Remote Desktop(RDC, Remote Desktop Connection or Microsoft Terminal Services Client) is a useful multichannel protocol that allows the user to connect to the administration remote computer with full screen support.
However, in order for the Desktop Connection remote screen to work effectively on the host Windows premises, users who frequently use Hotkeys,may become confused about the keyboard shortcuts to use when working on desktop of the remote computer, or get incorrect, erroneous, or unexpected behavior using keyboard shortcuts and accelerators.
For example, keyboard shortcut Ctrl-Alt-Del often used to trigger dialogue Windows security, in which users can launch the task manager, change the password, log out, turn off the computer, lock the desktop, enable the user, etc. When pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys on the keyboard, the interrupt sequence will always be captured and processed by the local Windows system, despite the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection window being maximized to fill the entire screen.
Another example is pressing Alt-Tab keys to switch between several open windows and launching tasks or processes. Alt-Tab keyboard shortcut completely works on remote computer, when Remote Desktop Connection, will be opened in full screen mode, but will only be able to switch between windows when the RDC window is restored at the bottom, where the RDC windows are one of the windows in the rotation order.
To get the desired result, use keyboard shortcuts For Remote Desktop Connection, are slightly different when applied to a window remote desktop. Here is a list of commonly used ones hotkeys and key combinations for use in navigation remote connection to the desktop, along with the key actions, the equivalent key combinations on the local computer (in parentheses) are executed.
- CTRL + ALT + END: Opens a dialog box Microsoft Windows NT Security (CTRL + ALT + DEL)
- ALT + PAGE UP: Switch between programs from left to right (CTRL + PAGE UP)
- ALT + PAGE DOWN: Switch between programs from right to left (CTRL + PAGE DOWN)
- ALT+INSERT: Switch between programs in the last used order (ALT + TAB)
- ALT+HOME: Display the Start menu (CTRL + ESC)
- CTRL + ALT + BREAK: Switch the client computer between windowed mode and full screen mode
- ALT+DEL: Opens the Windows menu
- CTRL + ALT + minus sign (-): Captures the entire client window area to the Terminal Server clipboard and provides the same functionality as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on the local computer (ALT+PRT SC)
- CTRL + ALT + Plus sign (+): snapshot active window client to the terminal server clipboard and provides the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on the local computer (PRT SC)
Simply pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del sends a signal to the remote computer, which, of course, is not the one you want. If you have encountered such a problem, then today from the Top10 section you will learn how to solve it. I present 10 handy hotkeys that you can use when working with a remote computer.
10. Ctrl+Alt+(+). The job of capturing screenshots of a remote computer sometimes feels like magic. If you click Print Screen, then you will get a screenshot local computer, not remote. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+ and the (+) symbol allows you to take a screenshot of the entire client window of the remote computer. It's the same as pressing Print Screen on your local computer.
9. Ctrl+Alt+(-). Sometimes you don't need a snapshot of the entire desktop window of the remote computer, but only a snapshot of a specific window. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+ and the (-) symbol allows you to take a screenshot of only the active window during a session with a remote computer. This combination gives the same result as pressing Alt+Print Screen on your local computer.
8. Alt+Home. Pressing Alt+Home calls Start menu on the remote system. This menu opens fast access To various programs installed on the remote system. This combination is similar to pressing Windows keys on your local computer.
7. Alt+Delete. Pressing the Alt+Delete combination during a session with a remote computer opens the Windows menu of the application running on the remote system. Windows menu usually opens under the icon in the top left corner of most Windows applications and allows you to move and resize the application window.
6. Ctrl+Alt+Break. Sometimes you may want the window on the remote system to be opened in full screen, just like on the local computer. To switch a session with a remote computer to full-scale operation mode, you need to press the combination Ctrl+Alt+Break.
5. Ctrl+Alt+Pause. As in the previous paragraph, the Ctrl+Alt+Pause combination switches the session window from windowed mode to full-scale. However, in this case, the remote computer window retains standard size and does not fill the entire local computer screen. Instead, it appears on a black background.
4. Alt+Insert. Sometimes you need to quickly switch between different programs, which you have running. Pressing Alt+Insert allows you to cycle through programs on the remote system in the order in which they were launched. This process is similar to the process launched by Alt+Tab on the local computer.
3. Alt+Page Down. Another way to cycle through windows is with running programs when working with a remote system, the Alt+Page Down combination provides. Pressing this combination allows you to switch programs during a session with a remote system, moving from right to left in the switch Windows tasks. This is the same as pressing Alt+Shift+Tab on your local computer.
2. Alt+Page Up. Pressing Alt+Page Up allows you to switch programs during a session, moving from left to right in the Windows task switcher. It's the same as pressing Alt+Tab on your standard computer.
1. Ctrl+Alt+End. One of the most difficult things about working with a remote computer is transmitting the Ctrl+Alt+Del combination to the remote system. Press Ctrl+Alt+End if you need to send a Ctrl+Alt+Del command to the remote system. Pressing this key opens the Microsoft Windows Security dialog box, which allows you to lock your computer, log off, change your password, and launch Task Manager.
Michael Auty - Windows IT Pro CTO and SQL Server Magazine, author Microsoft SQL Server 2008 New Features (Osborne/McGraw-Hill).
Today we will tell you how to make your work at the computer more convenient and efficient. If you already have, or have updated, then you have the ability to create virtual desktops.
This is a great opportunity to conveniently perform different tasks on one computer.
Desktops in Windows 10
One of the major innovations that Windows 10 has pleased most users with is virtual desktops. Previously, this function was present only in operating systems created on Linux based, as well as on Mac OS. Those who actively used the function of switching between virtual workspaces, but could not afford to constantly work, for example, in Linux, can now safely switch to Windows 10, while continuing to use this convenient function.
Why is it so useful? Workspace optimization. On one virtual desktop you can run, say, video rendering, file conversion or anti-virus scanning, and then switch to another workspace and continue doing your own thing.
How to switch between desktops?
For this function separate button not provided - to go to creating and editing desktops, you need to click on the “Task View” icon or Task View next to the Microsoft logo and the search icon. Clicking on it leads to the display of all running programs on the screen. this moment applications, and also opens up the ability to create new virtual desktops - just click on the “Create desktop” button, which is located in the lower right corner.
To switch to the desired desktop, simply click on it. In addition, there are a number of hotkeys that will make switching between workspaces easier:
- You can get to the “Task View” without unnecessary movements - just press Win + Tab.
- You can also create new desktops using a simplified scheme - by pressing Win + Ctrl + D, you will instantly create a new workspace.
- Using Task View to switch to the desired virtual desktop every time is quite inconvenient - that’s why the developers have added the ability to quickly switch using the combination Win + Ctrl + left or right arrow.
- In addition, there are situations in which there are too many desktops, and you absolutely don’t want to delete them using the mouse - in this case, the combination Win + Ctrl + F4 will help, which deletes the active desktop. Please note that it is the workspace you are currently on that is deleted. Accordingly, after deleting the active desktop, you will be taken to the next one in order.
Windows 10 also provides the ability to move active applications to other virtual desktops - just click right click mouse on the desired program, select in context menu“Move to” item and decide on the desktop. To enlarge a screenshot, click on it.
When you delete a virtual desktop, all programs that were currently running on it will be automatically moved to the adjacent desktop.
The settings for this feature can be found in Settings, in the System section, on the Multitasking tab.
There are few settings there. You can customize the display of windows and set the action to the ALT+TAB key combination.
Flaws
Despite the fact that Microsoft has taken a thorough approach to introducing the function of switching between desktops, there are some shortcomings in it:
- You cannot swap desktops on the selection screen (although this is not a drawback for many).
- You cannot change the name of the created desktop - you will have to get used to the serial numbers and remember where and what program is running.
- Owners of two or more monitors will not be able to create different workspaces in order to simultaneously see different virtual desktops on the monitors.
Is there a way, using the keyboard, to switch from the maximum (full screen) remote desktop connection to the host computer?
I have about 4 remote desktop connections that I switch between and it would be nice if I didn't switch to the mouse every time.
I know that I can press Ctrl + Alt + Break and it normalizes the remote desktop screen. It's close, but I'd like to just minimize it (so I don't have to normalize->switch->maximize every time I want to switch screens)
Ctrl + Alt + Home will bring focus to your local machine (at least in Win 8). Ctrl + Alt + Home and then Win will open a menu on your local computer.
Using virtual machine I often open multiple RDP sessions and toggle Ctrl + Alt + Home, then Win + T, then arrow keys to select the RDP session I want to be in.
This bugged me for a long time.
Initial attempts to resolve the issue using AutoHotkey failed because Remote client Desktop installs a keyboard hook and swallows all input.
Finally I discovered that the Caps Lock key is being transmitted to the local system.
So this AutoHotkey script will do the trick of making Ctrl + Shift + CapsLock minimize the remote desktop:
#IfWinActive ahk_class TscShellContainerClass ^+CapsLock:: ; Need a short sleep here for focus to restore properly. Sleep 50 WinMinimize return #IfWinActive
Corrected version that works for me:
#IfWinActive ahk_class TSSHELLWND ^Capslock:: ; Ctrl+Caps Lock (couldn't make Ctrl+Shift+Caps Lock work for some reason ; Need a short sleep here for focus to restore properly. Sleep 50 WinMinimize A ; need A to specify Active window ;MsgBox, Received Remote Desktop minimize hotkey ; uncomment for debugging return #IfWinActive
Alt+Tab
You can use this common handy keyboard shortcut to exit the full-screen remote desktop, but it requires a slightly different setup before connecting. Instead of minimizing the remote system I just switch to another local program and leave the remote system in background with the following:
- Before connecting to remote computer with a remote desktop connection, in the Local Resources tab, I set "Keyboard" to "On this PC". This allows you to use Alt+Tab to take you back to any other program on the local system.
- When I want to switch between programs on the remote system, I use Alt + Page Up, which works the same as Alt + Tab, but only on the remote system.
Alternatively, you can use Alt + Page Down (or Alt + Shift + Page Up) to cycle through active programs on the remote system in reverse order.
One thing Luke mentioned is worth mentioning: with this setup, all keyboard shortcuts using Windows key sent to the local system. An example would be Windows Key + E to open Windows Explorer which will take you to local file system, and not to the remote one.
It took quite a while to get used to, but this setup worked well for me without the need for additional software or more than one label.
For me on Windows 7 64 bit to work with #IfWinActive ahk_class TSSHELLWND I had to change the 1st line from #IfWinActive ahk_class TSSHELLWND to "IfWinActive ahk_class TscShellContainerClass so now the complete script looks like this:
#IfWinActive ahk_class TscShellContainerClass ^Capslock:: ; Ctrl+Caps Lock (couldn't make Ctrl+Shift+Caps Lock work for some reason ; Need a short sleep here for focus to restore properly. Sleep 50 WinMinimize A ; need A to specify Active window ;MsgBox, Received Remote Desktop minimize hotkey ; uncomment for debugging return #IfWinActive
Not exactly what you asked, but might be quite useful:
CTRL + ALT + ← – switches you to the main computer
CTRL + ALT + → – switches you back to the remote computer
Source
Bring up the host task manager, then switch the task:
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Windows Security)
- T (task manager)
- Alt + Tab (task switcher on host computer)
I have found that you need two combinations of shortcuts. It works on Windows 7.
- CTRL + ALT + BREAK minimizes the maximum window to the host computer.
- Win + M Minimize remote desktop window
Or in the first step you can change the window using ALT + TAB.
I'm doing the same thing. The best decision The one I found in XP was a virtual dimension with virtual desktops always on top. I can then switch between 4 remote desktops in full screen mode with one click. However, virtual size does not work quite correctly in Windows 7 (at least in 64 bit). It seems to work, but it loses the "always on top" although the checkbox remains, the virtual desktop doesn't work. This is so close to what we both want, but so far.
CTRL + ALT + Home allows you to focus on the Remote Desktop Connection panel. The connection panel includes a minimize button.
On Windows 7, if I disable the "Show connection bar when I'm using full screen" option when connecting, then the keys to minimize the RPD session are CTRL + ALT + Home Spacebar.
If the Connection Bar is set to (which is the default), this requires clicking Insert several times to minimize the RDP session: CTRL + ALT + Home Tab Spacebar.
I found this workaround using the mutli-desktop manager:
- Dexpot installation
- Tune hotkey"Next desktop" on ALT + ScrollLock
- Configuring Remote Desktop to Capture All Keys in Full Screen Mode
You can then switch between full-screen desktops using ALT + ScrollLock.
I set the number of desktops to 2 since I only have one remote desktop.
Additionally, I installed Clavier, which allows me to use ScrollLock to switch between desktops. (Clavier config: Add-> Write Text... -> Shortcut: ScrollLock -> OK -> Write-Text: )
Alt + Caps Lock without Caps Lock annoying state changes ( It's good if you don't have Scroll Lock)
It's annoying to set up at first, but most comfortable in the long run. I like to switch quickly with just my left hand
Dexpot 1. Set the following desktop to Alt + Scroll Lock (if you don't have scroll lock, use on-screen keyboard Windows to press "ScrLk"). 2. Set the previous desktop to Alt + Scroll Lock. 3. Establish an overview of the screens. Ctrl + Scroll Lock
Now use Autohotkey to redirect (this way Caps Lock won't be able to change its state):
GetKeyState, state, Capslock ; ; Alt + Caps Lock becomes Alt + Scroll Lock !Capslock:: send !(ScrollLock) return ; Alt + Shift + Caps Lock becomes Alt + Shift + Scroll Lock !+Capslock:: send !+(ScrollLock) return ; Ctrl + Caps Lock becomes Ctrl + Scroll Lock ^Capslock:: send ^(ScrollLock) return
Ready. You can now use Alt + Caps Lock to switch between screens without changing Caps Lock states. Also, if you only need two screens, you can set dexpot to use only two desktops, which will make the Alt+caps lock lock for the remote desktop.
Ctrl + Alt + Home worked for me. I'm using a Windows 10 host with teamviewer for Windows 8 running a terminal server. I was able to connect the terminal connection panel.
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