By Hester / Last Updated July 4, 2023

How do I log off a Remote Desktop session?

 

Hello everybody I'm in a circumstance where I need to log out of a running Remote Desktop session. Can someone kindly guide me on how to log off from Remote Desktop? I'm specifically looking for step-by-step instructions. Thanks in advance!”

- Question from a user

Logging Off

To log off a Remote Desktop session, you can sign out of the remote computer in a session, perform Ctrl + Alt + End shortcut key and sign out, use the client’s Disconnect and Log Off option, or log off via command line.

How to log off from Remote Desktop [4 ways]

Remote Desktop has become an invaluable tool for accessing computers remotely. Whether you're working from home, collaborating with colleagues, or managing servers, knowing how to log off Remote Desktop Windows 10, 11 properly is essential to ensure the security and efficiency of your remote sessions.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of logging off from Remote Desktop in a few simple steps.

Important: Before logging off from Remote Desktop, take a moment to close any open documents, applications, or files and save your progress. This will help you avoid any data loss.

Way 1. Sign out of the remote computer in a session

If you have finished your work on the remote computer and want to end your Remote Desktop session completely, you can log off your remote computer to close all applications and ensure the privacy and security of your data.

In the remote control window, click Start menu of the remote computer and click Sign out.

RDP Sign Out

Way 2. Sign out Remote Desktop with Ctrl + Alt + End

You can also use Ctrl + Alt + End shortcut key to log off Remote Desktop completely.

Press Ctrl + Alt + End keys together and click Sign out.

Remote Server Sign Out

Way 3. Sign out using the client’s Disconnect and Log Off option

If you use Remote Desktop with VMware Horizon Client, it provides users with the capability to conveniently sign out by utilizing the Disconnect and Log Off command.

Step 1. Within the remote desktop window, locate and click on the Options menu. Select the Disconnect and Log Off feature.

Disconnect and Log Off

Step 2. Affirm the logoff action by clicking on the OK button.

Confirm Log Off

Way 4. Log off Remote Desktop via command line

Here is an effortless approach to view RDP sessions for other servers and log off Remote Desktop via command line, with the only prerequisite being domain admin privileges.

Step 1. On the remote computer, open Command Prompt on the remote computer. Execute the command "qwinsta" to retrieve all Remote Desktop sessions on the server. Utilize the following command format:

  • qwinsta /server:SERVER NAME

Note: Replace "SERVER NAME" with the actual name of your server. For instance, if your server is named "wowhvdev1," enter the command as follows and hit Enter:

qwinsta server

Step 2. Next, peruse the list of sessions and identify the specific one you wish to terminate. Make a note of its ID and then proceed with the following command:

  • Rwinsta /server:wowhvdev1 RemoteID

Note: Replace "RemoteID" with the ID of the session you intend to end. Suppose the session ID to terminate is 11, execute the command as follows and press Enter:

rwinsta server

Explore the best Remote Desktop alternative with one-click logout

Are you tired of clunky and time-consuming remote desktop solutions? Embrace AnyViewer—the revolutionary Remote Desktop alternative designed to provide you with an unmatched user experience. With AnyViewer, log out from a connected device instantly.With a single click, you can gracefully disconnect from the remote device, ensuring data privacy and ending a session without any hassle.

Moreover, AnyViewer, as a robust remote access software, offers several advantages over RDP:

►Ease of use: AnyViewer simplifies the process with one-click unattended access over the internet, without IP address and port forwarding.
►Compatibility: AnyViewer seamlessly integrates with various Windows editions, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 (Home/Standard also enabled), as well as Windows Server 2019/2016/2012 R2/2022. It also works with client devices running Windows, iOS, and Android.
►Advanced features: AnyViewer empowers you with a range of features tailored to your needs, including remote desktop file transfer, multiple sessions, and instant chat, which are not available in RDP.
►Enhanced security: AnyViewer prioritizes your data's safety by utilizing end-to-end encryption through a robust 256-Bit Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm. In contrast, the RDP port could potentially be exploited by hackers for unauthorized access.

Download AnyViewer to optimize your workflow today!

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/Server
Secure Download

Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1. Launch AnyViewer on the remote computer. Create a new account and proceed to log in.

Log in Anyviewer

Step 2. On your local computer, open AnyViewer and sign in using the account you just created. The program will automatically assign the computer to your account.

Free Editions

Step 3. Navigate to the Device section and select the desired computer you wish to connect to. Opt for the One-click control option to establish a seamless connection.

Connect to My Devices

To log out of the remote computer during a session, simply open the toolbar's Operation menu and click on the Logout option.

Operation

Notes:✎...For users managing more than two remote PCs, AnyViewer offers flexible and cost-effective licensing options tailored to diverse needs, including:
Easy access to up to 100 assigned devices with only one click.
Simultaneous connections to up to 10 devices.
Seamless file transfers with high speed, supporting files up to 1 TB in size.
Enhanced security through the privacy mode feature, which hides the host PC screen and turns off the keyboard and mouse, ensuring increased privacy and protection.

 

Conclusion

That’s all for how to log off from Remote Desktop. We also recommend you use the ultimate AnyViewer that offers a quick and secure logout feature without cumbersome processes. Embrace simplicity and efficiency today with AnyViewer - your gateway to hassle-free remote connections!