--- title: "The Top Free Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows" description: "Get a great overview of all the top remote desktop connection managers and in depth reviews of all features." canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/remote-desktop-connection-manager/" --- # The Top Free Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows > Get a great overview of all the top remote desktop connection managers and in depth reviews of all features. Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/remote-desktop-connection-manager/ --- ATA Learning Tap to hide [ ATA Learning ](/) * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Search for: * [](https://twitter.com/adbertram) * [](https://github.com/Adam-the-Automator) * [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-the-automator-llc) * [](/feed/) ![The Top Free Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-Top-Free-Remote-Desktop-Connection-Managers-for-Windows.jpg) # The Top Free Remote Desktop Connection Managers for Windows [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9a14f10ff1b1ec7d790d34f5b559e4d3de2d31b172e6ef266dfd8b479174d97b?s=192&d=mm&r=g)June Castillote](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/june/)5 March 202115 min. read Categories: [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/) Tags:[Remote Desktop](/tag/remote-desktop/)[Sponsored](/tag/sponsored/) Table of Contents * [Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager](#h-devolutions-remote-desktop-manager) * [Installation](#h-installation) * [Data Source](#h-data-source) * [Backup and Restore Remote Desktop Connections](#h-backup-and-restore-remote-desktop-connections) * [Migrating from Other Remote Desktop Connection Managers](#h-migrating-from-other-remote-desktop-connection-managers) * [Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes](#h-remote-desktop-connection-display-modes) * [Built-In Management Tools](#h-built-in-management-tools) * [Other Interesting Features](#h-other-interesting-features) * [mRemoteNG](#h-mremoteng) * [Installation](#h-installation-1) * [Remote Desktop Connection Management](#h-remote-desktop-connection-management) * [Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes](#h-remote-desktop-connection-display-modes-1) * [Backing Up Connection Files](#h-backing-up-connection-files) * [Other Interesting Features](#h-other-interesting-features-1) * [RD Tabs](#h-rd-tabs) * [Installation](#h-installation-2) * [Remote Desktop Connection Management](#h-remote-desktop-connection-management-1) * [Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes](#h-remote-desktop-connection-display-modes-2) * [Remote Desktop Connection Backups](#h-remote-desktop-connection-backups) * [Other Interesting Features](#h-other-interesting-features-2) * [Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager App](#h-microsoft-remote-desktop-manager-app) * [Installation](#h-installation-3) * [Built-In Credential Management](#h-built-in-credential-management) * [Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes](#h-remote-desktop-connection-display-modes-3) * [Remote Desktop Connection Backups](#h-remote-desktop-connection-backups-1) * [Other Interesting Features](#h-other-interesting-features-3) * [MultiDesk](#h-multidesk) * [Installation](#h-installation-4) * [Remote Desktop Connection Management](#h-remote-desktop-connection-management-2) * [Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes](#h-remote-desktop-connection-display-modes-4) * [Remote Desktop Connection Backup](#h-remote-desktop-connection-backup) * [Other Interesting Features](#h-other-interesting-features-4) * [Remote Desktop Connection Managers Side By Side](#h-remote-desktop-connection-managers-side-by-side) * [Choosing a Remote Desktop Connection Manager](#h-choosing-a-remote-desktop-connection-manager) Do you access remote computers regularly? If you look after multiple servers, keeping track of remote connections gets challenging as the number of your managed servers grows. Using a remote desktop connection manager can help you take back control of your remote desktops. In this article, you will learn about five remote desktop connection managers to consider using. Rest assured that the remote desktop managers that you’ll read about here are free! There are no trials and without limit to the number of managed remote machines. > _This post is kindly sponsored by [Devolutions](https://devolutions.net/company/about). Devolutions is dedicated to providing universal password and access management solutions to organizations worldwide – bringing productivity and security together._ > > _For more information on Remote Desktop Manager, please visit_ [https://devolutions.net/remote-desktop-manager/](https://devolutions.net/remote-desktop-manager/) > > Disclaimer: All ATA-sponsored _posts are 100% independent. Sponsors have no say-so in the writing of these posts._ ## Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager Let’s first start this roundup by covering an excellent remote desktop connection manager called [Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) from Devolutions](https://devolutions.net/remote-desktop-manager/). Devolutions offers two editions of RDM – _free_ and _enterprise (paid)_. This article will only cover the [_free edition_](https://devolutions.net/remote-desktop-manager/home/downloadfree). We’ve found that RDM has the most features through our research and trial testing compared to the other remote desktop connection managers in this article. Moreover, even the free edition comes with features that may overwhelm first-time users. RDM supports many popular connections, including but not limited to _[Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/remote/understanding-remote-desktop-protocol)_, SSH, Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), TeamViewer, VNC, Telnet, and Citrix. RDM has more supported connections that are too many to list here. ### Installation Should you want to try out RDM, you can install it using the EXE or MSI package on your computer or via the _[portable ZIP version](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/installation_portableusb.html)_. Depending on which installer option you choose (refer to the screenshot below), you’ll _[download](https://remotedesktopmanager.com/home/download)_ a minimum of 185MB installer size as of version 2020.3.29.0. ![Remote Desktop Manager Download Options](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142222.244.png) Remote Desktop Manager Download Options ### Data Source Every remote desktop manager needs some repository to save data like remote hosts, credentials, or configuration. In RDM, data repositories are called _[data sources](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/datasources.html)._ Data sources serve as the container of all the entries in RDM. By default, RDM uses an SQLite instance as the data source. However, there are _[other data source types](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/datasource_types.html)_ you can use. Do you want your data source to reside in your cloud storage? Then, you can choose _Google Drive_ and _Dropbox_ among the data source options in RDM. ![The different RDM data sources](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142253.426.png) The different RDM data sources > _Not all data sources have the same capabilities. Visit the RDM [Data Source Types](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/datasource_types.html) page to learn more about the different data sources._ ### Backup and Restore Remote Desktop Connections We all know that bad things happen, and the possibility of data loss is always there. Luckily, Devolutions offers a free _[online backup](https://helpcloud.devolutions.net/onlinebackup_introduction.html)_ feature with RDM. The Online Backup automatically backs up the data from your data source to the Devolutions cloud. Devolutions claims that the Online Data is encrypted using a client key, therefore it is impossible for Devolutions to access your information. If you _[register a free Devolutions account](https://account.devolutions.com/register)_, you can use the online backup feature in RDM. Then, you’ll only need to configure a backup name in RDM, which automatically activates the online backup. ![Activating RDM Online Backup](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/rdm_enable_backup.gif) Activating RDM Online Backup > _After enabling the online backup, RDM automatically backs up all data in your data source 30 seconds after making any modifications, such as adding or removing sessions. You should enable the online backup to all your data sources if you have more than one._ When needed, you can restore online backups to the current or new data source. You can find the list of online backups in **File > Backups > Restore**. Then, you can select which online backup to restore. ![Choosing an online backup to restore](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142418.009.png) Choosing an online backup to restore With the flexibility to choose different data sources, coupled with the online backup feature, you’ll never have to worry about keeping your RDM data protected. ### Migrating from Other Remote Desktop Connection Managers If you decide to try out Devolutions RDM and are already using another remote desktop connection manager, you can import existing connections. For example, RDM supports _[importing sessions](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/file_importsessions.html?q=import)_ from various tools like those listed below. * _[mRemoteNG](https://mremoteng.org/)_ * DameWare Mini Remote Control * RoyalTS * RDTabs * TeamViewer Manager * LogMeIn * visionApp Remote Desktop > _Remote Desktop Connections are called Sessions in Devolutions RDM._ The demo below shows importing remote desktop sessions from a mRemoteNG connection file. As a result, RDM creates new entries for the imported connections. ![Importing Remote Desktop Connections in RDM](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/rdm_import.gif) Importing Remote Desktop Connections in RDM ### Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes Display modes are the different modes or layouts with how you can view your sessions. When opening a remote desktop session in RDM, there are three display modes – _Embedded (tabbed)_, _Undocked_, and _External_. The list below briefly explains each display mode. * **Embedded** – This display mode embeds the remote desktop sessions in the main RDM window. RDM uses tabs to display sessions, as a result, each session has its own tab. Tabs are also dockable in panes, as you can see in the image below, which can help you view multiple sessions at once. ![RDM Tabbed Sessions](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142548.567.png) RDM Tabbed Sessions * **Undocked** – RDM displays remote desktop sessions in undocked windows. As a result, you can view your sessions in multiple separate windows. ![RDM Undocked Session Display](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142622.232.png) RDM Undocked Session Display * **External** – This mode opens remote desktop sessions using the built-in Windows RDP client, _mstsc.exe_. ![RDM External Session Display](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T142653.180-1.png) RDM External Session Display ### Built-In Management Tools Suppose you need to access information from a remote desktop, such as running services or the registry. RDM has built-in management tools for that, all located inside RDM, making admin tasks more manageable. With a single click, you can do the following actions. * Create an inventory report. * List current login sessions. * Check the remote computer’s uptime. * Check if the remote computer is online. * Run a port scan. * Run a traceroute. * Perform ping and continuous ping. * Retrieve remote events. * Display and access the remote registry. * Read and manage scheduled tasks. * Manage installed programs. * Administer shares. * List remote printers. ### Other Interesting Features Devolutions RDM is more than just a typical remote desktop manager. Below are some of the other interesting features RDM offers. **Secure Information Manager** – save credentials and even personal information as you would in a dedicated password manager. Moreover, the list below shows other information types you can save in RDM. * Credit Card * Cryptocurrency Cold Storage * Secure Note * Website * Alarm Codes * Application Send key * Bank Account * Email Account * Passport * Safety Deposit * Wireless Router * Software License * Driver’s License * Social Security Number * Membership Card **_[Import Login](https://help.remotedesktopmanager.com/file_importpasswords.html)_** – import your saved login details from other password managers. Furthermore, the list below shows the third-party password managers RDM supports for importing. * Aurora Password Manager * 1Password * Dashlane * DataVault * EnPass * Google Chrome * KeePass * LastPass * Passpack * Passportal * Password Agent * Roboform * Password Depot * SplashID * Password Safe * Sticky Passwords **File Repository** – save various documents and files into the data source such as the those in the list below. * Document (any file) * Html * Spreadsheet * Text * Rich Text * SSL Certificate * Data Source Configuration * Email * Image * Video * PDF * Phonebook **Web Browser** – you can create a website entry optionally including the username and password. You can then open the saved website inside RDM, auto-filling the username and password if present. However, know that some sites do not support using web browsers embedded in a different application. As a result, the below screenshot shows Google not allowing login saying that the browser might not be secure. ![Web browser in RDM](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T143710.899.png) Web browser in RDM **File Editor** – built-in editor for Html, Spreadsheet, Rich Text, and Text files. For instance, the screenshot below shows an Excel spreadsheet inside the RDM spreadsheet editor. ![RDM Spreadsheet editor](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T143831.976-2.png) RDM Spreadsheet editor The Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager offers a lot of other features to explore. If you want to learn more, visit the _[support](https://devolutions.net/support)_ page, where you can find help documentation, tutorials, and more. ## mRemoteNG _Multi-Remote Next Generation_ or _[mRemoteNG](https://mremoteng.org/)_ is an open-source and free remote desktop connections manager. mRemoteNG carries features such as multi-tabbed connections and multi-protocol support. The supported protocols as of version 1.76.20 are: * RDP (Remote Desktop/Terminal Server) * VNC (Virtual Network Computing) * ICA (Citrix Independent Computing Architecture) * SSH (Secure Shell) * Telnet (TELecommunication NETwork) * HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) * rlogin * Raw Socket Connections ### Installation There are two ways to get mRemoteNG; as an MSI installer or a ZIP file. The ZIP file lets you use mRemoteNG as a portable tool because you can save it to a USB drive. Handy if you use different computers. Not only does it make mRemoteNG portable, but the saved connection file(s) are also. ![mRemoteNG download options](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T144839.174.png) mRemoteNG download options ### Remote Desktop Connection Management mRemoteNG lets you create _folders_ which is useful if you want to group remote connections. Putting remote connections in a folder helps you apply the same configuration, including credentials to all remote desktops. _[Inheritance](https://mremoteng.readthedocs.io/en/stable/folders_and_inheritance.html)_ is a setting that sets whether the remote connection will inherit all its parent folder’s properties. Inheritance is optional, and its default state is off. You can turn on inheritance on each connection. ![mRemoteNG group properties inheritance](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T144912.883.png) mRemoteNG group properties inheritance ### Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes There are only two display options to open remote desktop connections; tabbed and full screen. The screenshot below shows mRemoteNG with opened remote desktop connections in a tabbed view, for instance. ![mRemoteNG tabbed view](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T144937.788.png) mRemoteNG tabbed view ### Backing Up Connection Files mRemoteNG uses a connection file in XML format to store all your remote desktop connections. The connection file is saved in the same folder as the mRemoteNG executable file by default. However, mRemoteNG does not restrict the location where you want to save the connection file. Meaning, it is possible to save your connection files to a cloud-synced location such as Google Drive or OneDrive. Additionally, mRemoteNG automatically keeps a backup of the connection file after saving every modification. ![mRemoteNG connection file and connection file backups](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145013.421.png) mRemoteNG connection file and connection file backups ### Other Interesting Features Here are other interesting and useful features that comes with mRemoteNG. * **_[SSH File Transfer](https://mremoteng.readthedocs.io/en/stable/user_interface/ssh_file_transfer.html)_** – Enables transferring files to remote hosts over an encrypted tunnel. Protocols supported are SFTP and SCP. Useful too if your transferring files to a Linux _[docker container](https://adamtheautomator.com/docker-windows/)_, for example. * **_[Import Connections from Active Directory](https://mremoteng.readthedocs.io/en/stable/user_interface/import_export.html#import-from-active-directory)_** – With this feature, you can import computers from the Active Directory (AD). However, this is only applicable to AD-joined computers. * **_[Screenshot Manager](https://mremoteng.readthedocs.io/en/stable/user_interface/screenshot_manager.html)_** – You can take screenshots of your remote desktop sessions. The screenshot manager allows you to view, copy, save, and delete screenshots within mRemoteNG. Visit the _[mRemoteNG documentation](https://mremoteng.readthedocs.io/en/latest/)_ to learn more. ## RD Tabs The following remote desktop manager, _RD Tabs_, claims to be “_the original multi-tabbed remote desktop client._” And as the name implies, RD Tabs’ primary feature is multi-tabbed remote desktop connections. But that’s not all. ### Installation To install RD Tabs, you can download the latest version from the _[Avian Waves RD Tabs download page](https://www.avianwaves.com/Software/Tools/RD-Tabs)_. As of this writing, the newest version is 3.0.12. Also, there is no portable version for RD Tabs. What you’ll get from the download is an installer file. ![Install RD Tabs](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145052.111.png) Install RD Tabs ### Remote Desktop Connection Management At first, you may think that RD Tabs is just another GUI frontend for MSTSC. But as soon as you start adding new connections, you’ll realize that RD Tabs is highly customizable remote desktop connection manager. Looking at the RD Tabs options, there are a lot of customizations to control remote desktop connections. Below are some RD Tabs options. * Set how many seconds to wait before attempting to reconnect a disconnected session. * Set the maximum number of reconnect attempts before failing. * Changing the default tab titles for the different session statuses (connecting, connected, disconnected). * Enable or disable full native screen resolution for high DPI displays. The screenshot below is the RD Tab’s default interface, where you can create a new remote connection on the fly, for example. ![RD Tabs' main interface](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145233.939.png) RD Tabs’ main interface Saved remote desktop connections use a folder tree structure. Remote desktops are called _favorites,_ and groups are called _folders_. For instance, in the screenshot below, there is one folder named _Lab_ and two remote desktop connections under it. ![Remote desktop connections in RD Tabs are called Favorites](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145303.930.png) Remote desktop connections in RD Tabs are called _Favorites_ ### Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes There are several viewing modes or layouts to open remote connections, such as _multi-tabbed_, _detached tabs_, and _multi-pane_. For example, the screenshot below shows RD Tabs’s default view, which is multi-tabbed. ![RD Tabs multi-tabbed remote desktop view](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145334.961-1.png) RD Tabs multi-tabbed remote desktop view In addition, the image below shows RD Tabs’ multi-pane tabbed layout for the admins who prefer to work in a single-window remote desktop. ![RD Tabs multi-pane layout](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145408.201.png) RD Tabs multi-pane layout ### Remote Desktop Connection Backups RD Tabs also allows you to export all application settings and saved favorites. This feature helps keep RD Tabs configuration data portable, which also serves as a backup. To back up connections to a file, press F6 on your keyboard while inside RD Tabs, or click **Favorites > Manage Favorites**. And on the **Manage Favorites** window, click **Export All** to begin exporting all the connections. ![Exporting Favorites in RD Tabs](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145443.472.png) Exporting Favorites in RD Tabs When you want to backup RD Tabs settings to a file, click on **Tools > Options** or press F3 on your keyboard while inside RD Tabs. On the RD Tabs options window, click on **Export**. ![Exporting RD Tabs Settings](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145509.687.png) Exporting RD Tabs Settings > _A potential issue that you may encounter is not being able to save passwords. RD Tabs respects the DisablePasswordSaving registry setting in HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\Terminal Services. This policy means that you cannot save passwords when adding new remote desktop connections._ ### Other Interesting Features * **Screen capture tool** – Are you taking screenshots to document your remote machines? RD Tabs also has a built-in screen capture tool! * **PowerShell Integration and Scripting** – Lets you create, manage, and execute PowerShell scripts. Also allows you to automate parts of RD Tabs functionality. To know more about RD Tabs, refer to the included help file or the _[RD Tab official website](https://www.avianwaves.com/Software/Tools/RD-Tabs)_. ## Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager App It would be irresponsible in an article about remote desktop managers in Windows, not to mention Microsoft’s own app called _Remote Desktop_. ### Installation You can download the _Microsoft Remote Desktop_ app from the _[Microsoft Store](https://www.microsoft.com/en-ph/p/microsoft-remote-desktop/9wzdncrfj3ps?rtc=1#activetab=pivot:overviewtab)_. ![Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Microsoft Store](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145553.875.png) Microsoft Remote Desktop in the Microsoft Store When you launch the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, the first thing that catches your eye is its minimalistic and modern interface, a far cry from its _[legacy predecessor](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/exchange-team-blog/introducing-remote-desktop-connection-manager-rdcman-2-2/ba-p/592989)_. ![Microsoft Remote Desktop's main user interface](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145624.264-1.png) Microsoft Remote Desktop’s main user interface ### Built-In Credential Management Remote Desktop has a built-in credential manager, which lets you save multiple credentials. When adding new remote connections, you are allowed to select a saved credential from a dropdown. Choosing from pre-saved credentials helps avoid login errors and account lockouts, as a result. ![Choosing a saved credential when adding a new remote connection](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145656.215.png) Choosing a saved credential when adding a new remote connection ### Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes When it’s time to open a remote connection, there are two options to display the remote desktop; in the same window as the main user interface or in separate windows. There’s no real advantage to using the single-window display mode. Because using this option means that you may only view one remote desktop at a time, which can be challenging when managing multiple remote desktop sessions. For example, the screenshot below shows the single-window remote desktop view in the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. ![Microsoft Remote Desktop single-window remote desktop connections view](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-02-21_10-33-03.jpg) Microsoft Remote Desktop single-window remote desktop connections view The second option is to open remote desktops in separate windows. Users accustomed to viewing multiple remote desktop windows, like side-by-side, would benefit from this display option. For example, the screenshot below shows the multiple windows remote desktop connections. ![Microsoft Remote Desktop multiple windows view](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145800.628.png) Microsoft Remote Desktop multiple windows view ### Remote Desktop Connection Backups What’s more, Remote Desktop allows you to _[backup the remote connections to a file](https://pureinfotech.com/backup-remote-desktop-app-settings-windows-10/)_. Meaning, restoring the remote connections from backup is possible, too. The backup and restore feature may come in handy when moving between computers or accidental data deletion. ![Backing up connections and settings](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145848.764.png) Backing up connections and settings > _When backing up remote connections to a file, the Remote Desktop app does not include passwords for security. So restoring remote desktop connections from backup will not restore the associated credentials._ ### Other Interesting Features Some of the other Remote Desktop app features are: * **Smart screen resizing** – It lets you choose whether to stretch the content of the remote desktop or show scroll bars when resizing the Remote Desktop app. * **Keyboard command redirection** – Whether to direct keyboard commands to the remote session or the local PC. * **Prevent the screen from timing out** – This allows to keep the screen awake while there’s an active session running. To know more about the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, visit the _[Get started with the Microsoft Store Client](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/windows)_ page. ## MultiDesk Another remote desktop connection manager that is compact, portable, and lightweight is _[MultiDesk](https://www.syvik.com/multidesk/index.en.html)_. MultiDesk is a tabbed remote desktop manager that acts as a GUI frontend of the built-in _[Remote Desktop Connection Client (MSTSC)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/mstsc)_. ### Installation There’s no installation required to use MultiDesk. You only need to _[download the latest MultiDesk zip file](https://www.syvik.com/multidesk/download.en.html)_. Then, extracted its contents on your computer. After extracting the zip, open the _MultiDesk64.exe_ or _MultiDesk.exe (for 32-bit systems)_ to launch the remote desktop manager. ### Remote Desktop Connection Management The interface uses a tree view to represent the hierarchy of groups and servers. Admins can set a credential to a group, which each server in the group inherits. The steps to add a new group and set a credential is listed below. 1. Right-Click on the node where you want to add the new group. 2. From the context menu, click on **Add group.** 3. On the **Add group** window, enter the **Display Name** you want to assign to the group. 4. Then, enter the username, password, and domain. The port value is 3389 by default. 5. When you’re done filling out the details, click on **OK** to save the group. ![Adding a new group in MultiDesk](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T145940.733.png) Adding a new group in MultiDesk The screenshot below shows MultiDesk after adding a group and servers. ![Adding a credential to a group of remote systems in MultiDesk](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T150017.777.png) Adding a credential to a group of remote systems in MultiDesk After adding remote connections, there are two ways to open remote desktops; connecting to one remote desktop at a time or connecting to all remote desktops under a group. The screenshot below shows connecting to a group of remote desktops at once. ![Connecting to a group of remote machines at once in MultiDesk](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T152235.701.png) Connecting to a group of remote machines at once in MultiDesk ### Remote Desktop Connection Display Modes MultiDesk can display remote desktop connections in two ways; in _tabs_ or _full screen_. In the tabbed view, the remote desktop connections are shown in separate tabs inside MultiDesk (refer to the screenshot below). The tabbed display mode makes switching between remote desktop sessions convenient. ![MutiDesk Tabbed Remote Desktop Display Mode](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T150128.759-1.png) MutiDesk Tabbed Remote Desktop Display Mode On the other hand, in full-screen mode, the remote desktop session covers the entire computer screen. You’ll need to minimize the current session to get to other remote desktops. ### Remote Desktop Connection Backup One thing lacking from MultiDesk is the ability to export and import connections from the main program. If you are concerned about losing your remote desktop connections, your workaround is to back up the file _MultiDesk.xml_. The _MultiDesk.xml_ file is where MultiDesk saves all remote desktop connections. The file is located in the same folder as the MultiDesk program. ![The MultiDesk.xml file is located in MultiDesk executable folder](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-2021-02-28T150228.398.png) The _MultiDesk.xml_ file is located in MultiDesk executable folder How you back up the connection file is up to you, your options are open. But, one convenient way is to sync the _MultiDesk.xml_ file to cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. ### Other Interesting Features MultiDesk is light on features because it is a tool that is focused on its primary purpose – to manage remote desktop connections. * **Import cached MSTSC connections** – If you’ve used MSTSC before to connect to remote desktops, those connections are cached in _%LOCALAPPDATA%\\Microsoft\\Terminal Server Client\\Cache_. MultiDesk is capable of importing those MSTSC cached connections. To learn more about MultiDesk, visit the _[MultiDesk documentation](https://www.syvik.com/multidesk/documentation.en.html)_ page. ## Remote Desktop Connection Managers Side By Side Let’s wrap up with a summary of all the features of the different remote desktop connection managers this article covered. The table below shows the remote desktop manager features side by side comparison.
Remote Desktop ManagersInstallationConnection ManagementDisplay OptionsBackupOther Features
Devolutions Remote Desktop ManagerMSI / EXE Setup and Portable ZipImport connections from third-party tools.

Built-in credential manager.

Group remote desktops.

Support for multiple protocols.		Embedded (tabbed and docked), Undocked, and External (MSTSC).Can use multiple data source types.

Backup data to Devolution’s Cloud (Online Backup).

Automatic cloud backup.

Seamless restore from backup history.		Store secure information such as secure notes, credit cards, and more.

Import login from third-party password managers.

Store documents and files.

Built-in web browser for saved websites.

Built-in file editor.
mRemoteNGMSI Setup and Portable ZipImport connections from RDP and Putty files.

Group remote desktops.

Supports multiple protocols.		Tabbed and full screen mode.Can use multiple XML connection files.

Automatic connection file backup.		SSH file transfer.

Import connections from Active Directory.

Built-in screenshot tool and screenshot manager.
RD TabsEXE SetupCan import connections from RDP files.

Group remote desktops.

Supports RDP only.		Tabbed and detached window.Export and import configuration and favorites from file.Built-in screen capture tool (copy to clipboard)
Microsoft Remote Desktop ManagerWindows 10 Store AppBuilt-in credential manager.

Group remote desktops.

Supports RDP only.		Single-window and detached window.Backup settings and connections to file (excluding passwords)Smart screen sizing

Keyboard command redirection

Prevent screen from timing out while a remote desktop session running.
MultiDeskPortable ZipGroup remote desktops.

The only supported protocol is RDP.		Tabbed and full screen mode.Manual backup.Import cached MSTSC connections.
## Choosing a Remote Desktop Connection Manager When choosing a remote desktop manager, there’s “no one size fits all.” The sensible action is to consider first your personal, team, or business requirements. More features don’t necessarily mean better or that you need them. For example, if you only need the basic functionalities, mRemoteNG is an excellent choice. With mRemoteNG, you can quickly get set up and start adding and managing your remote desktop connections. But, if you require a more centralized remote desktop connection manager, you will benefit more with Devolutions RDM. RDM comes with lots of useful features for a free tool. While some parts may seem like bells and whistles, it’s good to know that those features are there if you’ll need them. Share this article [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fremote-desktop-connection-manager%2F&text=The%20Top%20Free%20Remote%20Desktop%20Connection%20Managers%20for%20Windows)[Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fremote-desktop-connection-manager%2F)[Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fadamtheautomator.com%2Fremote-desktop-connection-manager%2F) ## Related Posts ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/26802_featured_image-scaled.jpg) ### [How to Fix Active Directory’s #1 Weak Point in 2026: Passwords](/fix-active-directory-weak-point-passwords/) It's 2026. Despite years of momentum around passwordless authentication, the reality in most enterprise environments is still the same: Active Directory ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/featured_image-2-scaled.jpg) ### [EasyEntra: A Look at Hybrid User Management with Virtual Templates](/easyentra-look-hybrid-user-management-virtual/) EasyEntra consolidates Active Directory and Entra ID management into a single interface. This hands-on review explores Virtual User Templates—a feature that standardizes user provisioning across hybrid environments. ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image_2025-12-08_135610968.png) ### [Active Directory: Add MFA to Windows with Specops Secure Access](/specops-mfa-windows-login/) Learn how to deploy Specops Secure Access to add multi-factor authentication (MFA) to Windows logins and Remote Desktop connections in Active Directory environments. ## Categories * [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/) * [Cloud](/category/cloud/) * [DevOps](/category/devops/) * [Home Ops](/category/home-ops/) * [Information Security](/category/infosec/) * [Software Development](/category/software-development/) ## Site * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Copyright 2026© ATA Learning | [Privacy Policy](/privacy/)