351

How can I send ctrl+alt+del to a remote computer over Remote Desktop?

For example, if I wanted to change the local admin password on a remote PC using a Remote Desktop connection, it would be helpful to be able to send the ctrl+alt+del key sequence to the remote computer.

I would normally do this by pressing ctrl+alt+del and selecting the change password option. But I can't send ctrl+alt+del using Remote Desktop since this "special" key series is always handled by the local client.

HopelessN00b
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T. Marshall
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5 Answers5

519

ctrl+alt+end is the prescribed way to do this.

Coding Horror has some other shortcuts.

Kevin M
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nickd
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55

One option is to use the on-screen keyboard from within the first RDP session.

32

In newer versions of Windows there is a link to Windows Security in the start menu that will get you to the same place.

Never tried ctrl+alt+end - very sweet. I'll have to stick that in the storage space with ctrl+alt+ins for VMware. I personally avoid using the mouse as much as possible - weird for a Windows admin, right?

HopelessN00b
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Zypher
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16

In the Remote Desktop help, it says you must use ctrl+alt+end , so that is the correct, official way.

HopelessN00b
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Dustin
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11

You can use the following key combinations in remote desktop connection.

  • CTRL + ALT + DEL → CTRL + ALT + END

  • CTRL + PAGE UP → ALT + PAGE UP

  • CTRL + PAGE DOWN → ALT + PAGE DOWN

  • ALT + TAB → ALT + INSERT

See this http://www.morgantechspace.com/2013/08/how-to-press-ctrl-alt-del-in-remote.html

Depending on your onboard keyboard and the 'end' button, you also may need to use Ctrl + Alt + fn + End if it resides on on an FKey

Community
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Kombaiah M
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