Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

Enable 24 bit color in RDP for XP or 2003 Server

The default color resolution for RDP sessions is limited to 16 bits. This color depth is set on the remote computer and not on the connecting computer. There is an easy fix for this that will enable 24 bit true color for RDP connections. Connect to the remote computer then:

• Go to Start -> Run.
• Type in gpedit.msc and click on OK to run the program.
• In the window that opens’ left panel, go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Terminal Services.
• On the right-hand panel, find the setting that says Limit maximum color depth and double-click it.
• In the dialog box that pops up, select Enabled from the radio buttons as shown in the image.
• In the combo box, select “24 bit” or “Client compatable“.
• Click OK.

After you have completed these steps reconnect to the remote computer. These steps work on both XP and Windwos 2003 server. Windows 2003 server can also include Microsoft Terminal Server.

Microsoft Terminal Server

(Windows RDS - Remote Desktop Service on Windows 2008 R2)

On Windows server, RDP or RDS (Remote Desktop Services), also permits remote access connectivity by clinets running any version of the remote desktop connection client. The remote desktop connection client used to be called terminal services client and remote desktop protocol client. Older RDP client used to have a color limitation but the newer later RDC client (remote desktop connection) does not have that limitation but the color depth can be adjusted to the user's preference.