Troubleshooting: Missing Remote Desktop Tab in RDWEB on Microsoft Edge

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This article addresses a common challenge encountered by users attempting to access Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWEB) through Microsoft Edge, specifically regarding the absence of the crucial “Connect to a remote PC” tab. Organizations relying on Remote Desktop Services (RDS) for virtualized applications and desktops often find their users facing compatibility issues with modern browsers due to underlying technological differences. This guide aims to elucidate the root cause of this problem and provide a robust resolution for administrators and users alike.

The information presented herein is particularly relevant for environments running Windows 10 across all its editions, where Microsoft Edge has been designated as the default web browser. For reference within Microsoft’s knowledge base, this issue is linked to original KB number 3092523. Understanding the architectural shift between legacy and modern web technologies is key to comprehending this specific browser behavior.

Understanding the Problem: The Missing Tab and Its Implications¶

With the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft Edge emerged as the default web browser, ushering in a new era of web browsing focused on modern standards, enhanced security, and improved performance. However, this transition brought about compatibility challenges for certain legacy applications and services, notably those that depend on ActiveX controls. Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWEB) and other web applications built around these older technologies frequently fall into this category.

Users accustomed to accessing their remote desktops or RemoteApp programs via RDWEB in Internet Explorer 11 would typically see a prominent “Connect to a remote PC” tab within the web interface. This tab provides a streamlined mechanism for launching remote sessions. In stark contrast, when the same RDWEB portal is accessed using Microsoft Edge, this essential tab is conspicuously absent. This discrepancy creates a significant hurdle for end-users attempting to utilize their remote resources.

The functional difference between the two browsers can be visually striking. On one hand, Internet Explorer 11, designed with support for legacy components, successfully loads the necessary ActiveX control, specifically the MsRdpClientShell - MsRdpWebAccess.dll add-on, which renders the “Connect to a remote PC” tab. On the other hand, Microsoft Edge, built from the ground up to adhere to contemporary web standards, actively blocks or simply does not support the execution of such ActiveX components. This fundamental architectural divergence is at the heart of the missing functionality, leading to a fragmented user experience and potential workflow disruptions.

The Role of ActiveX in Legacy Applications¶

ActiveX controls are a Microsoft technology, primarily used for embedding rich content and interactive components within web pages, most notably within Internet Explorer. These controls allowed developers to extend browser functionality significantly, enabling complex client-side interactions that were not natively supported by early web standards. For applications like RDWEB, ActiveX served as the bridge, allowing the web interface to communicate directly with the local Remote Desktop client components, facilitating the seamless launching of remote sessions.

However, the power of ActiveX came with inherent security risks. Being executable code, ActiveX controls could potentially be exploited to gain unauthorized access to a user’s system if not properly secured or if malicious controls were encountered. Furthermore, ActiveX was a proprietary technology largely tied to the Windows ecosystem, which conflicted with the growing demand for cross-platform and open web standards. The advent of modern web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, which offer similar interactive capabilities through more secure and standardized means, gradually led to the deprecation of ActiveX support in contemporary browsers.

The Underlying Cause: Design Philosophy of Microsoft Edge¶

The reason for the missing Remote Desktop tab in Microsoft Edge is rooted in a fundamental design decision: Microsoft Edge, by design, does not support ActiveX controls. This architectural choice reflects a broader industry trend towards a more secure, interoperable, and standardized web environment. Microsoft Edge was engineered to provide a faster, more secure, and more privacy-centric browsing experience, moving away from legacy technologies that had become liabilities.

Modern browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox prioritize web standards such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for rendering content and enabling interactivity. These standards offer a platform-agnostic approach to web development, promoting compatibility across various operating systems and devices. The decision to forgo ActiveX support in Edge was a strategic move to align with these modern web paradigms, reducing the browser’s attack surface and improving overall performance. Consequently, any web application, including RDWEB, that relies on an ActiveX control for critical functionality will not operate as intended in Microsoft Edge. This design philosophy underscores a commitment to future-proof web browsing at the expense of backward compatibility with certain legacy applications.

Strategic Resolution: Leveraging Enterprise Mode for Seamless Compatibility¶

While Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows 10, recognizing the continued necessity of legacy applications, Microsoft provides a sophisticated solution for organizations: the Enterprise Mode site list. This feature allows organizations to maintain Microsoft Edge as their primary browser while simultaneously ensuring that websites and web applications requiring Internet Explorer 11 compatibility, such as RDWEB, function correctly. Enterprise Mode essentially enables IE11’s rendering engine for specific, designated websites, effectively bridging the gap between modern and legacy web requirements.

The Enterprise Mode site list is a powerful tool for IT administrators, offering centralized control over browser compatibility within an enterprise environment. By configuring this list, organizations can specify which websites should automatically open in Internet Explorer 11 mode, regardless of the user’s default browser setting. This ensures that critical business applications continue to operate without disruption, providing a consistent user experience and reducing support calls related to browser compatibility. The implementation of Enterprise Mode is a strategic approach to managing the transition from older web technologies to modern standards, allowing for a phased migration strategy.

Implementing Enterprise Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide¶

To effectively deploy this resolution, administrators will need to utilize the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager tool. This utility facilitates the creation and management of the XML file that defines which websites should trigger Enterprise Mode.

1. Download the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager Tool: The first step is to acquire the tool. While direct hyperlinks are excluded, administrators can typically find the latest version of the “Enterprise Mode Site List Manager” by searching the Microsoft Download Center. It’s crucial to download the version compatible with the organization’s Windows and Internet Explorer deployments.
2. Create and Manage Your Site List: Once installed, the Enterprise Mode Site List Manager allows you to create a new XML file or edit an existing one. Within this tool, you can add individual URLs or entire domains that require rendering in Internet Explorer 11’s Enterprise Mode. For RDWEB, you would add the URL of your RDWEB portal.
   • Adding a Site: Specify the URL (e.g., https://yourrdweb.domain.com).
   • Setting Compatibility Mode: Choose “IE11 Enterprise Mode” for the entry. This instructs the browser to use the Internet Explorer 11 rendering engine and enable any necessary legacy features, including ActiveX support, when accessing that specific site.
   • Versioning: The tool also allows for versioning of your site list, which is essential for managing updates and deployments across the organization.
3. Deploy the Site List: After creating or updating the XML site list, it needs to be deployed to client machines. This is typically achieved through Group Policy Objects (GPO). Administrators will configure a GPO to point to the location of the XML file (e.g., a shared network path or a web server). When the GPO is applied, client browsers will retrieve this list and apply the specified compatibility settings.
4. Testing and Validation: Post-deployment, thorough testing is essential. Users should be able to access the RDWEB portal via Microsoft Edge, and upon navigating to the site on the Enterprise Mode list, the browser should automatically switch to IE11 rendering mode, making the “Connect to a remote PC” tab visible and functional.

This systematic approach ensures that users can leverage the benefits of Microsoft Edge for general browsing while seamlessly accessing critical legacy applications without manual intervention or switching browsers.

Benefits of Enterprise Mode¶

Implementing Enterprise Mode offers several significant advantages for businesses:

• Seamless User Experience: Users no longer need to remember which browser to use for specific sites. Edge handles the transition automatically, improving productivity and reducing frustration.
• Centralized Management: IT administrators can manage all compatibility settings from a single, centralized list, simplifying updates and troubleshooting.
• Enhanced Security: By limiting the use of legacy rendering engines to only necessary sites, the overall security posture of the browsing environment is improved. Edge can be used for general internet browsing, benefiting from its modern security features, while legacy sites are isolated.
• Reduced Support Costs: Fewer compatibility-related issues translate into fewer help desk calls, freeing up IT resources for more strategic initiatives.
• Controlled Transition: Enterprise Mode facilitates a smoother transition away from legacy applications, allowing organizations to gradually update or replace older systems without immediate, disruptive changes.

Advanced Considerations: Enterprise Mode and Web Single Sign-On (SSO)¶

Beyond simply enabling the Remote Desktop tab, organizations frequently seek to enhance the user experience further by implementing Web Single Sign-On (SSO) for RemoteApp and Desktop connections. SSO allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications and services without re-entering their credentials. When combined with Enterprise Mode, SSO creates a highly efficient and user-friendly remote access environment.

Integrating Web SSO with RDWEB ensures that after a user logs into the RDWEB portal, they are automatically signed into their RemoteApp programs or desktop sessions without further prompts. This greatly streamlines the workflow, especially for users who frequently launch multiple remote resources.

To leverage Web SSO, administrators must correctly configure their RD Session Host and RD Connection Broker servers. This typically involves setting up a trusted certificate, configuring delegation settings, and ensuring that the SSO feature is enabled within the Remote Desktop Services deployment. When Enterprise Mode is active for the RDWEB portal, it provides the necessary compatibility layer for the SSO mechanism to function correctly within the context of a modern browser like Edge. This synergy delivers a secure, efficient, and user-friendly solution for remote access in an enterprise setting.

Future Outlook for Remote Access and Browsers¶

The ongoing evolution of web standards continues to shape how remote access solutions are delivered. While ActiveX offered a powerful solution in its time, modern alternatives based on HTML5, WebRTC, and other open standards are increasingly becoming the preferred approach for browser-based remote access. Many remote desktop solutions are now transitioning to pure HTML5 clients, which negate the need for browser plugins or specific compatibility modes. These modern clients offer cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility, providing a truly universal remote access experience. Organizations that heavily rely on RDWEB might consider evaluating these newer, standard-compliant remote access solutions as part of their long-term strategy, potentially reducing their reliance on Enterprise Mode for legacy compatibility.

Best Practices for Enterprise Mode Deployment¶

To ensure a successful and smooth implementation of Enterprise Mode for your RDWEB environment, consider these best practices:

• Start Small: Begin by testing the Enterprise Mode site list with a small group of pilot users or in a test environment before deploying it company-wide. This allows for early identification and resolution of potential issues.
• Regularly Review and Update: The site list is not a static document. Websites evolve, and applications are updated. Regularly review your Enterprise Mode site list to ensure it remains accurate and relevant. Remove sites that no longer require IE11 compatibility.
• Communicate with Users: Inform your users about the changes and how Enterprise Mode will affect their browsing experience. Explain the benefits and provide guidance on what to expect.
• Monitor Performance: While Enterprise Mode is designed to be efficient, monitor browser performance and user feedback. Ensure that the use of the IE11 engine for specific sites does not introduce unforeseen slowdowns or issues.
• Secure Your XML File: The Enterprise Mode site list XML file contains critical configuration information. Ensure it is stored in a secure location, accessible only by authorized personnel, and protected from unauthorized modification.

By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can effectively leverage Enterprise Mode to bridge the gap between legacy applications and modern browser capabilities, ensuring business continuity and a productive user experience.

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We hope this detailed guide assists you in successfully troubleshooting and resolving the missing Remote Desktop tab issue in RDWEB on Microsoft Edge. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Have you implemented Enterprise Mode in your organization? What challenges or successes have you experienced? Please share your insights and questions in the comments section below!