I keep seeing the same complaint on helpdesks and forums: “Remote Desktop is too small? What is the reason” The short answer: RDP sets the session resolution when you connect. If that resolution is larger than the window you give it, or you resize afterward, the UI shrinks or scroll bars appear. The reliable cure is a two-parter: start at a readable resolution, then fit the session to your window. That’s what power users and sysadmins recommend in accepted answers and walk-throughs, and it still holds in 2025.

Classic Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) can’t change the session resolution mid-session. The trick is to set a sensible size before you connect and, optionally, turn on Smart Sizing so the view always fits your window. Or use an alternative remote desktop software that updates the session resolution as you resize the window.

Table of Contents

Open Remote Desktop Connection (search “Remote Desktop Connection” from Start).
Click Show Options.
Display tab → Display configuration: move the slider one or two notches left of Full screen until the preview looks comfortable.

• On a 1080p display, try 1600×900 or 1680×1050 as readable starting points.
Click Connect and try it out.

Why this works: you’re asking RDP to negotiate a readable session size up front, so the window opens at a sane scale, no microscopic text, no scroll bars.

If you want a precise fit (or you often resize the window), save a connection file and add two size lines plus Smart Sizing.

Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).
Show Options → General → Save As…, and save a .rdp file anywhere.
Right-click the saved .rdp → Open with → Notepad.
Add or edit these lines (tweak the numbers to suit your workspace), then save the file:
desktopwidth:i:1920

desktopheight:i:1080

smart sizing:i:1
Double-click the .rdp to connect.

If you want true on-the-fly resolution changes, use a remote support software that supports Dynamic Resolution Update.

The new Windows App replaces the old Store “Remote Desktop” app and adds dynamic display resizing, multi-monitor support, and modern UX. Install it, sign in with your work or school account, add your workspace, and open a desktop. When you resize the window, the session resolution updates automatically (no scroll bars, no tiny UI).

HelpWire is a free remote-support tool with adjustable screen size and fit-to-window modes, so the view adapts to your window without manual reconfiguration. Install the operator app, connect to the client, and choose a fit option (width/height/optimal) or let it scale as you resize, handy when you’re juggling different displays.

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Supported systems: Windows, macOS, Linux

This guide focuses on fixing Microsoft Remote Desktop resolution that’s too small on Windows 10/11. In these versions, mstsc.exe can’t change resolution mid-session, so set a readable size before connecting (Methods 1 and 2). When you’re done, the session opens at a readable size with no side to side scrolling, and resizing keeps everything fitting so you can work comfortably without squinting, scroll bars, or awkward zoom. If you need changes during a session, use a dynamic client such as Microsoft’s Windows App or HelpWire.

How to Fix “Remote Desktop Resolution Too Small” on Windows 10/11

Method 1: Use the Display slider

Method 2: Set exact pixels in a .RDP file (plus Smart Sizing)

Method 3: Alternative Remote Desktop Software

1. Microsoft’s Windows App (Windows 10/11)

2. HelpWire (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Conclusion