Minimized Remote Desktop Connection

I am executing tests on a remote machine using Remote Desktop Connection/Protocol. It works correctly as long as the RDC window is active and/or maximized. However the tests fail when the RDC window is minimized.

Solution

This is a common issue with all UI automation tools. To run tests on a remote machine while the RDC window is minimized, add registry keys on the computer from which you connect to the remote machine:

1.  Click the Windows Start button.

2.  Type regedit in the Run box and press Enter.

For 32-bit Windows

1.  Find the registry key:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client

2.  Create a DWORD value with the name RemoteDesktop_SuppressWhenMinimized and set its value to 2.

For 64-bit Windows

1.  Find the registry keys:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client

2.  Create a DWORD value with the name RemoteDesktop_SuppressWhenMinimized and set its value to 2.

Note In specific configurations, a policy or a setting which force HKEY_CURRENT_USER to override the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, you might have to modify the above registry keys under HKEY_CURRENT_USER instead.