Mstsc
Applies To: Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8
Creates connections to Remote Desktop Session Host (RD 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.
For examples of how to use this command, see Examples.
Note
In Windows Server 2008 R2, Terminal Services was renamed Remote Desktop Services. To find out what's new in the latest version, see What’s New in Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2012 in the Windows Server TechNet Library.
Syntax
mstsc.exe [<Connection File>] [/v:<Server>[:<Port>]] [/admin] [/f] [/w:<Width> /h:<Height>] [/public] [/span]
mstsc.exe /edit <Connection File>
mstsc.exe /migrate
Parameters
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
<Connection File> |
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 are not cached. |
/span |
Matches the Remote Desktop width and height with the local virtual desktop, spanning across multiple monitors if necessary. |
/edit <Connection File> |
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:
mstsc /fTo open a file called filename.rdp for editing, type:
mstsc /edit filename.rdp
Additional references
Remote Desktop Services (Terminal Services) Command Reference