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Connect to a PC/SC reader via RDP

When connecting via RDP to a reader configured for PC/SC, make sure you enable Smart cards or Windows Hello for Business. Changing group policies is usually unnecessary; we recommend you verify them if the connection fails.

Establish RDP connection

  1. Plug the reader into the RDP client.

  2. Open Remote Desktop Connection and click Show Options.

    Screenshot: "Show Options" button in "Remote Desktop Connection" application

  3. In the Local Resources tab, under Local Devices and Resources, click More....

    Screenshot: "More" button in "Local devices and resources" section in "Remote Desktop Connection" application

  4. Enable Smart cards or Windows Hello for Business and confirm.

    Checkbox "Smart cards or Windows Hello for Business" in "Remote Desktop Connection" aplication

  5. Click Connect.

The reader is now available on the RDP server.

Access via USB-HID

To use a reader configured for PC/SC as a USB-HID device within the RDP session, follow the instructions for USB device redirection. Then, however, you can no longer access the reader via PC/SC.

It doesn't work? Verify RDP server group policies

Smart card redirection must be enabled on the RDP server - this is enabled by default. If you encounter connection issues, check the group policy settings.

To check the group policies:

  1. On the RDP server, open Group Policy Editor.
    To do so, type gpedit into the Windows search box.
  2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
  3. Open Do not allow smart card device redirection.
  4. Make sure it's set to Not Configured or Disabled.

  5. If you've made changes, reboot the host computer.

    This reboot is needed so your changes take effect

Screenshot: RDP server group policy "Do not allow smart card device redirection"

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