How to Clear RDP Connection History And Secure Remote Desktop Connection

What is RDP cache history?

Windows remote desktop is a convenient way to connect to a remote computer from your own computer. However, the remote desktop client stores a cache of the connections you have made, which can include the IP address, username, and other sensitive information. This cache is stored in the registry and in a file called default.rdp.

Why should you remove RDP cache history?

There are two main reasons why you should remove RDP cache history:

  • Security: If someone has physical access to your computer, they could access the RDP cache history and use it to gain unauthorized access to your remote computers.
  • Performance: Over time, the RDP cache history can grow quite large, which can slow down the remote desktop client.

How to remove RDP cache history

There are two ways to remove RDP cache history: using the Registry Editor or using the Command Prompt.

To remove RDP cache history using the Registry Editor:

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R and typing regedit.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client
  1. Delete the following keys:
  • Default
  • Servers
  1. Close the Registry Editor.

To remove RDP cache history using the Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run the following commands:
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Default" /va /f
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Servers" /f
del /ah %homepath%\documents\default.rdp
  1. Close the Command Prompt.

Benefits of removing RDP cache history

There are several benefits to removing RDP cache history:

  • Improved security: RDP cache history can contain sensitive information, such as the IP addresses and usernames of remote computers you have connected to. If someone gains unauthorized access to your computer, they could use this information to gain unauthorized access to your remote computers. Removing RDP cache history can help to protect your remote computers from unauthorized access.
  • Enhanced performance: Over time, the RDP cache history can grow quite large. This can slow down the performance of the remote desktop client. Removing RDP cache history can help to improve the performance of the remote desktop client.
  • Reduced storage space: RDP cache history can consume a significant amount of storage space. Removing RDP cache history can help to reduce the amount of storage space used by the remote desktop client.

Things to take care of when removing RDP cache

When removing RDP cache history, it is important to do so in a secure manner. To do this, you should:

  • Back up your registry before making any changes. In the event that you accidentally delete an important registry key, you can restore your registry from the backup.
  • Use a trusted method to remove RDP cache history. The two most common methods for removing RDP cache history are the Registry Editor and the Command Prompt. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid making any mistakes.
  • Restart your computer after removing RDP cache history. This will ensure that all of the changes have taken effect.

Alternative methods for removing RDP cache history

In addition to the Registry Editor and Command Prompt methods, there are a few other ways to remove RDP cache history.

  • Use a third-party tool. There are a number of third-party tools available that can remove RDP cache history with a few clicks. These tools can be more convenient to use than the manual methods, but it is important to choose a reputable tool from a trusted developer.
  • Use a group policy object (GPO). If you are managing a network of computers, you can use a GPO to remove RDP cache history from all of the computers on the network. This can be a good option if you need to remove RDP cache history from a large number of computers.

Which method should I use?

The best way to remove RDP cache history depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are comfortable using the Registry Editor or Command Prompt, these methods are free and effective. If you are looking for a more convenient option, you can use a third-party tool. If you are managing a network of computers, you can use a GPO to remove RDP cache history from all the computers on the network.

Chapter 5. Troubleshooting RDP cache history removal

If you are having problems removing RDP cache history, there are a few things you can try:

  • Make sure you are using the correct method. The two most common methods for removing RDP cache history are the Registry Editor and the Command Prompt. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid making any mistakes.
  • Restart your computer after removing RDP cache history. This will ensure that all of the changes have taken effect.
  • Use a third-party tool. If you are still having problems, you can try using a third-party tool to remove RDP cache history. These tools can be more user-friendly than the manual methods.

Common RDP Cache Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems that users may encounter when removing RDP cache history, along with their solutions:

Problem: When I try to delete the Servers key in the Registry Editor, I get an error message saying that I cannot delete the key.

Solution: This is usually caused by a permissions issue. To resolve this issue, you need to take ownership of the key and then grant yourself full permissions.

Problem: When I try to run the commands to remove RDP cache history in the Command Prompt, I get an error message saying that the commands are not recognized.

Solution: This is usually caused by the fact that you are not running the Command Prompt as an administrator. To resolve this issue, right-click the Command Prompt shortcut and select Run as administrator.

Problem: After I remove RDP cache history, the list of recent connections in the Remote Desktop Connection client is still populated.

Solution: This is because the Remote Desktop Connection client stores a cached copy of the recent connections list on the local machine. To clear this cache, you need to delete the default.rdp file.

If you are still having problems removing RDP cache history, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.

Best practices to prevent unauthorized access to RDP connections

In addition to removing RDP cache history, there are a number of other things you can do to prevent unauthorized access to your RDP connections:

  • Use strong passwords. Your RDP password should be long and complex, and it should be different from the passwords you use for other accounts. You should also change your RDP password regularly.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your RDP connections by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
  • Use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept your RDP connections.
  • Restrict access to your RDP ports. You can use a firewall to restrict access to the TCP ports that RDP uses (3389 and 33890).
  • Monitor your RDP logs. You should regularly monitor your RDP logs for suspicious activity.

By following these best practices, you can help protect your RDP connections from unauthorized access.

FAQs on removing RDP cache history

Q: How often should I remove the RDP cache history?

It is recommended to remove the RDP cache history at least once a month, or more often if you connect to remote computers that are not under your control.

Q: What are the risks of not removing the RDP cache history?

If you do not remove the RDP cache history, anyone who has physical access to your computer could potentially gain unauthorized access to the remote computers you have connected to. This could be done using the saved credentials in the RDP cache history.

Q: What are the different ways to remove the RDP cache history?

There are two main ways to remove the RDP cache history:

  • Using the Registry Editor: This is the most common method, but it requires some technical knowledge.
  • Using the Command Prompt: This method is more complex, but it can be useful if you are unable to access the Registry Editor.

Q: What are the steps involved in removing the RDP cache history using the Registry Editor?

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows + R and typing regedit.
  2. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Default
  1. Delete the following values:
MRU0
MRU1
MRU2
...
  1. Delete the Servers key.

Q: What are the steps involved in removing the RDP cache history using the Command Prompt?

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run the following commands:
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Default" /va /f
reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client\Servers" /f
del /ah %homepath%\documents\default.rdp

Q: What should I do if I have trouble removing the RDP cache history?

If you are having trouble removing the RDP cache history, you can try the following:

  • Make sure you are using the correct method.
  • Restart your computer after removing the RDP cache history.
  • Use an alternative method to remove the RDP cache history.

Conclusion

By following best practices and using a trusted method, you can remove RDP cache history securely and effectively. This will help protect your remote computer from unauthorized access and improve the performance of your remote desktop client.

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