If you’ve reinstalled your VPS or changed your password, but Microsoft Remote Desktop is still trying to log in using your old saved credentials, here’s how to fix it. This issue often occurs when the IP stays the same after an OS reinstall.
For Windows (Remote Desktop Connection app)
Open the Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe).
Click on Show Options in the bottom-left corner.
Under the General tab:
Click Delete Credentials (if visible).
Or click Connect to attempt login.
When it fails, click Use a different account on the error screen.
Enter the new username/password, and check the box to remember it (if you want).
To manually remove saved credentials:
Open Control Panel > Credential Manager.
Go to Windows Credentials.
Look for an entry like: TERMSRV/<your VPS IP>
Click it, then click Remove.
For Mac (Microsoft Windows app)
Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
Find your saved connection in the main list.
Click the three dots (…) next to the connection name.
Choose Edit.
Under the User Account section:
Click the dropdown and select “Add User Account…” or “Ask when required” to force a login prompt.
If an old saved user appears, click Edit User Accounts and delete any outdated entries.
Save the connection.
Final Step
After clearing the credentials, try reconnecting. You’ll be prompted for the new username and password, and this will update the saved login (if enabled).
If You Continue to Have Issues: Delete and Re-Add the Entire Connection Profile
Sometimes the app continues to auto-fill old credentials even after removal. In that case, delete and recreate the entire connection:
Windows (Remote Desktop Connection)
Open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
Click the Show Options dropdown.
Click Open… and find any saved .rdp file for your VPS (if used).
Delete or recreate the .rdp file from scratch.
Optional: Open Credential Manager > Windows Credentials and ensure no TERMSRV/your-ip entries remain.
Re-enter your new VPS credentials and reconnect.
Mac (Microsoft Remote Desktop App)
Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.
Find your VPS entry in the list.
Right-click or click the three dots (…), then choose Delete.
Click + Add PC in the top bar.
Enter the VPS IP, and set User Account to “Ask when required” or create a new one.
Save and try connecting again.
This will clear out any persistent settings and ensure you’re starting with a clean connection.