Overview
Microsoft has released a Windows update that introduces a change to the security screen shown when connecting to a remote system using Remote Desktop Connection (RDC).
As a result, when connecting to hosted environments, you may see a new Remote Desktop Connection security warning. This is expected following the update and does not indicate a problem with the hosted service.
What has changed
When you start a Remote Desktop Connection, you may see a yellow security window titled:
Remote Desktop Connection security warning - Is this safe?
This message can appear when you open a Remote Desktop Connection file.
The warning forms part of Microsoft’s updated security measures and does not mean there is an issue with your account or the hosted servers you are connecting to.
For security reasons, please ensure you only use a Remote Desktop Connection file downloaded from a link provided by us. If the connection details look unfamiliar or you are unsure whether they are correct, do not continue. Please contact your support team for advice.
Resource access options
The security window also allows you to control which resources from your local computer are shared with the hosted environment.
Recommended settings
Below is guidance on the most commonly used options and when they are typically required.
Drives
Allows access to your local computer drives, such as C: or Documents, from within the hosted environment.
Recommended if you need to open or save files locally while working in the hosted system.
Clipboard
Allows copy and paste between your local computer and the hosted environment. Recommended for most users.
Printers
Allows printing from the hosted environment to printers installed on your local computer.
Recommended if you print from the hosted system.
Microphones and other audio recording devices
Allows access to your microphone within the hosted environment. Only required if you use dictation or other voice-enabled features.
WebAuthn (Windows Hello or security keys)
Not required for normal use of the hosted environment. This option can be left unticked.
If you are unsure, it is safe to use the recommended settings above. Any changes apply to the current connection only.
Remembering your choice
At the bottom of the window, you may see an option labelled:
Remember my choices for remote connections from this publisher
This option is available when the Remote Desktop Connection file is downloaded from a trusted portal or link provided by your service.
Selecting this option is optional. If enabled, Windows will remember and trust future connections from the same publisher on the same device.
If the connection file is created manually or downloaded from another source, this option may not be available and the security warning may appear each time you connect.
How to continue
To proceed with the connection:
Confirm that the Publisher, Remote computer, and Gateway server details match the expected information
Review the resource access options using the guidance above
Select Connect
Your session should then open as normal.
When to contact support
Please contact your support team if:
The remote computer or gateway server details do not match what you expect
You do not see the expected connection information
The connection does not complete successfully after selecting Connect