How to Change RDP Password: Secure Techniques for IT Admins and Power Users

1. Quick Recap or Refresher

Before diving in, here is a brief list of standard methods for reference. For a description of these basics, you can read our How to Change Password on Remote Desktop article or skip to the end of this article.

Ctrl + Alt + End:

Opens the Windows Security screen to change password (not supported in RemoteApp or HTML5 clients).

On-Screen Keyboard (OSK):

Useful when the End key is unavailable.

Shell command:

explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f2-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}

2. Advanced GUI and Command-Line Techniques

Power users often require fast, scriptable or GUI-driven alternatives to standard keyboard combos. Here are several advanced options:

A. Command Line:

net user username newpassword

This resets the password for a local account. Requires admin rights .

B. PowerShell:

Set-LocalUser -Name "username" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "NewPassword123!" -AsPlainText -Force)

C. Computer Management:

• Run compmgmt.msc
• Navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users
• Right-click the user > Set Password

3. Automating Password Changes with Scripts

Admins or advanced users may invoke the password change screen with scripting or command-line tools. Scripting tools can also be leveraged to build password management into automation routines. For instance:

VBS Example:

Set objShell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")

objShell.WindowsSecurity

PowerShell (Interactive Prompt):

(New-Object -COM Shell.Application).WindowsSecurity()

Shell Shortcut:

C:\Windows\explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f2-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}

When to Use:

Automation, embedded scripts in support tools, or triggering through RDS-Tools integrations.

Secure Automation Tip

Avoid storing cleartext passwords in scripts. Instead, use Get-Credential or secure vault integrations.

4. Domain Environment Considerations - ADUC and GPOs

For IT administrators, resetting a user password can be done from Local Users and Groups (compmgmt.msc) or Active Directory Users and Computers (AD UC). Active Directory-based networks, password management changes significantly:

Set-AD AccountPassword Domain Controller:

Set-ADAccountPassword -Identity "jdoe" -NewPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString "Str0ngP@ss!" -AsPlainText -Force) -Reset

Group Policy Objects (GPOs):

• Enforce password complexity
• Set maximum password age
• Enable interactive password change prompts

NLA & Expired Passwords

Ensure AllowPasswordReset policy is enabled so users can change expired passwords before logging in via RDP.

When to Use:

Expired or locked accounts, security policy enforcement.

5. Secure Credential Management and Best Practice

For RDP Password Management to foster security, you need to prioritise security when handling both automated and remote password changes:

• Always use strong, unique passwords.
• Use secure vaults, scripting methods, servers: Windows Credential Manager , Azure Key Vault or RDS Tools Advanced Security .
• Ensure RDP sessions use encrypted channels (TLS/SSL) and encrypt all credentials.
• Avoid task schedulers with cleartext credentials
• Regularly audit script usage and password-change logs within RDS-Tools Advanced Security and any other set.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Password changes over RDP can be blocked or disrupted due to session types, group policies, or environmental misconfigurations. Here are common issues and how RDS-Tools solutions help resolve them:

Issue: Access Denied when changing password

• Fix: Ensure the user has the necessary privileges and permissions and the account is not locked out If using Advanced Security verify security policies or access restrictions have not been triggered. Brute-force protection or IP filtering may block the attempt.

Issue: Password change fails via browser-based connections

• Fix: Not all browser-based sessions support Ctrl + Alt + End. With Advanced Security you may need to implement AllowPasswordReset or contact the RDS Tools support team regarding workarounds if you have not found your solution here or in our documentation. Use Remote Support to assist the user interactively.

Issue: Session still uses old credentials (cache issue)

• Fix: In domain environments, cached credentials can cause sync issues. Clear cached credentials on client machine. Where pertinent, use Server Monitoring to verify session behaviour and login timing across machines. Alert policies can be set to flag login discrepancies.

7. RDS-Tools Integration Tips for Heightened Security

RDS-Tools provides robust ways to detect, support and enforce RDP password changes as part of a secure and managed environment.

Remote Support: Live Assistance for Password Issues

• Allow support agents to securely initiate password resets or guide users through the change process during live remote sessions.
• Especially useful when users are locked out due to an expired password or are unfamiliar with the RDP environment.
• The session chat and file transfer features can assist in distributing secure password policies or automation scripts.

Server Monitoring: Detect, Alert, and Audit Password Events

• Use custom alert rules to notify administrators when passwords are approaching expiration based on user behaviour or log activity.
• Track login failures that may indicate a forgotten or incorrect password.
• Monitor changes in session states that suggest credentials are no longer valid, enabling proactive intervention.

Advanced Security: Enforce Policy, Prevent Threats

• Password Expiration & Complexity Enforcement Configure and enforce password expiration periods, length requirements, and character rules to strengthen credential hygiene.
• Real-Time Brute Force Protection Lock down accounts or trigger password reset enforcement after repeated failed attempts.
• Security Event Logging : Record all password change events and login failures for auditing and compliance, visible through the Advanced Security dashboard.

8. Troubleshooting with RDS-Tools

1. Remote Support Tips: Assist End Users in Real Time

• Use live remote sessions to guide users through the password change process, especially helpful when the standard shortcut (Ctrl+Alt+End) fails or is unavailable.
• Leverage the remote keyboard , chat and file transfer features to share secure scripts or instructions for changing passwords manually or via PowerShell.
• If the user is locked out due to an expired password, agents can either guide them through local password-reset procedures or escalate to applying steps themselves.

2. Server Monitoring Tips Stay Ahead of Expiration Issues

• Configure custom alerts to monitor for accounts nearing password expiration or showing repeated login failures, which may indicate credential issues.
• Use logs to identify machines or user accounts affected by outdated credentials.
• Notify admins proactively, allowing time to coordinate a password reset or user guidance.

3. Advanced Security Tips Enforce Policies and Protect Access

• Apply password expiration and complexity policies consistently across your RDP environment.
• Log all authentication events , including password changes and failures, within the Advanced Security dashboard for compliance and forensics.
• Block brute-force and dictionary attacks in real time by detecting repeated failed logins and automatically enforcing password resets or account lockdowns based on risk thresholds.

Summary and Next Steps

RDP password management is more than just about remembering to update credentials. It also belongs in a broader security strategy which includes automation, policy enforcement and secure user interactions.

Notes to Remember:

• Review your current GPO and credential storage policies.
• Use scripts only with secure credential handling.
• Explore TSplus tools to simplify and secure the process across environments.

If our other article failed to pique your fancy but you still want the information, below is a little extra about RDP Password Change: simply read through the quick basics below.

Basic RDP Password Change Methods in Short

Method 1: Use Ctrl + Alt + End (Classic Approach)

For full desktop RDP sessions, pressing Ctrl + Alt + End brings up the Windows Security screen. From there, select Change a password and follow the on-screen prompts.

Note:

This method does not work via web-based access portals.

When to Use:

Standard user-driven password updates.

Method 2: On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) Alternative

For devices without an End key or where keyboard shortcuts don’t translate well (e.g., Mac keyboards), launch the On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Press Win + R , type osk, and hit Enter.
2. Hold Ctrl + Alt on your physical keyboard.
3. Click Del on the OSK.

The Windows Security screen appears, allowing a password change.

When to Use:

Keyboard layout conflicts or client device limitations.

Conclusion – How to Change RDP Password to Maintain Security

Changing RDP passwords is a foundational but often overlooked task in security hygiene. With the flexible methods shown above, ranging from keyboard shortcuts to admin tools and automation and the added strength of the RDS-Tools suite you can maintain security without sacrificing usability.

Need help going beyond implementing secure password policies or automating resets? Explore what RDS-Tools can do for your organization today.