Windows App to access Apple Mac - User question

Question

Hi,

I access my Surface Pro (SP) from my iMac over a wired network, using the Windows app.

When I first try to connect to the SP, it appears to be trying to login to the machine as "Another User", rather than my actual user account, but freezes at the login screen. If I then close and reopen the Windows App and connect a second time, it logs in to my actual account.

This didn't happen with Remote Desktop and I'm pretty sure it didn't happen when Remote Desktop originally replaced the Windows App, but now it seems to do it pretty much every time I use the Microsoft App.

Is this a bug?

Thanks

Answer 1

Hello，

Potential Solutions:

──────────────────────────────

1. Set Default Credentials on the Client:

• On your iMac in the Microsoft Remote Desktop App, check your connection settings.

• Navigate to the Credentials section.

• Set your desired account credentials as the default so that they are used automatically upon connection.

2. Disable Pre-Authentication (NLA):

• Sometimes authentication can “stick” due to random issues.

• On your SP, you can disable Network Level Authentication (NLA) which will require you to type your password at the login screen—similar to a local login.

• Note: Disabling NLA means you lose the additional layer of security it provides.

3. Adjust RDP Security Settings on the Surface Pro:

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

• Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Security.

• Make the following changes:

a. Enable “Require use of specific security layer for remote (RDP) connections” policy. Then select “RDP” as the security layer.

b. Disable “Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication.”

• After making these changes, reboot your Surface Pro.

---

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.