Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 8.0 update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

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
  
  This feature offers advanced techniques such as intelligent and adaptive UDP transports, network loss tolerance, and recovery to provide a fast and fluid experience to users on a WAN. For more information, see RemoteFX for WAN: Overview of Intelligent and Adaptive Transports in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

• RemoteFX Network Auto Detect
  
  This feature automatically detects network characteristics and optimizes the user experience. For more information, see RemoteFX for WAN: Overview of Intelligent and Adaptive Transports in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

• RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics
  
  This feature delivers a rich graphics experience that dynamically adapts to the server load, the client access device load, and network characteristics. For more information, see General information about RemoteFX Adaptive Graphics in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.

• RemoteFX Media Streaming
  
  This feature lets users enjoy a smooth media experience on WAN networks for all media content formats. For more information, see General information about enabling a Seamless Multimedia Experience with RemoteFX Media Streaming in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.

• RemoteFX USB Redirection for non-RemoteFX vGPU virtual desktops
  
  This feature lets users use USB devices with RemoteApp applications and remote desktops, even if the remote desktop computer does not have RemoteFX vGPU installed. For more information, see General information about RemoteFX USB Redirection in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8.

• Support for Nested Sessions
  
  RDP 8.0 supports running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session 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's 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:

• Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0
  
  RDP 8.0 support includes the following:

  • 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
  
  This feature lets users select USB devices for redirection in the middle of a remote session. USB devices can be swapped between remote sessions or with 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.
  
  Dynamic In-Session USB Redirection 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 feature simplifies and improves the user experience. It lets users provide their user names and passwords only one time when they connect to IT published apps and desktops. Users are not prompted to provide their credentials for successive connections.
  
  For more information about how to configure Web Single Sign-On (web SSO), see Remote Desktop Web Access single sign-on now easier to enable in Windows Server 2012.
  
  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
  
  This feature lets users easily disconnect and reconnect to IT published apps and desktops. It 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
  
  This feature enables applications such as Lync 2013 to deliver a rich audio and video conferencing experience. For more information, see General information about Microsoft Lync 2013 VDI Plugin. 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

  • Windows Server 2008 R2

• Support for Nested Sessions
  
  In certain specific situations, RDP 8.0 supports running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session.
  
  For more information, see Running a Remote Desktop Connection session within another Remote Desktop Connection session in RDP 8.0.

Known issues with the RDP 8.0 update

• Virtual desktops that have RemoteFX vGPU installed cannot use RDP 8.0.
  
  Issue
  
  After you use Group Policy to install and enable RDP 8.0 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.

• 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's 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.

• 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 session 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.

• 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 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
  
  Configure RDP 8.0 to use both the TCP and UDP protocols.

• Local administrators who are not members 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
  
  Add local administrator users to the Remote Desktop Users group.

• 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 may not be enabled.
  
  Resolution
  
  Create a GPO to enable the "Remote Desktop - User Mode (UDP-In)" firewall.

• 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 may not be enabled.
  
  Resolution
  
  Enable the "Remote Desktop - RemoteFX (TCP-In)" firewall rule in the Windows Firewall with Advanced security.

• You experience slow performance when IPsec is deployed in the network.
  
  Issue
  
  If you connect to a computer by using the RDP 8.0 protocol when IPsec is deployed on the network, you may experience slow performance.
  
  Resolution
  
  Install hotfix 2570170 on the server.

• You cannot use the multi-touch and gestures functionalities when you connect to a computer remotely.
  
  Issue
  
  This issue occurs 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.

• You are repeatedly prompted for authentication when you connect to computers by using Remote Web Access in Small Business Server 2011 and Windows Server 2012 Essentials domains.
  
  Issue
  
  When you try 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 are repeatedly prompted for authentication.
  
  Resolution
  
  To work around this issue, see Information about how to work around multiple authentication prompts after you apply updates 2574819 and 2592687.

For more information about the RDP 8.0 update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, see Remote Desktop Protocol 8.0 Update for Windows 7 SP1: Enabling a great WAN user experience for Windows 7 SP1 virtual desktops.