This guide shows you how to resolve the the “Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services” Add User greyed out issue by changing group policies. It also recommends AnyViewer for easier and secure remote access.
When I try to use Remote Desktop to access our AD server with admin credentials, I get an error saying I need permission to sign in through Remote Desktop Services. In the Local Group Policy Editor, I am unable to add Remote Desktop users/group in remote settings because the button is greyed out. Can you help me fix this?”
- Question from Microsoft Community
When you're setting up remote desktop access, the process is usually smooth sailing—until you hit a snag. One common problem many users face is the Add User option in Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services being greyed out. This can prevent you from adding users to remote desktop services or granting them access to your system. Don't worry! This article will delve into the causes and solutions to this frustrating issue, guiding you through fixing it step by step.
If the "Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services" Add User greyed out, you'll need to add the policy to the Group Policy Object (GPO). Follow these steps:
Step 1. Press "Windows + R", type "rsop.msc", and hit Enter to open the Resultant Set of Policy.
Step 2. Navigate to "Administrator on (Your domain)" > "Computer Configuration" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Local Policies" > "User Rights Assignment". Double-click on "Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services".
Step 3. In the "Precedence" tab, check the policy name. Often, this will be the "Default Domain Controller Policy".
Step 4. Once you've identified the policy, go to "Group Policy Management" to edit the policy in "Group Policy Objects".
Step 5. Open "Administrative Tools" > "Group Policy Management" > "Forest: (Your domain)" > "Domains" > "(Your domain)" > "Group Policy Objects". Right-click on "Default Domain Controller Policy" (or the policy found in the Precedence tab) and select "Edit...".
Step 6. In the "Group Policy Management Editor", go to "Default Domain Controller Policy" > "Computer Configuration" > "Policies" > "Windows Settings" > "Security Settings" > "Local Policies" > "User Rights Assignment". Double-click "Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services", then click "Add User or Group...". Add the user or group you want to permit, such as "Administrator".
Step 7. After making the changes, open "Command Prompt" and run "gpupdate /force".
This will help resolve the issue of cannot add Remote Desktop users group in remote settings.
If you continue to face issues with Remote Desktop, consider third-party remote desktop software alternatives for smoother, more reliable access. Tools like AnyViewer offer similar features to Windows Remote Desktop but often with fewer configuration hurdles. These tools often come with cross-platform support, better ease of use, and built-in security features, making them a solid choice.
If you're facing frequent challenges with the native Remote Desktop Service, switching to AnyViewer might provide a better experience. It offers remote desktop control with advanced security features, including two-factor authentication and high-speed connections, making it a reliable solution.
Key features:
Here’s how to use AnyViewer for remote control of a Windows from another:
Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both computers.
Step 2. Sign in or create a new account and use the same account to log in on both computers.
Step 3. Open the "Device" tab on your local computer, where your remote Windows PC will appear. Click on it and select "One-click control" to start remote control.
The “Allow logon through Remote Desktop Services” Add User greyed out can be a frustrating barrier to adding users to your system, but it's usually caused by misconfigurations in group policies. By following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain control over who can log into your system remotely. If you're still facing trouble, don't hesitate to explore third-party solutions like AnyViewer for a smoother remote desktop experience.
