A Remote Desktop Services alternative
without building the stack.
Remote Desktop Services is the long-standing way to publish apps and desktops from Windows Server, and it has a web client. It works, and it is also a set of roles and certificates that someone has to build and look after. This page is for the team that would rather publish the app than run the stack.
What a replacement has to do
- Give browser access to the applications people need, without them installing a client.
- Replace several servers and certificates with something you do not have to assemble.
- Bring sign-in over SSO, roles and quick removal of access.
- Add clipboard and file policy, a watermark and recording in one place.
- Keep the applications on Windows machines you control.
What the move looks like
- 01
Keep your Windows Servers
Onscryn runs on Windows hosts you enroll, so a server that runs your application can become one, subject to licensing. You are replacing the delivery layer, not the machines.
- 02
Enroll the server and register the app
Install the agent with an enrollment token, then register the application. Users get a link instead of an RD Web Access page.
- 03
Move sign-in to SSO
Single sign-on over OIDC or SAML is plan-dependent, with roles you control in the dashboard.
- 04
Turn off what you no longer need
Once an application's users have moved, the gateway, broker and web-access roles that served it can be retired.
- 05
Check licensing before you cut over
RDS uses Client Access Licences. Using Onscryn does not remove Windows licensing either, so settle it early whichever way you go.
The step-by-step setup is in the quick start.
Stay on RDS if
- You already run Windows Server infrastructure and have the skills to operate it.
- You want to stay entirely inside the Microsoft stack.
- Your deployment is large and needs control of every component.
Know the limits
- Per-app streaming suits classic Windows interfaces. GPU-heavy apps may need a full desktop session.
- Windows and your own software still need licences with Onscryn.
- If your RDS estate depends on group policy for everything, check which of those controls you need are covered before you move.
Want the side-by-side? Read the full comparison.
Sources, reviewed November 2026
- Set up the Remote Desktop web client (Microsoft Learn)
- Licensing Azure Virtual Desktop, including RDS CALs (Microsoft Learn)
We make Onscryn. Vendors change products and terms, so check their documentation before you decide. Spot something out of date? Tell us at [email protected].
Questions.
Yes. Microsoft documents a Remote Desktop web client for RDS. The linked page lists its requirements.