How to Set Time Limit for Idle Remote Desktop Sessions

   Information
This allows you to specify the maximum amount of time that an active Remote Desktop Services session can be idle (without user input) before it is automatically disconnected.

If a time limit is set, the user receives a warning two minutes before the Remote Desktop Services session disconnects, which allows the user to press a key or move the mouse to keep the session active.

If you have a console session, active session time limits do not apply.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

   Warning
While all editions of Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 can be a remote desktop client...
  • Only the Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions can host a remote desktop connection.
  • Only the Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions can host a remote desktop connection.
  • Only the Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise editions can host a remote desktop connection.






OPTION ONE

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Remote Desktop Services, Remote Desktop Session Host, and Session Time Limits. (see screenshot below)
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-gpedit-1_idle.jpg
3. In the right pane, right click on Set time limit for active but idle Remote Desktop Services sessions and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Remove Time Limit for Idle Remote Desktop Services Sessions
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

B) Go to step 6.
5. To Set Time Limit for Idle Remote Desktop Services Sessions
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

B) Under Options, click on the Idle session limit drop down box and select an amount of time you would like to set as the time limit. (see screenshot below step 6)
6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-gpedit-2_idle.jpg
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.



OPTION TWO

Manually in Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, navigate to the location below: (see screenshot below)
Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-reg1.jpg
4. To Set Time Limit for Idle Remote Desktop Services Sessions
A) In the right pane of Terminal Services, right click on a empty space, click on New and DWORD (32-bit) Value, type MaxIdleTime and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-reg2_idle.jpg
B) In the right pane, right click MaxIdleTime and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)
C) Select (dot) Decimal, then type in the registry Value data in the table below for the amount of time you want to set as the time limit and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-reg4_idle.jpg

Time Limit Registry Value data
Never 0 (number zero)
1 minute 60000
5 minutes 300000
10 minutes 600000
15 minutes 900000
30 minutes 1800000
1 hour 3600000
2 hours 7200000
3 hours 10800000
6 hours 21600000
8 hours 28000000
12 hours 43200000
16 hours 57600000
18 hours 64800000
1 day 86400000
2 days 172800000
3 days 259200000
4 days 345600000
5 days 432000000
D) Go to step 6.
5. To Remove Time Limit for Idle Remote Desktop Services Sessions
A) In the right pane, right click MaxIdleTime and click on Delete. (see screenshot below step 4A)

B) Click on Yes. (see screenshot below)
Remote Desktop - Set Time Limit for Idle Sessions-delete.jpg
6. Close regedit.

7. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply the changes.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials