How to Access Your Local Webcam in a Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) Session

---

When you connect to a Windows server or workstation using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), peripheral devices like webcams are not automatically shared with the remote system. To use your local webcam (e.g., for video conferencing or camera-based apps) inside an RDP session, you must enable device redirection both on the local (client) machine and sometimes on the remote host.

Prerequisites

• Windows client (Windows 10 / 11)
• Windows Server or Remote Desktop–enabled system
• Built-in Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)
• Working webcam on the local system

This guide is divided into two parts:

• Part A – Local System (Client Machine)
• Part B – Server (Remote Machine)

Follow both parts to ensure proper webcam redirection in an RDP session.

Part A: Local System (Client Machine)

---

These steps must be performed on the computer from which you are connecting via RDP.

Step A1: Open Remote Desktop Connection Search for Remote Desktop Connection or "Press Windows + R" and Type "mstsc" on your computer.

Step A2: Click Show Settings at the bottom of the connection window.

Step A3: Go to the "Local Resources" tab in the window that appears.

Step A4: Select "Video capture devices" and click "*OK**".

Step A5: Connect to Server

• Go to the General tab
• Enter the Server IP / Hostname
• Click Connect

Part B: Server (Remote Machine)

---

Step B1: Once logged in, open "Server Manager".

Step B2: In "Server Manager", click "Add Roles and Features".

Step B3: Start the "Add Roles and Features Wizard" by clicking "Next".

Step B4: Choose "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click "Next".

Step B5: Select a server from the list and click "Next".

Step B6: Check the box for "Remote Desktop Services" and click "Next".

Step B7: Skip the components section by clicking "Next".

Step B8: Read the service description and click "Next".

Step B9: Choose the roles to install, selecting all except "Remote Desktop Virtualization Host".

Step B10: Agree to install the components by clicking "Add Features"

Step B10: Also, add the "Remote Desktop Session Host" role by clicking "Add Features", then click "Next".

Step B11: On the final page, check "Restart the destination server automatically if required", confirm by clicking "Yes", and then click "Install".

After the installation and restart, log back into your server, and you’ll be able to use your local webcam on the remote server.