Remote Desktop Connection in Windows allows you to log on to any remote computer and access all programs, files, and network resources as if you were actually sitting in front of the remote computer.
Earlier we wrote about how to properly set up Remote Desktop on a Windows 7/8/10 computer and how to set up a router so that you can remotely connect to your local computer from outside your network.
On Windows, Remote Desktop Connection saves your Remote Desktop credentials by default. This can be a security risk, especially if you are using a shared computer to log into a remote computer. This post explains how to turn off the option that allows Windows to save your credentials.
Disable saving of remote desktop credentials
To access Remote Desktop Connection, open the Start menu, select All Programs, open the Accessories folder, and click Remote Desktop Connection. Or just click Start and type in remote desktop.
On the General tab of the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, there is a checkbox labeled “Allow me to save credentials.†Checking this box allows you to tell Windows when you enter your credentials in the next dialog box to save the credentials you entered.
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To close Remote Desktop Connection without connecting to a remote computer, click the X button in the upper right corner of the dialog box.
To disable Windows’ ability to save your credentials when you log on to a remote computer, click the Start button and type gpedit.msc (without quotes) in the Search for programs and files box. When Windows finds the gpedit.msc file, press Enter or click the link that appears. Please note that this option will not be available in Windows Starter or Home editions.
The Local Group Policy Editor dialog box opens. In the tree on the left pane, navigate to the following item:
User Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components | Remote Desktop Services
In the “Remote Desktop Services” section, select “Remote Desktop Connection Client”. In the list of settings on the right, double-click the Do not allow saving passwords option.
In the dialog box that opens, select the “Enabled” radio button.
Click OK to close the Do Not Allow Password Saved dialog box.
To close the Local Group Policy Editor dialog box, choose Exit from the File menu.
The checkbox Allow me to save credentials in the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box is still available. However, when you connect and are asked for your credentials, you won’t be able to tell Windows to remember the credentials you entered. Enjoy!
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