Remote Desktop Connection Tips

OK, so I’m probably the last person on the planet to learn of this feature, but on the left side of Remote Desktop Connection (MSTSC.exe) there’s a drop-down that exposes features for Windows 8, 8.1, Server 2012 and Server 2012 R2.

Drop-down for Windows 8 in latest RDP client

This is helpful when you’re on a Win8.x or 2012/R2 machine, RDPed into another machine and you’re not sure if (when you mouse up to the top-right or bottom-right) if you’re popping up the charms menu for your machine or the remote machine.

Also, speaking of Remote Desktop, there are 2 pieces to the puzzle:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – server
  • Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) – client

Below are the current versions and key features.

RDP 8.0 update (10/23/2012)
Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2592687 

  • RemoteFX for WAN
  • RemoteFX Network Auto Detect
  • RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics
  • RemoteFX Media Streaming
  • RemoteFX USB Redirection for non-RemoteFX vGPU virtual desktops
  • Support for nested sessions
  • Performance counters for monitoring user experience

RDC 8.1 update (2/10/2014)
Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2
http://support.microsoft.com/KB/2830477

  • Full support of transparent windows
  • Moves and resizes of RemoteApp windows
  • Thumbnails, aero peek, and live taskbar
  • Dynamic monitor and resolution changes
  • Support for session shadowing
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