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Applies to: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012
RDCMan is a client that is widely used to manage multiple remote desktop connections because it's a convenient option. However, RDCMan has not kept pace with the level of advanced technology that we're pursuing. Instead, we have two great supported client options.
Learn about the available Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) command-line tools, with descriptions and links for more detailed information.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services does not have a native mechanism to delegate remote desktop management tasks to support staff, which to date has required giving support staff admin rights. Also, native shadowing support for Windows Server 2012 R2, Server 2016, and Server 2019 has been complicated at best, plagued with issues related to. In Remote Desktop Connection, type the name of the PC you want to connect to (from Step 1), and then select Connect. On your Windows, Android, or iOS device: Open the Remote Desktop app (available for free from Microsoft Store, Google Play, and the Mac App Store), and add the name of the PC that you want to connect to (from Step 1).
Note
To find out what's new in the latest version, see What's New in Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| change | Changes the Remote Desktop Session Host server settings for sign in, COM port mappings, and install mode. |
| change logon | Enables or disables logons from client sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server, or displays current logon status. |
| change port | Lists or changes the COM port mappings to be compatible with MS-DOS applications. |
| change user | Changes the install mode for the Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| chglogon | Enables or disables logons from client sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server, or displays current logon status. |
| chgport | Lists or changes the COM port mappings to be compatible with MS-DOS applications. |
| chgusr | Changes the install mode for the Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| flattemp | Enables or disables flat temporary folders. |
| logoff | Signs out a user from a session on an Remote Desktop Session Host server and deletes the session from the server. |
| msg | Sends a message to a user on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| mstsc | Creates connections to Remote Desktop Session Host servers or other remote computers. |
| qappsrv | Displays a list of all Remote Desktop Session Host servers on the network. |
| qprocess | Displays information about processes that are running on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| query | Displays information about processes, sessions, and Remote Desktop Session Host servers. |
| query process | Displays information about processes that are running on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| query session | Displays information about sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| query termserver | Displays a list of all Remote Desktop Session Host servers on the network. |
| query user | Displays information about user sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| quser | Displays information about user sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| qwinsta | Displays information about sessions on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| rdpsign | Enables you to digitally sign a Remote Desktop Protocol (.rdp) file. |
| reset session | Enables you to reset (delete) a session on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| rwinsta | Enables you to reset (delete) a session on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| shadow | Enables you to remotely control an active session of another user on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| tscon | Connects to another session on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| tsdiscon | Disconnects a session from an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| tskill | Ends a process running in a session on an Remote Desktop Session Host server. |
| tsprof | Copies the Remote Desktop Services user configuration information from one user to another. |
Additional References
What is an RDP Client?
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a connection protocol developed by Microsoft to provide users with a graphical interface while connected to another computer over a network connection. The connecting user must deploy an RDP client software, while the receiving computer must deploy RDP server software.
There are several RDP Clients for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012 R2. The available client apps for different clients are listed below:
| Client | App |
| Windows Desktop | Windows Desktop client |
| Microsoft Store | Windows 10 client |
| Android | Android client |
| iOS | iOS client |
| macOS | macOS client |
| Html 5 | Html5 client |
The RDP servers are built into Windows operating systems and can be enabled through the Server Manager panel.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant
You can download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop Assistant, and use it to enable Remote Desktop Services, hence allowing other devices to access your PC. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Download and install the Microsft Remote Desktop Assistant after accepting the terms and conditions.
- Click Accept and a Welcome screen appear. Click Got it.
- Click Get Started on the screen that appears next. It lists down all the changes that the tool will carry out on your computer including:
- Enabling remote connections to your PC.
- Keeping your PC awake, making it available for connections.
- Changing your Firewall rules to allow Remote Desktop connection.
- Scan the QR code that appears on the screen next, save the connection as a file, or choose your option to proceed further to enable connection using Remote Desktop.
Your computer is now ready to be accessible from other devices. Install and use Microsoft Remote Desktop client on the device that you will use to connect to your PC.
How does Microsoft Client work?
For the RDP client to work, the receiving machine must have Remote Desktop connections enabled. There are 2 most common ways to enable the RDP connection:
1. Right-click on the Personal Computer icon on your desktop, click on Properties from the drop-down list, and then select Remote settings from the list on the left.
2. Navigate to your Start Menu and go to Windows Settings, click on the System icon, and from the list on the left select Remote Desktop and enable it.
Microsoft Rdp Tool Download
Latest Windows RDP Client
Due to the Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), Microsoft is working on patching some bugs that occurred from using their RDP Client to connect to WVD instances. Two of the RDP Client (1.2.605 & 1.2.535) releases were mainly focused on fixing bugs instead of introducing new features.
The latest 1.2.1104 update of Windows RDP Client has the following changes:
Remote Desktop Services Download
- Support for Windows Virtual Desktop Spring 2020 update by updating the automatic discovery logic for the Subscribe option. Customers who have the Spring Update resources do not need to provide consent for the Fall 2019 release.
- The scale factor of high-DPI devices has been improved up to 400%.
- The issue where disconnect dialog did not appear has been resolved.
- The issue where the command tooltips appeared longer than expected has been fixed.
- The crash that occurred when trying to subscribe immediately after a refresh has been fixed.
- The crash that occurred when parsing date and time in some languages has been fixed.
An enhanced RDP Client
Parallels Client, is a completely free RDP Client. It leverages RDP technology, allowing users to instantly connect to either simple RDS infrastructures or Parallels RAS Farms.
It’s an intuitive RDP client that enables multi-tasking on applications and desktops. Multiple connection settings can be stored and utilized so users can keep workspaces docked under the same application window (or undock them to work in another window).
Moreover, features not supported by the Microsoft RDP Client—such as drag and drop, multiscreen support, zoom, client group policy and more—are implemented to provide a top-class user experience.
The mobile client enables all native gestures of iOS and Android, offering the best mobile experience on the market. Touch ID and passcode features are available to increase data security.
References
Remote Desktop Protocol | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_Desktop_Protocol
What’s new in the Windows Desktop client | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/windowsdesktop-whatsnew
Microsoft Remote Desktop Client | https://www.parallels.com/blogs/ras/microsoft-remote-desktop-client/
5 Best Remote Desktop Connection Managers | https://activedirectorypro.com/rdp-connection-manager/
Get Microsoft Remote Desktop Client | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/microsoft-remote-desktop/9wzdncrfj3ps