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).

How to change the resolution of the remote desktop on a single monitor

Most remote desktop software, including Windows Remote Desktop, VMware, and TeamViewer, allow you to adjust the display resolution for your remote desktop. This can be useful if the remote display doesn’t fit properly on your local screen or if you need to improve performance by lowering the resolution.

To change the resolution of a remote desktop on one screen only, you can follow these steps depending on the software you’re using:

For Windows Remote Desktop Connection:

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection (search “Remote Desktop” in the Start menu).
2. Click Show Options at the bottom of the window.
3. Go to the Display tab.
4. Under the Display configuration section, adjust the slider to set the desired resolution.
5. Ensure that the “Use all my monitors” option is unchecked to display on a single monitor.
6. Click Connect to start your remote session with the new resolution.

For VMware Horizon:

1. Launch Horizon Client and connect to your server.
2. Open Settings in the top right corner and choose Remote Desktop > Settings.
3. Go to the Display tab.
4. Select Custom under the display options and choose your preferred resolution.
5. Choose Fullscreen – Single Monitor to apply the changes to one monitor.

For TeamViewer:

1. Connect to your remote desktop in TeamViewer.
2. Once connected, click the Actions tab in the toolbar.
3. Under View, select Scaling and adjust the screen resolution to fit the display.
4. You can switch between monitors using the two-monitor icon if needed.

These methods allow you to customize the resolution for a smoother remote experience on a single monitor.

How to optimize performance during remote desktop sessions

To optimize performance, especially on slower connections, you can reduce the display quality by lowering the resolution or color depth. Disabling features like showing the desktop background or using a single monitor can also improve responsiveness.

Conclusion

Configuring your remote desktop settings for optimal performance and display can significantly enhance your remote working experience, especially for MSPs who rely on precise setups. Whether you’re using Windows Remote Desktop, VMware, or TeamViewer, being able to adjust your monitor settings and resolution ensures that you can tailor the remote environment to suit your needs. Understanding how to display your remote desktop on a single monitor, optimize resolution, and improve performance are key steps to maintaining efficiency, even in a remote work setting. With these tools and tips, you can easily overcome common frustrations and streamline your remote sessions.