Description of the Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0 update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

This article discusses the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 8.0 update that enables you to use the new Remote Desktop Services features. These features were introduced in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. These features are now available for computers that are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1).

How to obtain this update

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

Update for Windows 7 SP1, 32-bit versions

Download the Update for Windows 7 SP1 for x86-based systems package now.

Update for Windows 7 SP1, 64-bit versions

Download the Update for Windows 7 SP1 for x64-based systems package now.

Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, 64-bit versions

Download the Update for Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64-based systems package now.

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Installation instructions

Prerequisites

To install the RDP 8.0 update, you must have hotfix 2574819 installed.

For more information about hotfix 2574819, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Supported versions

To install this update, you must be running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.

How to enable RDP 8.0 on a remote computer that is running Windows 7 SP1

To enable RDP 8.0 on a remote computer that is running Windows 7 SP1, follow these steps:

Note The following instructions are applicable only for remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1.

1. Install the appropriate version of the update package by running the Windows6.1-KB2592687 update file.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
4. Enable the Remote Desktop Protocol policy. The setting for this policy is under the following node:
   Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Remote Session Environment
5. If the UDP functionality is necessary, enable the RDP Transport policy, and then set the value to Use both TCP and UDP. The setting for
   the RDP Transport policy is under the following node:
   Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Connections
   Note Configuring the RDP Transport policy also enables firewall rules to allow the 3389 UDP port.
6. Restart the computer.

How to verify that RDP 8.0 is enabled

To verify that RDP 8.0 is enabled on a remote computer that is running Windows 7 SP1, connect to the computer from a computer that is running Windows 8 or that is running Windows 7 SP1 by using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 8.0. After you connect to the computer, follow these steps to verify that RDP 8.0 is enabled:

1. If RDP 8.0 is enabled, the connection quality button will be displayed in the connection bar.
2. Click the connection quality button to open an information dialog box that resembles the following.
   
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   

The presence of the connection quality button and of the connection quality dialog box confirms the availability of RDP 8.0 for the remote connection.

Known Issue

Currently, RDP 8.0 is not compatible with Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) 2010. If you have UAG 2010 installed, we recommend that you do not install RDP 8.0.

New features in the RDP 8.0 update

New features in RDP 8.0 for Windows 7 SP1

This update introduces the following features for remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1:

• RemoteFX for WAN
  
  The RemoteFX for WAN feature enables users on WAN networks to have a fast and fluid experience by using advanced techniques such as intelligent and adaptive UDP transports, network loss tolerance, and recovery. For more information, go to the following Microsoft website:
  RemoteFX for WAN: Overview of Intelligent and Adaptive Transports in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/08/23/remotefx-for-wan-overview-of-intelligent-and-adaptive-transports-in-windows-8-and-windows-server-2012.aspx)
• RemoteFX Network Auto Detect
  
  The RemoteFX Network Auto Detect feature automatically detects network characteristics and optimizes user experience accordingly. For more information, go to the following Microsoft website:
  RemoteFX for WAN: Overview of Intelligent and Adaptive Transports in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/08/23/remotefx-for-wan-overview-of-intelligent-and-adaptive-transports-in-windows-8-and-windows-server-2012.aspx)
• RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics
  
  The RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics feature delivers a rich graphics experience that dynamically adapts to the server load, the client access device load, and network characteristics. For more information, go to the following Microsoft website:
  General information about RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/08/06/remotefx-adaptive-graphics-in-windows-server-2012-and-windows-8.aspx)
• RemoteFX Media Streaming
  
  The RemoteFX Media Streaming feature lets users experience a smooth media experience on WAN networks for all media content formats. For more information, go to the following Microsoft website:
  General information about enabling a Seamless Multimedia Experience with RemoteFX Media Streaming in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/08/16/enabling-a-seamless-multimedia-experience-with-remotefx-media-streaming-in-windows-server-2012-and-windows-8.aspx)
• RemoteFX USB Redirection for non-RemoteFX vGPU virtual desktops
  
  The RemoteFX USB Redirection feature enables users to use USB devices with RemoteApp applications and remote desktops, even if the remote desktop computer does not have RemoteFX vGPU installed. For more information, go to the following Microsoft website:
  General information about RemoteFX USB Redirection in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/09/11/remotefx-usb-redirection-in-windows-server-2012-and-windows-8.aspx)
• Support for Nested Sessions
  
  RDP 8.0 supports running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session for specific scenarios.
  
  For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  2754550

  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2754550/ )

  Running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session is supported with Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0 for specific scenarios
• Performance counters for monitoring the user experience
  
  Performance counters (RemoteFX Graphics and RemoteFX Network counter groups) let administrators monitor and troubleshoot user experience issues.

These features are available only when you use a client that is compatible with RDP 8.0. For example, a computer that is running Windows 8 or Windows 7 SP1 with the RDP 8.0 update installed can connect to another computer that is running Windows 7 SP1 with the RDP 8.0 update installed.

New features in the Remote Desktop Connection 8.0 client for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

The Remote Desktop Connection 8.0 update supports the following new features when you connect to a supported and appropriately configured server:

• Support for Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0
  
  The Remote Desktop Connection 8.0 update provides full support for RDP 8.0 and includes the following features:
  • Remote for WAN
  • RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics
  • Remote Network Auto Detect
  • RemoteFX Media Streaming
  
  
  This feature is available when you connect to computers that are running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7 with RDP 8.0 installed and enabled
• Dynamic In-Session USB Redirection
  
  The Dynamic In-Session USB Redirection feature enables users to select USB devices for redirection in the middle of a remote session. USB devices can be swapped between remote sessions or to the local computer. When the RemoteFX USB redirection feature is enabled, users can tap the Devices icon on the connection bar to select which devices are redirected.
  
  This feature is available when you connect to computers that are running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7 with the RDP 7.1 RemoteFX vGPU feature enabled
  • Windows 7 with RDP 8.0 installed and enabled
• Improved single sign-in experience for Remote Desktop Web Access
  
  This update simplifies and significantly improves the user experience by letting users provide their user name and password only one time when the users connect to IT published apps and desktops. Users are not prompted to provide their user name and password for successive connections.
  
  For more information about how to configure Web Single Sign-On (web SSO), go to the following Microsoft website:
  Remote Desktop Web Access single sign-on now easier to enable in Windows Server 2012

  (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/rds/archive/2012/06/25/remote-desktop-web-access-single-sign-on-now-easier-to-enable-in-windows-server-2012.aspx)
  This feature is available only when you connect to Windows Server 2012 virtual-machine based deployments and session-based desktop deployments.
• Reconnect for RemoteApp and Desktop Connections
  
  The Reconnect for RemoteApp and Desktop Connections feature enables users to easily disconnect and reconnect to IT published apps and desktops.
  
  This feature is available to users when they use the RemoteApp and Desktop Connections feature to connect to Windows Server 2012 virtual machine-based desktop deployments and session-based desktop deployments.
• Support for RemoteFX Media Redirection APIs for VoIP applications
  
  The RemoteFX Media Redirection APIs feature enables applications such as Lync 2013 to deliver a rich audio and video conferencing experience. For more information, go the following Microsoft website:
  General information about Microsoft Lync 2013 VDI Plugin

  (http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35457)
  This feature is available when you connect to computers that running one of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
• Support for Nested Sessions
  
  RDP 8.0 supports running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session for specific scenarios.
  
  For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  2754550

  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2754550/ )

  Running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session is supported with Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0 for specific scenarios

Known issues with the RDP 8.0 update

1. Virtual desktops that have RemoteFX vGPU installed cannot use RDP 8.0. Therefore, do not install or remove the RDP 8.0 update in RemoteFX vGPU scenarios.

   Issue

   After you install and enable RDP 8.0 by using Group Policy on a computer that has RemoteFX vGPU installed, RDP 8.0 is not available.

   Resolution

   This update does not enable RDP 8.0 for connections to computers that have RemoteFX vGPU installed. If you must have RDP 8.0 enabled, remove RemoteFX vGPU from the virtual desktop to enable RDP 8.0.
2. The Shadow command cannot be used to remotely monitor another user's remote connection.

   Issue

   Windows 7 SP1 supports the Shadow command (Remote Control). This command can be used by an administrator to view or control an active session of another user. After RDP 8.0 is enabled on a computer that is running Windows 7 SP1, an administrator user cannot use the Shadow command to view or control another user's session.

   Resolution

   Administrators can use Remote Assistance or another product that provides similar capability to view or control another user's session.
3. Aero Glass support is unavailable.

   Issue

   The Aero Glass remoting feature in Windows 7 lets users who are running compatible Remote Desktop Connection clients use features such as a Flip-3D, the live task bar preview, and the translucent window border in a remote desktop connection when a compatible RDC 7.0 client is used. After RDP 8.0 is enabled, users cannot use the Aero Glass remoting feature.

   Resolution

   Administrators should not enable RDP 8.0 on remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1 for users who must use the Aero Glass remoting feature.
4. RDP 8.0 on remote computers that are running Windows 7 SP1 does not use the UDP protocol.

   Issue

   The RemoteFX for WAN feature in RDP 8.0 intelligently uses TCP and UDP protocols to optimize the user experience. After you install and enable RDP 8.0 on computers that are running Windows 7 SP1, RDP 8.0 is configured to use only the TCP protocol.

   Resolution

   To resolve this issue, configure RDP 8.0 to use both the TCP and UDP protocols. For more information, see the "How to enable RDP 8.0" section.
5. Local administrators who are not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group cannot sign in by using a Remote Desktop Connection client.

   Issue

   After RDP 8.0 is enabled, local administrators who are not a member of the Remote Desktop Users group cannot sign in.

   Resolution

   To resolve this issue, add local administrator users to the Remote Desktop Users group.
6. The firewall rule that allows UDP traffic is not enabled when you use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to enable RDP 8.0.

   Issue

   If you use a GPO to enable RDP 8.0, the UDP firewall rule that allows UDP traffic is not enabled sometimes.

   Resolution

   To resolve this issue, create a GPO to enable the Remote Desktop - User Mode (UDP-In) firewall.
7. The firewall rule that allows TCP traffic may not be enabled if you apply this update manually.
   
   Issue
   
   If you use Local Security Policy to enable RDP 8.0, the TCP firewall rule that allows TCP traffic is not enabled sometimes.
   
   Resolution
   
   To resolve this issue, enable the Remote Desktop - RemoteFX (TCP-In) firewall rule in the Windows Firewall with Advanced security.
8. You experience slow performance when IPsec is deployed in the network.

   Issue

   When you connect to a computer by using the RDP 8.0 protocol in certain situations, you experience slow performance. This issue occurs when IPsec is deployed in the network.

   Resolution

   To resolve this issue, install hotfix 2570170 on the server.
   
   For more information about hotfix 2570170, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   2570170

   (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2570170/ )

   Performance issue when you enable the AuthNoEncap policy to handle large payloads in a network environment in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2
9. You cannot use the multi-touch and gestures functionalities when you connect to a computer remotely.

   Issue

   You cannot use the multi-touch and gestures functionalities when you use Remote Desktop Connection Client 8.0 on a computer that is running Windows 7 SP1.

   Resolution

   The RemoteFX multi-touch feature is supported only when both the client and server computers are running Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012.
10. You may receive multiple authentication prompts when you connect to computers by using Remote Web Access in Small Business Server 2011 and Windows Server 2012 Essentials domains.
    
    Issue
    
    When trying to connect to a computer in a Windows Server 2012 Essentials, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, or Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials domain by using Remote Web Access or Remote Desktop Gateway, you may be repeatedly asked for authentication.
    
    Resolution
    
    For a workaround to this issue, go to the following Microsoft website:
    Information about how to work around multiple authentication prompts after you apply KB 2574819 and KB 2592687

    (http://blogs.technet.com/b/sbs/archive/2012/11/03/multiple-authentication-prompts-after-applying-kb-2574819-and-2592687.aspx)

For more information about RDP 8.0 update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, go to the following Microsoft website: