Windows security popup not shows in secure desktop

Jyothi R 6

I have created one webview2 based application to support multifactor-authentication(MFA). I am trying to implement this in secure desktop(new desktop).

When I tried to trigger MFA sign in, after launching the application in secure desktop, windows security popup did not appear there. Instead the popup appeared in the previous desktop.

I want to make this popup appear in secure desktop.

Is there any solution to bring the windows security dialog in secure desktop. Can you suggest a solution for this ?

Yu Zhou-MSFT 12,071 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2021-12-02T06:47:47+00:00

Hi @Jyothi R

Could you please check if you have configured this policy? This policy setting determines whether the elevation request prompts on the interactive user desktop or on the secure desktop.
I think the issue might be related to this policy. Please enable this policy and test again.
RLWA32 40,471 Reputation points

2021-12-02T08:15:21.91+00:00

I am trying to implement this in secure desktop(new desktop).

Are you referring to a new desktop that you create programmatically or to the system's secure desktop (Winlogon)?
Jyothi R 6 Reputation points

2021-12-03T06:56:02.503+00:00

New desktop is created programmatically.
RLWA32 40,471 Reputation points

2021-12-03T09:56:07.467+00:00

The authentication components you are using don't know about your new programmatically created desktop. That is why they appear on the default desktop Specific actions must be taken in order for a process (including its threads) to display windows on a non-default desktop.

Refer to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/winstation/thread-connection-to-a-desktop which describes the details.

Perhaps you could use https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winuser/nf-winuser-switchdesktop to handle the desktop changes.
Jyothi R 6 Reputation points

2021-12-06T09:56:25.507+00:00

I have browser embedded(webview2) WPF application, which was launched in new desktop successfully.

This application shows browser login and when we click login with security key option, the OS popup for security key insertion is not shown in new desktop. Instead the popup appeared in the previous desktop.

I want to make this security key insertion popup appear in new desktop
RLWA32 40,471 Reputation points

2021-12-06T10:51:32.173+00:00

Thank you for the additional background information. However, the issue remains the same.

In order for the "OS popup for security key insertion" to appear on the new desktop the thread that creates it must be connected to that desktop. If you didn't start the process/thread that creates the popup then I don't know how you can have it use your new desktop.
raroraca 0 Reputation points

2023-01-27T06:31:36.59+00:00

Jyothi R, Did you able to find the solution to show on the secured desktop already? Or its a limitation in the new desktop window?
RLWA32 40,471 Reputation points

2023-01-27T08:20:11.4+00:00

@raroraca,

A suggested solution was posted to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/661139/how-to-bring-one-application-from-default-desktop. The Questioner abandoned the thread after encountering some difficulties so I don't know if it is viable or not.

1 answer

Limitless Technology 39,361 Reputation points

2021-12-02T09:52:28.227+00:00

Hi there,

In the secure desktop try resetting the network and check if you can re-enable the Security pop-up.

-Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
-Open Network & Internet.
-Select Status from the left pane
-Scroll to the bottom and click on Network Reset.
-Restart the PC and check if the pop-up is enabled.

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