How to Open RDP Sessions with Administrative Rights Using MSTSC/Admin

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful tool for accessing and controlling computers from anywhere. However, some tasks, like installing software, managing user accounts, or tweaking system settings, require administrative rights. This is where the MSTSC/Admin command comes in handy.

Using RDP sessions with admin rights gives you full control without consuming a Client Access License (CAL), making it a cost-effective and practical solution for remote management. With only two concurrent admin sessions allowed per server, this setup ensures both security and performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to launch an RDP session with administrative privileges.

Whether you’re troubleshooting, configuring systems, or exploring advanced MSTSC features, this tutorial will help you master the process while saving time and resources.

Understanding Admin Rights in RDP

Admin rights in Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions allow you to perform high-level administrative tasks on remote systems. These tasks include managing user accounts, installing software, and configuring system settings—all without requiring physical access to the machine.

Admin rights are critical for:

1. Performing High-Level Tasks: Handle configurations, updates, and maintenance remotely.
2. Cost Efficiency: Avoid purchasing additional CALs while maintaining full functionality.
3. Security: With only two concurrent admin sessions, the system minimizes exposure to threats.

Regular RDP Sessions vs. Admin RDP Sessions

Unlike regular RDP sessions, admin RDP sessions offer elevated privileges crucial for system management. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Regular RDP Sessions:
  • Requires a Client Access License (CAL).
  • Limited access for standard operations.
• Admin RDP Sessions:
  • Do not consume a CAL, saving costs.
  • Allow up to two concurrent sessions per server.
  • Provide unrestricted administrative access.

By limiting admin sessions to two, Windows ensures better performance and security, preventing overloading and unauthorized access.

Benefits of Using Admin Rights in RDP Sessions

Using admin rights in RDP sessions offers unique advantages, especially for IT administrators and businesses managing remote systems. Here are the key benefits:

1. Full Administrative Access

With admin rights, you can perform any administrative task on a remote system without being physically present. This includes:

• Installing or configuring software.
• Managing user accounts and permissions.
• Adjusting system settings for troubleshooting or optimization.

This level of access ensures you have complete control over the remote machine, enabling quick resolution of technical issues.

2. Cost Efficiency

Unlike regular sessions, Admin RDP sessions do not consume a Client Access License (CAL).

This makes them a cost-effective choice, especially for businesses that need frequent access to multiple servers. You save money while still benefiting from unrestricted access.

3. Enhanced Security and Performance

Only two concurrent admin sessions are allowed per server. This limitation:

• Enhances security by reducing potential points of vulnerability.
• Maintains server performance, preventing overloading caused by multiple simultaneous connections.

These safeguards are crucial for ensuring a stable and secure remote environment.

Step-by-Step: Launching an RDP Session with Admin Rights

Follow these steps to open an RDP session with administrative privileges using the mstsc /admin command. This method ensures you have full control over the remote system for performing essential tasks.

1. Initiate the Run Command

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• This shortcut is a quick way to launch tools and execute commands without navigating menus.

2. Enter the MSTSC Command

• Type the following command in the Run box:

  mstsc /admin

• Press Enter to execute the command.
• This action instructs Remote Desktop to initiate a session with elevated administrative privileges.

3. Specify the Server

• In the Remote Desktop Connection interface that appears:
  1. Enter the name or IP address of the target server or computer in the ‘Computer’ field.
  2. Click ‘Show Options’ to expand advanced connection settings.
• Expanding the options allows you to configure detailed settings like session resolution, local resource redirection, and user credentials.

4. Input Your Credentials

• Under the expanded settings:
  1. Enter your username in the ‘User name’ field. Ensure that this user account has administrative privileges on the target system.
  2. For domain environments, input your credentials in the format:

     DOMAIN\Username

• Click ‘Connect’ to proceed.

5. Authenticate Your Session

• A prompt will appear requesting the password for the username provided.
• Enter the password accurately, ensuring there are no typos, and press OK.
• If authentication is successful, the session will begin, and you will have admin-level access to the remote system.

Advanced Features: MSTSC Command Switches

The mstsc command is a powerful tool for customizing Remote Desktop Protocol sessions. By using specific command switches, you can optimize and tailor your remote connections for various needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used switches and their purposes:

Key MSTSC Switches and Their Functions

1. /v:<computer>
   • Specifies the target remote computer or server.
   • Example:

     mstsc /v:192.168.1.100

   • This launches an RDP session to the specified IP address or hostname.
2. /admin
   • Initiates the connection with administrative privileges.
   • Example:

     mstsc /admin

   • Use this when you need elevated access for system management tasks.
3. /f
   • Opens the RDP session in fullscreen mode.
   • Example:

     mstsc /f

4. /w:<width> /h:<height>
   • Sets the custom resolution for the remote session.
   • Example:

     mstsc /w:1280 /h:720

   • This creates an RDP session with a screen size of 1280×720 pixels.
5. /edit:<filename>.rdp
   • Opens a saved RDP file for editing.
   • Example:

     mstsc /edit:server_config.rdp

   • This is helpful when you need to modify saved connection settings.
6. /multimon
   • Enables multiple monitor support for the session.
   • Example:

     mstsc /multimon

7. /restrictedAdmin
   • Establishes an RDP session that limits access to the local computer’s resources.
   • Example:

     mstsc /restrictedAdmin

   • Ideal for secure environments where local resources should not be accessible from the remote session.
8. /span
   • Spans the remote session across all available monitors.
   • Example:

     mstsc /span

9. /shadow:<sessionID>
   • Allows you to shadow (view/control) an active session on a remote server.
   • Example:

     mstsc /shadow:3

   • Replace <sessionID> with the ID of the session you want to monitor or control.
10. /help
    • Displays a complete list of all available switches and their descriptions.
    • Example:

      mstsc /help

Combining Switches for Advanced Usage

MSTSC switches can be combined to create highly customized RDP sessions. Here are some examples:

• Admin Connection with Fullscreen Mode:

  mstsc /admin /f

  • This initiates an admin session in fullscreen mode.
• Custom Resolution with Admin Rights:

  mstsc /v:server1 /admin /w:1024 /h:768

  • Connects to server1 with admin privileges at a resolution of 1024×768.
• Shadowing a Session:

  mstsc /shadow:2 /control

  • Monitors and controls session 2 on the remote server.

Tips for Using MSTSC Switches

• Use the /save option to store your session preferences in an .rdp file for quick access in the future.
• Combine switches strategically to streamline your workflow.
• Use the /help command frequently to explore all available switches for additional flexibility.

By mastering these MSTSC command switches, you can enhance your RDP sessions, improve efficiency, and customize remote connections to fit your specific requirements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues when Using MSTSC/Admin to Open an RDP Session

Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshoot and resolve common problems:

1. Connection Issues

Problem: Unable to establish a connection to the remote system.
Solutions:

• Verify Remote Desktop Settings:
  • Ensure Remote Desktop is enabled on the target computer.
  • Navigate to:

    Control Panel > System > Remote Settings

    • Select Allow Remote Connections and confirm that the user account has permissions to connect.
• Check the Network Configuration:
  • Ensure the remote computer is reachable on the network.
  • Confirm that port 3389 (default RDP port) is open in the firewall settings on both the client and the server.
• Firewall Rules:
  • Add an exception for RDP in the Windows Firewall:

    Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an App or Feature Through Windows Defender Firewall

  • Alternatively, configure the firewall to allow incoming connections on port 3389.

2. Authentication Problems

Problem: Login credentials are rejected.
Solutions:

• Confirm Admin Privileges:
  • Make sure the account you are using has administrative privileges on the target system.
• Domain Account Format:
  • For domain environments, use the format:

    DOMAIN\Username

• Reset the Password:
  • If you suspect a password issue, reset it via the system admin or the Active Directory console.

3. Error Messages During Connection

Problem: Specific error messages prevent the session from starting.
Solutions:

• “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication” Error:
  • Ensure your system supports Network Level Authentication (NLA) or disable it on the target computer:

    Control Panel > System > Remote Settings > Uncheck "Allow connections only from computers running NLA"

• Certificate Issues:
  • If a certificate mismatch causes issues, clear cached RDP credentials:

    Control Panel > Credential Manager

    • Remove old credentials related to the remote server.

4. Session Limits

Problem: Unable to connect because the maximum number of admin sessions is already active.
Solutions:

• Disconnect Inactive Sessions:
  • Use the Task Manager or Command Prompt to log off inactive sessions:

    query session logoff <SessionID>

• Limit User Connections:
  • Adjust Group Policy settings to control active session limits:

    gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections

    • Set the maximum number of connections to two or fewer.

5. Review Event Logs

Problem: Persistent or unclear issues.
Solutions:

• Check the Event Viewer for detailed error messages:

  Start > Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Security or System

  • Look for RDP-related entries to identify root causes.

Simplifying RDP Access with V2 Cloud

Managing RDP sessions doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex. V2 Cloud offers a simplified and secure platform to handle RDP sessions with administrative rights.

Whether you’re an IT administrator managing multiple servers or a small business seeking efficient remote access, V2 Cloud streamlines the process to save you time and resources.

How V2 Cloud Makes RDP Management Easier

1. Automatic Configuration:
   • After signing up and installing the V2 Cloud app, the platform automatically configures the necessary settings for your remote virtual machines (VMs).
   • No need for manual adjustments or troubleshooting common RDP issues.
2. Dedicated Admin Options:
   • Select the ‘Administrator’ option from your VM list to immediately access a secure session with admin rights.
   • This eliminates the need to use complicated commands like mstsc /admin or remember multiple credentials.
3. Secure Connections:
   • V2 Cloud prioritizes security with built-in encryption, ensuring your data remains safe during remote sessions.
   • With features like two-factor authentication, your remote access is protected from unauthorized entry.
4. Ease of Use for First-Time Connections:
   • When connecting for the first time, select ‘Don’t ask me again for connections to this computer’ under the security prompt to simplify future logins.
   • V2 Cloud remembers your preferences, reducing friction for repeat access.

Talk to a Cloud Expert Today and experience seamless RDP sessions with enhanced security and admin-level control. Start your journey toward efficient, hassle-free remote management now!