desktop to your local Mac.
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Select On this computer from the Play sound dropdown. If you also want to hear sound from the remote computer’s mic, check the box next to Microphone.
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Connect to the remote PC. Once you have the sound settings the way you want them, enter the name or IP address of the remote computer and click Add or Connect. Enter the login credentials for the remote PC when prompted.
- If you haven’t connected with another computer this way before, you might need to do a bit of setup first. Make sure Remote Desktop is enabled on the remote PC before you start.
- You can find more detailed instructions for creating a remote desktop connection in Windows App here.

Section 3 of 4:

Using the Remote Desktop Mobile App

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1
Open the Remote Desktop app. This app is available for free from Google Play on Android devices. On iPhone or iPad, download the free “Windows App Mobile” application from the App Store instead.
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Tap the + button. It’s located in the “Connection Center.”^{[5]
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Research source} If you’re using the iOS version of the app, tap + at the top right side of the screen in the Devices tab.
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Select Desktop. If you’re using the iOS version of the app, select PC.
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Enter the name or IP address of the computer you’re connecting to. Type this information in the PC Name field.
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Tap Show additional options. If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, skip this step. The sound options are located in the main “Add PC” menu.
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Select Play on This Device in the Sound menu. If you wish, you can also toggle on Microphone if you want to hear sounds from the remote PC’s mic.
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Tap Save. Your settings for this connection will be saved.
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Tap the name of the connection you created to connect. When prompted, enter the login credentials for the remote PC.
- If you’ve never connected to a remote PC this way, you might need to do some setup first. Make sure Remote Desktop is enabled on the remote PC before you start.

Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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1
Make sure the volume is turned up on your remote PC. Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and adjust the volume slider. Check the sound on your local computer as well.
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Update the audio drivers on the remote PC. If the drivers are corrupted or outdated, sound might not work properly. Check out our guide to updating audio drivers for detailed instructions.
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Adjust your firewall settings. Make sure Remote Desktop connections are fully allowed in your Firewall settings, including audio redirection.
- In Windows, check your Firewall settings by opening the Windows Security App and going to Firewall & network protection. Select Allow an app through firewall > Change settings and make sure Remote Desktop is enabled.
- On Mac, go to
  Apple menu > System Settings > Network > Firewall. Click Options and make sure Windows App is set to Allow incoming connections. If you don’t see it in the list, click + and add it to the list of apps.
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Talk to your group administrator. If one or both of your computers is managed under a group policy, talk to the system administrator. Make sure they have sound redirection enabled.

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Question

What is remote audio hearing?

Community Answer

Remote audio hearing is the transfer of audio from the desktop to where it is being assessed remotely.

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Tips

If either the host or remote device is using a dedicated sound card (or external sound device), it may use separate volume controls. Check the “Sound controllers” section in your device manager to see which sound devices are in use.

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Don't forget to check that your sound is not muted on the device you are using (by clicking the speaker icon in the lower right of the taskbar (or using the volume buttons if you are on a phone). Next, check the remote computer's sound from the remote desktop program in the same way. If either computer's sound is muted, you won't be able to hear anything!

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