By Ellie / Last Updated March 16, 2023

Can I use Remote Desktop without locking host?

 

Hi all, this question may sound a bit silly, please forgive me. I would like to know if it is possible to connect to windows 10 via Remote Desktop Connection without locking the remote computer screen. Is there any way to do it? Thanks."

- Question from Reddit

Lock Computer Screen

Remote Desktop, the Windows built-in feature, can help us remotely control a PC from another PC. However, in the course of the remote session, the host computer is locked. It makes sense because the consumer licenses of Windows allow no more than one active session at a time when you RDP to a server, so the Remote Desktop won't show screen on host.

2 top ways to use RDP without locking host 

Here in this post, we'll show you 2 ways for you to prevent Remote Desktop from locking. Follow me to know how to operate.

Way 1. Run the command line in CMD

Step 1. Enable the Remote Desktop of the host PC. Press "Win + R" to open "Settings", and then navigate to "System" > "Remote Desktop" > "Enable Remote Desktop". Turn on the button.  

Enable

Step 2. On the local PC, search Remote Desktop Connection, and then Enter the IP address and click on "Connect". And then input the credentials. Now the connection is been established.

Step 3. On the host PC, search "CMD" and then right-click on the option and then choose  "Run as Administrator".

Run as Administrator

Step 4. Input "tscon 1 /dest:consolefrom a remote session.

Windows Locking Host

Note: If the host PC is Windows Server, you can run the command line: tscon %sessionname% /dest:console

Server Without Locking

Step 4. Now the remote session can be achieved without locking the host.

Way 2. Use Powershell

Step 1. Follow the steps above to realize Remote Desktop Connection.

Step 2.  Search Powershell in the search box and then right-click on the option, and then choose "Run as Administrator".

Run Powershell from Search

Step 3. Enter the following command line on the host PC:

$server = 'MyServer' $username = $env:USERNAME $session = ((quser /server:$server | ? { $_ -match $username }) -split ' +')[2] tscon $session /dest:console

Powershell Locking Host

 Step 4. Now the Remote Desktop show screen on host.

A useful way to remote access without locking host: AnyViewer

Are you successfully using Remote Desktop without locking host? Hope the workarounds above have already helped you realize it.  But according to the feedback of many users, they just get the error “access is denied”, which seems less reliable.

As a matter of fact, there are multiple other options for remote access to a Windows system, like AnyViewer, a totally free remote access software whether for personal use or commercial use.

★Advantages:
With AnyViewer, the local PC and remote PC are both running and unlocked. The one in front of the host PC can see what’s happening on their own PC, which is perfect for remote support.
It is secured by Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) encryption, you don't need to worry about the leakage of your data.
It is not limited by the same LAN, you can realize remote sessions anywhere.
More importantly, the amazing speed, the easy operation, and the full functionality can bring you the best experience.
 It’s applicable for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012 R2, enabling you to remote into PCs or Servers, anywhere and anytime over the internet.

Before you connect:

  • Download and install AnyViewer.
  • Make sure your network is accessible.
Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Realize remote access with one-click

Step 1. Sign up for an AnyViewer account and then sign in to this account on the two computers. Once logged in, the PC will be assigned to the account automatically. 

Log in AnyViewer

Step 2.   On the client computer,  go to "Device", click the PC that you need to control, and click "One-click control" to achieve remote connection with one click. 

Devices

Step 3. Now the remote control is successfully established. And the host PC won't be locked.

End Remote Session

Note: If you want the host PC screen to be invisible, it is recommended to upgrade your account to a professional or enterprise plan to use privacy mode.

Conclusion

Here in this post, we provide 2 ways for you to use Remote Desktop without locking host. However, if the ways aren't workable for you or you meet with some RDP errors, AnyViewer can be a good choice for you.