How to send Ctrl+Alt+Del to a Remote Desktop

TechZerg is reader supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

CTRL+ALT+DEL is a combination of keys that can be used to perform a lot of functions when connected to a remote desktop. You can use CTRL+ALT+Delete to change the local admin password, lock the RDP screen, or log off.

The CTRL+ALT+DEL keys allows you to execute commands locally on your computer. To execute this command on the remote computer, there is a somewhat modified version you can use and we’ll explain with two simple methods.

Method 1

1. Click “Start” to start the Remote Desktop program.

2. Click “Run,” then type “mstsc” and click “OK.”

3. In the “Remote Desktop” window, enter the IP address or name of the remote computer and press “Enter.”

4. To connect to the remote computer. Type in your username and password, and press “Enter.”

5. Press the “CTRL,” “ALT” and “END” keys simultaneously while still in the Remote Desktop window. The “END” key is usually located at the right of the “ENTER” key.

Using the CTRL+ALT+END key combination will execute the standard CTRL+ALT+DEL command on the remote computer instead of on your local computer.

Method 2

1. Click “Start” on the Remote Desktop.

2. Type “osk,” and open the “On Screen Keyboard.”

3. Press “CTRL” and “ALT” on the computer keyboard.

4. Select “Del” on the osk window.

Other command options

To access Task Manager, right-click on “Start” or the time section on the right of the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”

To change your password, navigate to “Control Panel” > “User Accounts” > “Change your Windows password.” You can also type “change password” into the search bar at the bottom-left to access this option.

You can log off by selecting “Start,” and then “Log off.”