Remote Desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows a user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer's desktop and interact with it as if it were local. When you finish your remote desktop session, it’s easy to break the remote connection. Simply close the remote window, or click the X button on the strip across the top of the screen. Then click the OK button in the confirmation dialog box. The connection is broken, and you’re back to using only your own laptop. Updated yesterday to version 1809, Remote Desktop Connection from another Windows 10 version 1809 not working. It looks like connected, but the whole screen is blank and the mouse cursor become hourglass then about 1 minute later, lost connection. Then trying to re-establish the connection, but the. Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac is an application that allows connecting to virtual apps or another PC remotely. Discover the power of Windows with Remote Desktop designed to help you manage your work from any location over a network connection. Question: Q: remote desktop keeps disconnecting I have a mac running 10.4.11 that I use Remote Desktop 2.2 to control an Xserve G5. Now in the last few weeks I can only connect to it for a few seconds at a time before it loses connection if I am even able to connect at all.
-->Applies to: Windows 10
You can use the Remote Desktop client for Windows to work with Windows apps and desktops remotely from a different Windows device.
Use the following information to get started. Be sure to check out the FAQ if you have any questions.
Note
- Curious about the new releases for the Windows Store client? Check out What's new in the Windows Store client
- You can run the client on any supported version of Windows 10.
Get the RD client and start using it
Follow these steps to get started with Remote Desktop on your Windows 10 device:
- Download the Remote Desktop client from Microsoft Store.
- Set up your PC to accept remote connections.
- Add a Remote Desktop connection or a remote resource. You use a connection to connect directly to a Windows PC and a remote resource to use a RemoteApp program, session-based desktop, or virtual desktop published by your admin.
- Pin items so you can get to Remote Desktop quickly.
Add a Remote Desktop connection
To create a Remote Desktop connection:
- In the Connection Center tap + Add, and then tap Desktop.
- Enter the following information for the computer you want to connect to:
- PC name – the name of the computer. This can be a Windows computer name, an Internet domain name, or an IP address. You can also append port information to the PC name (for example, MyDesktop:3389 or 10.0.0.1:3389).
- User account – The user account to use to access the remote PC. Tap + to add a new account or select an existing account. You can use the following formats for the username: user_name, domainuser_name, or user_name@domain.com. You can also specify whether to prompt for a user name and password during the connection by selecting Ask me every time.
- You can also set additional options by tapping on Show more:
- Display name – An easy-to-remember name for the PC you are connecting to. You can use any string, but if you do not specify a friendly name, the PC name is displayed.
- Group – Specify a group to make it easier to find your connections later. You can add a new group by tapping + or select one from the list.
- Gateway – The Remote Desktop gateway that you want to use to connect to virtual desktops, RemoteApp programs, and session-based desktops on an internal corporate network. Get the information about the gateway from your system administrator.
- Connect to admin session - Use this option to connect to a console session to administrate a Windows server.
- Swap mouse buttons – Use this option to swap the left mouse button functions for the right mouse button. (This is especially useful if the remote PC is configured for a left-handed user but you use a right-handed mouse.)
- Set my remote session resolution to: – Select the resolution you want to use in the session. Choose for me will set the resolution based on the size of the client.
- Change the size of the display: – When selecting a high static resolution for the session, you have the option to make items on the screen appear larger to improve readability. Note: This only applies when connecting to Windows 8.1 or above.
- Update the remote session resolution on resize – When enabled, the client will dynamically update the session resolution based on the size of the client. Note: This only applies when connecting to Windows 8.1 or above.
- Clipboard – When enabled, allows you to copy text and images to/from the remote PC.
- Audio Playback – Select the device to use for audio during your remote session. You can choose to play sound on the local devices, the remote PC, or not at all.
- Audio Recording – When enabled, allows you to use a local microphone with applications on the remote PC.
- Tap Save.
Need to edit these settings? Tap the overflow menu (...) next to the name of the desktop, and then tap Edit.
Want to delete the connection? Again, tap the overflow menu (...), and then tap Remove.
Add a remote resource
Remote resources are RemoteApp programs, session-based desktops, and virtual desktops published by your admin using Remote Desktop Services.
To add a remote resource:
- On the Connection Center screen, tap + Add, and then tap Remote resources.
- Enter the Feed URL provided by your admin and tap Find feeds.
- When prompted, provide the credentials to use to subscribe to the feed.
The remote resources will be displayed in the Connection Center.
To delete remote resources:
- In the Connection Center, tap the overflow menu (...) next to the remote resource.
- Tap Remove.
Pin a saved desktop to your Start menu
To pin a connection to your Start menu, tap the overflow menu (...) next to the name of the desktop, and then tap Pin to Start.
Now you can start the remote desktop connection directly from your Start menu by tapping it.
Connect to an RD Gateway to access internal assets
A Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway) lets you connect to a remote computer on a corporate network from anywhere on the Internet. You can create and manage your gateways using the Remote Desktop client.
To set up a new gateway:
- In the Connection Center, tap Settings.
- Next to Gateway, tap + to add a new gateway. Note: A gateway can also be added when adding a new connection.
- Enter the following information:
- Server name – The name of the computer you want to use as a gateway. This can be a Windows computer name, an Internet domain name, or an IP address. You can also add port information to the server name (for example: RDGateway:443 or 10.0.0.1:443).
- User account - Select or add a user account to use with the Remote Desktop Gateway you are connecting to. You can also select Use desktop user account to use the same credentials as those used for the remote desktop connection.
- Tap Save.
Global app settings
You can set the following global settings in your client by tapping Settings:
MANAGED ITEMS
- User account - Allows you to Add, edit and delete user accounts saved in the client. This is a good way to update the password for an account after it has changed.
- Gateway - Allows you to Add, edit and delete gateway servers saved in the client.
- Group - Allows you to Add, edit and delete groups saved in the client. These allow you to easily group connections.
SESSION SETTINGS
- Start connections in full screen - When enabled, anytime a connection is launched, the client will use the entire screen of the current monitor.
- Start each connection in a new window - When enabled, each connection is launched in a separate window, allowing you to place them on different monitors and switch between them using the taskbar.
- When resizing the app: - Allows you control over what happens when the client window is resized. Defaults to Stretch the content, preserving aspect ratio.
- Use keyboard commands with: - Let's you specify where keyboard commands like WIN or ALT+TAB are used. The default is to only send them to the session when the connection is in full screen.
- Prevent the screen from timing out - Allows you to keep the screen from timing out when a session is active. This is helpful when the connection does not require any interaction for long periods of time.
APP SETTINGS
- Show Desktop Previews - Lets you see a preview of a desktop in the Connection Center before you connect to it. By default, this is set to on.
- Help improve Remote Desktop - Sends anonymous data to Microsoft. We use this data to improve the client. To learn more about how we treat this anonymous, private data, see the Microsoft Privacy Statement. By default, this setting is on.
Manage your user accounts
When you connect to a desktop or remote resources, you can save the user accounts to select from again. You can also define user accounts in the client itself, as opposed to saving the user data when you connect to a desktop.
To create a new user account:
- In the Connection Center, tap Settings.
- Next to User account, tap + to add a new user account.
- Enter the following information:
- Username - The name of the user to save for use with a remote connection. You can enter the user name in any of the following formats: user_name, domainuser_name, or user_name@domain.com.
- Password - The password for the user you specified. This can be left blank to be prompted for a password during the connection.
- Tap Save.
To delete a user account:
- In the Connection Center, tap Settings.
- Select the account to delete from the list under User account.
- Next to User account, tap the edit icon.
- Tap Remove this account at the bottom to delete the user account.
- You can also edit the user account and tap Save.
Navigate the Remote Desktop session
When you start a remote desktop connection, there are tools available that you can use to navigate the session.
Start a Remote Desktop connection
- Tap the Remote Desktop connection to start the session.
- If you haven't saved credentials for the connection, you will be prompted to provide a Username and Password.
- If you are asked to verify the certificate for the remote desktop, review the information and ensure this is a PC you trust before tapping Connect. You can also select Don't ask about this certificate again to always accept this certificate.
Connection Bar
The connection bar gives you access to additional navigation controls. By default, the connection bar is placed in the middle at the top of the screen. Tap and drag the bar to the left or right to move it.
- Pan Control - The pan control enables the screen to be enlarged and moved around. Note that pan control is only available on touch-enabled devices and using the direct touch mode.
- Enable / Disable the pan control: Tap the pan icon in the connection bar to display the pan control and zoom the screen. Tap the pan icon in the connection bar again to hide the control and return the screen to its original resolution.
- Use the pan control - Tap and hold the pan control and then drag in the direction you want to move the screen.
- Move the pan control - Double tap and hold the pan control to move the control on the screen.
- Additional options - Tap the additional options icon to display the session selection bar and command bar (see below).
- Keyboard - Tap the keyboard icon to display or hide the on-screen keyboard. The pan control is displayed automatically when the keyboard is displayed.
Command bar
Tap the ... on the connection bar to display the command bar on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Home - Use the Home button to return to the connection center from the command bar.
- Alternatively you can use the back button for the same action.
- Your active session will not be disconnected.
- This allows you to launch additional connections.
- Disconnect - Use the Disconnect button to terminate the connection.
- Your apps will remain active as long as the session is not terminated on the remote PC.
- Full-screen - Enters or exits full screen mode.
- Touch / Mouse - You can switch between the mouse modes (Direct Touch and Mouse Pointer).
Use direct touch gestures and mouse modes in a remote session
Two mouse modes are available to interact with the session.
- Direct touch: Passes all of the touch contacts to the session to be interpreted remotely.
- Used in the same way you would use Windows with a touch screen.
- Mouse pointer: Transforms your local touch screen into a large touchpad allowing to move a mouse pointer in the session.
- Used in the same way you would use Windows with a touchpad.
Note
Interacting with Windows 8 or newer the native touch gestures are supported in Direct Touch mode.
| Mouse mode | Mouse operation | Gesture |
|---|---|---|
| Direct touch | Left click | 1 finger tap |
| Direct touch | Right click | 1 finger tap and hold |
| Mouse pointer | Left click | 1 finger tap |
| Mouse pointer | Left click and drag | 1 finger double tap and hold, then drag |
| Mouse pointer | Right click | 2 finger tap |
| Mouse pointer | Right click and drag | 2 finger double tap and hold, then drag |
| Mouse pointer | Mouse wheel | 2 finger tap and hold, then drag up or down |
| Mouse pointer | Zoom | Use 2 fingers and pinch to zoom in or move fingers apart to zoom out. |
Tip
Questions and comments are always welcome. However, please do NOT post a request for troubleshooting help by using the comment feature at the end of this article. Instead, go to the Remote Desktop client forum and start a new thread. Have a feature suggestion? Tell us using the Feedback Hub.
Microsoft’s Remote Desktop is a savior when you have to connect to a computer remotely using another PC or a mobile device. You can enable the Remote Desktop option under Settings and download the necessary app on your smartphone. However, some users are witnessing a black screen even after connecting to the remote computer successfully.
Many users have faced the error in earlier versions of Windows as well. Some users have also reported that after seeing a black screen, Remote Desktop client disconnects or crashes. As always, there can be several reasons leading remote desktop showing a black screen error. Here are some known ways to troubleshoot it.
Let’s begin.
1. Update Windows
As always, we recommend updating your Windows 10 to the latest version. It's quite possible that your computer has some pending updates. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key+I on the keyboard and select Update & Security.
Check if there are any updates available and if yes, update and reboot your PC once before trying to connect remotely again.
Note: Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. The RDP error is more common in Windows 10 version 1903 but may affect other versions too. Keep an eye out for that new update.2. Update RDP Client
I will be using the Android app as an example for this post. Update your Microsoft Remote Desktop client on whichever device you are using it on. Open the Play Store on Android and search for the app.
If there is an update available, you will see ‘Update’ option. If not, you will see the ‘Open’ option. There may be some compatibility issues between different app versions, which is why we recommend updating apps.
3. Launch Task Manager
If you are unable to view desktop and instead see a black screen, one temporary solution to solve the issue is launching the Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut buttons on the keyboard to open the Task Manager.
You should now see the desktop. Keep the Task Manager open until you complete your work. You may then troubleshoot the issue later when you have time.
Another option is to use the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut combination that brings up a blue screen with Task Manager listed as one of the options.
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How to Control Your Computer from an Android Device Using Chrome Remote Desktop
Read More4. Change Resolution
Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac Disconnects
Setting the screen resolution higher than recommended can also lead to the remote desktop showing a black screen. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display settings.
Scroll a little to find Scale and layout option. Under Display resolution, choose the recommended resolution or try something lower. A lot will also depend on your monitor's screen size and system configuration.
5. Disable Bitmap Caching
Bitmap caching is a process where the computer will create cache files of images and other resources, and store them locally on the remote desktop client. While useful for low bandwidth connection, it consumes resources and slows the PC down, sometimes leading to the black desktop screen error.
Since the option is not available for mobile apps, I will use the desktop app as an example. Search for and open the RDP client and under the Experience tab, disable Persistent bitmap caching.
6. Update GPU Drivers
Microsoft recommends that updating the GPU drivers may help resolve the issue. Search for and open Device Manager. Double-click Display adapters and right-click on your graphics card to update it.
Reboot your PC once before trying to connect with the remote desktop client.
Wait, are you using an NVIDIA graphics card? It creates an overlay that enables users to take screenshots and record screen while gaming — also called ShadowPlay. It won’t let you connect via RDP client for some reason. To disable, open GeForce Experience > Settings > General tab > disable SHARE option.
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Read More7. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup is a Windows feature that will help reboot your Windows laptop or wake it up from hibernation quickly. Open Control Panel, search for and click on Power Options.
Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable first, and then uncheck Turn on Fast start-up option.
Save changes.
8. Run SFC Scan
System File Checker (SFC) tool will scan your computer for corrupted system files and repair them. Just open the Command Prompt with admin rights and type the command below, and then hit Enter.
Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac Disconnecting Update
In case of laptop, leave it connected to a power source since the process may take a while. Restart the computer after the scan completes.
9. New User Account
If everything fails, you may try and create a new user account to see if that works. Press Windows key+I to open Settings and click on Accounts.
Under Family & other users, click on Add someone else to this PC option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to enter a user ID, password, and other details to create a new account. When done, you can easily give admin privileges to that account. Click on the account name in Settings and select Change account type.
Choose Administrator from the drop-down menu here.
Switch user accounts and try connecting with user ID details of this new account from the remote desktop client. See if you still get the black screen on desktop or crashes thereafter.
Connect Remotely
For the most part, remote desktop client should work as intended. However, there are still some undiscovered quirks in Windows which may result in the desktop black screen error. Hopefully, one of the solutions mentioned above worked for you.
If you found another solution, do share with us in the comments below and we shall include it as well.
Next up: Still can't connect remotely to your computer? Facing some other issue instead of seeing a black screen on desktop? Read the next post for some solutions to solve that error.
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