For quick and easy access, PC users can easily create a Remote Desktop Connection shortcut. In this post, we will show you how to save (and open) Remote Desktop Connection Settings to RDP File in Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Save (and open) Remote Desktop Connection Settings to RDP File
PC users can run the mstsc.exe command or use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to connect to and control your Windows PC from a remote location on a remote device. With a remote desktop connection, you can use another device to connect to your PC and have access to all of your apps, files, and network resources as if you were physically present at the desk.
As a backup, in Windows 11/10, you can save the settings of a selected Remote Desktop connection to an RDP file. This saved RDP file you can then open on-demand to quickly connect remotely to the computer using the same settings from when the RDP file was saved.
Before you begin:
- You must be signed in as an administrator.
- You must enable Remote Desktop on a PC.
The settings of a Remote Desktop connection being referred to are the collective user configurations made under the Display, Local Resources, Experience and Advanced tabs. Saving the settings of a Remote Desktop connection will not include its credentials.
We’ll discuss the subject matter under the following subheadings as follows:
1] Save Remote Desktop Connection Settings to RDP File
To save Remote Desktop Connection Settings to RDP File in Windows 11/10, do the following:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box type mstsc.exe and hit Enter to open the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client.
- Select the computer you want to save its connection settings.
- Next, click/tap on Show Options in the Remote Desktop Connection client.
- Click/tap on the Save As button in the Connection settings section.
- Browse to a location your local drive where you want to save the RDP file.
- Type a File name you want.
- Click/tap on Save.
2] Open Saved RDP File via Remote Desktop Connection Client
To open Saved RDP File via Remote Desktop Connection Client in Windows 11/10, do the following:
- Open the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client.
- Next, click/tap on Show Options in the Remote Desktop Connection client.
- Click/tap on the Open button in the Connection settings section.
- Browse to the location and select the saved RDP file for the connection you want to open.
- Click/tap on Open.
- Click/tap on Connect.
- If prompted, check or uncheck the Don’t ask me again for connections on this computer box per your requirement.
- Click/tap on Connect.
- If prompted, enter the credentials to connect remotely to the computer.
- Finally, click/tap on OK.
3] Open Saved RDP File via File Explorer
To open the Saved RDP File via File Explorer in Windows 11/10, do the following:
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Browse to the location and click the saved RDP file for the connection you want to open.
- If prompted, check or uncheck the Don’t ask me again for connections on this computer box per your requirement.
- Click/tap on Connect.
- If prompted, enter the credentials to connect remotely to the computer.
- Finally, click/tap on OK.
That’s it
Related post: Remove History entries from Remote Desktop Connection
Where is RDP configuration file?
The default .rdp configuration file is stored for each user as a hidden file in the user’s Documents folder. User-created rdp files are saved by default in the user’s Documents folder but can be saved anywhere.
How do I edit an RDP file?
To edit an RDP file, do the following:
- Start the specific remote app using RDWeb.
- Save the rdp file.
- Open the saved rdp file with Notepad.
- Modify the value of devicestoredirect:s: and drivestoredirect:s: as desired.
- Close and save the file. And use this modified rdp file to start the remote App.
Can I save password in RDP file?
By default, Windows allows users to save their passwords for RDP connections. To do it, a user must enter the name of the RDP computer, and the username and check the box Allow me to save credentials in the RDP client window.
How do I disable credentials from Remote Desktop?
To disable credentials from Remote Desktop in Windows 11/10, do the following: Open Group Policy Editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security. In the right pane, double-click on Always prompt for password upon connection.
