You may want to learn how to CTRL+ALT+Delete in Remote Desktop if you want to change a password, lock the RDP screen, or log off. The CTRL+ALT+Delete keystroke won’t work though since your own operating system utilizes it. So, what is a poor tech who needs to access that screen to do when remoted in via a Remote Desktop session?
Method 1
- In RDP, the “CTRL” + “ALT” + “End” combination will work.
If you have trouble finding the “End” key, it is normally located to the right of the “Enter” key. If you’re using a small keyboard on a laptop, you may have to hold down a function key to utilize it.
The key combination will also work in older Terminal Server sessions.
Method 2
- On the Remote Desktop, select “Start“.
- Type “osk“, then open the “On Screen Keyboard“.
- Press “Ctrl” and “Alt” on the physical keyboard, then select “Del” on the osk window..
Other Solutions
It should be noted that you aren’t limited to using this key combination if you want to do any of the options available on this screen. Here are some other options:
- To change your password, you could go to “Control Panel” > “User Accounts” > “Change your windows password“. In Windows 10, 7, 8, 2008, 2012, 2016, and Vista, you can simply select “Start” and type “change password” to access the option.
- To access Task Manager, you could right-click the time on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
- You can usually log off by selecting “Start” > “Log off“.
- To lock the computer, you can create an icon.
Have any better shortcuts for these options in an RDP session? Please share them in the Comments section.
SimonTemplar240 says
This was exactly what I need to find! It saved me a trip into the office, which, as you may imagine, I am trying to avoid. Thanks tremendously!
Mavrick says
Run the shell
You can directly launch the shell to get the Windows Security Options displayed. To do so, open the Run-box or open a command prompt and copy-paste:
C:\Windows\explorer.exe shell:::{2559a1f2-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}
Joshi naveen says
thank you so much this commend is very useful
On the Remote Desktop, select “Start“.
Type “osk“, then open the “On Screen Keyboard“.
Press “Ctrl” and “Alt” on the physical keyboard, then select “Del” on the osk window..
Guy says
Great! Thanks
Jon says
For Mac users:
1) left click on an empty part of the desktop (like your desktop background); and
2) press function + option + F4
This will bring up a new menu in a popup that allows you to trigger a restart of the computer.
MahenderDhaka says
Great !! Thanks.. Its working.
Rohit Upadhyay says
Thanks for your help.
Trev says
You should also add instructions for how to do a Ctrl-Alt-Del equivalent when running the RDP Remote Desktop to a windows machine from a Mac
Gisela says
THANK YOU!!!
LivingCoronaRDP says
Ctl-Atl-End Rocks!!!!
Rupa says
Thanks Method 2 helped me
Jezz says
Method 2 worked perfectly – thanks very much for your help! :)
Mete says
Method 2 has worked very good ! thanks ;)
mpho says
Method 2 works!! thank you.
Maracine Ion says
Hello everybody! It works for by the Method 1. Thank you very much! You are great people, with great heart! Because you sent time posting very useful tricks to help other people in need!
God bless you all!
A Happy New Year for you and your beloved! :)
Dimitri says
Thanks ?
Raj says
Method 2 worked. Thank you !!!
Klaus Schulze says
If Ctrl-Alt-Del and Ctrl-Alt-End don’t do, try Ctrl-Alt-Insert (worked in a VMware Horizon browser session).
Geoff Crompton says
Nice. Method 2 worked for me. Literally nothing happened when pressing ctrl alt end, or ctrl alt insert
Thanks!!
Zsolt says
Method 2 worked, thank you !!!
Richard Simpson says
Ctrl-Alt-End for the Win.
Tom says
Thank you!
shanthi says
i am missed the remote desk top connection administrator password
my system ctl+alt + del format no change please help me
Aftab says
Thank you dear, very informative…
chitra says
Was very helpful..
thanks
Tim says
Awesome information; thank you!!
Lars J. says
Very good information, short and accurate descriptions.
Jean-Claude DuBois says
Ctrl-Alt-End.. Wow.. I’ve supported Windows for years, and never knew about that shortcut.
Proof even an old timer (me) can learn new tricks.
Suresh Kumar says
Great help – thanks a lot