Switch between RDP sessions as fast as possible

Question

Is there a way to change rdp sessions faster then clicking on minimize, then on the RDP symbl in the taskbar and at the end clicking on the desired connection? Win + Tab does not work when I am in a RDP since it performs the shortcut on the remote pc and not on mine.

Answer 1

I like MS's Remote Desktop Connection Manager, especially if you are dealing with a large number of remote desktops. Everything can be done with a mouse, no keyboard shortcuts needed. You can create groups and subgroups to help manage large numbers of servers as well. There are other 3rd party programs that do the same thing as well.

Answer 2

Remote desktop client is equipped with alternate keyboard shortcuts to supply common keyboard shortcuts inside your RDP session so you can keep original shortcuts for actions on your desktop. This way, you can still use Alt+Tab to rapidly switch between RDP sessions.

1. When your RDP session is maximized, press restore button on its blue connection bar (or Ctrl+Alt+Break), so it will leave maximized mode.

2. Resize the RDP window to maximum size so it fills nearly entire screen. But some areas of your remote desktop will be off-screen so client window becomes scrollable. If you want to avoid the need of scrolling, you have two options, depending on your usage preference:

   • Keeping the same scale of content: lower the resolution of the RDP session screen. (I typically prefer this one.)
   • Keeping the same screen resolution: scale down the remote screen. Right-click title bar of RDP session window when sized as "restored" and in menu, check menu item
     ☑ Smart Sizing.

3. Press

   • Alt+Tab to switch between RDP sessions. This is what you asked.
   • Alt+PgUp or Alt+PgDn to switch between the tasks in RDP session.
   • Alt+Home to open Start menu in RDP session.
   • Ctrl+Alt+End to press Ctrl+Alt+Del in RDP session

Given how much attention paid Remote Desktop Client developers to create alternate keyboard shortcuts, I would say this is the designed way of using multiple RDP sessions with ease.

▶ Source: MSDN article Remote Desktop Services Shortcut Keys

• it also lists additional keyboard shortcuts
• that list from authoritative source is most likely complete so do not expect any other keyboard shortcuts doing some magic

Tip: if you find yourself longer working inside one remote session window, press Ctrl+Alt+Break to bring it full screen and use all standard keyboard shortcuts. Press it again to return it to standard restored size and return all standard keyboard shortcuts back to your Windows. All can be done without grabbing the mouse and clicking icons.