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

1. Quick Recap or Refresher - Beginner Basics

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 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

Power users can leverage scripting tools to build password management into automation routines:

VBS Example:

Set objShell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")

objShell.WindowsSecurity

PowerShell (Interactive Prompt):

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

Secure Automation Tip

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

4. Domain Environment Considerations

In Active Directory-based networks, password management changes significantly:

Set-ADAccountPassword (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.

Method 3: Scripted and Shell-Based Commands

Admins or advanced users may invoke the password change screen with scripting or command-line tools. For instance:

PowerShell:

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

VBScript:

Set objShell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")

objShell.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.

Method 4: Admin Reset via Computer Management or ADUC For IT administrators, resetting a user password can be done from:

• Local Users and Groups (compmgmt.msc)
• Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)

Be sure to check the box: "User must change password at next logon" if applicable.

When to Use: Expired or locked accounts, security policy enforcement.

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5. Secure Credential Management and Best Practice

For RDP Password Management to foster security, you need to prioritize security when handling both automated or 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 Issue

Issue: "Access Denied" when changing password

• Ensure session is elevated, user has permission and account is not locked out.

Issue: Can’t change password via HTML5 RDP

• Enable AllowPasswordReset, use TSPassChg3 or contact support.

Issue: Session still uses old credentials

• Clear cached credentials on client machine.

7. RDS-Tools Security Integration Tips

Remote Support:

• Push PowerShell/VBS password change prompts during live support sessions.
• Great for helping end users whose passwords have expired mid-session.

Server Monitoring:

• Set alerts for soon-to-expire passwords.
• Trigger password change reminders or dialogs automatically.

Advanced Security:

• Enforce password expiration and complexity via policies.
• Monitor and log password-change events.
• Block accounts showing brute-force attempts and enforce password resets.

8. Troubleshooting with RDS-Tools

1. Remote Support Tips:

• Support agents can trigger a password change dialog during live sessions using built-in tools or via pre-configured scripts.

2. Server MonitoringTips:

• Alert when user passwords are near expiration.
• Automatically open PowerShell or notify admins to reset credentials.

3. Advanced SecurityTips:

• Enforce password complexity rules and expiration via policies.
• Log all password changes and failed attempts to the security dashboard.
• Prevent brute-force or dictionary attacks with real-time blocking.

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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, this guide has 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 (not RemoteApp), 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.