How can I connect my old HP MS Windows to newer HP MS Widows remotely

Check the old PC’s Windows 7 edition first: Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate can accept Remote Desktop connections, while Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium require Windows Remote Assistance or another supported remote-control tool.

“Windows 6.1” is the internal version number associated with Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 ^1^. HP is the computer manufacturer and does not change these Windows procedures.

1. Identify the Windows 7 edition

On the old computer:

1. Press Windows key + Pause/Break, or open Start → Control Panel → System.
2. Look under Windows edition.
3. Use the matching section below.

Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate

Configure the old computer as the Remote Desktop host:

1. Open Start → Control Panel → System.
2. Select Remote settings.
3. On the Remote tab, select:
   • Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop, or
   • the Network Level Authentication option if the newer computer supports it.
4. Select Select Users and add the Windows account that will be used. Administrators already have permission.
5. Select OK.
6. Record the old computer’s name from Control Panel → System.
7. Keep the old computer powered on and awake; Remote Desktop cannot connect while it is asleep or hibernating ^2^.

Then, on the newer computer:

1. Open Start, type Remote Desktop Connection, and launch it.
2. Enter the old computer’s name or local IP address.
3. Select Connect.
4. Sign in with the username and password of an account on the old computer.

The old computer must be powered on, connected to the same network, allow Remote Desktop through its firewall, and permit the selected account to connect ^3^.

If the computer name is not found, obtain the old PC’s IPv4 address by opening Command Prompt and running:

ipconfig

Use the IPv4 Address shown for its Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter in Remote Desktop Connection.

Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium

These editions cannot accept an incoming Remote Desktop connection ^2^. Use Windows Remote Assistance instead:

On the old PC:

1. Open Start and search for remote assistance.
2. Select Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer.
3. Enable Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer, then select OK.
4. Search for remote assistance again.
5. Select Invite someone to connect to your PC and help you.
6. Select Invite someone you trust to help you and follow the invitation instructions.

On the newer PC:

1. Search for and open Remote Assistance.
2. Select Help someone who has invited you.
3. Open the invitation from the old PC and enter its password.
4. Request control; approve that request on the old PC.

Remote Assistance is designed for attended support, so someone at the old computer normally must issue the invitation and approve control ^4^.

Security considerations

• Use these connections only on your trusted home network.
• Do not configure router port forwarding for the Windows 7 PC.
• Use a strong password for every account allowed to connect.
• Windows 7 support ended on January 14, 2020, so replacing or upgrading the old computer is the safer long-term solution ^5^.

References

1. MS12-020: Description of the security update for Remote Desktop Protocol Vulnerability: March 13, 2012 | Microsoft Support
2. Troubleshoot Remote desktop disconnected errors
3. Enable Remote Desktop on your PC
4. Solve PC problems remotely with Remote Assistance | Microsoft Support
5. What Windows end of support means for Office and Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Support