How to Remove Credentials from Remote Desktop Connection Manager?

There may be times when you need to remove saved credentials for security reasons or to update login details. If you are struggling with how to remove credentials from Remote Desktop Connection Manager, this guide will walk you through different methods to achieve this.

Why Remove Saved Credentials in RDCMan?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why you might want to remove saved credentials:

1. Security Concerns – If you’re sharing a computer or using a public system, saved credentials can pose a security risk.
2. Credential Expiry – Expired or changed passwords need to be updated to avoid connection failures.
3. User Management – If different users need access to the same remote connections, resetting credentials can be necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide How to Remove Credentials from Remote Desktop Connection Manager

Method 1: Remove Credentials from RDCMan Settings

RDCMan allows you to save and manage credentials for remote connections. To remove credentials:

1. 1. Open RDCMan: Launch the Remote Desktop Connection Manager application.
   2. Select the Server or Group: Navigate to the server or group where the credentials are stored.
   3. Edit Properties:
      • Right-click on the server or group.
      • Select Properties.
   4. Remove Credentials:
      • Go to the Logon Credentials tab.
      • Clear the User name and Password fields.
      • Click OK.
   5. Save Changes: If prompted, confirm the changes and exit the settings.

Method 2: Delete Credentials from Windows Credential Manager

Windows Credential Manager stores saved credentials for various applications, including RDCMan. Removing stored credentials here can help:

1. 1. Open Credential Manager:
      • Press Win + R, type control panel, and hit Enter.
      • In Control Panel, navigates to User Accounts > Credential Managers.
   2. Choose Windows Credentials:
      • Select Windows Credentials.
      • Locate any saved credentials related to Remote Desktop or RDCMan.
   3. Remove Credentials:
      • Click on the relevant credential entry.
      • Click Remove and confirm deletion.

Method 3: Clear Credentials Using Command Prompt

For users who prefer command-line solutions, Command Prompt offers a quick way to remove stored credentials:

1. 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
      Press the button Windows + S, type cmd, & select Run as administrator.
   2. Execute the Following Command:

      cmdkey /list

      This will display a list of saved credentials.

   3. Find and Remove Specific Credentials:
      • Identify the credential you want to remove.
      • Use the command:

        cmdkey /delete:<target_name>

        Replace <target_name> with the actual credential entry.

   4. Verify Removal:
      • Run cmdkey /list again to ensure the credentials have been deleted.

Method 4: Modify Group Policy Settings

If credentials are being saved automatically, modifying Group Policy settings can prevent this:

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, & hit Submit.
2. Navigate to Policy Settings:
   • Go to Personal Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Credentials Delegation.
3. Modify Policy:
   • Locate Do not allow passwords to be saved.
   • Set it to Enabled.
   • Click Apply and OK.
4. Restart Your Computer to apply changes.

Method 5: Edit the Registry (Advanced Users)

For users comfortable with registry edits, removing saved credentials via the Windows Registry is another option:

1. 1. Open Registry Editor:
      • Press Windows + R, type regedit, & press Submit.
   2. Navigate to Remote Desktop Credentials:
      • Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Terminal Server Client.
   3. Delete Saved Entries:
      • Look for keys under Default and Servers that contain saved credentials.
      • Right-click and delete them.
   4. Exit and Restart: Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Method 6: Reinstall Remote Desktop Connection Manager

If issues persist, uninstalling and reinstalling RDCMan can help:

1. 1. Uninstall RDCMan:
      • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
      • Locate Remote Desktop Connection Manager.
      • Click Uninstall and follow prompts.
   2. Reinstall the Latest Version:
      • Download the latest RDCMan version from Microsoft’s official site.
      • Install and configure it as needed.

Prevent Future Credential Storage Issues

To avoid issues with stored credentials in the future:

• Manually enter credentials when connecting instead of saving them.
• Use a password manager instead of storing credentials in RDCMan.
• Regularly review and update stored credentials.

Conclusion

Removing credentials from Remote Desktop Connection Manager can be necessary for security, user management, or troubleshooting. Whether using built-in settings, Windows Credential Manager, Command Prompt, Group Policy, or the Windows Registry, you have multiple options to remove stored credentials effectively. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that RDCMan functions securely and efficiently for your remote desktop needs.