[Win & Mac] How to Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Remote Desktop
If you‘ve been working on a computer, then chances are that you have used Ctrl+Alt+Del before. This shortcut is most commonly used for troubleshooting since it allows you to access Task Manager quickly.
When you have to help someone else, knowing how to use the remote desktop Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut will prove to be invaluable. This way, you can launch Task Manager remotely and resolve any issues that have appeared. In this article, we will go through all the ways you can send the alt-control-delete on remote desktop in simple steps.
- Part 1: What’s the Function of Ctrl+Alt+Del Shortcut?
- Part 2: How to Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Remote Desktop
- Method 1: Use Ctrl+Alt+End Shortcut on Windows RDP
- Method 2: Use the On-screen Keyboard on Windows RDP
- Method 3: Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Chrome Remote Desktop
- Method 4: How to Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Mac Remote Desktop
- Part 3: FAQs About Ctrl+Alt+Del on Remote Desktop
Part 1. What’s the Function of Ctrl+Alt+Del Shortcut?
In reality, the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut is the combination of the security keys, which are control, alt, and delete. When a user presses this "three-finger salute", they can reboot the system, kill a frozen app, and launch the task manager.
The shortcut was designed by David Bradley, who was the chief engineer of the IBM PC project. Originally, he had used the keys Ctrl+Alt+Esc before switching to Ctrl+Alt+Del to eliminate any accidental hits of the combination.
When you use the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut right now, it will bring you to a new screen with several options, which are:
- Lock – this will lock your computer so that other users can’t have access to it unless they know the password.
- Switch user – with this option, you can switch users easily. This means that when someone else needs to use the PC, they can just select their user profile without having to sign out or shut down any apps that the current user has launched.
- Sign out – with this option, you sign out from the current user profile.
- Task Manager – this option will open the Task Manager tool, where you can see the open processes and applications, check the performance of your computer, and kill any frozen apps that might be making your work difficult. Accessing Task Manager is one of the most prominent reasons for learning how to use the remote desktop Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut.
Part 2. How to Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Remote Desktop
The use of the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut is quite forward and simple. However, using alt-control-delete on remote control requires some extra steps that you need to take. Below, we will explain four different ways to use the three-finger salute remotely.
1Use Ctrl+Alt+End Shortcut on Windows RDP
The first method to use the remote desktop Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut is with the help of the Windows Remote Desktop Connection tool. If you are using a Windows computer, then there is a high chance that this app is already preinstalled. If not, you can find and download it from the Windows Store.
Here are the steps for using the Windows Remote Desktop Connection tool to use alt-control-delete on remote desktop:
- Step 1.Type “Remote Desktop Connection” or “mstsc” on your PC’s search bar to find the app. Click to open it.
- Step 2.From the pop-up window, enter the IP address and credentials of the remote computer.
- Step 3.Click Show Options > Local Resources. Under Keyboard tab, choose Apply Windows key combinations on the remote computer. Then click Connect.
- Step 4.After this step, you have gained remote access to that computer. Press Ctrl, Alt and Delete simultaneously to launch Task Manager remotely.
2Use Ctrl+Alt+End Shortcut on Windows RDP
The next method is an alternative to the previous one. It is useful to know it when you want to use alt-control-delete on remote desktop. Instead of directly pressing the three security keys, you will be using the on-screen keyboard tool that is already preinstalled on all Windows computers.
The steps for using the remote desktop Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut are the following:
- Step 1.Follow the steps 1 and 2 from the previous method to establish a remote connection with the computer you will be using the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut. Everything you do from now on will be performed on the remote computer.
- Step 2.Type “on-screen keyboard” or “osk” on the search bar, then choose On-Screen Keyboard.
- Step 3.Now, you will be able to see the on-screen keyboard. Click the Ctrl, Alt, and Del buttons simultaneously.
3Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Chrome Remote Desktop
Another method that you can use to access another computer remotely is via the Chrome Remote Desktop feature. If you establish a remote connection, then it is super easy to also send a Ctrl+Alt+Del to that computer remotely. The great advantage of this method is that you can actually use it on any device that has Google Chrome installed.
Below, we are going through the steps for completing this task:
- Step 1.Open the Google Chrome browser and go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
- Step 2.Go to the “Remote access” section and select the computer you want to access.
- Step 3.On another PC, install the Chrome Remote Host Service and set up for remote access also.
- Step 4.Type the 6-digit PIN that the user has set to establish the remote connection.
- Step 5.Find and click the “Send keys” option from the menu at the top of the screen.
- Step 6.Click the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut.
4How to Send Ctrl+Alt+Del on Mac Remote Desktop
If you are a Mac user, then this method is the one you should follow to use the remote desktop Ctlr+Alt+Del shortcut. The first thing that you need to do is to establish a remote connection. You can use the Apple Remote Desktop for this, or any other tool that you might be using. For instance, the Chrome Remote Desktop also works on Mac computers. After doing that, you only need to follow these steps:
- Step 1.Press the Command+Option+Escape keys at the same time. This shortcut will launch the “Force Quit Applications” tool, where you can manage the open applications on the Mac.
- Step 2.Select the apps that you wish to close. Click the “Force Quit” button.
Conclusion
In this guide, you have learned how to use the remote desktop Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut on both Mac and Windows computers. Once you have connected to a computer remotely, you can use the Ctrl+Alt+Del shortcut and perform any other tasks you might need.
If you are seeking a solution for remote support Android tools such as phones and tablets from PC, you can try AirDroid Remote Support.
Part 3. FAQs About Ctrl+Alt+Del on Remote Desktop
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