Installing Applications on Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH)

To install applications on a server configured with Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) in Windows Server 2022, administrators must follow a specific process to ensure compatibility with multiple user sessions. Always log in using an account with local administrator privileges. It is strongly recommended to install applications on an NTFS-formatted volume to leverage security and auditing features. Applications must be installed in a way that allows multiple concurrent users to access them through their individual sessions. You can achieve this using one of two supported methods:

1. Using Install Application on Remote Desktop from Control Panel
2. Using the `change user` command from an elevated command prompt

This method is the preferred and user-friendly approach. It automatically manages session mode transitions during the installation process.
To install an application:

1. Log on to the RDSH server as an Administrator.
2. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
3. Click Install Application on Remote Desktop from the left pane.
4. Browse to the application’s installer (e.g., `.exe`, `.msi`) and follow the installation wizard.
5. Choose to install the application for all users, when prompted.

Use this method when installing software manually via command line or when installing updates, add-ons, or plug-ins for existing applications.
This command ensures user-specific data like `.ini` files and registry entries are correctly redirected per user.
To install:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run:
   change user /install — Puts the system into install mode.
3. Install the application using its setup program.
4. Once complete, return the system to execute mode:
   change user /execute

Explanation:

• Install Mode: Redirects user-specific configurations to a common location during setup.
• Execute Mode: Restores normal redirection of user data to each user's profile.

1. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features.
2. Select Install Application on Remote Desktop.
3. Click Browse and navigate to the setup file. For example:
   D:\Resources\Setup.exe
4. Follow the on-screen wizard steps.
5. Enter any required information (e.g., user name, install path).
6. Complete the installation by clicking Finish.

In the next lesson, you will learn how to modify applications post-installation to ensure compatibility with Remote Desktop multiuser environments, including managing user profiles and shared registry settings.