Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Services
Top Stories
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Tip
11 May 2023
What are RDS CALs and how should IT use them?
IT teams rely on CALs to ensure that RDS users are properly licensed for their sessions, so they should know how to work with them and what different options they present. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2021
Choosing a thin client for remote desktop protocol access
There are plenty of suitable thin client options for RDP environments, but each device has unique characteristics that make it a strong or poor fit for a particular organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2021
Compare Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops vs. WVD
It's difficult to know exactly how Citrix's and Microsoft's virtual desktop offerings stack up against one another, but this article compares WVD vs. Citrix based on several factors. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2021
How to configure Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2008 R2 step by step
Learn how to install and configure Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2008 R2 to use Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Gateway Manager. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2021
How to troubleshoot an RDP remote session stuck at configuring
Admins forced to troubleshoot a Microsoft RDP session getting stuck at configuration must understand these key steps to fix their issue and be able to adapt these steps to their environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2020
How to fix 8 common remote desktop connection problems
When the connection between a desktop and its host fails, it's time to do some remote desktop troubleshooting. Check firewalls, security certificates and more if a remote desktop is not working. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2020
5 reasons printer redirection causes Windows printing problems in RDS
Windows printing problems are a pain. If you have printer redirection issues with the Remote Desktop Protocol in RDS, check user permissions, client requirements and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2020
Set up Windows Remote Desktop on a Mac device
Organizations that need to enable remote workers on Mac devices should consider allowing them to remotely access Windows desktops with the Windows Remote Desktop application. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2020
5 tips for remote backup systems to strengthen your defense
There are lots of options for remote backup. Take the time to evaluate your needs in the age of remote work and construct your backup platform wisely. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2020
VDI vs. RDS: What are the differences?
The difference between a VDI and an RDS desktop may be small for users, but for IT, the decision of how to host its virtual desktops is extremely important. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2020
WVD vs. RDS vs. VDI: Which should you choose?
Application and desktop virtualization delivered by Windows Server continues to do the job, but is it time to give Microsoft's new cloud-based desktop service a look? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2020
10 RDP security best practices to prevent cyberattacks
Securing remote connections is critical, especially in a pandemic. Enact these RDP security best practices at your organization to prevent ransomware, brute-force attacks and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jun 2020
Choose the right remote site backup approach
Remote office backup is mission-critical for organizations that have employees working outside of the main office. Explore options for this type of data protection. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2020
Windows Server 2019 RDS updates a boon for remote work needs
Enhanced security, improved end-user experience and cloud integration are just a few of the perks for organizations that move to Windows Server 2019 RDS. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2020
Remote access best practices emphasize security, ease of use
COVID-19 has forced companies to determine the best way to keep remote employees supported. Not sure which way to proceed? Consider these remote access best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2020
7 remote data backup terms for protection during a pandemic
In this glossary, you'll find important background information on remote backup. It's crucial to think about everything from network connections to backup devices and sites. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2020
Remote office backup best practices and options
How can organizations ensure backup of data generated from employees' remote offices? Explore two top options and guidance to help protect your critical data. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2020
Ensure remote backup system protection amid coronavirus pandemic
Don't let a pandemic ruin priceless enterprise data. Here's how your organization can safely preserve and back up remote data generated by employees at home. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2020
Vendors offer free remote work technology for telecommuting
It's more than a marketing ploy: Cloud technology vendors, seeing their own issues enabling remote work, extend paid products to customers for free. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Mar 2020
Teradici Cloud Access Software supports Azure Stack Hub. Let’s take a look
Marius Sandbu outlines the latest in Azure Stack Hub, and where it could make sense for VDI. Continue Reading
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Video
24 Sep 2019
How to perform per-machine install of Microsoft OneDrive, Teams for VDI
Microsoft OneDrive and Teams can be challenging for VDI, but a per-machine installer can make the process much easier. Watch this video to find out the details. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
Navigate Office 365 licensing issues with VDI
Office 365 can come with some tricky licensing situations, especially for VDI admins. Explore this rundown of licensing issues and some potential solutions. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2019
Best practices to prevent RDP security issues
IT can prevent RDP security issues in a few ways. Learn how to use Group Policy and other best practices to protect against an RDP-based attack, and learn about BlueKeep. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2019
How to manage Windows Virtual Desktop printing problems
Windows Virtual Desktop printing is somewhat complicated. Learn about the products that can simplify print management for IT and make printing more seamless for end users. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Jan 2019
As remoting gets better, we’re going to have to worry about audio synchronization more
It hasn’t been much of a problem in the past, but it will be in the future. It’s time to start benchmarking audio synchronization performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2018
Clear the confusion around Microsoft RDS
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is often pigeonholed as a session-based virtualization tool. IT can, however, use it for both VDI and app virtualization, as well. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2018
How does Microsoft RemoteApp server-based virtualization work?
With RemoteApp, users can access virtual apps that reside in a data center or in a cloud-based VM rather than locally on their devices. The app still behaves as though it's local. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 Nov 2018
Test your knowledge of VDI vs. RDS for desktop hosting
RDS and VDI each offer benefits for certain use cases. Test yourself to see if you know when RDS is a good idea and when organizations should opt for VDI. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Oct 2018
Remote Desktop Services fireworks at Microsoft Ignite 2018
Benny provides more info that Microsoft revealed about RDS and WVD at the show. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
28 Sep 2018
5 decisions for application and desktop virtualization
IT has to make several major decisions to ensure that it makes the most of its application and desktop virtualization deployment, such as selecting a hosting method and end-user devices. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Sep 2018
RemoteFX vGPU put out to pasture as Microsoft RDP grows up
RemoteFX vGPU had its run, but Microsoft looks to be done with it now and revealed plans for its deprecation. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 Aug 2018
Can you handle application and desktop virtualization?
Virtual app and desktop deployments offer many benefits to IT, such as ease of management and improved security. Test yourself on the benefits of desktop virtualization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Aug 2018
An overview of multi-tenancy in Remote Desktop modern infrastructure (RDmi)
RDS MVPs explain why multi-tenancy is so important, how it works in RDmi, and how to set it up. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2018
Four questions for virtual app and desktop deployment
Choosing a virtual desktop delivery method and determining how to host desktops and applications are just two enterprise workstation decisions IT must make. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jun 2018
RDmi is a milestone for the future of RDS. Here’s how it works
RDmi remains in private Technical Preview, but it’s already an exciting milestone with huge potential. Continue Reading
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Quiz
21 Jun 2018
Ready to start VDI capacity planning? Prove it
Planning VDI capacity can be challenging and confusing. See if you have what it takes to plan for factors such as remote access and future changes. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2018
NComputing finds spot in desktop virtualization market with SME focus
NComputing CTO Richard Sah discusses new opportunities for IT to take advantage of desktop virtualization, thanks to lower cost and the emergence of hyper-converged infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
IT mulls multi-user Windows 10 as Server 2019 drops RDSH
Multi-user Windows 10 could replace RDSH, which isn't in the first Windows Server 2019 preview. The move has ramifications for app compatibility, XenApp and Windows licensing. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2018
Meltdown and Spectre patches hit XenApp performance especially hard
Organizations with VDI and RDSH will likely take a performance hit after patching Meltdown and Spectre, according to test results from Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2017
What are the open source remote display protocol options?
Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2017
Get into the groove of Office 365 licensing for VDI
Virtual desktops change the traditional licensing game. Office 365 typically allows for five device installs, but the rules are different in an Office 365 VDI deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2017
Is VDI susceptible to ransomware threats?
VDI environments are in danger of ransomware attacks. They can encrypt personal and professional data that cannot be decoded once the user's session ends. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2016
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Remote Desktop Session Host
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has made significant strides since its early days, but Remote Desktop Session Host has built up a lot of good will over the years. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2016
Compare Citrix, VMware and Microsoft remote display protocol options
As desktop and app virtualization technologies advance, the top vendors' remote display protocols are keeping pace. Citrix HDX, Microsoft RemoteFX, VMware Blast and Teradici PCoIP protocol can all support modern end-user computing. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 Apr 2015
Complete guide to RDS management and RDSH
RDS is the backbone of Windows desktop virtualization from Microsoft. Learn about features -- such as RemoteFX -- problems and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jul 2014
RDSH vs. VDI comparison proves use case is everything
In a RDSH vs. VDI comparison, it's not a matter of which is better. The most important thing is which one best fits your use case. VDI is good if users need multiple applications, but RDSH is a more lightweight model. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2013
User environment virtualization leaves roaming profiles in the dust
As users connect to more devices than ever, user environment virtualization is a blossoming trend in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2013
How to install Microsoft RDS in Windows Server 2012
When you're ready to install Microsoft RDS, keep an eye on each component. Some are mandatory in Windows Server 2012 and others aren't. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2012
Configuring Remote Desktop Services roles for high availability
Although Windows Server 2012 RDS comes with new high availability capabilities, configuring Remote Desktop Services HA is no simple task. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2012
Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL
Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2012
Turn to Microsoft RemoteApp Programs when VDI and RDS just won't do
VDI and RDS aren't always the best fit for remote app delivery. For a lightweight approach, try Microsoft RemoteApp Programs in Windows Server 2012. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2012
Microsoft RemoteFX requirements in Windows Server 2012
There are new hardware requirements for using RemoteFX in Windows Server 2012, but it's hard to find where to configure certain settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2012
Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection: Four key considerations
With Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection, you can have full native USB support for virtual desktops, despite some device limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2011
Five helpful commands for managing Remote Desktop Services
In Windows Server 8, server management will be command-line oriented. Prepare for the shift by learning some commands for managing Remote Desktop Services. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Jul 2011
Microsoft virtual desktop licensing guide
Microsoft licensing is convoluted, particularly for VDI. This guide navigates Windows virtual desktop licensing, how to reduce licensing costs, and what’s legal and what’s not. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2011
Using AppLocker to lock down Remote Desktop Services apps
The time it takes to get AppLocker fully functional negates its benefits, but with Remote Desktop Services, the Windows 7 application security tool is a no-brainer. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2010
Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?
While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2010
Deploying Remote Desktop Web Access
With Remote Desktop Web Access, users can connect to a remote desktop or an application through a Web browser. Follow these steps to start using the feature. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2010
Deploying a Remote Desktop Session Host
The Remote Desktop Session Host in Windows Vista and Windows 7 performs the role of a terminal server. Deploying a session host isn't difficult -- if you plan ahead. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Mar 2010
The basics of Remote Desktop Services: The components
Several basic components are needed for Remote Desktop Services to function, including a VM host, a connection broker, a VM publishing service, a Web portal and a redirector. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Mar 2010
The basics of Remote Desktop Services: The connection broker
Part traffic cop, part telephone operator, the connection broker handles the authentication and connection between clients and virtual machine images. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
03 Nov 2009
A guide to Terminal Services
Check out our Terminal Services guide for tips on deploying, managing and securing TS as well as news on the most recent updates to the Microsoft technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Deploying Terminal Services Web Access
Need to facilitate a remote Terminal Services session? The easiest method to use -- and set up -- is Terminal Services Web Access, a feature of Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2008
How to troubleshoot Terminal Services connection problems
Having a problem with your Terminal Services connection resource limits? Find out how a registry key can help troubleshoot the issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2007
32-bit Remote Desktop Connection Client - Terminal Services for Windows Server 2003
Since most users who access Terminal Server environments do so from 32-bit Windows client devices, this is the client platform that Microsoft has spent the most effort on. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Feb 2007
Updated: Lanmanserver and Lanmanworkstation Tuning
Follow Michel Roth's advice on how to tune fileserving environments; a complicated endeavor not everyone can handle on their own. Continue Reading