Use thin client to access PC via RDP - no server infrastructure

Question

Hey, Newbie here and not a server-dude :)

I have a simple need to connect to a host PC running Windows 10 pro (quite noisy and large so want to move it to another room at home) from a thin client/dumb terminal.

I haven't bought it yet but thinking of one of the Dell Wyse clients (Suggestions welcome based upon requirement) I simply want to access it via RDP or similar, with a local keyboard, mouse, screen (and usb devices if needed)

I saw here that .rdp files can be loaded locally to a thin client/dumb terminal and I wanted to know exactly how? https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/ec0b4452-ebbd-4a6a-bf2e-5c4acdafdc25/local-config-for-wyse-thinos-and-microsoft-server-2016-rds-sessionbased and if this would be the way to achieve the above?

I use VDI's at work and they are perfect for what I need - but I don't want the VDI part :) no servers etc to manage, even if virtualised on the pc - I want the smallest config, storage and system footprint possible (a client running ThinOS (never seen it but seems simple?)

accessing a machine over RDP seems to be good enough). If I can install an rdp file to a wyse/similar (not running windows btw) then this will be perfect and I'll go buy one!

Thanks, DHD

Answer 1

Hi DHD,
Thank you for posting your query. According to your description, could you please share more information? What is the version of your host and your terminal? Are you trying to use RDP? What apps are you going to run?(E.G. Microsoft 365)
In my opinion, VDI is a perfect solution for you. As others also comment that VDI has the benefit that the user gets the "own" PC, it runs a desktop OS and essentially is the same experience as if they were using a desktop, only its accessed remotely, normally through some sort of Remote Desktop app that launches automatically when the thin/zero client turns on.
Here are some related links you may refer to and give you some hints.
Step-By-Step: Deploying Virtual Desktops with Windows Server 2012
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/canitpro/step-by-step-deploying-virtual-desktops-with-windows-server-2012
Dumb Terminal options using Server 2012 R2 RDS.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/en-US/0d3df644-f4d9-4547-984e-b9b28e19c1bb/dumb-terminal-options-using-server-2012-r2-rds?forum=winserverTS
Dell WYSE thinos to Launch RDS RemoteApp
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/2c5ef048-0ed7-4e56-92a8-82fafc18f3a2/dell-wyse-thinos-to-launch-rds-remoteapp?forum=winserverTS
How does the PXE boot process work?
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/itops-talk-blog/how-does-the-pxe-boot-process-work/ba-p/888557

Best Regards,
Grace

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Answer 2

Did you ever find a fix for this?