Can you record an RDP connection?

Absolutely, you can record a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection, but not directly with the built-in RDP client in Windows. While Windows' native Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) tool doesn't offer RDP session recording out of the box, there are several reliable third-party tools and workarounds that let you record RDP sessions for security, compliance, training, or auditing purposes.

Understanding how to record RDP sessions is key for:

• IT administrators monitoring outsourced or off-site tech support
• Business owners need transparency in remote work environments
• Security teams are auditing user behavior and system access
• Educators and trainers conducting live teaching over RDP

So if you're asking, “How do I record an RDP session?”, the short answer is: use third-party software designed for that task, and preferably one that integrates recording seamlessly into the remote desktop experience.

Top 3 tools for RDP session recording

Here are the top three tools that make RDP session recording easy, secure, and efficient:

Option 1. Syteca – Advanced RDP Monitoring and Alerts

Syteca is an all-in-one cybersecurity platform with powerful RDP session monitoring and recording tools. It's ideal for IT teams, MSPs, and security-focused organizations.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Alerts: Get instant email notifications when an RDP session starts.
• Record Local & Remote Sessions: Record only specific sessions using IP filtering.
• Live Session View: Watch sessions in real time; block users with one click if necessary.
• Detailed Audit Logs: Review metadata, screen recordings, and exported sessions.
• Scheduled Reports: Generate and email reports on session activity regularly.
• Encrypted Exports: Export sessions for forensic review with password protection and SHA-256 verification.

How to Use Syteca for RDP Session Recording:

Step 1. Install the Syteca Agent on all endpoints you want to monitor.

Step 2. Go to Alert Management, select Session Start Alert, and configure email notifications for new RDP connections.

Step 3. To record only external sessions, set the filter to "Monitor activity from all remote public IP addresses except" and input internal IPs to exclude.

Step 4. Use the Session Player or click “Live” to watch current activity. Block users if needed.

Step 5. Go to Monitoring Results, select a session, and export it securely from the Forensic Export menu.

Step 6. Schedule reports from the Reports tab for regular delivery to your inbox.

Best For: Enterprise-level organizations that require full visibility, alerts, and audit logs.

Option 2. Teramind – Comprehensive Workforce Monitoring

Teramind offers industry-leading RDP session recording features tailored for workforce productivity and security. It records every aspect of a user's activity and stores it securely.

RDP Recording Features:

• Full Video Playback: Record and replay session screens in real-time or from archives.
• Custom Alerts: Set alerts for suspicious behavior or non-compliant activity.
• Activity Monitoring: Track keystrokes, file transfers, web visits, emails, and chats.
• Time Tracking: Integrates employee time logs based on session activity.
• Remote Control: Instantly take control of live sessions if intervention is needed.

How to Use Teramind for RDP Session Recording:

Step 1. Install Teramind Agents on all servers and endpoints to be monitored.

Step 2. From the Teramind dashboard, define which user sessions or applications should be recorded.

Step 3. Configure alerts for high-risk behaviors (e.g., file transfers or website access).

Step 4. Go to the Session Player to replay past RDP sessions or watch them live.

Step 5. Use admin tools to take over a session or pause recording if needed.

Step 6. Export data for compliance or internal review directly from the dashboard.

Best For: Businesses monitoring remote employees or contractors for compliance and performance.

Option 3. TSFactory RecordTS – Lightweight RDP Recorder

TSFactory's RecordTS Single Server Edition is a compact yet powerful tool built specifically to record remote desktop activity across multiple sessions.

Top Features:

• Simple Setup: Installed in under 15 minutes with minimal configuration.
• Data Buffering: Prevents data loss during network outages or crashes.
• Stealth Recording: Operates discreetly to prevent tampering.
• Video Recording + Metadata: Track keystrokes, print jobs, file transfers, and more.
• Web Console Access: Manage licensing and view sessions via browser.
• Cloud-Ready: Works seamlessly in Citrix, VMware, Azure, AWS, and terminal server environments.

How to Use RecordTS for RDP Session Recording:

Step 1. Install RecordTS on your Windows server; no extra configuration needed.

Step 2. The service auto-starts with each new RDP session.

Step 3. Use the RecordTS Configuration Console to manage licenses, session settings, and view recorded footage.

Step 4. Recordings are automatically saved to a local database for secure playback later.

Step 5. Replay session footage, monitor behavior, or extract data as needed for auditing or training.

Best For: Teams seeking a minimal-resource, scalable RDP recording solution.

AnyViewer: Best remote desktop software with built-in session recording

If you're looking for a remote desktop solution that not only connects devices effortlessly but also offers built-in session recording, look no further than AnyViewer, one of the easiest ways to record RDP sessions free.

Unlike other tools that require extensive configuration or add-on modules, AnyViewer integrates session recording directly into its user interface, making it an excellent choice for businesses, IT admins, and remote workers alike.

Why Choose AnyViewer for RDP Session Recording?

• Built-in Recording: No need for third-party plugins or complex setups, start a session and hit the record button.
• One-Click Recording Start/Stop: Simple toggle feature for session recording during live connections.
• Secure Storage: All recorded files are stored locally or on cloud storage with encryption support.
• Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, iOS, and Android, making it ideal for multi-device environments.
• High-Quality Playback: Replay recordings in HD for training, audits, or troubleshooting.

How to Record RDP Sessions Using AnyViewer

Step 1. Download and install AnyViewer on both the local and remote devices.

Step 2. Sign in with your AnyViewer account and establish a remote session.

Step 3. Click the Screen recording button on the toolbar once the session begins.

Step 4. The session will be recorded in real-time; you can pause or stop recording at any time.

What Makes AnyViewer Stand Out?

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed for users of all experience levels, from beginners to IT pros.
• Low-Latency Connections: Ensures smooth remote control with minimal lag, even during recording.
• Affordable Plans: Free plan available with recording included; paid plans unlock advanced features like file transfer, multi-session, and priority support.
• Robust Security: Uses ECC encryption to protect session data and recordings from unauthorized access.

Best For: Small businesses, educators, IT admins, and individuals seeking an easy-to-use remote access tool with integrated session recording and a secure, intuitive interface.

Conclusion

Recording RDP sessions is now important for businesses, IT teams, teachers, and anyone who needs to track what happens during remote sessions. Since Microsoft’s Remote Desktop doesn’t let you record by default, tools like Syteca, Teramind, and TSFactory RecordTS can help.

But if you want something super easy to use, AnyViewer is the best choice. It has built-in recording, a simple design, and smooth remote access, great for anyone who wants both power and ease of use. Whether you're managing a remote team, teaching online, or keeping records, using the right tool to record RDP sessions makes everything easier and safer.