Differences between the Windows and Macintosh versions

If you're familiar with the Windows version of Remote Desktop Connection Client, you might have noticed a few differences between the Windows and Macintosh versions. This reference details those differences.

Features available in both versions
Millions of colors
Remote Desktop Connection can connect to Windows-based computers with displays that are set to millions of colors.
Sound support
Sounds that originate from the computer you connect to can be heard on the computer you connect from.
Drive support
The disk drives, hard disks, CD-ROM drives, network drives, and other local storage devices on the computer you connect from can be made available to the computer you connect to.
Printer support
Applications running on the computer you connect to can print to a printer that is either physically attached or networked to the computer you connect from. The Macintosh version supports printing only to PostScript printers.
Windows keyboard shortcuts
Windows key combinations, such as ALT+TAB, can be used on the computer you connect to.
Disconnect without logging off
You can manually disconnect from the Windows-based computer without logging off. You are automatically reconnected to your Windows desktop the next time you log on to the system, either from the same computer or from a different computer. Any programs that were running when you disconnected should still be running the next time you connect. Also, if your connection is unexpectedly terminated by a network or other failure, you are disconnected but not logged off.
Clipboard support
You can cut, copy, and paste text and images between applications running on the computer you connect from and the computer you connect to. The Macintosh version supports only cut, copy, and paste of plain text, Rich Text Format (RTF) text, and Unicode text.

 

Macintosh-only features
Assignment of Windows modifier keys
Windows modifier keys, such as the ALT key, can be mapped to a corresponding key on the Macintosh keyboard, such as the COMMAND (COMMAND key) or OPTION key.
Apple Keychain support
User passwords that are saved with a connection settings file are encrypted and saved in the Apple Keychain.
Multiple display support
The connection window can be displayed on any monitor if more than one monitor is attached to the computer you connect from.

 

Windows-only features
Serial port support
Devices connected to the serial port of the computer you connect from, such as printers or storage devices, can be made available to the computer you connect to.
Smart Card support
Smart Card readers attached to the computer you connect from can be accessed by the computer you connect to.
Multiple connections
You can establish connections from your computer to more than one computer at the same time.

 

Related topics

System requirements

About Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac

Configure Windows to accept Remote Desktop connections