Windows 10 Mstsc Console
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Applies to: Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel), Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012
Creates connections to Remote Desktop Session Host servers or other remote computers, edits an existing Remote Desktop Connection (.rdp) configuration file, and migrates legacy connection files that were created with Client Connection Manager to new .rdp connection files.
Syntax
Parameters
MSTSC is the command that you need to use to open Windows Remote Desktop in the command prompt. You can type MSTSC directly in to the search box on Windows 10 (or click on Start Run in earlier Windows versions). You can also use the MSTSC command directly from the command line as well. There are a few different switches which you can use.
- You can find the shortcut to open a new Remote Desktop session in the Start menu. It is under Windows Accessories Remote Desktop Connection. See the following screenshot: Alternatively, you can launch the Remote Desktop connection app from the Run dialog (press Win + R keys together) by typing mstsc.exe in the Run box.
- Mstsc /console /V:address This will start a Remote Desktop Protocol connection to the console session of the remote machine. The “address” field should be replaced with the address of the remote machine. The program launched is also known as Microsoft Terminal Server Connection.
- One of my students recently asked how to configure his system for occasional access to view Event Viewer on a remote system. While you can take the time to enable and configure either Remote Desktop or an Event Collection Subscription both of these.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
<connectionfile> | Specifies the name of an .rdp file for the connection. |
/v:<server>[:<port>] | Specifies the remote computer and, optionally, the port number to which you want to connect. |
| /admin | Connects you to a session for administering the server. |
| /f | Starts Remote Desktop Connection in full-screen mode. |
/w:<width> | Specifies the width of the Remote Desktop window. |
/h:<height> | Specifies the height of the Remote Desktop window. |
| /public | Runs Remote Desktop in public mode. In public mode, passwords and bitmaps aren't cached. |
| /span | Matches the Remote Desktop width and height with the local virtual desktop, spanning across multiple monitors if necessary. |
/edit <connectionfile> | Opens the specified .rdp file for editing. |
| /migrate | Migrates legacy connection files that were created with Client Connection Manager to new .rdp connection files. |
| /? | Displays help at the command prompt. |
Remarks
Default.rdp is stored for each user as a hidden file in the user's Documents folder.
User created .rdp files are saved by default in the user's Documents folder, but can be saved anywhere.
To span across monitors, the monitors must use the same resolution and must be aligned horizontally (that is, side-by-side). There is currently no support for spanning multiple monitors vertically on the client system.
Examples
To connect to a session in full-screen mode, type:
or
To assign width/height, type:
To open a file called filename.rdp for editing, type:
Windows 10 Mstsc Console Login
Additional References