Windows remote app on iPad

Not what you asked but I switched from Windows RD to Google Remote Desktop when installed at HCRO. Works GREAT on iPhone and iPad.

I have a newer iPad and have run the Windows app a few times to remote into a Windows mini PC. It worked fine, although I prefer to use another PC for remote access instead of the iPad. This mainly because of the screen size of the iPad and the lack of keyboard and mouse. But why not just try it out and see what happens?

Hello,

I’m exclusively using the setup you mention (with one addition):

• iPad Air (4th generation)

• Windows App

• N.I.N.A. on a MeLe Mini PC running Windows 10

• TP-Link N300 Nano router

From my experience, the above setup is incredibly reliable. The PC connects promptly after boot, and the connection remains stable, with low latency and an excellent WiFi range. Additionally, the entire setup is portable.

Using Mount’s Build-In WiFi

Initially, I used my mount’s WiFi network (iOptron GEM28). However, the disconnects were frequent and subsequent reconnects were slow. There was a high network latency which caused the UI to “freeze” or feel laggy at best.

I won’t recommend it.

Using a Separate Router

After I switched to a mini router, all issues went away. The TP-Link N300 is amazing:

• It fits within a small palm and weights nothing.

• Strong signal range (30-50 meters)

• USB-powered (cable included)

• Rock-solid connection, zero latency issues

• Low cost ~20 EUR

Here a couple of things:

• Setup the Windows App to connect using an IP. I had trouble connecting using PC’s name.

• Configure the router to assign a specific IP address to the PC. Otherwise, every time the PC joins the network, it might receive a different IP address. In such cases, you’ll need to look up the new IP address and update the connection information within the Windows App, which is inconvenient.

• Install WifiMan. In case of trouble, scan the network and check if the PC is connected and what its IP is.

• Consider powering the router from a separate source. I noticed longer initial connection times when powering from PC USB.

Blue/Black Screen of Death (BSOD)

Remote desktop requires running services. If Windows crashes (BSOD), you can't connect—and with no monitor, you won't know why.

One time I went to a dark site. Mid-session I fiddled with the task bar icons and suddenly lost connection. After an hour spent in fruitless restarts, I packed up and took the 1.5 hour drive back home. When I plugged the PC to a monitor, I found that I’ve accidentally turned off the WiFi. I facepalmed and turned it back on. With a monitor, I'd have spotted it instantly.

The good news is that starting with iPadOS 17, one can use an iPad as an external screen. Since then, I bring a mini keyboard and a mouse to dark sites. It works at home, but I’m yet to need it on the field.

Useful accessories

• Ethernet to USB-C dongle. Use this to connect to PC directly (this would have helped me to turn back the WiFi)

• HDMI to USB-C capture card. Use iPad as screen through an HDMI-to-HDMI cable.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

Clear skies

Edit: Added links to the accessories I use.

I use the windows remote app on my Ipad, works flawlessly. I switch between touch screen mode and virtual mouse mode depending on if I need to be accurate or not. Its really easy to do.

Though I have starded to use the Touch And Stars android app more and more these days when I am at home but on the field where I need to edit the advanced sequencer on the fly I use the Ipad.

I use SpaceDesk Viewer specifically for this purpose—polar aligning or making adjustments at the scope. Works well except that it can be tricky selecting and clicking on tiny icons on the screen. Can be used simultaneously with Team Viewer, which I use on my PC inside to run the scope.

Celestron2 · Oct 14, 2025, 10:24 PM

I’ve recently switched to a Mele mini pc and NINA to run my astrophotography setup and connect remotely via the windows remote app on my laptop. I know it’s also possible to use the Windows remote app on an iPad which could be very helpful when I go outside to check the focus.

Has anyone had any experience with the remote app on iPad? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of?

Also, I would need to upgrade my current iPad to be able to install the remote app (it’s quite old and incompatible with iPad OS 17 which is required). Is there any noticeable difference in performance when running the remote app between the base model iPad and the ones with the M-series chips?

Hello,

I just switched from using Asiair to mini pc with NINA (Rbfocus Gaius s2), and I use an Ipad with remote desktop app (Windows app) for the polar alignment (also for sequence programming from my sofa and controlling aquisition in my bed xD)

It works just fine! You would probably want to use an ipad keyboard with a touchpad (apple ones are very expensive but they are great) because NINA is full of small buttons and using the tactile screen would be a pain in the …

I have the ipadpro from last year but i don’t think it makes any difference, the most restrictive factor would be the miniPC anyway.

Another thing I changed, I don’t use the miniPC own wifi network, now i connect my mini PC to my home wifi network (from my internet box), it does not change any config for remote desktop but it has several advantages : I have a better signal from everywhere, and all equipment (mini PC, house PC, ipad) have internet access while using remote desktop.

CS