How to Disable File Transfer in Remote Desktop

Disabling file transfer, often referred to as drive redirection or resource redirection, in Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a common security measure. It prevents users connecting to a remote session from accessing or transferring files between their local computer and the remote machine.

The most effective way to disable file transfer in Remote Desktop is by using Group Policy.

Steps to Disable Drive Redirection via Group Policy

To prevent users from transferring files through drive redirection, you can configure a specific Group Policy setting on the Remote Desktop Session Host (RD Session Host) server or on client machines connecting to it, depending on your environment and desired scope.

Here's the standard process using Group Policy:

1. Access Group Policy Management: Open the Group Policy Management Editor. This can be done by running gpedit.msc on a local machine or by editing a Group Policy Object (GPO) linked to your organizational unit (OU) containing the relevant computers if managing centrally.
2. Navigate to the Policy Setting: Browse through the policy settings using the following path structure:
   • Computer Configuration
   • Administrative Templates
   • Windows Components
   • Remote Desktop Services
   • Remote Desktop Session Host
   • Device and Resource Redirection
3. Locate the Specific Policy: Inside the "Device and Resource Redirection" folder, find the policy setting named "Do not allow drive redirection".
4. Configure the Policy:
   • Double-click the "Do not allow drive redirection" policy setting.
   • Select the Enabled option. Enabling this policy setting prevents users from redirecting their local drives in an RDS session.
   • Click Apply and then OK.
5. Update Group Policy: For the changes to take effect immediately, you may need to force a Group Policy update. Open a Command Prompt as administrator and run gpupdate /force. Users may also need to log off and back on, or the server might require a restart.

Reference Information Included: The process involves navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection and double-clicking the "Do not allow drive redirection" policy setting, as mentioned in the reference.

Impact of Disabling Drive Redirection

Enabling the "Do not allow drive redirection" policy will prevent the redirection of:

• Fixed drives (like your C: drive)
• Removable drives (like USB drives)
• Network drives mapped locally

This effectively stops users from being able to copy and paste files directly between their local machine and the remote session using redirected drives, thereby disabling file transfer via this common method.

Alternative Methods (Less Common for Dedicated File Transfer Prevention)

While Group Policy is the primary method for comprehensive control, other settings can impact file access or transfer:

• Clipboard Redirection: Disabling clipboard redirection (Do not allow clipboard redirection policy in the same Device and Resource Redirection path) can prevent copy-pasting of small files or file content, but it doesn't block drive redirection itself. For blocking file transfer specifically, disabling drive redirection is key.
• Resource Redirection Settings on the Client: In the Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc.exe) under "Show Options" > "Local Resources" tab > "More...", you can individually uncheck "Drives". However, this is a client-side setting that the user can typically change unless restricted by policy.
• Firewall Rules: While not directly disabling the feature, firewall rules could potentially block the specific ports or protocols used for certain types of file transfer, but this is complex and not the intended or standard way to disable RDP file transfer.

Disabling drive redirection via Group Policy provides the most robust and manageable way to prevent users from transferring files during a Remote Desktop session.