Sometimes we have a larger resolution on an RDP server and users complain they can’t see – or, just a couple users complain and everyone else thinks it is fine. Here are some methods to Magnify an RDP session, Make Text Bigger on the RDP session or, increase the scaling directly from the Remote Desktop Session’s .RDP file.
Using Magnifier on RDP session
First, lets change the settings on Magnifier, because it starts at 100% increments and that can just look ugly. Start button and type “mag” should bring up the following.
There is a drop-down to pick the zoom level increments – pick 10% to start with
The directions on this page tell you how to use it. (Ignore make everything bigger)
You can now turn on the Magnifier by pressing the Windows logo key on the keyboard, then the Plus Sign.
To turn the magnifier off, hold down the Windows Logo key and press ESC key.
Adjust Font Size on Remote Desktop session:
Click start or the Search in the lower left corner of the screen and type “Make Text Size Bigger” (may not have to type the whole thing)
Click on the Make text size bigger (system settings)
Drag the slider bar to the size you need, then click Apply
Adjusting the Text of the .RDP file
This is the last effort if neither of the above work properly, because it involves editing the .RDP using Notepad++ – or Notepad, if you don’t like better programs.
You will need the .RDP file you use to connect – or you can Save As on the Remote Desktop and save that to the local desktop.
You will need to right click and Edit with Notepad++, or select Open With – then choose Notepad
You may need to choose another app, then More Apps and scroll down to find Notepad, then click OK.
When open in Notepad++ (or Notepad), you will see a lot of text. Scroll down to the bottom.
Add the following at the bottom:
desktopscalefactor:i:125
devicescalefactor:i:125
You can adjust these numbers, but I think 125% is good to start with.
While this is open, we can also make some performance improvements! Let’s find :
redirectsmartcards:i:1 and change the 1 to a 0 (zero). So it would be:
redirectsmartcards:i:0
And you may want to change the session bpp:i: – I suggest:
session bpp:i:24
Now, save and close Notepad++ (or Notepad).
Use the .RDP file to connect to your session.
