In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the distinction between premium iPads like the iPad Pro and top-tier Windows tablets like the Surface Pro 9 is becoming increasingly blurred. Apple’s ongoing improvements to iPadOS, including features such as Stage Manager, have bridged the gap, making iPads more akin to laptops. Despite these advances, there is still a clear distinction, particularly in the absence of a desktop setup similar to Windows 11 tablets.
Consider a scenario in which the strengths of both ecosystems seamlessly merge, allowing you to use Windows on your iPad. To be clear, this does not imply a complete replacement of the iPad’s operating system with Windows 11, nor does it imply running Windows natively on the iPad. Instead, with a reliable internet connection, your iPad can be used to remotely access and use Windows. For those who do not already have a Windows PC, Microsoft offers Windows 365, an innovative service that provides access to a cloud-based PC. Meanwhile, those with a PC can use the internet to stream their existing system to the iPad. This article delves into both of these approaches, explaining the steps involved.
Using Microsoft Remote Desktop to Access Windows 11 on Your iPad
A simple and practical method is to use Microsoft Remote Desktop to seamlessly integrate Windows 11 with your iPad. This method involves streaming your existing PC over the internet, allowing access and interaction via your iPad. It is important to note that this feature is only available in Windows 11 Pro and is not supported in Windows 11 Home.
To begin, download and install the Remote Desktop Mobile app for iPad.
Turn on the Windows 11 PC you want to stream from and make sure it is connected to the internet.
Navigate to the Systems section in the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.
Select “Remote Desktop” and toggle the switch to “On.” Remember to write down the name of your PC for future reference.
Connect your iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC and launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop App.
Tap the “+” icon at the bottom, then select “Add PC.”
In the designated field, enter the name of your PC (the one you noted earlier).
Select “Add User Account” in the User Account column and enter the account information from your main PC.
Give your remote PC a friendly name and save the configuration.
Configure your virtual PC’s essential features, such as sound, camera, microphone, clipboard, and storage.
To begin the remote session, click the remote PC icon. Select “Disconnect all PC Sessions” from the Microsoft Remote Desktop icon to end the session.
Considerations for Windows 11 Responsiveness on iPad
It is prudent to recognise that using a remote PC may result in slightly lower responsiveness when compared to using the main PC directly. This latency may manifest under certain conditions. While not particularly harmful, there may be discernible differences in response times when compared to the original PC experience. The responsiveness of your remote PC is determined by the speed and stability of your network. Robust networks should have little sluggishness, whereas unstable and slow networks may have noticeable lag when using remote desktop.
There is an elegant solution for those who do not have a Windows PC but want Windows 11 functionality on their iPads: Microsoft’s Windows 365 service. While this service is primarily intended for businesses, it is also available to individuals. The sign-up process is simple, and a free month of service is provided right away. As a result, depending on the virtual PC specifications, the cost begins at $32 per month.
On your iPad, navigate to the Windows 365 Sign-up page and select an appropriate plan.
To proceed with plan acquisition, select the “Buy Now” option.
To create a new Microsoft 365 Business account, follow the on-screen instructions.
Add your preferred payment method; keep in mind that the first month of Microsoft 365 usage is free.
Navigate to the Microsoft 365 website and download Microsoft 365 for iOS from the sidebar.
Take note of the Subscription URL and save it to your device for future use.
Go to the iPad App Store, download the Remote Desktop mobile app, and then click the “+” sign to “Add Workspace.”
To finish the process, paste the previously saved URL.
In the Workspaces section, the newly added cloud PC will be visible. Start using it by selecting it. This virtual PC mimics the functionality of a standard Windows PC while seamlessly adapting to your iPad screen.
By leveraging the synergy of two robust ecosystems, incorporating Windows 11 into your iPad experience enriches your digital interactions. Using these methods, you can effectively transform your iPad into a versatile tool capable of facilitating a wide range of tasks that closely resemble those of a traditional desktop Windows computer.
