How-To: RDP Connect to Console Windows 10
Do you need to enable RDP connect to console Windows 10? How can you do it? Is this still considered useful now? This post primarily uncovers the answers. Please read it carefully.
By Ellie / Updated on February 1, 2023
How do I RDP connect to console on Windows 10?
I've been attempting to remote desktop into a headless PC running Windows 10 from a Windows 10 client. I have been unable to access the RDP console session. The remote account I'm using is an administrator account. I've also tried local and Microsoft accounts with no success. How do I RDP into a Windows 10 console?”
- Question from StackExchange
When utilizing Terminal Services, you can connect to the console session (session 0) using the "/console" switch. This, however, only applies to Windows Server 2003. To connect to session 0, the Remote Desktop Client (RDC) 6.1 no longer needs the "/console" switch. This functionality has been deleted because it is no longer deemed useful.
Why the "/console" switch is no longer needed except in Windows 2003? In Windows 2003, some applications are installed and run only in session 0 for they have to communicate with services that run in session 0. In other Windows versions, for example, Windows Server 2008, improved application compatibility guarantees that legacy applications that have to communicate with services in session 0 will be installed and run in sessions other than session 0. Therefore, there is no need for you to explicitly connect to console session RDP on Windows 10.
How to use the /console switch to connect to console session on Windows Server 2003
Still, let’s see how to use the /console switch to connect to console session on Windows Server 2003.
Step 1. Click Start > Run.
Step 2. Type in "cmd".
Step 3. At the command prompt type in the following command. This will log you on to the Terminal Server Console.
mstsc /v: remote computer name /console
Note: Where mstsc is the Remote Desktop connection executable file, -v indicates a server to connect to, and -console is the instruction to connect to the console session.
RDP alternative: Free, easy & secure remote desktop software AnyViewer
Before the end, we would like to recommend a free, easy, and secure remote desktop software for Windows AnyViewer. AnyViewer is regarded as the best RDP alternative for the following three reasons:
- AnyViewer is simpler to use. AnyViewer does not require an IP address or a computer name to establish remote connections, but Remote Desktop does.
- AnyViewer has fewer constraints. Remote Desktop needs both machines to be on the same network, unless you use a VPN, whereas AnyViewer can be used over the internet.
- AnyViewer works well with more versions of Windows. Remote Desktop does not support connecting to PCs running Windows Home and Standard editions, while AnyViewer does.
Step 1. On both computers, download, install, and launch AnyViewer. Go to Log in on the Controller computer, and then click Sign up (if you have already signed up on its official website, you can log in directly).
Step 2. Fill out the signup form.
Step 3. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.
Step 4. Sign in with the same AnyViewer account on both computers, then click the One-click control for unattended remote access.
Step 5. The remote desktop will appear once the connection is established. After that, you have complete control over it.
- Notes:✎...
- It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:
- More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote support.
- Connect in privacy mode to protect your privacy. This means the Controller can black out the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard and mouse click.
- File transfer speed will be increased. Transfer speed is 500 KB/s for a free account and up to 10 MB/s for a paid account.
Closing words
After reading this post, you should know that it is not necessary to RDP connect to console on Windows 10. If you want an RDP alternative, we highly recommend AnyViewer, which is easier to use and more compatible with different Windows versions.
