- Article
The Remote Desktop web client allows you to use a supported web browser to access your organization's remote resources (applications and desktops) published for you by your administrator. You'll be able to interact with remote applications and desktops as you would a local computer, wherever you are, without having to switch to a different desktop. Once your administrator has set up your remote's capabilities, all you need is your domain, username, password, the URL sent to you by your administrator, and a compatible web browser, and you're good to go.
Suggestion
If you want to connect to Azure Virtual Desktop instead of Remote Desktop Services, seeConnect to Azure Virtual Desktop with the Remote Desktop web client.
What you'll need to use the web client
- For the web client, you'll need a computer running Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux. Mobile devices are not currently supported.
- A modern browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Apple Safari or Mozilla Firefox (version 55.0 and higher).
- The URL sent to you by your administrator.
Get started with the Remote Desktop client
To log in to the client, go to the URL sent to you by your administrator. On the login page, enter your domain and username in the formDomain \ username, enter your password and selectEnter.
Observation
By connecting to the web client, you agree that your computer complies with your organization's security policy.
After logging in, the client will take you toall resourcestab, which contains all the items posted about you in one or more collapsible groups, such as the Job Resources group. You will see several icons representing the applications, workspaces, or folders containing more applications or workspaces that the administrator has allocated to the workgroup. You can return to this tab at any time to start additional resources.
To start using an app or desktop, select the item you want to use, enter the same username and password used to sign in to the web client if prompted, and selectTo send. You may also see a consent dialog for access to local resources, such as your clipboard and printer. You can choose not to redirect any of them or choose toTo allowto use the default settings. Wait for the web client to establish the connection and start using the feature normally.
When you're done, you can end your session by selecting itTo go outbutton on the toolbar at the top of the screen or by closing the browser window.
Web client keyboard shortcuts
The following table describes alternative key combinations for inserting standard Windows hotkeys into the remote session.
| Shortcut key | Description |
|---|---|
| (Windows) Ctrl+Alt+End(MacOS) fn+control+option+delete | Enter Ctrl+Alt+Del in the remote session. |
| Alt+F3 | Enter the Windows key in the remote session. |
| Alt+Page up | Cycles through programs from left to right in the remote session. (The Windows shortcut is Alt+Tab.) |
| Alt+Page Down | Switch between programs from right to left in the remote session. (The Windows shortcut is Alt+Shift+Tab.) |
Print from the Remote Desktop Web Client
Follow these steps to print from the web client:
- Start the printing process as you normally would for the application you want to print from.
- When prompted to select a printer, select itRemote Desktop Virtual Printer.
- After choosing your preferences, choosePrint.
- Your browser will create a PDF file of the print job.
- You can choose to open the PDF and print its contents to your local printer or save it to your computer for later use.
Transfer files with the web client
For how to enable web client file transfer, seeConfigure device redirects.
Follow these steps to transfer files from your local computer to the remote session:
- Log in to the remote session.
- Select the file upload icon from the web client menu.
- When prompted, select the files you want to upload using your local file explorer.
- Open File Explorer in your remote session. Your files will be sent toRemote Desktop virtual drive>downloads.
To download files from the remote session to your local computer:
- Log in to the remote session.
- Open File Explorer in your remote session.
- Copy the file or files you want to downloadRemote Desktop virtual drive>Transcripts. There is a file size limit of 255 MB.
- A prompt will ask if you want to download the selected file or files. At this point, you can confirm the download by selectingconfirmedor cancel it by selectingCancel. If you don't want to see this message every time you download files from your current browser, select the checkbox labeledDon't ask this browser againbefore confirmation.
- Your files will be downloaded to your local default downloads folder.
Copy and paste from Remote Desktop web client
Currently, the web client only supports text copy and paste. Files cannot be copied or pasted to and from the web client. Also, you can only useCtrl+CmCtrl+Vto copy and paste text.
Use an input method editor (IME) in the remote session
The web client supports the use of an Input Method Editor (IME) in the remote session in version 1.0.21.16 or later. Before you can use the IME, you must install the language pack for the keyboard you want to use in the remote session on the host virtual machine. For more information about configuring language packs in the remote session, seeAdd language packs to a Windows 10 multi-session image.
To enable IME input using the web client:
- Before connecting to the remote session, go to the web clientSettingspanel.
- toggle itEnable input method editorsetting toAbout.
- From the drop-down menu, select the keyboard you want to use in the remote session.
- Log in to the remote session.
The web client will remove the local IME window when you focus on the remote session. If you change the IME settings after you are already connected to the remote session, the configuration changes will not take effect. The web client does not support IME input when using a private browsing window.
Observation
If the language pack is not installed on the host virtual machine, the remote session defaults to the English (US) keyboard.
Enable native screen resolution in remote sessions
The web client supports the use of native screen resolution during remote sessions. In sessions running on a high-DPI display, the native resolution can provide high-fidelity graphics and improved text clarity.
Observation
Enabling native screen resolution with a high DPI display may increase CPU or network usage.
Native resolution is disabled by default. To enable native resolution:
- In your session, go to the top right corner of the taskbar and selectSettings.
- DetermineEnable native screen resolutionForAbout.
Open the resources in the installed Azure Virtual Desktop client
The web client supports opening resources in the installed Azure Virtual Desktop client instead of the browser by downloading the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) file. For how to install a remote desktop client, seeRemote desktop clients.
Observation
RDP files have a limited lifetime. We recommend that you download the RDP file every time you need to use a feature
To download the RDP file:
- In the web client, go to the top right corner of the taskbar and selectthe settings icon (gear).
- SobResource release method, selectDownload the rdp file.
- Select the resource you want to open (eg Excel) to download the RDP file.
- When the download is complete, select the downloaded RDP file to open the resource.
Get help with the web client
If you encountered a problem that cannot be resolved with the information in this article, you can get help with the web client by submitting feedback on the web client feedback page.
FAQs
Introduction to the Web Client for Remote Desktop Services? ›
The Remote Desktop web client lets users access your organization's Remote Desktop infrastructure through a compatible web browser. They'll be able to interact with remote apps or desktops like they would with a local PC no matter where they are.
What is remote desktop Web client? ›The Remote Desktop web client lets users access your organization's Remote Desktop infrastructure through a compatible web browser. They'll be able to interact with remote apps or desktops like they would with a local PC no matter where they are.
What client is used to access the remote desktops system? ›To use a remote desktop session, a user or admin must employ RDP client software to connect to the remote Windows PC or server running RDP server software.
How do I enable remote desktop Web Client? ›On your client's computer, install the client that is compatible with the version of Windows they are running. Once installed, open the client from the Start menu. From the taskbar, type Remote Desktop Connection in the search box. Type the name of the PC you're connecting to and click 'Connect'
What is Microsoft Web client? ›The Remote Desktop web client lets you use a compatible web browser to access your organization's remote resources (apps and desktops) published to you by your admin.
What is the difference between remote desktop and Remote Desktop Services? ›RDS vs RDP
RDS enables users to connect to Windows machines that support Microsoft's remote desktop protocol (RDP). RDP is not a remote solution in itself but is used to enable communication between remote clients and servers.
In short, RDS allows you to take control of a remote computer or virtual machine over a network connection. With the Cloud and the Internet, that remote computer or virtual machine can be just about anywhere on the planet! The exciting result is end user access to their desktop and apps in the cloud.
What are the four ways to access a computer remotely? ›Three of the most common tools in a Windows environment are Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP), VMware Console access, and Microsoft Management Console (MMC), but we can also use SMB shares, PowerShell remoting, and PsExec.
What are the benefits of remote desktop? ›- Easily monitor, control and maintain devices connected to the network.
- Quickly troubleshoot using the remote access.
- Effortlessly access the files on connected devices, servers or network.
- Define the access rights to files and folders for different categories of users.
Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the best remote access applications available for free. It is very easy to set up, use and provide a secure connection to your remote server. Chrome Remote desktop includes excellent features like a live audio feed that lets you enjoy music from your remote desktop computer.
What is the difference between desktop client and web client? ›
To put it simply, desktop clients or applications are types of software installed directly onto your computer and can be launched independently of other applications. Browser clients are software applications used through internet web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
What is the difference between web server and web client? ›A client is a piece of software that runs on a device and gives the user access to a server. The server provides the requested services upon request from the customer. A web browser, like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, is a customer that asks a web server for webpages.
What are examples of web client software? ›Some popular examples of web clients include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Tor, etc. So all types of internet browsers are client software.
What are the two types of remote desktop? ›There are two major categories of remote desktop software: operating-system-based and third-party solutions.
What are the disadvantages of Remote Desktop Services? ›Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Cons
The only problems that you're going to have with the remote desktop are going to be firewall ports, security, and NLA, which is a net network level access control, or TLS transfer layer security or some other SSL-type of security.
- Open Server Manager.
- Click Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
- Select Role-based or Feature-based installation.
- Select the computer as the destination server.
- On the Select server roles page, select Remote Desktop Services.
A basic example of Remote Desktop is connecting your home laptop to your office PC so you can access files, run applications, print documents, etc. on that PC without going into the office. However, the host device does not have to be a PC. It is often a server or virtual server environment in many business use-cases.
What happens when a hacker get remote access to my computer? ›If a scammer gets into your computer remotely, they could: Crawl your hard drive for sensitive data, passwords, and photos. Scammers will quickly collect anything they can use to withdraw money from bank accounts, steal your identity, or extort you for money. Install invasive malware or spyware.
Can anyone remotely access my computer? ›Remote access solutions could leave you vulnerable. If you don't have proper security solutions in place, remote connections could act as a gateway for cybercriminals to access your devices and data. Hackers could use remote desktop protocol (RDP) to remotely access Windows computers in particular.
What are the pros and cons of remote desktop access? ›- 1) Flexible Access. ...
- 2) Flexible Set-Up and Costs. ...
- 3) Full Control on Authorization and Access. ...
- 4) Centralized Storage and Backups. ...
- 5) Shared Resources; Greater Efficiency and Collaboration. ...
- 1) Security Issues. ...
- 2) Version Problems and Data Liabilities. ...
- 3) Hardware Issues Still Need On-Site Work.
What is remote desktop in simple terms? ›
What does 'remote desktop' mean? Remote desktop is the ability to connect with and use a faraway desktop computer from a separate computer. Remote desktop users can access their desktop, open and edit files, and use applications as if they were actually sitting at their desktop computer.
Does remote desktop need internet? ›You need to be connected to the Internet to share or access a computer. If the page won't open, check your computer's network settings. Antivirus software might prevent you from using Chrome Remote Desktop.
Which is better VPN or RDP? ›Using VPN, you can only remotely access the shared resources on the network, including shared folders and printers. Using RDP, you can fully control a remote computer. You can access all the local resources of the computer, just as you are sitting in front of it. Overall, RDP is better in flexibility.
Can I use RDP without VPN? ›Is RDP safe without VPN? Unfortunately, the answer is NO. However, there still are options for us to improve the security of remote desktop connections. For example, you can disable RDP when not used, restrict access using firewalls, use third-party remote access services, etc.
What is more secure than RDP? ›Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs are a critical, extra layer of RDP security. Any RDP network on the public internet is at risk. Isolate it behind the encryption and privacy of a VPN. OpenVPN Cloud, our next-gen VPN offering, conceals IP addresses and eliminates the need for VPN server installation.
Is web client a server? ›A web client is an application that communicates with a web server, using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The basic objective of the web server is to store, process and deliver web pages to the users. Web browser is an example of a web client.
Is a web client a web browser? ›A web client is a client-side application used for connecting to a web server over HTTP. It is typically a web browser or web app which displays web pages received from the server and allows users to interact with the web server.
What are the advantages of web client browser? ›The technical advantages
The web client works with a URL that you can use in any browser (Edge, Chrome, etc.). Installation of the clients is therefore no longer necessary. Your system administrator no longer has to check all PCs and that saves time.
The web client is connected to web servers through the Internet and it provides end-users the interface to interact with the web servers. It requests for data or web content through HTTP and the web server responds to the web client using the same protocol.
How does a web server client work? ›Web servers speak the HTTP protocol, so they are often called HTTP servers. These HTTP servers store the Internet's data and provide the data when it is requested by HTTP clients. The clients send HTTP requests to servers, and servers return the requested data in HTTP responses, as sketched in Figure 1-1.
What are the two components web client is made up? ›
Web Clients
A Web client consists of two parts: (1) dynamic Web pages containing various types of markup language (HTML, XML, and so on), which are generated by Web components running in the Web tier, and (2) a Web browser, which renders the pages received from the server.
Web browsers communicate with web servers using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). When you click a link on a web page, submit a form, or run a search, the browser sends an HTTP Request to the server.
How do I run a web client? ›- Press WinKey + R or type into the search dialog: services.msc.
- Press Enter. The Services window opens.
- Right-click the WebClient service.
- Click on Properties. ...
- If the service is stopped, click on Start.
- Change the Startup type to Automatic.
- Click OK to confirm the changes.
Unfortunately, hackers can exploit Remote Desktop to gain control of remote systems and install malware or steal personal information. It's a good idea to keep the remote access feature turned off unless you actively need it. By default, the feature is disabled. Once enabled, however, it's easy to disable it again.
Why do I need Remote Desktop Services? ›Remote Desktop Services provide multiple advantages to businesses like increased productivity and efficiency, reduced travel costs, fast resolution to technical problems, etc. The significant benefit of RDS is that there's only one machine to manage for multiple users to access locally or remotely.
Can PC be monitored by remote desktop Service? ›1) Can Remote Desktop (RDP) Be Monitored? Yes. Using CurrentWare's remote desktop monitoring software you can monitor the computer activities of your end-users.
How do I stop someone from remotely accessing my computer? ›Go to Settings > Unattended. Disable One-click connect to bound device. This will disable unattended remote access to your computer.