In a remote desktop session (RDP) accessing the account password settings with <CTRL> + <ALT + <DELETE> is not available. An alternative method is required.
On a Windows computer pressing <CTRL> + <ALT> + <DELETE> provides access to profile settings such as the user password.
From within remote desktop the <CTRL> + <ALT> + <DELETE> key combination is transferred back to the parent computer, with loss of control from the active remote desktop session.
Therefore a different key combination to the usual ctrl alt del is required to access the user password configuration when used from within a remote desktop session.
I found that using the key combination <CTRL + <ALT> + <END> leaves the remote desktop active, focus is not withdrawn back to the parent computer. The active screen is replaced by a summary action screen showing the options:
- Lock this computer
- Log off
- Change a password…
- Start Task Manager
Click on Change a password. On the following screen enter the existing password, followed by the new password and a second entry to ensure that it was typed correctly. Click on OK to complete.
From within a Windows RDP I am able to update an expired password. However, for Android and Linux originated sessions I find that access to the server is not given.
Regularly updating your password is good security practice and ensures that Windows doesn’t lock you out following the expiry of the current password.
