Increasing RDP login screen timeout to remain connected

Question

Hello,

I am having issues with the login screen timeout when using Remote Desktop to connect to Windows 11. The login screen disconnects after only seconds, and I need it to remain connected until a user logs in.

Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this issue?

Thank you.

Answer 1

I don't have a "this is for sure the answer", just a possibility from a web search, that seemed possibly to fit your description. Maybe these are set low, or not set at all, and you may want to try updating the values? (on the Win11 target, I presume).

https://superuser.com/questions/201695/what-is-the-registry-key-to-terminate-sessions-on-disconnect

specifically, this reply:

Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services, add these DWORD values:

MaxDisconnectionTime
MaxIdleTime

If set to 60000 (milliseconds), the time-outs will be one minute.

Full registry key file:

REGEDIT4
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services]
"MaxDisconnectionTime"=dword:0000EA60
"MaxIdleTime"=dword:0000EA60

Answer 2

Hello,

I would like to share that this is by design.

We have two types of authentication workflows for RDP: SSL/RDP layer. If you are using the RDP layer, you are supposed to have a terminal session, and you will authenticate your account on the terminal server. If you are in this type of situation, you will disconnect shortly.

When you enable NLA (Network Level Authentication), you will use SSL. That means you will have a pop-up window on your client, and when you pass your credentials to your client, your client will send them to the server for further authentication.