How To Enable Font Smoothing When Connecting Via RDP

With increasing remote work and digital collaboration, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) has become the go-to tool for accessing and managing computers remotely. Whether you’re troubleshooting a friend’s computer, managing servers, or simply working from home, RDP offers a lifeline for seamless connectivity. However, one common issue that can detract from the user experience is the appearance of fonts. Without proper configuration, text on a remote desktop can appear jagged and hard to read, straining the eyes and reducing productivity. The solution is at hand: font smoothing. This blog will guide you through the process of enabling font smoothing in your RDP sessions, ensuring that your remote desktop experience is as clear and comfortable as if you were sitting right in front of the remote computer.

Understanding Font Smoothing

Font smoothing is a display feature that makes text easier to read on screens. It works by anti-aliasing the fonts, which means it slightly blurs the edges of characters to reduce the jaggedness. This results in text that appears smoother and more similar to printed text. Operating systems like Windows come with font smoothing features such as ClearType, specifically designed to enhance LCD displays.

Why Enable Font Smoothing in RDP?

When connecting to another computer via RDP, the default settings may not enable these font smoothing technologies. This can lead to text that looks rough and pixelated, which is especially noticeable on modern LCD/LED monitors. By enabling font smoothing, you can improve your remote desktop experience, making text easier to read and reducing eye strain during long sessions.

Steps To Enable Font Smoothing When Connecting Via RDP

On the Host Computer

Step 1: Launch the Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) tool by searching for “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search bar on the Start menu.

Step 2: Type in the name or IP address of the computer you wish to connect to. For additional settings such as username and password, click on “More Details”.

Step 3: Input the username for the computer you’re connecting to, making sure it’s a user account that requires a password for Windows logon.

Step 4: Go to the Experience tab. Here, choose the type of Internet connection you’re using. Avoid selecting “Detect Connection Quality Automatically” because it will turn off all the options. After choosing, ensure the “Font smoothing” option is ticked.

Step 5: Hit “Connect” and type in the password for the user account. If a message pops up stating that the remote computer’s identity cannot be verified due to security certificate issues, check the details. If everything looks good, press Yes to proceed with the connection.

On the Remote Computer

For font smoothing to function correctly, the ClearType feature must be activated on the remote computer. The steps to enable ClearType can differ depending on your Windows version. If you’re using Windows 10, you should open the Control Panel and click on “Fonts”. From there, choose “Adjust ClearType Text” and make sure it is enabled.

Then, simply follow the on-screen instructions to fine-tune ClearType to your liking.

How SupportFly helps with RDP?

In server management, ensuring that your remote desktop connections are as seamless and efficient as possible is important. A key aspect of this is enhancing the readability of text through font smoothing when connecting via RDP. As we’ve discussed, enabling font smoothing can greatly improve the clarity of text, making your remote sessions more productive and less straining on the eyes. But what if we told you there’s an even better way to optimise your remote desktop experience?

At Supportfly, we specialise in comprehensive Windows server support solutions, including top-tier support for RDP. Our services are designed not only to enable font smoothing effortlessly but also to ensure that every aspect of your remote desktop experience is optimised for performance, security, and reliability.

Conclusion

Enabling font smoothing for your RDP sessions can significantly improve the readability of text, making for a more comfortable and efficient remote working experience. Although it might seem like a small tweak, it goes a long way in enhancing the overall quality of your remote desktop sessions. Remember to adjust settings both locally and on the remote machine if possible, to maximize the clarity of text displayed during your RDP sessions.