Enabling RDP with Concurrent User Sessions in Windows 7

Windows 7 lacks the ability to log into the same user profile more than once. Without the ability to have concurrent user sessions you are forced to disconnect another user in order to connect to a system.  This isn't an issue if you are the only one who uses the system but, what if the system is shared with other users? What if you use the system as a HTPC and you want to perform some maintenance tasks while the media continues to play?

Keep reading for instructions on how to easily patch Windows 7 to accept simultaneous user logins.




To start, I'd like to give credit for this patch to Missing Remote who are responsible for its release.  I have found this to be an extremely useful (essential) patch for Windows 7.

Additionally, to enable Concurrent User Sessions using this method, you need to be using Windows 7 Pro or Windows 7 Ultimate.

As well, in order to login in to a profile using Remote Desktop, the user account requires a password.

Lets begin,

First, Download the Patch Here

Click "Save" to save the download.

For easy access, save the download to the desktop.  To do this, click "Desktop" on the left side of the Save As window and then click "Save" in the bottom right corner.  Once the download completes, click "Open" or look on the desktop for Win7RDP.zip, double-click to open the compressed file.

Inside of the Win7RDP.zip window you will find the 4 files needed for this patch.  Click "Extract all files" at the top of the window.

The Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders wizard will then start.  Erase the text from the extract to field and type in "C:\Win7RDP." Click on the box next to "Show extracted files when complete" to automatically open the extracted folder after extraction. Once completed, click "Extract" at the bottom.

The extracted Win7RDP folder will open automatically after extraction. If not, open the Start Menu, click "Computer," double-click "Local Disk (C:)" and then double-click the Win7RDP folder.

Inside the Win7RDP folder you will see install.cmd, right-click on install.cmd and then click on "Run as administrator" to launch the patch as an administrator.

The rest of the patching process is automated.  The install.cmd will take ownership and replace RDPs termsrv.dll with either the 32 or 64 bit patched version. Next it will update the remote desktop protocol rules, enable remote desktop and start the remote desktop services. The entire install.cmd runs in a split second, press any key to close the window.

That's it! Enjoy Concurrent User Sessions in Windows 7.

In addition to the steps outlined above, in order to access a system remotely you must configure port forwarding on your router and unblock port 3389 in your firewall software.

Missing Remote's original release post is located here.

Further reading:
How to add a password to a user account in Windows 7.
Enabling automatic protected user account logins in Windows 7.
Configure Remote Desktop to run on a non-default port.