RDP clients for Windows: installation and configuration

Many users are very often faced with such a concept as an RDP client, although sometimes they do not clearly understand what the programs are and why they are needed. Consider what an RDP client is (Windows XP and 7 take as the operating system environment). In conclusion, a list of alternative applications will be presented.

RDP clients: what it is and why they are needed

To determine the essence of such programs, you just need to decipher the reduction of RDP. In fact, this is a special protocol (Remote Desktop Protocol) , which allows you to connect to a remote "Desktop" from any other terminal or from a mobile device.

However, to speak only about access exclusively to the "Desktop" is somewhat wrong. Almost any program of this type, whether it's a Windows XP, 7 or higher RDP client, allows you to access all the functions and settings of the system, as well as to the information stored on the remote computer. And you can control absolutely all available parameters from a remote terminal, smartphone or tablet. As for the settings, they are very similar (if you use, for example, the "native" RDP client for Windows 7 or the third-party software product).

Pre-upgrade for Windows XP

With the configuration of applications of this type, there are usually no problems, since all processes are as automated as possible. However, it is necessary to pay attention to certain nuances.

In Windows XP, even with the SP3 update installed, the client version 6.1 is provided. You can install the RDP 7.0 client only in manual mode. Unfortunately, when you download an update from the official Microsoft site, there are often problems, so you can download the update from another source. In this case, we mean the update package KB969084 (85), taking into account the system's bit depth.

After downloading the file, which is presented in the executable version (EXE), simply run it and wait for the update process to finish. When the installation is complete, the computer or laptop must be rebooted without fail. Version 7.0 in Windows XP will allow remote access even to terminals with the tenth version of the system on board.

Built-in RDP client for Windows 7: initial system setup

The "Seven" also has its own remote access program. However, if in XP the RDP client can be upgraded to version 7.0, the default version 7.1 is initially used, which is represented as a special utility MsTsc.exe.

But before starting the setup, go to the "Control Panel" and select the "System" section. Also, access can be made through the computer properties menu by clicking on the icon located on the "Desktop".

On the left side there is a section for setting up remote access, in which on the corresponding tab you should check the lines of the permission of this operation and the connection of the remote assistant. Additionally, you can select the users on which these rules will be distributed.

General Settings Rules

Any RDP client for Windows can be called with the standard mstsc command, which is entered in the console of the console "Run" (Win + R).

In the connection window, enter the desired IP address of the server or terminal with which the session will be carried out. After that, the system will prompt you to enter your credentials, and then you will be redirected to the remote Desktop.

To change the settings, you should expand the display of all parameters using the corresponding button. On the General Settings tab, you can enter the computer name and set the resolution to save the current settings. Simply, the brightness of the screen and other characteristics associated with it are adjusted on the corresponding tab. In local processes, the quality of the sound is adjusted, the permission to use the keyboard shortcuts, and the choice of devices that you would like to use when connecting (printers, faxes, etc.). On the program tab, you can select a specific application that will start automatically when you install remote access. In the interaction section, you can set your own connection speed parameters. Finally, in advanced settings, you can set the server authentication parameters.

Now it remains only to save the changes made (the "Save as ..." button on the general settings tab, enter the connection name and confirm the saving in any convenient place.

Changing the speed limit settings

But that is not all. The fact is that built-in RDP clients can significantly limit the speed of access to remote terminals (the update rate limit is set).

You can change the settings in the Registry Editor, which is called by the regedit command in the "Run" menu. Here you need to select the HKCU branch and in the SOFTWARE section find the parameter MinSendInterval. Its default value is set to 120 ms, but it's better to change it and put 5-10 ms.

In passing, you can change the value of the cache volume and the parameters of the "pin-connector", but it's better not to touch them. But for the OrderDrawThreshold key, it's better to set the value at 1 ms.

Do I need to change the port?

Almost all known RDP clients use port 3389 for correct operation. If for some reason it does not work, you must first change the firewall settings and create a new rule for the port and enter the port value for the TCP protocol.

In some cases, it may be necessary to transfer the port on the router, where a new rule is created similarly to the firewall, with the value 3389 being indicated as the port to be flown. For correct setup, it is desirable to read the documentation to the router.

Alternative programs

Not all users agree that "native" RDP clients for Windows are the optimal solution for remote access. Today there are a lot of such programs. For example, a client from Google is considered very convenient.

The only drawback is that for its correct operation it is necessary to have the latest version of the Google Chrome browser installed on your system. But in the settings it is much easier, and the usability looks better than the standard Windows utilities.

The settings are minimal, but the main condition for granting access is to use your own Google services account. For owners of mobile devices with Android OS on board it is generally not a problem. But in the end to manage a computer or laptop you can even from the simplest smartphone.

Among other utilities it is worth noting the following:

• FreeRDP.
• Remmina.
• Rdesktop and others.

Conclusion

What to use, it is difficult to advise, because each program has its pros and cons. However, if you make a comparison, you can conclude: there is nothing easier than to work with your own Windows tools or install Chrome Remote Desktop from Google. But in any case, the preliminary configuration for permitting remote access to a computer or a terminal server at the first stage will have to be done.