Change the Screen Resolution of a Remote Desktop (RDP) Session

Two ways to change it

1. On the remote machine. The resolution changes for every RDP connection.
2. On your own computer. Only your session changes. Other users are not affected.

A high resolution gives a sharper picture and more room, but needs more bandwidth on a slow link.

On a Windows remote machine

1. Right-click an empty spot on the remote desktop and choose Display settings. You can also search for it in the Start menu.

   

2. In the Resolution list, pick the size you want.

   

3. Click Apply and confirm. The screen may flicker for a moment.

From your own Windows computer

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (search for mstsc.exe).
2. Click Show Options, then the Display tab.
3. Move the Display configuration slider to the size you want. For a custom size, use .rdp file settings desktopwidth and desktopheight.

   

4. Click Connect.

On a Linux remote machine (GNOME)

1. Open Settings from the application menu.
2. Go to Displays.
3. Pick a size in Resolution and click Apply.

   

From a Linux computer with Remmina

1. Open Remmina and add a new connection with the host name or IP address.
2. In the Resolution section, enter the width and height you want.

   

3. Click Save, then Connect.

With xfreerdp you can set the size on the command line: xfreerdp /v:SERVER_IP /size:1920x1080.

Windows Group Policy (for admins)

You can set limits for all users from a domain controller:

1. Open gpmc.msc and edit the policy for the right group of computers.
2. Go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Remote Desktop Services, Remote Desktop Session Host, Connections.
3. Enable Set client area restrictions and set the allowed width and height.
4. Link the policy to the Organizational Units with the target machines.

Quick recap

• Change it on the server for all sessions, or on the client for your session.
• Windows: mstsc.exe, Display tab. Linux: Remmina or xfreerdp /size:.
• Lower the resolution if the connection feels slow.