How to Change Password on Remote Desktop Server 2012: A Complete Guide

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in Windows Server 2012 enables users and administrators to remotely connect to servers and desktops. With it, employees can access files, applications, and network resources securely from virtually anywhere. However, maintaining strong password security is a critical part of managing a Remote Desktop Server.

One of the most common tasks administrators and users need to perform is changing a password while connected through Remote Desktop. Unlike working locally, changing passwords remotely has a few specific methods. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on changing a password on a Remote Desktop Server 2012, including multiple approaches, troubleshooting tips, and best practices.

1. Why Password Changes Matter in Remote Desktop

Changing passwords regularly is a security best practice, especially for systems exposed through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Reasons include:

• Preventing unauthorized access if old credentials are compromised.

• Complying with IT policies requiring regular password rotation.

• Protecting sensitive data on servers that multiple users can access.

• Reducing brute-force risks, since exposed RDP ports are often targeted by attackers.

For users on Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop, the process differs slightly from a normal desktop because the Ctrl + Alt + Del key combination does not directly work in remote sessions.

2. Common Methods to Change Password on Remote Desktop Server 2012

There are several ways to change a password when connected to an RDS session. The method you choose depends on your user role (administrator or standard user), connection type, and server policies.

Method 1: Using the On-Screen Security Options (Ctrl + Alt + End)

The most common way to change a password in a remote session is to use the special shortcut:

1. Connect to the Remote Desktop Server 2012 via RDP.

2. Press Ctrl + Alt + End (not Ctrl + Alt + Del).

   • This brings up the Windows Security screen inside the remote session.

3. Click Change a password.

4. Enter your old password, then type the new password twice.

5. Press Enter or click the arrow button to confirm.

✅ This is the easiest and most widely used method for changing passwords in RDP sessions.

Method 2: Using Windows Command Line

For advanced users or administrators, you can change your password via Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt inside the RDS session.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   net user <username> <newpassword>
   

   Example:

   net user john NewPass2025!
   

3. If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message: "The command completed successfully."

PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.

2. Run the following command:

   Set-LocalUser -Name "username" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "NewPassword123!" -AsPlainText -Force)
   

⚠️ Note: If your account is part of an Active Directory (AD) domain, you may need domain admin privileges to reset other users’ passwords.

Method 3: Using Windows Settings (For Users in Domain)

If the server is part of an Active Directory domain, you can change the password through Windows settings.

1. Inside the remote session, press Windows Key + R to open Run.

2. Type control userpasswords2 and press Enter.

3. Select your user account.

4. Click Reset Password.

5. Enter and confirm the new password.

This is useful in environments where administrators want users to manage their own credentials without IT support.

Method 4: Using Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)

For administrators managing multiple accounts:

1. Open Server Manager → Tools → Active Directory Users and Computers.

2. Navigate to the domain and organizational unit (OU) containing the user.

3. Right-click the user account → Reset Password.

4. Enter the new password and confirm.

5. Optionally, check “User must change password at next logon.”

This is especially helpful in enterprise setups where hundreds of users connect via RDS.

Method 5: Changing Password from RD Web Access

If your organization uses Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web):

1. Open your RD Web portal in a browser (https://<server>/RDWeb).

2. Log in with your existing credentials.

3. Click on Change Password (usually in the top-right menu).

4. Enter old and new passwords as prompted.

This method is useful for remote employees who do not always log into the RDP client directly.

3. Troubleshooting Issues with Password Changes

Sometimes users encounter problems when trying to change their password on Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop. Common issues include:

• Ctrl + Alt + End not working → Ensure you are inside the RDP window and not on your local machine.

• Password complexity requirements not met → Windows Server typically enforces strong password policies (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters).

• Account locked out → Too many failed attempts can lock accounts; wait for a reset or contact admin.

• Domain password expired → You may need to log in via RD Web Access or ask an administrator to reset.

• Access denied errors → Ensure you have the correct privileges; some accounts are restricted from self-service changes.

4. Best Practices for Password Management in RDS

1. Use Strong Passwords

   • Minimum 12 characters, mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

   • Avoid dictionary words or simple sequences (e.g., Password123).

2. Change Passwords Regularly

   • Recommended every 60–90 days.

   • Follow your organization’s IT security policy.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

   • Protects accounts even if the password is compromised.

   • Many RDS setups can integrate with MFA solutions.

4. Avoid Reusing Passwords

   • Do not use the same password for different servers or accounts.

5. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

   • Review security logs for repeated failed login attempts.

   • Use tools like Event Viewer or third-party monitoring.

6. Educate Users

   • Train employees on how to change their passwords correctly in RDS.

   • Provide step-by-step guides for non-technical users.

5. Security Risks of Weak or Stale Passwords

• Brute Force Attacks: Hackers target RDP ports with automated password attempts.

• Unauthorized Access: Stolen credentials may give attackers admin rights.

• Data Theft: Sensitive company files can be compromised.

• Service Disruption: Attackers can lock accounts or shut down services.

• Compliance Violations: Many industries (finance, healthcare) require strict password management.

By keeping RDS passwords strong and regularly updated, organizations minimize these risks.

6. Conclusion

Changing passwords on a Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Server is an essential part of maintaining a secure environment. Users and administrators can change passwords in several ways:

• The Ctrl + Alt + End shortcut for quick access.

• Command line tools for advanced users.

• Control Panel or ADUC for domain environments.

• RD Web Access for remote employees.

By following the methods above, troubleshooting common issues, and adopting best practices for strong password management, organizations can greatly improve the security of their Remote Desktop Services.

Keeping passwords updated and secure ensures that Remote Desktop Server 2012 remains a reliable tool for productivity while protecting valuable resources from unauthorized access.

✅ That’s a 1000-word article.

Do you want me to also prepare a step-by-step illustrated guide (with screenshots) for the Ctrl + Alt + End method? That would make it easier for beginners.