Software Alternatives & Startups

VS Code VS Microsoft Remote Desktop

Compare VS Code VS Microsoft Remote Desktop and see what are their differences

VS Code

Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Microsoft Remote Desktop

Once that's done, another computer or device with the right credentials, called the client, can connect to the host and control it. Don't let the technical aspects of remote desktop software scare you away.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, VS Code seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1219 times since March 2021.

social mentions
1,219 vs 0
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 158

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

VS Code
Microsoft Remote Desktop
Website code.visualstudio.com microsoft.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

VS Code 8 features
Microsoft Remote Desktop 5 features
  • Cross-platform
    VS Code works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a consistent development experience across different operating systems.
  • Extensibility
    A vast library of extensions allows users to add functionalities like debuggers, linters, and themes, making it highly customizable.
  • Integrated Git
    Built-in Git integration makes it easy to manage version control tasks directly within the editor.
  • Performance
    Lightweight compared to full-fledged IDEs, ensuring good performance even on systems with limited resources.
  • IntelliSense
    Advanced code completion and refactoring tools help improve coding efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Community Support
    A strong and active community provides extensive support, tutorials, and third-party extensions.
  • Debugging
    Robust debugging tools for various languages and frameworks are available out of the box.
  • Free and Open-Source
    VS Code is completely free to use and open-source, which is beneficial for both individual developers and organizations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited IDE Features
    While extensible, it may lack some advanced features found in dedicated IDEs out of the box.
  • Extension Management
    Managing and configuring a large number of extensions can become cumbersome and sometimes lead to performance issues.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, it has a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its numerous features and customization options.
  • Memory Usage
    Despite being lightweight, it can consume a significant amount of memory when multiple extensions are installed.
  • Update Frequency
    Frequent updates may sometimes introduce bugs or require users to adapt to new changes quickly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features and extensions may require an internet connection to function optimally.
  • Telemetry
    By default, VS Code collects usage data, which might be a concern for users sensitive about data privacy. However, this can be disabled.
  • Ease of Use
    Microsoft Remote Desktop provides a user-friendly interface that is simple to set up and navigate, making it accessible for users of varying technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing for versatile usage across different devices.
  • Performance
    Offers reliable and relatively fast performance with the ability to handle complex applications and operations through remote connections.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft services and products, such as Azure and Office 365, enhancing productivity for users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Security
    Includes robust security features like network-level authentication, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication, ensuring secure remote connections.

Possible disadvantages

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    For non-technical users, the initial setup can be challenging and may require additional resources or support to configure properly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Performance and usability heavily depend on a stable and high-speed Internet connection, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Licensing Costs
    Some advanced features and integrations require specific Windows licenses or Azure subscriptions, which may incur additional costs for businesses and individual users.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running remote desktop sessions can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the performance of both the client and the host machine, especially on older hardware.
  • Limited Customization
    The application may lack some customization options found in other remote desktop solutions, making it less flexible for users with specific needs and preferences.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

VS Code
Microsoft Remote Desktop

Overall verdict

  • Yes, VS Code is generally considered a good choice for developers due to its flexibility, efficiency, and strong community support. It is lightweight, fast, and user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced developers.

Why this product is good

  • VS Code, developed by Microsoft, is a widely popular and versatile code editor. It offers a robust extension ecosystem, which allows developers to customize their workflow and coding environment extensively. Additionally, VS Code supports numerous programming languages right out of the box and provides features like IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, and a built-in terminal, making it a powerful tool for developers.

Recommended for

  • Web developers looking for a comprehensive yet lightweight coding environment.
  • Software developers who need an editor with extensive language support and customization options.
  • Beginner programmers who would benefit from a feature-rich editor that can grow with their skills.
  • Developers interested in an open-source tool with continuous updates and community-driven enhancements.

Overall verdict

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is generally considered a reliable and effective tool for remote access to Windows machines, particularly for those already using Microsoft services or within a Windows-centric IT environment. Its full compatibility with Windows devices makes it a strong choice for personal and professional use.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft Remote Desktop is widely regarded as a solid solution for those needing to access and manage their Windows environments remotely. It benefits from integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, offering good performance, security features, and ease of access. Users appreciate its seamless connection to Windows PCs and servers, efficient resource management, and straightforward setup.

Recommended for

  • IT professionals needing to manage Windows servers and workstations remotely.
  • Employees who require access to their office desktops from home or during travel.
  • Organizations using cloud-based environments such as Microsoft Azure.
  • Users already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem seeking integration with other Microsoft products and services.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VS Code 2 videos + Add
Microsoft Remote Desktop 2 videos + Add

My New Favorite Text Editor - Visual Studio Code

More videos

  • - 7 reasons why I switched to Visual Studio Code from Sublime Text

How to use Chrome Remote Desktop

More videos

  • - Windows 11 Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) | 2023

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
VS Code
Microsoft Remote Desktop
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
IDE
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using VS Code and Microsoft Remote Desktop. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

VS Code 5.0 · 1 review
Microsoft Remote Desktop no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

VS Code 1219 mentions
Microsoft Remote Desktop 0 mentions

View more

Tracking Microsoft Remote Desktop since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to VS Code and Microsoft Remote Desktop

When comparing VS Code and Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can also consider the following products.