What RDP is and why you might need to change your credentials

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is the tool Windows uses to let you connect to another computer from yours over a network or the internet. When you set up that connection, you enter a username and password — the same ones you use to log into that remote computer locally. If you want to change those stored credentials, or if you need to update the password on the remote computer itself, the steps depend on which part of the setup you're changing.

You might need to do this if you've changed your password on the remote computer and your RDP connection still tries to use the old one. Or you might want to connect using a different user account entirely. Either way, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • The Remote Desktop Connection app on Windows stores your username and password; you can edit these before connecting by opening the connection settings.
  • If you've already changed your password on the remote computer, you need to update it in the RDP connection settings on your local machine.
  • You can save multiple RDP connections with different usernames, so you don't have to re-enter credentials each time.
  • If you forget the password on the remote computer itself, you'll need to log in locally or use your domain administrator to reset it.

Updating the stored username and password in Remote Desktop Connection

Open Remote Desktop Connection on your local Windows computer. You can find it by typing "Remote Desktop Connection" into the Windows search bar, or by pressing the Windows key and typing "mstsc". Once the app opens, you'll see a field for "Computer" (the address of the remote machine) and a "User name" field below it.

Type or paste the remote computer's address into the Computer field. Then click in the User name field and enter the username you want to use — this should be a valid account on the remote computer. If you want to change the password before connecting, click "Options" to expand the full settings panel. Under the "Logon Settings" section, you'll see the User name field again, and below it a checkbox for "Allow me to save credentials". Check that box, then click "Connect".

When you click Connect, Windows will prompt you for the password. Enter the current password for that user account on the remote computer. After you log in successfully, Windows will offer to save these credentials. Click "Yes" to store them. The next time you open this connection, it will use the saved username and password automatically.

Changing credentials for an existing saved RDP connection

If you've already saved an RDP connection and now need to change the username or password, open Remote Desktop Connection again. Click "Show Options" at the bottom left to expand the full panel. Look for your saved connection in the list, or type the computer address in the Computer field.

In the User name field, type the new username you want to use. Then click "Connect". Windows will ask for the password. Enter the new password and log in. When prompted to save credentials, click "Yes" to overwrite the old ones.

If you want to change the credentials without connecting right now, you can also edit the .rdp file directly. These files are usually stored in your Documents folder under "Remote Desktops". Right-click the .rdp file, select "Edit", and look for the "username" line. You can type a new username there, save the file, and the next connection will use that name. However, the password is not stored in plain text in the file for security reasons — you'll still need to enter it when you connect.

Resetting the password on the remote computer itself

If you've forgotten the password for the user account on the remote computer, you can't change it through RDP — you need to log in locally first. Walk to the remote computer and log in with a different administrator account, or use the local recovery options if you don't have another account available.

Once you're logged in locally, open Settings and go to Accounts. Click "Other people" and find the account whose password you want to change. Click it, then click "Reset password". You'll be prompted to set a new password. Write it down or store it securely, then try your RDP connection again with the new password.

If the remote computer is part of a domain (common in workplaces), you may not be able to reset the password locally. Contact your domain administrator or IT department — they can reset it from their end, and you'll receive the new password through your usual work channels.

Using different usernames for different remote computers

You can create and save multiple RDP connections, each with its own username and password. This is useful if you connect to several remote computers or if you use different accounts on the same machine.

Open Remote Desktop Connection and enter the first computer's address in the Computer field. Enter the username and click "Save As" (in the Options panel). Give the connection a descriptive name like "Work Computer - Admin Account" and save it. The next time you open Remote Desktop Connection, you can click "Open" and select this saved connection by name — it will remember both the computer address and the username.

Repeat this for each computer or account combination you use. You can have dozens of saved connections, and each one stores its own credentials separately. This way you don't have to type the same information every time, and you reduce the chance of accidentally connecting with the wrong account.

What to do if RDP won't accept your new password

If you've changed your password on the remote computer but RDP still rejects it, the issue is usually that the old credentials are still cached. Open Remote Desktop Connection, click "Show Options", and clear the User name field completely. Type the username again from scratch, then connect. When prompted for the password, enter the new one carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, so check that Caps Lock is off.

If it still doesn't work, try deleting the saved .rdp file and creating a new connection from scratch. Go to Documents, find the Remote Desktops folder, and delete the file for that connection. Then open Remote Desktop Connection, enter the computer address and username, and connect with the new password. Save the credentials when prompted.

Another common issue: if you're on a domain network, your password may be managed by Active Directory rather than the local computer. In that case, use your domain username (often formatted as DOMAIN\username) and your domain password. If you're unsure whether your account is local or domain-based, ask your IT department or try both formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the password I've saved in Remote Desktop Connection?

No. Windows stores saved RDP passwords in an encrypted format that you cannot view or retrieve. If you forget the password, you'll need to reset it on the remote computer itself or contact your administrator. When you connect, you can enter a new password and save it to overwrite the old one.

What if I'm connecting to a work computer and don't know my username?

Ask your IT department or manager for your network username. It's usually different from your email address, though sometimes they're the same. On a domain network, your username might be formatted as DOMAIN\username or firstname.lastname. Your IT team can confirm the exact format.

Does changing my RDP password change my actual computer password?

No. RDP just uses your existing computer password to log in remotely. If you change the password you enter in RDP, you're changing the password for that user account on the remote computer itself — which affects all login methods, not just RDP. If you only want to change what RDP uses, you need to change the account password on the remote computer first.

Can I use RDP with a Microsoft account instead of a local username?

Yes, but it's more complicated. If the remote computer uses a Microsoft account, you can connect with that account's email address and password. However, some RDP features work better with traditional local accounts. If you're having trouble, ask your IT department whether a local account is available on that computer.

What happens if I save credentials on a shared computer?

Anyone who uses that computer can open Remote Desktop Connection and see your saved connections — and use them to connect to your remote computers. Don't save credentials on a shared machine. Instead, uncheck "Allow me to save credentials" and type your password each time you connect.