Prevent Saving of Remote Desktop Credentials in Windows

This can be a security hazard

Remote Desktop Connectionin Windows allows you to log on to any remote PC and access all of the programs, files, and network resources as though you were actually sitting in front of the remote computer.

We have previously written about how to properlyconfigure remote desktop on a Windows 7/8/10 computerand how tosetup your router so you can remote into a local computerfrom outside your network.

In Windows,Remote Desktop Connectionsaves your Remote Desktop credentials, by default. This can be a security hazard, especially if you share the computer you are using to log onto the remote computer. This post explains how to disable the setting that allows Windows to save your credentials.

Disable Saving of Remote Desktop Credentials

To accessRemote Desktop Connection, open theStartmenu, selectAll Programs, open theAccessoriesfolder, and click onRemote Desktop Connection. Or just click on Start and type in remote desktop.

On theGeneraltab on theRemote Desktop Connectiondialog box, there is a check box calledAllow me to save credentials. Turning this check box on, allows you to tell Windows, when you provide your credentials on the next dialog box, to save the credentials you enter.

To close theRemote Desktop Connectionwithout connecting to a remote computer, click theXbutton in the upper, right corner of the dialog box.

To remove the ability of Windows to save your credentials when you log into a remote computer, click theStartbutton and enter “gpedit.msc” (without the quotes) in theSearch programs and filesbox. When Windows finds thegpedit.mscfile, either pressEnteror click the resulting link. Note that this option will not be available on Starter or Home editions of Windows.

TheLocal Group Policy Editordialog box displays. In the tree in the left pane, navigate to the following item:

Select theRemote Desktop Connection Clientitem underRemote Desktop Services. In theSettinglist on the right, double-click on theDo not allow passwords to be savedsetting.

On the dialog box that displays, select theEnabledradio button.

ClickOKto close the dialog box for theDo not allow passwords to be savedsetting.

To close theLocal Group Policy Editordialog box, selectExitfrom theFilemenu.

TheAllow me to save credentialscheck box on theRemote Desktop Connectiondialog box is still available. However, when you connect and you are asked for your credentials, you will not be able to tell Windows to remember the credentials you entered. Enjoy!

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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Prevent Saving of Remote Desktop Credentials in Windows#

Disable Saving of Remote Desktop Credentials#