Ever see this lovely image when you try to Remote Desktop into a Windows Server? When you deal with a large organization you tend to see this alot and it is annoying.
Windows Server only allows two remote connections at any time. If two users did not log off properly, then you are stuck until they actually log off or the server is rebooted. We show you a quick and easy way to fix the terminal server has exceeded the maximum number issue.
For Windows Vista/7/10:
Start -> type Remote Desktop -> Right Click the shortcut, click Properties. Copy the target field into notepad. You will return it later.
In the target field paste the following:
%systemroot%\system32\mstsc.exe /admin
You are basically adding the /admin to the end of the shortcut.
For Windows XP:
Start -> All Program -> Accessories -> Communications,
Right click Remote Desktop Connection and click Properties. Copy the target field into notepad. You will return it later.
In the target field paste the following:
%systemroot%\system32\mstsc.exe /admin
Same here you are basically adding the /admin to the end of the shortcut.
Next Step
Click OK to save.
Remote Into Server With New Target Field
Now you will get past the terminal server has exceeded the maximum number alert box and into the server.
Right click task bar -> Task Manager – >Select the Users tab.
You will see all the users connected to the server. Select a user, and then click the Logoff button.
Now log off normally and reconnect to normal way with Remote Desktop and you are back in business.
Make sure you return the target field in you short cut back to normal.
Resource
Another great resource is How-To Geeks: Command Line Hack for: “Terminal Server Has Exceeded the Maximum Number of Allowed Connections”
However, we have found our method works better than the command line hack they suggest.