RDP Performance
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8/28/2008
This topic describes performance considerations for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
Bitmap Caching
RDP performance may be impacted when the bitmap cache is first created and is being initialized.
If data transmitted over the network is expensive, then choose a large RAM cache and turn on the persistent cache. By default, the persistent cache is turned off. You can enable it by using the BitmapPersistenceEnabled value in the registry. For more information, see Configuring the Terminal Services Client or Terminal Services Client Configuration through the .rdp File.
Persistent caching can improve performance but requires additional disk space. For information about setting persistent caching, see Bitmap and Caching Properties of IMsRdpClientAdvancedSettings.
Graphics Driver
The performance of the graphics driver will greatly impact the performance of RDP.
Improving Performance
The following table shows some other ways that may improve RDP performance:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
Turn off the desktop background setting on the RDP client. |
You can do this by using functions. For more information, see IMsTscAdvancedSettings::get_allowBackgroundInput and IMsTscAdvancedSettings::put_allowBackgroundInput. |
Turn off the 'Show contents of window while dragging'. |
To do this, set the disable full window drag value in the registry or .rdp file to 0. |
Turn off the 'Menu and window animation'. |
To do this, set the disable menu anims value in the registry or .rdp file to 0. |
Turn off 'Themes'. |
To do this, set the disable themes value in the registry or .rdp file to 0. |
Leave 'Bitmap Caching' disabled. |
To do this, set the BitmapPersistenceEnabled value in the registry or .rdp file to 0. |
User Actions to Improve Performance
To improve performance, the user can do the following:
- Turn off all redirected audio and redirected devices, including printers, disk drive, smart cards, and serial port.
- On the Display tab in the RDP client UI, choose 256 Color.
- On the Experience tab in the RDP client UI, select LAN (10 Mbps or higher).
See Also
Concepts
Terminal Services Client Configuration through the .rdp File
RDP Registry Settings