How to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop: Enhancing RDS Infrastructures with RDS Tools

Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) is a vital tool in the MSP and IT world. Efficient remote access to PCs and servers is indeed a must for businesses and organisations everywhere. Interested in how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop? Read on. This article builds on previous knowledge, providing detailed steps for using Microsoft Remote Desktop before highlighting how each of the RDS Tools solutions Advanced Security, Server Monitoring, and Remote Support can enhance your RDS infrastructure.

Why Microsoft Remote Desktop?

What is Microsoft RDS?

Microsoft RDP is there to enable remote access and control of PCs. This means it is essential for managing servers, assisting users and accessing specialised software remotely. It is therefore a key component in ensuring smooth and efficient IT operations.

What is Microsoft RDS?

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a platform that uses RDP to provide users with the ability to access and manage a remote desktop environment. RDS allows multiple users to connect to virtual desktops, session-based desktops and remote applications. It includes a variety of components such as Remote Desktop Gateway, Remote Desktop Connection Broker and Remote Desktop Session Host. Together, these working parts facilitate secure remote connections, load balancing, session management, etc.

What Can I Do With RDS?

RDS enables businesses to offer remote work capabilities by allowing employees to access their desktops and applications from anywhere, facilitating a flexible work environment. It centralises application hosting, meaning that applications are installed and managed on the server, reducing the need for individual installations on each device and ensuring consistency and ease of updates. Additionally, RDS streamlines IT management by consolidating resources, improving security through centralised control. It also simplifies the process of monitoring and maintaining the network infrastructure. This enhances overall productivity and operational efficiency across various business environments.

So, how might you use Microsoft Remote Desktop?

Understanding the capabilities and benefits of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is essential for IT professionals and businesses looking to optimise their remote access infrastructure. With RDS providing a robust framework for remote work and centralised management, and RDP facilitating the necessary direct remote connections, these tools are integral to modern IT environments. Now that we have established what RDS and RDP are and what they enable, you can either find out more about installation and set-up. in our previous article , or dive straight into these practical steps of how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop effectively.

Using Microsoft Remote Desktop

Navigating the Remote Session

Once connected, you can operate the remote PC as if you were physically present. This includes running applications, accessing files, and managing system settings. For IT professionals, this capability is invaluable. A remote session facilitates administrative tasks, allowing you to manage user accounts, configure network settings, and oversee system updates from any location. Additionally, you can perform software installations and updates remotely, ensuring that all systems are up-to-date without needing to be on-site. Troubleshooting becomes more efficient as you directly access the affected machine from anywhere and at any time to diagnose and resolve issues quickly. This Remote Access significantly reduces downtime and improves overall IT management efficiency.

Multi-Monitor Support

For set-ups with multiple monitors, Remote Desktop offers robust support to enhance productivity. Enabling multi-monitor support allows you to extend the remote desktop across multiple screens, just as you would with a local setup. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that require large amounts of available screen space, such as software development, graphic design or financial trading. You can seamlessly drag applications between monitors, view multiple documents or applications side by side, and improve your workflow efficiency.

For multi-monitor set-ups:

· Enable Multi-Monitor Check "Use all my monitors for the remote session" in the Display tab.

· Adjust Settings Configure layout and resolution for optimal performance.

Redirecting Local Resources

Redirecting local resources to the remote session can greatly enhance functionality and ease of use.

1. Printers Print documents from the remote PC using local printers. By configuring the session to use local printers, you can print documents directly from the remote PC to your physical printer without transferring files.

2. Clipboard Copy and paste text and files between local and remote PCs. Clipboard redirection allows for seamless copying and pasting of text and files between the local and remote PCs, facilitating easy data sharing and transfer.

3. Drives Access local drives from the remote session for file transfers. Redirecting local drives provides access to your local file system from the remote session, making it easy to open, edit, and save files directly.

4. Other Resources that can be redirected include local audio, which allows you to hear sounds from the remote PC, and smart cards, for enhanced security in authentication processes.

File Transfers and Synchronization

With Remote Desktop, you can transfer files between your local and remote PCs, making it easier to share documents, updates and other important data. Synchronisation features ensure that your files are consistently updated across both systems, helping maintain data integrity and availability. This is particularly useful for IT professionals managing large amounts of data or multiple projects simultaneously.

Remote Collaboration

Remote Desktop can be used for remote collaboration, allowing multiple users to access the same remote PC for training, support or collaborative projects. This can enhance teamwork and communication, enabling users to work together in real-time on shared applications and documents. IT professionals can provide live support and training, guiding users through complex tasks or troubleshooting issues directly.

Security and Monitoring

Using Remote Desktop in conjunction with tools like RDS-Tools' Advanced Security, you can enhance the security of your remote connections. Monitor user activity, enforce security policies and protect against unauthorized access. These features are crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of your IT infrastructure, especially when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.

Drawing from these Remote Desktop Uses

Understanding the various capabilities of Microsoft Remote Desktop, from navigating sessions to leveraging multi-monitor support and redirecting local resources, is essential for optimising your remote access strategy. These functionalities not only enhance productivity and efficiency but also enable seamless management and collaboration across your IT environment. Now that we have explored what can be achieved with Microsoft Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services, let us now check through a few detailed steps for your daily work: troubleshooting some potential problems encountered along the way and enhancing RDP and RDS with RDS-Tools software. Or, in other words, how to use Microsoft Remote Desktop even more effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Errors

· Verify Settings

PC Status: Ensure the remote PC is on and connected to the network.

Remote Desktop Configuration: Confirm Remote Desktop is enabled and configured correctly.

Network Settings: Check router and firewall settings for Remote Desktop traffic.

· Check Credentials

Correct Credentials: Use the correct username and password for the remote PC.

Check Typing and Case: Consider case sensitivity and domain prefixes.

Performance Issues

· Optimize Connections

Stable Internet: Use wired connections and ensure a high-speed internet connection for smoother usage.

Reduce Resolution: Lower display resolution and colour depth in poor connection settings.

Close Applications: Free up resources by closing unnecessary applications when performing sensitive actions that require a consistent connection.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Event Viewer Access Event Viewer for error logs related to Remote Desktop.

Network Diagnostics Use tools like "tracert" and "pathping" to identify network issues.

Enhancing Remote Desktop with RDS Tools

Advanced Security

RDS Tools Advanced Security enhances RDP by providing robust security features such as:

· IP Filtering Restricts access based on IP addresses.

· Brute Force Attack Protection Detects and blocks repeated failed login attempts.

· Time-Based Access Restrictions : Allows administrators to specify when users can access the remote desktop, reducing the risk of unauthorized access outside of working hours.

· Device-Based Restrictions Limits access to specific devices, ensuring only pre-approved devices can establish remote connections.

These features collectively enhance the security of your remote desktop environment, ensuring safe and reliable remote access.

Server Monitoring

RDS-Tools Server Monitoring provides comprehensive monitoring and analytics for your RDS infrastructure:

· Real-Time Monitoring Track server performance and resource usage.

· Alerts and Notifications Receive instant alerts for potential issues.

· Detailed Reports Generate reports on server health and usage patterns.

· Compatibility RDS-Tools Server Monitoring is compatible with Linux as well as Windows servers. You can monitor your websites too, for broad network-wide overview.

These features ensure that your server environment is consistently monitored, enabling proactive management and maintenance.

Remote Support

RDS Tools Remote Support enhances your remote desktop experience with:

· Remote Screen Sharing and Control Share screens for real-time support and troubleshooting.

· File Transfer Securely transfer files between local and remote PCs.

· Session Recording Record sessions for training and auditing purposes.

· Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Adds an extra layer of security.

· Mac compatible Remote Support is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

These tools facilitate efficient and secure remote support, improving user satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Conclusion on How to Use Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a powerful tool for MSPs and IT agents and professionals from all boards. Offering remote access and management capabilities, Remote Desktop indeed opens a whole range of options to anyone in the IT trade. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively use it. Additionally, by leveraging RDS-Tools solutions to protect, monitor and maintain your infrastructure, you can be sure to provide your teams and customers a Microsoft Remote Desktop setup with top-notch security, monitoring and support capabilities.

Further explore the benefits of RDS-Tools here to optimise your Microsoft Remote Desktop environment today.