How do I get the PC fully qualified name if I have a VPN?

RonSzcz 0 Reputation points
2026-09-02T16:32:18.59+00:00

How do I get the PC fully qualified name if I have a VPN? I want to remotely connect to the PC from an Ipad using Windows app on ipad to remotely connect to the PC?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. Craig Long 18,545 Reputation points
    2026-09-02T19:49:03.3533333+00:00

    Why not just use OneDrive to see all your backed-up data? It doesn't matter where you are, just that you are an authorized user.

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  2. Marcin Policht 107K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-02T16:53:22.4933333+00:00

    If you have a VPN that connects the iPad to the network where the Windows 11 Pro PC is located, you can use the PC's hostname or FQDN in the Windows App. You do not necessarily need the public IP address.

    On the Windows 11 PC, open Command Prompt and run:

    hostname

    This gives you the computer name, for example PC01

    Then run:

    ipconfig /all

    Look for:

    Host Name Primary DNS Suffix

    For example, if you have:

    Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . : PC01 Primary DNS Suffix . . . . . . : contoso.com

    the fully qualified domain name is:

    PC01.contoso.com

    The important part for your situation is that the iPad's VPN must provide connectivity to the PC's network and, if you want to use the FQDN, DNS resolution must work across the VPN. For example, after connecting the iPad to the VPN, the Windows App could use:

    PC01.contoso.com

    If DNS does not work over the VPN, you can instead use the PC's internal VPN-reachable IP address, such as:

    192.168.1.25

    That is often the simplest way to test the connection. If the IP works but PC01.contoso.com does not, the problem is DNS resolution over the VPN, not Remote Desktop itself.

    Also make sure Windows 11 Pro has Remote Desktop enabled at Settings > System > Remote Desktop, and that the Windows Firewall permits Remote Desktop. The VPN should be configured so that the iPad can reach the PC's internal IP address, typically TCP port 3389.

    So, for your setup, I would first test with the PC's internal IP address through the VPN. Once that works, determine whether the FQDN also resolves. If it does, use the FQDN in the Windows App because it is more convenient and avoids depending on a changing DHCP address.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-02T16:32:31.37+00:00

    Use the PC’s FQDN only if the VPN and DNS are configured to resolve it. For Windows App on iPad, the connection field accepts either the hostname or the IP address of the remote PC.

    If the PC name does not resolve over VPN, use the IP address instead. In many home networks, the PC name won’t resolve correctly through DNS, so the IP address is required.

    For VPN name resolution, Windows uses:

    1. NRPT rules first, if configured.
    2. Then the DNS suffix on the preferred interface.
    3. If that times out, the DNS suffix search list is used.

    That means the FQDN depends on the VPN profile’s DNS configuration. If a short name is used, the VPN DNS suffix can be appended to form the full name.

    To connect from iPad with Windows App:

    1. Open Windows App.
    2. Add a new connection.
    3. Tap PC.
    4. In PC Name, enter the remote PC’s hostname or IP address.
    5. Save the connection and connect.

    Before connecting, make sure:

    1. Remote Desktop is enabled on the remote PC.
    2. The remote PC is on and awake.
    3. If connecting from a different network, the PC is configured to allow outside connections.
    4. If sign-in fails after connecting, the account is in Remote Desktop Users or has administrator rights on the remote PC.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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