RDP Connections Exceeded

Last Review: August 7, 2010
Product(s): Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2008 R2

Windows Server has a two user connection limit for remote administration. If users fail to logoff and simply close a session, the following is displayed the next time you try to connect:

     Terminal server has exceeded the maximum number of allowed connections.

On a Windows Server 2003 or XP machine, run MSTSC with the console switch. After logged in, disconnect the idle sessions in Terminal Services Manager.

     mstsc /console

On a Windows Server 2008 / Vista / Windows 7 machine, run MSTSC with the admin switch and after logged in disconnect the idle sessions in Remote Desktop Services Manager.

     mstsc /admin

Alternatively, open a Command Prompt and type:

     query session /server:servername

The user/session information is displayed and next type:

     reset session [ID] /server:servername