CODEWITHSUNDEEP
powershellamazon-web-serviceswindows-server-2012remote-desktopwindows-server-2012-r2
Min
Min

Reputation: 538

RemoteApps on Server 2012 and above in a workgroup environment

I was able to set up RemoteApps on Server 2008 R2 on AWS in a workgroup environment. I want to do the same on Server 2012 and above. I understand that Microsoft removed RemoteApp manager when a Server 2012 is in a workgroup environment and it seems the server must be joined to a domain before RemoteApp manager becomes available. Also, they removed old Powershell commands and the new ones only work in a domain environment. Is there another way I can still setup up RemoteApps on a Server 2012 and above in a workgroup environment ?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 6200

Answers (2)

Karl
Karl

Reputation: 11

I got my Remote App running on a Windows Server 2016 that's not joined to a domain. The idea was provided by lisz's comment to the other suggested solution. This did the trick for me:

  • Enable Remote Desktop Session Host and Remote Desktop Licensing on the server
  • Run gpedit.msc and enable this group policy: Computer Configuration > Adminstrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Connections > Allow remote start of unlisted programs
  • create a custom *.rdp file that contains the full program path: remoteapplicationprogram:s:C:\path\to\application.exe

As lisz pointed out in her comment, allowing the start of unlisted programs can be a security concern. So this solution might not be suited for everyone.

I hope this helps someone in a similar situation!

Upvotes: 1

lisz
lisz

Reputation: 465

My setup is Windows Server 2012 R2 + workgroup + Remote Desktop Services role (with 2 sub-roles: session host and rd licensing). Like you, I could not publish programs as RemoteApps, until I found this free little tool: http://www.kimknight.net/remoteapptool

As of now, it doesn't support Windows Server 2016 but this might change in the future. Also, I had no idea you can "remote-app" programs hosted in Windows XP SP3! :)

Upvotes: 5

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