Microsoft Deprecates Remote Desktop Client Standalone Installer MSI: What You Need to Know

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Microsoft recently announced the deprecation of the Remote Desktop Client standalone installer MSI (Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection, or MSRDC). This change impacts IT professionals and developers who rely on MSRDC for advanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) functionalities.

Key Points:

  • MSTSC (mstsc.exe) remains unaffected for now, but its future depends on community feedback.
  • MSRDC (msrdc.exe) offers better features, including RDP 8.1 dynamic resizing, which MSTSC still lacks.
  • Third-party integrations (like Remote Desktop Manager) using MSRDC will lose functionality.
  • Microsoft is pushing the MSIX-packaged Windows App, limiting direct usage of `msrdc.exe` and rdclientax.dll.

You Should Know:

1. Verify Your Current RDP Client

Check if you’re using MSTSC or MSRDC:

Get-Process mstsc, msrdc -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
  1. Migrate from MSI to MSIX (If Forced)

Manually install the new MSIX package:

Add-AppxPackage -Path "Microsoft.RemoteDesktop.Client.msix"

3. Dynamic Resolution Fix for MSTSC

Since MSTSC doesn’t support dynamic resizing, force it via registry: 

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client" /v "DesktopWidth" /t REG_DWORD /d 1920 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client" /v "DesktopHeight" /t REG_DWORD /d 1080 /f

4. Extract RDP Settings from MSRDC

If MSRDC is deprecated, back up your settings:

Copy-Item "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Microsoft\Remote Desktop" -Destination "C:\Backup\RDP_Settings" -Recurse

5. Alternative: Use Open-Source RDP Clients

Consider FreeRDP (Linux/Windows):

xfreerdp /v:target-pc /u:username /p:password +dynamic-resolution

6. Debug RDP Connections

Enable logging for troubleshooting:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Wds\rdpwd" -Name "EnableLogging" -Value 1

What Undercode Say:

Microsoft’s deprecation of MSRDC MSI disrupts enterprise workflows, especially for admins using third-party tools like Remote Desktop Manager. While MSTSC remains, its stagnation in features pushes users toward less flexible MSIX-packaged alternatives.

Pro Tip:

  • Use FreeRDP for cross-platform RDP.
  • Monitor Windows Update for MSTSC patches.
  • Automate RDP session logging with: 
    Start-Transcript -Path "C:\Logs\RDP_Session_$(Get-Date -Format 'yyyyMMdd').log"

Expected Output:

A structured migration plan ensuring minimal disruption while adapting to Microsoft’s RDP client changes.

Relevant URLs:

References:

Reported By: Mamoreau Prepare – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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