Access is denied while logging through RDP and automatically starting a program (Windows server 2016-2022)

Question

Access is denied while logging through RDP and automatically starting a program (Windows server 2022 - with Remote Desktop Services configured)

We're upgrading from Windows Server 2008R2 to WIndows Server 2022. Users had:

• alternate shell:s:<path><program.exe> configured in the RDP client file.
• Upon login, the program would start with no desktop.
• Upon logout the session would be ended.

When I try to RDP to WIndows Server 2022 and automatically start a program using alternate shell:s: in the RDP client file, I get "Access is Denied. This initial program cannot be started:<path><program>"

Answer 1

I found my answer. I needed to set the local Group Policy

Set local Group Policy :”Local Computer Policy-Administrative Templates-Windows Components-Remote Desktop Session Host-Connections  Allow remote start of unlisted programs <Enabled>”.

 

Answer 2

Hello Timothy Graham

The user account you are using to connect via RDP does not have the necessary permissions to run the specified program.

You may check the security settings and permissions on the program executable and its parent folders.

Kind regards,

Karlie