Remote Desktop Archives

Winsage

April 2, 2025

6 reasons why I think Microsoft should keep the ‘local account’ option in Windows 11

Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to make it more difficult for users to bypass internet and Microsoft account requirements during installation, specifically in builds 26120.3653 and 26200.5516. The "BypassNRO.cmd" script, which allowed the creation of local accounts without an internet connection, has been removed. Local accounts provide enhanced privacy by storing data locally, simplify the setup process without needing an internet connection, and allow unrestricted access to systems in offline environments. Users can choose meaningful folder names with local accounts, and they facilitate smoother Remote Desktop connections compared to Microsoft accounts. Although local accounts can still be created post-installation, there are concerns about their availability in future updates, especially for the Home edition.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

This simple upgrade is making old computers feel new again

Many users experience issues with sluggish laptops and frozen screens, prompting a reconsideration of their devices. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, making it a good time to upgrade to Windows 11, specifically the Pro version, which is currently priced at .97, down from .99. Windows 11 Pro offers faster startup times, enhanced battery life, improved application performance, a redesigned user interface, productivity features like snap layouts and widgets, and an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. The Pro version also includes remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption for security, and advanced features like Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox. There are fewer than 75 licenses remaining at the promotional price.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

You Can Get Windows 11 Pro on Sale for A$23 Right Now

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for a reduced price of A, down from A5, allowing upgrades for two compatible PCs. The activation code introduces features such as Windows Copilot, powered by GPT-4, and includes functionalities like Remote Desktop, BitLocker Device Encryption, Azure AD, Hyper-V, Assigned Access, and Windows Sandbox. Minimum system requirements are 4GB of RAM and 64GB of available storage.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft fixes «printer uprising» in Windows 11 and remote desktop

Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting the Remote Desktop Platform (RDP) in Windows 11 24H2, which began surfacing in February 2025. An emergency server update is being implemented to resolve these complications, with users expected to see improvements within 24 to 48 hours. The RDP issues arose after the optional January Update, leading to frozen login screens and blank interfaces for some users. Microsoft recognized the problem on February 25, initially claiming it was addressed in the February update (KB5052093), but subsequent updates worsened the crashes. A Known Issue Rollback (KIR) is being deployed in stages, and users are encouraged to reboot their devices. Additionally, update KB5053657 has been released to fix a printer issue affecting USB printers that emerged after the January 11 update. A similar fix for Windows 11 24H2 is anticipated on March 27, 2025, with both resolutions included in April's "Patch Tuesday" updates.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Windows Server 2025 freezing after February patch

Microsoft has issued a cautionary note about a problematic patch released in February 2025 that affects Remote Desktop sessions on Windows Server 2025. Users may experience freezing issues shortly after connecting, particularly after installing the February 2025 Security update (KB5051987) and subsequent updates. The advisory states that after installing this update, Remote Desktop sessions may freeze, causing mouse and keyboard inputs to become unresponsive. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Additionally, a similar issue was reported with Windows 11 version 24H2, where UDP-based Remote Desktop sessions would disconnect after 65 seconds when connecting to Windows Server 2016 or earlier. This issue was resolved with updates released on March 27, 2025 (KB5053656) and later. For enterprise-managed devices with the March 27 update or later, no Known Issue Rollback (KIR) or special Group Policy is needed to fix the disconnection issue. Microsoft has no further comments regarding the situation with Windows Server 2025 at this time.

Winsage

March 28, 2025

Microsoft fixes Remote Desktop issues caused by Windows updates

Microsoft has addressed an issue affecting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) connections for users connecting from Windows 11 24H2 to RDS hosts on earlier versions of Windows Server 2016, which arose after installing Windows updates since January 2025. Users reported disconnections after 65 seconds when establishing UDP connections. Affected users were advised to install the KB5053656 preview update to resolve the issue, which will be generally available with next month's cumulative updates. Additionally, Microsoft is working on fixing another issue causing Remote Desktop freezes on Windows Server 2025 and is investigating connection errors related to data restoration on Windows 11 24H2 systems. A bug causing USB printers to print random text has also been resolved.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Remote desktop problems? Guess what? It’s probably because of another flaky update for Windows

Microsoft is using its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) strategy to address unexpected disconnections in Remote Desktop sessions linked to the January 2025 Windows preview update and exacerbated by the March 2025 Windows security update. Users may experience RDP sessions disconnecting after 65 seconds when establishing UDP-based connections from Windows 11, version 24H2 devices to RDS deployments on Windows Server 2016 or earlier. While KIR will assist Home and Pro users, system administrators may need to adjust Group Policy to effectively mitigate the issue.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers spitting out nonsense

Microsoft released the KB5053657 update on Tuesday to address an issue in Windows 11 where certain USB printers were printing random text. This update is applicable only to Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 versions, while users of Windows 11 24H2 do not have an equivalent update yet. The USB printer issue originated from a problematic update released in January 2025, which affected multiple patches. Microsoft clarified that the update fixes issues with USB connected dual-mode printers that might output incorrect text. Additionally, complications from the January update for Windows 11 24H2 have caused Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) disconnections. Microsoft is implementing a Known Issue Rollback to revert the problematic changes, with a permanent solution expected in a future update for Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Windows Server 2025 updates cause problems

Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue affecting Remote Desktop sessions on Windows Server 2025 systems after the installation of the February 2025 security update (KB5051987), where mouse and keyboard inputs become unresponsive, requiring users to disconnect and reconnect to regain control. A fix is forthcoming in a future Windows update. Additionally, Microsoft has implemented a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to resolve Remote Desktop and RDS connection challenges related to Windows 11 24H2 updates, which may cause RDP disconnections lasting up to 65 seconds on affected devices. A comprehensive solution for these issues is expected in next month’s cumulative updates.

Winsage

March 27, 2025

Last Chance for Windows 11 Pro With Copilot at Its Lowest Price Ever

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 later this year, ending free software updates and security patches. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro, currently available for .97, down from its regular price of 9. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as remote desktop access, BitLocker device encryption, and Hyper-V. This offer is valid until March 30. Windows 11 Home can be installed for free but lacks essential features for professionals. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro also provides access to Copilot, an AI assistant powered by GPT-4. Upon purchase, users receive a download link and activation code for installation on up to two devices.