Microsoft has released an updated version 6.0 of Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client) for Windows XP and Windows 2003. Remote Desktop Connection 6.0 client update will allow RDP users to use the new Terminal Services features that are introduced in Windows Vista and in the Microsoft Windows Server Code Name “Longhorn” operating system from a computer that is either running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2), with full backward compatibility to be able to connect to legacy terminal servers or to remote desktops.

The new features in RDP 6.0 client update include:

  • Server authentication – Security measure that verifies that you are connecting to the correct remote computer or server and helps prevent you from connecting to a different computer or server than you intend to connect to.
  • Resource redirection – Redirect Plug and Play devices that support redirection.
  • TS Gateway servers – A gateway that enables authorized users to connect to remote computers on a corporate network from any computer by using an Internet connection with secure HTTPS protocol, thus using port 443 instead of default port 3389 for Remote Desktop Connection, allowing RDP connections without a VPN or firewall.
  • Terminal Services Remote Programs – Allow client computers connect to a remote computer and use programs that are installed on it.
  • Monitor spanning – Supports high-resolution displays that can be spanned across multiple monitors up to a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2048 pixels.
  • Visual improvements – Supports 32-bit color and font smoothing.

More information on the new features and how to use the new features can be found here.

Download the RDP Terminal Services Client 6.0 update package (KB925876) for:

Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows XP

Windows XP, x64-based versions

Update: Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) 7.0 Client Update