I'm trying to figure out if I can use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections in combination with Windows Virtual Desktops on my main workstation. Currently, I'm connecting via RDP to several machines and prefer to use full screen for these sessions. However, I'm finding it cumbersome since I need to minimize the RDP sessions to switch between different virtual desktops using the CTRL+WINKey+Left/Right shortcuts. Is there a way to streamline this process so that I don't have to exit each full screen RDP session just to navigate through my virtual desktops?
3 Answers
If you want to manage it better, you'll need to switch to windowed mode for your RDP sessions. Full screen just won't play nice with how virtual desktops work. I get that it's frustrating, but that's the setup unfortunately.
I don't have a direct solution, but you might want to check out Remote Desktop Manager (there's a free version). It allows you to manage multiple RDP sessions in tabs, making it much easier to jump between them without going full screen. It has worked well for me!
I love RDM, but unfortunately, it isn't approved software at my workplace yet. Thanks for suggesting it, though!
As far as I understand, the issue you're facing is due to full screen RDP sessions taking over input commands. This means when you try to use CTRL+WIN+Left/Right, those commands go to the remote machine instead of your local virtual desktops. So, even if you assign different RDP sessions to different virtual desktops, you'll still need to minimize them to switch around. If you set your sessions to windowed mode or borderless, you should be able to switch between them without any hassle.
Thanks for explaining that so clearly! You definitely clarified the issue for me. I appreciate it!
I was worried this might be the case. Thanks for confirming!