Optimizing Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows App) Storage on Mac

Optimizing Microsoft Remote Desktop (Windows App) Storage on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a popular app for Mac users who need to connect to Windows devices remotely. While it offers seamless connectivity and a great user experience, it can consume a significant amount of storage space on your Mac. One common issue is the rapid growth of the tmp directory inside the app's container.

This article will outline the key concepts and practical solutions to optimize the storage used by Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac. By following the steps below, you can reclaim valuable storage space and improve your Mac's overall performance.

Understanding the Issue

When using Microsoft Remote Desktop, it creates a container to store various files and settings. Inside this container, there is a tmp directory that can store up to 54.5GB of data, as reported by some users. This directory can grow rapidly, mainly when using the app frequently or when the connection to the remote Windows device is unstable.

Locating the TMP Directory

To locate the tmp directory for Microsoft Remote Desktop, you can use the following command in the Terminal:

This will open a Property List (plist) file on your Desktop. Look for the "TmpPath" key to find the path to the tmp directory, which is typically:

Clearing the TMP Directory

Periodically clearing the tmp directory can help manage storage usage. However, be cautious when deleting files from this directory, as some may be required for a smooth user experience. To clear the directory, follow these steps:

1. Stop any active Remote Desktop connections.
2. Close the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
3. Open Terminal and enter the following command:

This command will force-delete all files in the tmp directory. Be cautious when using the "sudo" command, which grants administrative privileges.

Optimizing Microsoft Remote Desktop Settings

Adjusting settings can help minimize the storage used by Microsoft Remote Desktop. Here are some key settings to consider:

Disable Persistent Drive Mapping

Microsoft Remote Desktop can map remote drives to your Mac, which can consume storage space when files are copied locally. Disable this feature by:

1. Opening Microsoft Remote Desktop.
2. Clicking on the Preferences icon.
3. Unchecking the option "Reconnect to previously opened resources when signing in" under the Connection settings tab.

Configure Redirect Folder Settings

Redirecting only necessary folders can help limit the storage usage of Remote Desktop. Modify folder redirection settings by:

1. Opening Microsoft Remote Desktop.
2. Clicking on the Preferences icon.
3. Navigating to the Redirect Folder settings tab.
4. Selecting only the required folders for redirection.

• Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac can consume significant storage space due to its tmp directory.
• Locate and clear the tmp directory manually or using a script.
• Adjust settings like persistent drive mapping and folder redirection to minimize storage usage.

References

• Microsoft Remote Desktop App Documentation
• Microsoft: Clean up your Mac of temporary and other unnecessary files
• Apple Support Discussion: ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.rdc.macos/Data/tmp - 54.5 GB