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How to Remove Saved RDP Credentials in Microsoft Remote Desktop (Mac & Windows)

How to remove outdated saved credentials in Microsoft Remote Desktop after a VPS password change or OS reinstall to prevent login failures.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

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.

Frequent login issues with VPS services often arise when Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) clients attempt to auto-fill outdated credentials.


For Windows (Remote Desktop Connection app)

For Windows (Remote Desktop Connection App)

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection App

  • Press Windows + R, type mstsc.exe, and press Enter.

2. Show Options

  • Click Show Options in the bottom-left corner of the window.

3. Delete Saved Credentials

  • Under the General tab, if you see a delete link under “Saved credentials,” click it.

  • This will remove the stored username/password for this connection.

4. 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).

5. Or Manually Remove Credentials via Control Panel

  • Open Control PanelCredential Manager.

  • Go to Windows Credentials.

  • Find an entry like:

TERMSRV/<your VPS IP>
  • Click it, then select Remove.


For Mac (Microsoft Remote Desktop App)

1. Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop App

  • This may be called Windows App in newer versions.

2. Access Settings

  • In the top menu bar, click Windows App (or Microsoft Remote Desktop).

  • Select Settings… from the dropdown menu.

3. Go to the Credentials Tab

  • In the Preferences window, click the Credentials tab.

  • Locate your saved VPS connection from the list on the left.

4. Edit or Remove Saved Credentials

  • To update credentials: click into the Username and Password fields and enter your new details.

  • To remove credentials: select the saved entry and delete it from the list.


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).

To ensure you have the latest credentials, always reference the credentials provided in your VPS dashboard or equivalent platform.


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:

Tips for Password Management

  • Regular Dashboard Check: Always use the updated credentials from your VPS dashboard.

  • Clear Old Data: Regularly remove outdated credentials from your RDP client to avoid conflicts.

  • Password Security: Use a reliable password manager to store and manage your credentials securely.


🤝 Need Assistance?

If any part of the setup feels unclear, the QuantVPS team is happy to help. If you’d like us to verify your environment from our side, feel free to open a support ticket and get connected with the team: https://www.quantvps.com/

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