Microsoft Remote Desktop Client App for Older macOS Versions

If you’re using an older version of macOS and want to access a Windows PC using the Microsoft Remote Desktop client app, you may run into compatibility issues.

Recently, Microsoft rebranded the Microsoft Remote Desktop app as the new Windows App.

At the time of writing, the Windows App requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later to install and run.

If you prefer the modern app, you can use the Windows App on macOS instead.

Manual Download and Installation

If you’re running an older version of macOS, don’t worry—I’ve compiled a list of the final compatible versions of Microsoft Remote Desktop for older systems. Simply download and install the version that matches your macOS release.

These files are hosted directly by Microsoft under the domain officecdnmac.microsoft.com, which is a CDN owned by Microsoft. I don’t host these files myself, nor are they from random third-party sources, so they should be safe to use.

• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.9.10 for macOS 12 (Monterey) or later
• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.9.5 for macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.8.4 for macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.8.4 for macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.5.2 for macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
• 📦 Download Microsoft Remote Desktop v10.3.9 for macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later

Homebrew Installation

If you prefer not to install the app manually, I’ve also created Homebrew formulae you can use.

First, tap the repository:

brew tap junian/homebrew-mirrors

Then, choose the appropriate formula based on your macOS version.

macOS 12 (Monterey) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos12

macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos11

macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos10.15

macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos10.14

macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos10.13

macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later

brew install microsoft-remote-desktop-for-macos10.12

Conclusion

That’s all! If you’re using an older version of macOS, you can still use Microsoft Remote Desktop by installing one of the compatible versions listed above.

As always, if you have any questions or better methods, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

References

• What’s new in the Remote Desktop client for macOS - Remote Desktop client | Microsoft Learn