Access Audio over Remote Desktop

Introduction

If you would like to play audio from a Windows server or record from your local computer, you need to set up a few things. This article will guide you through the process of enabling audio redirection via Remote Desktop client.

Windows Audio Service

Please verify that the Windows Audio Service is enabled and set to automatic. Ensure you are logged in as Administrator so that the settings will apply to all users.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Run by pressing Windows+R, or right-click on Start and select Run. Type services.msc and press OK.

   

2. Scroll down to the bottom and find the Windows Audio service. Double-click on it.

   

3. Set the Startup type to Automatic and start the service.

Windows Group Policy

You also need to check the following settings under Windows Group Policy:

1. Open Run by pressing Windows+R, or right-click on Start and select Run. Type gpedit.msc and press OK.

   

2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Device and Resource Redirection. Double-click on Allow audio and video playback redirection.

   

3. Select Enabled and press OK.

   

Windows RD Client

1. Open Run by pressing Windows+R, or right-click on Start and select Run. Type mstsc and press OK.

   

2. Select Show Options.

3. Go to the Local Resources tab and click on Settings under the Remote Audio section.

   

4. Now set the audio as shown below and press OK:

   

5. Select Connect.

   

In MacOS

For Apple devices, Microsoft Remote Desktop is available in the App Store. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop.

Once installed, grant the necessary permissions.

Under the PCs tab, select Add PC:

After entering the IP address, find the audio options under Devices & Audio.

Select Microphone and any other options you require. Also, set Play sound to On this computer.

Once connected to the server, you will be able to play audio from the remote server.

Testing Audio

In the right-hand side of the taskbar, right-click the volume icon and select Sounds.

Switch to the Playback tab. You should see Remote Audio. If you don’t see it, recheck your settings under Remote Desktop on your local computer.

Right-click on Remote Audio and select Test.

If you hear the sound, you are good to go.

You can also test the microphone with the green bars that will appear on the right.