Frequently Asked Question

Use this article if a DeskCamera screen stream turns black, freezes, or disappears after a Microsoft Remote Desktop session disconnects.

Reconnect and disconnect safely

1) Reconnect to the DeskCamera PC through Remote Desktop.

2) Open DeskCamera.

3) Wait a few seconds for the camera to start automatically. Start it manually only if it remains stopped.

4) Confirm that the NVR/VMS receives the screen stream.

5) Click Safely close RDP in DeskCamera.

Do not close the Remote Desktop window with its standard close button when the screen stream should continue. Do not sign out of Windows, because signing out closes applications in that Windows session.

For the complete setup and safe-disconnection instructions, see Using DeskCamera with Remote Desktop.

Use one Remote Desktop display

With one remote display, DeskCamera lists the remote screen as RDPDisplay and can reuse its saved settings during later Remote Desktop sessions.

With two or more remote displays, the screen sources may have temporary names, remain read-only, and change between connections. Their stream addresses may also change. Use one remote display when the NVR/VMS needs a stable screen stream.

Run DeskCamera at the local desktop first

Before the first Remote Desktop session, sign in at the DeskCamera PC itself, open DeskCamera, configure the main screen camera, and start it once.

If DeskCamera has never run at the local desktop, the Remote Desktop screen may be disabled and read-only.

Restart DeskCamera after a remote start or upgrade

If DeskCamera was started or upgraded during a Remote Desktop session, its local screen settings may be read-only after you return to the PC. On some multi-monitor PCs, the NVR/VMS may also show the screens on the wrong camera channels.

At the local desktop, exit DeskCamera completely and start it again. This refreshes the local display setup and does not remove saved settings.

Check the Remote Desktop screen source

1) While connected through Remote Desktop, stop the camera.

2) Open Video & Audio Settings.

3) For a one-display session, confirm that RDPDisplay is enabled.

4) Start the camera again and check the stream in the NVR/VMS.

If you use a direct RTSP address, copy the current address shown by DeskCamera. Do not create an address from the RDPDisplay name. See How to Retrieve Direct RTSP URLs for DeskCamera Streams.

Shared mode

In Shared multi-user mode, DeskCamera pauses the camera for a disconnected Windows session and starts it automatically for the active session. This may take a few seconds after reconnecting or returning to the local desktop.

For details, see Multi-user Mode and Lock Settings.

If the problem continues

Update DeskCamera to a newer version and repeat the steps above.

If the screen is still black or frozen, enable debug logs, reproduce the problem, and send the complete log folder to support. See Collecting DeskCamera Log Files.