How to save Microsoft account password in Windows 8 Remote Desktop?

Question

With two Windows 8 PCs not on a domain, with a common Microsoft account present on each, it is easy to Remote Desktop between the two. The correct username is filled in for you; only the Microsoft account password is needed, which you can save.

The problem is that even if you save the password, it doesn't get used on later connections. A "Windows Security" dialog box appears, prompting "The credentials that were used to connect to Computer did not work. Please enter new credentials." At the bottom of the dialog is the error "The logon attempt failed".

The workaround is to reenter the password, but what is the solution to avoid the need to do so?

Answer 1

Make sure a HomeGroup isn't causing Windows credentials to be saved with Enterprise persistence.

Specifically, these steps resolved the problem:

1. On each computer, leave the HomeGroup if on one.

2. From the client computer, search Settings for "Manage Windows Credentials", and delete all credentials related to the other computer. (In particular, you may notice a credential TERMSRV/ComputerName that has Persistence set to enterprise.)

Answer 2

I'm not 100% sure about this solution since it was in Windows 7 but trying won't hurt.

The Local Group Policy Editor dialog box displays. In the tree in the left pane, navigate to the following item:

User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Remote Desktop Services

Select the Remote Desktop Connection Client item under Remote Desktop Services. In the Setting list on the right, double-click on the Do not allow passwords to be saved setting.

On the dialog box that displays, select the Disabled radio button.

Click OK to close the dialog box for the Do not allow passwords to be saved setting.

To close the Local Group Policy Editor dialog box, select Exit from the File menu.

Credits: HelpDeskGeek