Use the Windows app to connect to a cloud PC on macOS with Full Keyboard Access

In this topic

• Download the Windows app from the Mac App Store

• Activate Full Keyboard Access

• Connect to a Cloud PC

Download the Windows app from the Mac App Store

Before you can connect to a Cloud PC, you need to download and install the Windows app on your Mac. 

1. Open the Mac App Store on your Mac device.

2. In the search bar, type Windows App and press Return.

3. Locate the official Windows App from the search results and click on it.

4. Click the Get button to start the download process.

5. After the installation is complete, click Open to launch the Windows app.

Activate Full Keyboard Access

Mac users can now use the Windows app with full keyboard support, including shortcuts and navigation keys. This update improves compatibility between Mac and Windows, offering a smoother user experience.

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences on your device.

2. Go to Accessibility.

3. In the right sidebar, select Keyboard.

4. Enable the toggle button for Full Keyboard Access.

Connect to a Cloud PC

After installing and configuring the Windows app, you can connect to a Cloud PC by adding your account or workspace.

1. Open the Windows app that you installed earlier.

   Note: If it's your first time using the app, follow the onboarding tour or select Skip to proceed.

2. On the Devices tab, click the plus (+) icon, then choose one of the following options from the dropdown menu:

   • Add Work or School Account: For accessing resources assigned by your organization.

   • Add Workspace: For connecting to a specific remote session in a hosted environment.

   • Add PC: For connecting directly to a Cloud PC or remote desktop​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

3. To add a cloud PC, select Add PC option from the dropdown menu.

   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Alternatively, press Command+N to open the Add PC dialog box.​​​​​​​

4. Enter the hostname or IP address of your cloud PC in the PC Name field.

5. In the Credentials section, select Add Credentials and enter your: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

   • Username

   • Password​​​​​​​

   • ​​​​​​​Optional friendly name for easy identification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

6. Click Add to save the cloud PC to your device list.

7. To access the cloud PC, locate the cloud PC you just added on the Devices tab.

   • Double-click the cloud PC to initiate the connection.

   • If prompted, enter your user credentials for the cloud PC.

8. Once connected, you’re ready to start using your cloud PC and its resources.