By Ellie / Last Updated February 27, 2023

Why is my Remote Desktop view so small?

 

The screen size of the Remote Desktop window is too small. I didn’t see any button allowing me to change the screen size during the remote session. What can I do?”

- Question from Microsoft Community

How to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop resolution too small on Windows 10/11

Unfortunately, changing the Remote Desktop screen resolution is impossible. The only way to fix the Microsoft Remote Desktop resolution too small on Windows 10/11 is to change the screen resolution in advance before you can establish the remote sessions. Here are two methods to change the screen resolution.

Method 1. Edit the Display Configuration to change remote desktop size 

Step 1. Search for Remote Desktop Connection in the search box and then open it.

RDC

Step 2. Find and click Show Options.

Show Options

Step 3. Switch to the Display tab, find Display configuration, and you’ll see a slider in the middle. Then slide the slider to select the resolution that is closest to what you want.

Display Configuration

Method 2. Edit the screen resolution size within the RDP file

Step 1. On the General tab, find Connection settings and click Save As.

Save as RDP File

Step 2. Enter the file name you want for the file and then click Save. For example, I save it as “remote-desktop-home” here. And please remember the file location.

RDP File Name

Step 3. Find the file you just saved and right-click it. Then open it with Notepad.

Open with Notepad

Step 4. After you open the file in Notepad, you can adjust the “desktopwidth” and “desktopheight” to the pixel settings you want. For example, mine is set to 800 ×600.

Width Height

AnyViewer: Configure display settings during remote sessions with ease

Like Remote Desktop, AnyViewer is the free remote desktop software for Windows which allows you to remotely access another computer at any time. But the difference is that AnyViewer allows you to change display settings during remote sessions, while Remote Desktop does not. With AnyViewer, you can easily change resolutions and image qualities anytime you want.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
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Note: AnyViewer has mobile versions, supporting iOS remote access and Android remote access. You must sign into the same account on all of your mobile devices before you can remotely access a computer with one click from an iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

Step 1. Install and run AnyViewer on both computers. Navigate to Log in and then Sign up on the Controller computer (if you have already registered on the official website, you can log in directly).

Log in AnyViewer

Step 2. Fill out the sign-up form.

Sign Up for AnyViewer

Step 3. You should now see that you have successfully logged into AnyViewer. Your device will be assigned to the account to which you have logged in automatically.

Free Editions

Step 4. On both devices, log in to the same AnyViewer account, then click One-click control for unattended remote access.

Connect to My Devices

Step 5. After connecting successfully, you’ll see the remote desktop. Then you can completely control it and provide remote support just like you’re sitting in front of it. You are able to change the resolution to the one that you need by clicking Screen. If you don't know the appropriate screen resolution, you can also click Adaptive to adapt automatically.

Screen

Step 6. Click Mode to change the image qualities.

Mode

Notes:✎... It is recommended to upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan to enjoy high image quality. 

 

Closing words

This post primarily answers how to fix Microsoft Remote Desktop resolution too small on Windows 10/11. You’re not able to change it during the remote session. So make sure you have it properly configured using the two methods we mentioned here before establishing the connection. Besides, we also recommend you a Remote Desktop alternative, AnyViewer, which could allow you to configure the display settings during remote sessions with ease.