Frequently Asked Question

When a Remote Desktop session disconnects, Windows changes how the desktop is presented. In some setups, this can cause a DeskCamera screen stream to turn black, freeze, or stop until the Remote Desktop session is active again.

Use DeskCamera's Safely close RDP button when you want screen streaming to continue after you disconnect.

Disconnect Remote Desktop safely

1) Connect to the PC with Remote Desktop.

2) Open DeskCamera and start the camera.

3) Confirm that the NVR/VMS is receiving the DeskCamera screen stream.

4) Click Safely close RDP in DeskCamera.

5) Wait for DeskCamera to disconnect the Remote Desktop session.

Use this button instead of closing the Remote Desktop window with its standard close button. Do not sign out of Windows, because signing out closes applications in that Windows session.

Screen behavior after reconnecting

In a normal one-screen Remote Desktop session, DeskCamera keeps the remote screen stream matched to the saved screen camera when possible. This helps the NVR/VMS continue using the same DeskCamera camera after you disconnect and reconnect.

When possible, DeskCamera keeps the screen camera associated with its saved Windows display number, such as Display 1 shown in Windows Settings > System > Display. This behavior is automatic and does not need to be enabled.

While connected through Remote Desktop, the video size follows the Remote Desktop display size. If you use several Remote Desktop displays or change the display layout or resolution, preview the stream and check the camera entry in the NVR/VMS again.

Even with this automatic behavior, Safely close RDP remains the recommended way to disconnect when screen streaming should continue without interruption.

Troubleshooting

The stream turns black or freezes after disconnecting.
Reconnect with Remote Desktop, make sure DeskCamera and the camera are running, then use Safely close RDP. See Screen Stream Is Black or Frozen After Remote Desktop Disconnects for more checks.

The NVR/VMS shows an old or missing screen after reconnecting.
Update DeskCamera to a newer version, then check the current screen source and camera details. If you use a direct RTSP address, copy the current address by following How to Retrieve Direct RTSP URLs for DeskCamera Streams. For additional connection checks, see NVR/VMS Cannot Find DeskCamera or Show Live Video.

You need a separate DeskCamera setup for each Windows user.
See Using DeskCamera with Multiple Windows Users.