How to Improve the Performance of RDP Connections

Avatar photo
Posted by by Blenda December 10, 2024 6 Min Read

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used tool. It helps people access and control computers from a different location. However, sometimes RDP connections can feel slow or laggy. This can make it difficult to work efficiently.

Improving RDP performance is essential for a smooth remote experience. In this article, we will discuss several ways to enhance RDP speed and reliability. These tips can help both beginners and experienced users.

Why Does RDP Performance Slow Down?

Before fixing RDP issues, it’s important to understand why they happen. Common reasons include:

  1. Slow Internet Connection: Both the local and remote computers need stable internet.
  2. High Latency: Delayed communication between devices causes lag.
  3. Resource Usage: If the remote computer is overloaded, RDP slows down.
  4. Improper Settings: Using default RDP settings can reduce performance.
  5. Network Congestion: Too many devices on the same network can cause slowdowns.

Steps to Improve RDP Performance

Here are practical steps to enhance your RDP connection:

1. Optimize RDP Settings

Changing the default RDP settings can improve speed. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
  2. Click on Show Options.
  3. Go to the Experience tab.
  4. Select Detect connection quality automatically or choose a lower setting, such as Modem (56 Kbps) if your internet is slow.

Disable non-essential features, such as:

  • Desktop background
  • Font smoothing
  • Visual styles

This reduces the amount of data sent over the connection, improving performance.

2. Use a Stable Internet Connection

Internet speed and stability are crucial for RDP performance.

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability.
  • Ensure both devices have at least 10 Mbps internet speed for smooth operation.
  • Test your internet connection using speed test tools to ensure reliability.

3. Adjust Display Settings

Reducing display quality can significantly boost RDP performance.

  1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
  2. Go to the Display tab.
  3. Lower the Remote Desktop size slider to a smaller resolution.
  4. Uncheck the Enable font smoothing and Show desktop composition options.

Lower resolutions require less data transfer, which speeds up the connection.

4. Enable Compression

RDP has built-in compression to reduce the amount of data transferred. Ensure compression is enabled:

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor on the remote computer.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Remote Session Environment.
  3. Enable the policy Use Compression for RemoteFX Data.

5. Use Network Level Authentication (NLA)

Network Level Authentication (NLA) secures your connection while improving performance. It reduces the resources used during authentication.

To enable NLA:

  1. Open the Remote Desktop settings on the remote computer.
  2. Select Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication.

6. Reduce Network Congestion

If multiple devices are using the same network, bandwidth can get congested.

  • Limit other network activities, like streaming or large file downloads, during RDP sessions.
  • Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize RDP traffic.

7. Update Software and Drivers

Outdated software or drivers can slow down RDP connections.

  • Update the Remote Desktop client on your local device.
  • Keep the operating system and drivers of both devices up to date.

Regular updates fix bugs and improve performance.

8. Use a VPN for Secure and Stable Access

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can stabilize your connection. It routes your traffic through secure servers, reducing interruptions.

  • Choose a VPN with low latency and high speed.
  • Ensure it is compatible with your RDP setup.

9. Monitor Resource Usage on Remote Computer

If the remote computer is overloaded, it may slow down the RDP session. Check for high resource usage:

  1. Open Task Manager on the remote computer.
  2. Look for high CPU, RAM, or disk usage.

Close unnecessary programs or processes to free up resources.

10. Use Remote Desktop Manager Tools

Remote Desktop Manager (RDM) tools can optimize connections. They allow you to manage multiple sessions efficiently and include performance-enhancing features. Popular RDM tools are:

  • Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager
  • Royal TS
  • mRemoteNG

11. Enable UDP Connections

RDP can use both TCP and UDP protocols. UDP is faster for real-time communication. To enable UDP:

  1. Open the Group Policy Editor on the remote computer.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
  3. Enable the policy Enable UDP Transport.

Advanced Tips for Better RDP Performance

  1. Use RemoteFX:
    RemoteFX improves visual performance for graphically intensive tasks. However, it requires proper setup and hardware support.
  2. Upgrade Hardware:
    If the remote computer has outdated hardware, consider upgrading its CPU, RAM, or storage.
  3. Switch to Faster Protocols:
    If RDP performance is still poor, try alternative remote access tools like AnyDesk or Parallels Access.