How to make a remote desktop switch to single monitor

When it comes to remote working, you want your setup to be just right. MSPs can be particular about their remote desktop setup and configuring your screens can be harder than one might think. Plus, when the number of monitors that you have in your remote location doesn’t match up with your local setup, it can be incredibly frustrating. This quick guide walks you through how to toggle your display settings when using Windows’ Remote Desktop Connection, VMWare, and TeamViewer, so that you can get it just right.

What is a remote desktop software?

Let’s take a quick look at the basics. A remote desktop software allows you to access and control another computer remotely. This is an invaluable tool that allows MSPs to effectively monitor remote computers and troubleshoot any issues in real time.

How to display remote desktop on a single monitor in Windows Remote Desktop Connection

• First, you’ll need to navigate to your Remote Desktop Connection settings window. Do this by clicking the Start button, searching ‘Remote’ and then opening the Remote Desktop Connection window.
• Click ‘Show options’
• Navigate to the ‘Display’ tab
• Here you’ll be able to configure the size of your display, the colour depth of your remote session, whether the connection bar is displayed, and most importantly, whether you want to use all of your monitors during your remote session.
• If you check the ‘use all my monitors’ box, then your remote setup will automatically make use all of the monitors you have in your local setup. However, if you want to display your remote desktop on only one of your monitors, make sure not to tick this box.
• If you want the changes you’ve made to become the default configuration, make sure to navigate back to the ‘general tab’ and click ‘save’.

How to display remote desktop on a single monitor in VMware

• Start Horizon Client and connect to a server
• Open settings in the top right hand corner of your screen and select remote desktop then ‘settings’
• Select VMWare Blast or PCoIP from ‘connect via’
• In the display tab, select your display settings. You can choose between ‘All Monitors’, ‘Single Monitor’, ‘Window – Large or Small’, or ‘Custom’
• To switch to a single monitor, click ‘Fullscreen – Single Monitor’
• If you’re already in session, your changes will be applied straight away. If you’re not connected yet, then the next time you connect, you’ll see your changes appear.

How to display remote desktop on a single monitor in TeamViewer

• It’s possible to mirror your remote desktop exactly to your local setup if you have the same number of monitors. If not, then you can switch between remote monitors by switching windows on your local monitor.
• To switch between monitors on your single local monitor, simply navigate to the ‘two monitor’ icon on your TeamViewer toolbar. Then select the monitor you want to see (or select show all monitors in a single window).