Three Easy Methods to Ctrl + Alt + Delete in Remote Desktop

How do I Ctrl + Alt + Delete in Remote Desktop?

I want to change the admin password on a remote PC over Remote Desktop (RDP). I normally do this by pressing Ctrl + ALT + Delete and selecting the change password option. But Remote Desktop Ctrl + ALT + Delete isn't working? What should I do?

- Question from T. Marshall

How to send Ctrl + Alt + Delete in remote desktop session

The Ctrl + Alt + Delete combination can invoke a window where you can access Task Manager, Sign Out, Lock, and Change Password. However, the Ctrl+Alt+Delete key combination on the keyboard won’t work in Remote Desktop session as it is captured by your local computer. To send Ctrl + Alt + Delete in RDP, check out the following content.

Method 1. Use Ctrl + Alt + End combination

You can use Ctrl + Alt + End to display the window on the remote computer to replace Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Step 1. Press the Windows key and R to open run box. Type “mstsc” and press Enter.

Step 2. Type the IP address of the computer you want to control and enter the credentials of the account that you want to log in to the host computer.

Step 3. After the connection is successfully established, you can press Ctrl+ Alt + End. It contributes to the same result on the host computer when you press Ctrl+ Alt +Delete on a computer that is not connected to another computer.

Note: If you have trouble finding the End key, it is normally on the right side of the Enter key and next to the Del key.

Method 2. Use on-screen keyboard to input Del

Opening an on-screen keyboard to click is another good way when the physical keyboard Ctrl+ Alt + Del isn't working.

Step 1. Press Windows key and R to open the Run box, type “osk” in the entry bar, and press Enter.

Step 2. After you press Enter, an on-screen keyboard will appear. Press Ctrl and Alt on your physical keyboard and click Del with your mouse on the on-screen keyboard.

Method 3. Remote desktop utility with Ctrl + Alt + Delete shortcut

Here introduce you to secure remote access software for Windows, AnyViewer. When you connected to the remote PC from the local PC using AnyViewer, you can various useful shortcuts, including Ctrl+ Alt + Del, Lock, Task Manager, Logout, Restart, shut down, and so on. That is to say, you just need to click the option to achieve the operation. And you are also to transfer files and chat with the people on the other end during the remote session.

The tool is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2. Thus you can still use it even after you downgrade the OS or upgrade your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11. And the remote session is secured by Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) encryption, keeping your computer away from data leakage and security problem. Please feel free to download it and see how to Ctrl + Alt + Del on remote desktop.

Step 1. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and then sign in to this account on the two computers. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically.

Tip: If you don't want to sign into the same account on the devices, you can send a request to control the remote computer.

Step 2. On the client computer, go to "Device", click the PC that you need to control, and click "One-click control" to achieve a remote connection with one click.

✍ Important note: It's highly advised to upgrade to a Professional or Enterprise plan. After upgrade, you can access remote computer in privacy mode and enjoy other privileges, including high-quality image, assigning more devices for one-click secure unattended access, etc.

Step 3. After the connection is successfully established, you can see a toolbar on the top of the window. Click "Operation", and then choose "Ctrl+Alt+Delete".

Then, you'll be on the window where you can access Task Manager, Change a password, and so on.

Wrap things up

When you fail to send Ctrl + Alt + Delete command in an RDP session, you can use End to replace Del key, use Del key on the on-screen keyboard or use AnyViewer to remotely access another computer and Ctrl + Alt + Delete to remote desktop with one-click.