How to Use RDP Initial App in Newer Versions of Windows

How to Use RDP Initial App in Newer Versions of Windows

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Article ID: CTX218256

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Updated On:

Description

It may be necessary for testing purposes to try connecting to applications via RDP to compare the behavior over ICA.

In the past, admins would be able to launch RDP with an "Initial App" configured under the programs tab of the Remote Desktop Connections properties dialogue.

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Newer versions of Windows have removed the "Programs" tab from the RDP connection properties.

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This article describes a workaround for setting up initial app to work with newer versions of Windows. 


Instructions

Method 1 
Updated instructions in this article:  https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX335974
 
 

Method 2

Configure "Start a program on connection" policy on server:
  • Navigate to User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Remote Desktop Services >> Remote Desktop Session Host >> Remote Session Environment
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  • Double click on Start a program on connection policy
  • Select Enable
  • Configure path of application executable and working directory
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  • Click OK
  • Execute gpupdate /force 
Note: Any RDP connection to server launches only application configured on policy. Ensure server console is available to disable policy once test is complete

Issue/Introduction

How to use RDP "initial app" in newer versions of Windows where the programs tab is missing from Remote Desktop Connection properites