Managing multiple remote connections efficiently is a challenge for IT professionals and homelab enthusiasts alike. Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCM) simplifies this process by providing a centralized interface for organizing and accessing remote desktops. Whether you’re running a homelab for testing, development, or administration, it can be a game-changer.

Why is it Valuable in a Homelab

A homelab often consists of multiple virtual machines, servers, and network devices that require remote access. RDCM offers several advantages:

• Centralized Management – Organize multiple RDP sessions in a structured manner.
• Quick Access – Save credentials and settings for seamless connections.
• Tabbed Interface – Easily switch between different remote sessions.
• Group Configuration – Apply settings across multiple connections for efficiency.

For homelab users, it eliminates the hassle of manually opening multiple RDP windows, making it easier to manage various environments from a single dashboard.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention if you use this or any other other similiar tool in an Enterprise or Corporate Environment. Evaluate first, if this usage is allowed and what actions have to be taken to be compliant.

History of RDCM

The tool was originally developed by Microsoft as an internal tool for managing multiple remote desktop connections. It gained popularity among IT professionals due to its ability to organize and streamline remote access. However, in 2020, Microsoft removed it from its official download page due to security vulnerabilities.

Later, in 2021, it was revived under the Sysinternals suite, with version 2.81 addressing previous security concerns. The latest version, 2.93, continues to be available as a free tool for Windows users.

Comparison: RDCM vs. Native Windows RDP Client

While RDCM offers enhanced management features, the native Windows Remote Desktop Client has its own advantages:

Installing and Updating using Winget

Installing RDCM

To install it using Winget, follow these steps:

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt – Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin).

winget install --id=Microsoft.Sysinternals.RDCMan -e

For more information about Winget, please check here.

Updating using Winget

To update it to the latest version, use the following command:

winget upgrade --id=Microsoft.Sysinternals.RDCMan -e

This ensures you always have the latest features and security patches it recommend to use Winget.

Security Considerations

While it is a powerful tool, it does have security concerns that users should be aware of:

• Stored Credentials Risk – RDCM allows saving credentials, but these can be vulnerable if the .RDG file is accessed by unauthorized users.
• Encryption Limitations – It encrypts credentials using CryptProtectData, which is tied to the local user account. However, this encryption does not prevent credential theft if an attacker gains access to the system.
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Use BitLocker or encrypted storage for .RDG files or the OneDrive Personal Vault, which is my personal recommendation.
  • Avoid storing sensitive credentials in RDCM.
  • Regularly update RDCM to patch security vulnerabilities.

IMPORTANT: Pay attention if you use this or any other other similiar tool in an Enterprise or Corporate Environment. Evaluate first, if this usage is allowed and what actions have to be taken to be compliant.

Fixing Decryption Errors

One common issue users encounter is decryption errors when opening saved profiles. This typically happens when RDCM fails to decrypt stored credentials due to changes in user accounts or system configurations.

How to Delete Problematic Profiles – Editor

If you’re experiencing decryption errors, follow these steps to remove the affected profiles:

1. Close RDCM – Ensure the application is not running.
2. Locate the RDG File – RDCM stores connection profiles in .RDG files.
3. Open the RDG File in a Text Editor – Use Notepad++ or another text editor.
4. Find and Remove Encrypted Credentials:
   • Search for and tags.
   • Delete everything between and .
   • Similarly, remove content between and .
5. Save the File – After making changes, save the .RDG file.
6. Reopen RDCM – The decryption error should now be resolved, allowing you to re-enter credentials manually.

By following these steps, you can eliminate problematic profiles and restore RDCM functionality without having to recreate your entire connection list.

How to Delete Problematic Profiles – GUI

If you don’t want to manually edit the XML file – it provides a built-in interface for managing profiles.

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection Manager.
2. Right-click the top-most entry in the tree above all groups and servers (this corresponds to the filename of your .RDG file).
3. Select “Properties”.
4. Navigate to the “Profile Management” tab.
5. Here, you’ll see all File profiles stored in the .RDG file. You can Add, Edit, or Delete them as needed.
6. For “Global” profiles, which are saved in your Windows user profile:
   • Go to Tools > Options > General tab > Default group settings > Profile Management tab.
   • Modify or delete these profiles as required.

By using the GUI method, you can resolve decryption errors without manually editing XML files, making the process easier and less error-prone

Third-Party Alternatives

While RDCM is a powerful tool, several third-party alternatives offer similar or enhanced functionality:

1. 1Remote – An open-source remote connection manager supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, and more.
2. Chrome Remote Desktop – A simple, browser-based remote access tool for personal and business use.
3. Remote Desktop Manager (Devolutions) – A feature-rich tool supporting multiple protocols and credential management.
4. Royal TS – A premium remote desktop manager with advanced security and automation features.
5. Remmina – A Linux-based remote desktop client that can also be used on Windows via WSL.

Each of these alternatives provides unique features, making them suitable for different use cases

Recommendations for effective use

To get the most out of it, consider the following best practices:

• Organize Connections into Groups – Structure your remote desktops logically to improve efficiency.
• Use Credential Profiles – Store login credentials securely to avoid repetitive manual entry.
• Enable Thumbnail View – Monitor multiple sessions simultaneously with live previews.
• Regularly Update RDCM – Ensure you’re using the latest version to benefit from security patches.
• Backup RDG Files – Keep copies of your configuration files to prevent data loss in case of corruption.

Advanced Configuration Tips

To optimize for efficiency, consider these advanced settings:

Optimize Performance – Adjust display settings to reduce bandwidth usage.

Enable Thumbnail View – Monitor multiple sessions simultaneously.

Use Group Policies – Apply uniform settings across multiple connections.

Conclusion

RDCM remains a powerful tool for managing remote connections, especially in homelabs where efficiency is key. While decryption errors can be frustrating, they are easily fixable with a few simple edits. Whether you’re running a small homelab or managing enterprise-level infrastructure, it is a reliable companion for remote desktop management.

For more information about Winget, please check here.