Buzz
Is your desktop being accessed remotely without your consent? Learn how to prevent unauthorized remote access to your desktop by revoking access privileges. This Mytour guide provides step-by-step instructions for blocking remote desktop access on both Mac and PC.
Key Points to Consider
- Remote desktop access is not available in the Home edition of Windows 10 and 11. However, if your Windows version supports remote access, you can disable it in Settings.
- All Windows users can block remote access using the Registry Editor, but caution is advised as editing the Registry can be risky.
- To disable remote desktop access on a Mac, navigate to the 'Sharing' section in System Preferences.
- Alternatively, Mac users can utilize the 'Remote Desktop' app to access the command prompt and disable remote desktop access.
Step-by-Step Guide
Windows (Settings)
Accessing Windows Settings
Search for 'remote access'
Opening Remote Access Settings
Disabling Remote Support Connections
Click 'OK' to confirm and prevent remote desktop connections to your computer.
Windows (Registry Editor)
Access the Windows Registry Editor. Also known as regedit, this tool enables you to modify various settings on your computer. Simply type regedit into the Windows Search bar to open it.
- Be cautious when editing the Registry Editor as incorrect changes can permanently damage your system. Only proceed if you are comfortable using the Registry Editor.
Create a backup of the current registry settings. Before making any modifications to the Windows Registry, it's crucial to create a backup to safeguard your system against potential issues. Go to File and select Export.
- Give the backup a recognizable name and save it in a location you'll remember.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftTerminal Server Client. Use the folders on the left side to locate the Terminal Server Client under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Insert the following three keys:
- DisableClipboardRedirection
- DisableDriveRedirection
- DisablePrinterRedirection
- For each key, set the type to DWORD and the value to REG_DWORD 1.
Create another backup of the Registry. Save a new copy of the updated Registry and execute the file on your computer. Verify the changes by attempting remote desktop access to ensure they were successful.
- You can also return to the Registry Editor to re-enable remote desktop access if needed.
Mac (System Preferences)
Launch 'System Preferences'. Access the Apple menu located at the top-left corner of your screen, then choose System Preferences.
Select 'Sharing'. From the available sections, opt for Sharing to manage your remote access configurations.
- Most changes in the 'Sharing' preferences require administrator authorization. Your Mac might prompt you to log in as an administrator to proceed.
Deselect the checkbox for Remote Management. You have successfully prevented remote access to your Mac.
- You can always return to this checkbox later to enable remote access.
Mac (Terminal)
Launch the 'Remote Desktop' application. Utilize Finder to open Remote Desktop on your Mac, where you can control both inbound and outbound desktop connections.
Execute a command to disable remote access and terminate existing connections. Enter the command below:
sudo
/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate.
sudo
/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Resources/kickstart -deactivate.
- You have now blocked remote access to your Mac. You can return to System Preferences anytime to re-enable access.
