How to Change RDP Screen Resolution

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows you to connect to a distant computer and interact with its graphical interface as if you were sitting right in front of it. While convenient, the default RDP resolution might not always be ideal for your workflow.

In this guide, we will discuss the knowledge to adjust the screen resolution on both Windows and Linux machines when using the remote desktop protocol.

Understanding RDP Resolution

The screen resolution in RDP refers to the number of pixels displayed horizontally and vertically on your local machine, representing the remote computer’s desktop. A higher resolution provides a sharper image with more screen real estate, but it can also lead to performance issues on slower connections or less powerful local machines. There are two main approaches to changing RDP resolution:

1. Adjusting on the Remote Machine: This method sets the resolution for the remote computer itself, affecting all RDP connections to it.
2. Configuring on the Local Machine: This approach modifies the resolution specifically for your RDP session, without impacting other users connecting to the same remote machine.

We will explore methods for both approaches on Windows and Linux systems.

Changing RDP Resolution on Windows

The following are two methods discussed on the basis of a remote machine and a local machine to change remote desktop resolution in Windows.

Adjusting on the Remote Machine

On the remote computer navigate to the display settings. You can do this by right-clicking on an empty area of the desktop and selecting “Display settings” or searching for “Display settings” in the Start menu search bar.

Locate the “Resolution” section and use the dropdown menu to choose your desired resolution. Windows will display the supported resolutions for your monitor.

Apply to confirm the changes. The screen might flicker momentarily while the resolution is adjusted.

Configuring on the Local Machine

If you want to connect your Windows desktop to Linux. Search for “Remote Desktop Connection” or mstsc.exe in the Start menu search bar and launch the application. Navigate to the “Display” tab within the connection properties window.

Utilize the slider under “Display configuration” to adjust the resolution for this specific RDP session. You can also enter a custom resolution within the provided width and height fields if the desired option isn’t available in the slider menu.

Click “Connect” to establish the RDP session with your chosen resolution.

Changing RDP Resolution on Linux

The following are two methods discussed on the basis of a remote machine and a local machine to adjust RDP screen resolution in Linux.

Adjusting on the Remote Machine

The process for adjusting the display resolution on a remote Linux machine can vary depending on the specific desktop environment being used such as GNOME and KDE. Here are common approaches to the GNOME desktop environment:

Access “Settings” through the application menu or by pressing the Alt + F2 key combination and typing “settings.” Navigate to the “Displays” section. Locate the “Resolution” section and choose your desired resolution from the dropdown menu.

Click “Apply” to confirm the changes.

Configuring on the Local Machine

There are various RDP clients available for Linux, such as Remmina, xfreerdp, and Vinagre. The specific steps might differ slightly depending on the chosen client. Here’s an example using Remmina on the Ubuntu system:

Launch Remmina then enter the hostname or IP address of the remote computer. Locate the “Resolution” section while adding a new connection.

Enter your desired resolution width and height in the respective fields. Click “OK” and then “Connect” to establish the RDP session with your chosen resolution.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic methods covered above provide sufficient control for most users, there are advanced techniques that offer more granular control or address specific scenarios.

Windows RDP Group Policy

If you manage a network of Windows machines, Group Policy can be used to configure RDP settings for a group of computers, ensuring a consistent RDP experience for your users. Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Open the Group Policy Management Console or gpmc.msc on the Windows server. Navigate to the Group Policy Object (GPO) you want to configure and right-click to “Edit”.
2. Expand “Computer Configuration” then “Administrative Templates” then “Windows Components” then “Remote Desktop Services” then “Remote Desktop Session Host” then “Connection”.
3. Locate the setting “Set client area restrictions” and enable it. You can then define the minimum and maximum allowed width and height for RDP sessions.
4. Link the configured GPO to the desired Organizational Units containing the target machines.

Linux RDP Client Customization

Many RDP clients for Linux allow for advanced configuration through custom configuration files. Here’s an example using Remmina:

1. Edit remmina.conf: Locate the Remmina configuration file usually found in /etc/remmina/remmina.conf or ~/.remmina/remmina.conf.
2. Session Properties: Create a new section for your desired RDP session or edit an existing one.
3. Geometry Setting: Within the session properties, add a line specifying the “geometry” with the desired resolution format for example geometry: 1920x1080.
4. Save and Restart: Save the configuration file and restart Remmina for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

By understanding the basic and advanced techniques for changing RDP resolution on Windows and Linux, you can adjust your remote desktop experience to optimize your workflow and maximize productivity. Remember to choose the method that best suits your environment and technical expertise keeping security and compatibility in mind.

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