Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not reach the remote computer by default
When you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard during a Remote Desktop session, Windows intercepts that command and sends it to your local machine instead of the remote one. This is a safety feature — it prevents someone controlling your computer remotely from locking you out or accessing your local Task Manager. But it also means you cannot use the normal shortcut to restart a frozen remote program, sign out, or open Task Manager on the far end.
You have three ways to send Ctrl+Alt+Delete to the remote computer. The method you use depends on whether you are using the standard Remote Desktop Connection app, a third-party client, or whether you need the command to work reliably in a production environment.
Key Takeaways
- Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard goes to your local machine, not the remote one, so you need a workaround to reach the remote computer.
- In Remote Desktop Connection, use Ctrl+Alt+End to send the equivalent command to the remote machine.
- From the remote desktop menu bar, click the machine name and select "Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete" directly.
- If you are using a third-party client like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, check that process's settings — the shortcut varies by vendor.
- On a locked remote desktop, you may need to use the on-screen keyboard or the command line to restart a service without a full restart.
Use Ctrl+Alt+End as the keyboard shortcut
The fastest method in Remote Desktop Connection is to press Ctrl+Alt+End instead of Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This sends the Ctrl+Alt+Delete command directly to the remote machine. The remote computer receives it exactly as if you had pressed those three keys at the physical keyboard.
This works in the standard Remote Desktop Connection app on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions. It also works in the Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store. The shortcut is the same whether you are connecting to a home computer, a work network, or a virtual machine in the cloud.
After you press Ctrl+Alt+End, the remote machine will show the same screen you see when you press Ctrl+Alt+Delete locally — the lock screen with options to sign out, switch user, change password, or open Task Manager.
Send the command from the Remote Desktop menu
If you forget the keyboard shortcut or prefer using the mouse, you can send Ctrl+Alt+Delete through the menu bar at the top of the Remote Desktop window. Look for the name of the remote machine or a menu icon in the title bar of your connection window.
Click that menu and look for an option labeled "Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete" or "Security Options". The exact wording depends on which version of Remote Desktop you are using, but the option is always there. Clicking it sends the command when ready to the remote machine.
This method is useful if you are teaching someone else to use Remote Desktop or if you are working on a machine where you are not sure which keyboard layout is active. It also works if your keyboard does not have a standard layout or if you are connecting from a tablet or phone.
Third-party remote software uses different shortcuts
If you are using TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop, or another third-party process, the shortcut to send Ctrl+Alt+Delete is different. Each vendor implements this feature their own way, and the command may not be available at all in some clients.
TeamViewer: Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Delete or use the menu option under "Remote" or "Control".
AnyDesk: Use Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Delete or look for "Send Special Keys" in the menu.
Chrome Remote Desktop: Click the menu icon (three dots) and select "Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete" if the option appears. Not all versions support this.
Check the help documentation or settings for your specific process if these shortcuts do not work. Some remote software does not support sending Ctrl+Alt+Delete at all, in which case you may need to use Task Manager through the command line or restart the service a different way.
Restart a frozen program without Ctrl+Alt+Delete
If you cannot send Ctrl+Alt+Delete for any reason, you can still force-quit a frozen program on the remote machine. Open a command prompt on the remote desktop and use the tasklist command to see running processes, then use taskkill to end the one that is frozen.
Type tasklist and press Enter to see all running programs. Find the name of the frozen process in the list. Then type taskkill /IM programname.exe /F and press Enter. The /F flag forces the program to close when ready without saving.
For example, if Notepad is frozen, you would type taskkill /IM notepad.exe /F. This is faster than waiting for Task Manager to open and is useful when the remote desktop is slow or unresponsive.
Lock or sign out of the remote desktop without Ctrl+Alt+Delete
If you need to lock the remote machine or sign out but cannot use Ctrl+Alt+Delete, use the command line instead. Open a command prompt and type rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation to lock the remote desktop when ready.
To sign out, type logoff and press Enter. The remote session will end and you will be returned to your local desktop. If you want to sign out but keep the remote machine running, this is the fastest way.
These commands work even if the remote desktop is partially frozen or if the graphical interface is not responding. They are also useful in scripts or batch files if you need to automate locking or signing out on multiple remote machines.
Troubleshoot when Ctrl+Alt+End does not work
If Ctrl+Alt+End does not send the command to the remote machine, check that you are using the correct Remote Desktop process. The standard Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe) and the Microsoft Store Remote Desktop app both support this shortcut, but some older versions or third-party wrappers may not.
Make sure the Remote Desktop window is in focus — if another window on your local machine is active, Ctrl+Alt+End will go to that window instead. Click inside the Remote Desktop window first, then try the shortcut again.
If you are connecting through a VPN or a proxy, some network configurations may block special key combinations. In that case, use the menu option instead of the keyboard shortcut, or try the command-line methods described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a locked remote desktop?
Yes. Ctrl+Alt+End works on a locked remote desktop and will show the lock screen on the remote machine. You can then sign in, switch users, or access the password change screen. This is the same behavior as pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete on a locked local computer.
Does Ctrl+Alt+End work on Windows Server?
Yes, Ctrl+Alt+End works on all Windows Server editions when you connect via Remote Desktop. It sends the Ctrl+Alt+Delete command to the server exactly as if you were sitting at the physical keyboard.
What if I am connecting from a Mac or Linux machine?
If you are using the Remote Desktop app on Mac, the shortcut is usually Ctrl+Command+Delete or Ctrl+Option+Delete depending on your keyboard layout. On Linux, it depends on which remote desktop client you are using — check that process's documentation. The menu option to send Ctrl+Alt+Delete usually works on all platforms.
Can I send Ctrl+Alt+Delete through a VPN connection?
Usually yes, but some VPN configurations or firewalls may block special key combinations. If Ctrl+Alt+End does not work, try using the menu option instead. If that also fails, use the command-line methods (taskkill, logoff, or LockWorkStation) to accomplish what you need.
Is there a way to make Ctrl+Alt+Delete go to the remote machine by default?
No. Windows intentionally routes Ctrl+Alt+Delete to your local machine for security reasons. This prevents someone with remote access from locking you out of your own computer. You must use Ctrl+Alt+End or the menu option every time you want to send it to the remote machine.