Can I scale (stretch) a Remote Desktop session locally?
Thanks to Sam Jones' links, there appears to be three possible solutions:
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Using the Remote Desktop app (via the Microsoft Store)
This appears to be the most flexible option.
While setting up the connection, simply configure the Display Settings to the desired resolution. Additionally, "Change the size of the display" should be set to 100% to disable any remote DPI scaling. When entering full screen, the display is automatically stretched locally.
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Using the native Remote Desktop Connection client (mstsc)
Unfortunately, it's not possible to enter full screen mode while zooming with this method. Mostly, this means some keyboard shortcuts will not be captured.
- Before connecting, set the resolution (e.g. to 1920x1080) in the Display tab of the connection settings dialog. This is the crucial step for determining the resolution sent over the network.
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After connecting, right-click on the title bar and set the Zoom:
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Using mRemoteNG, a third-party client
I have not yet figured out how to stretch (zoom) locally. However, if the resolution of the connection is set, there appears to be DPI scaling applied locally resulting in a readable display with minimal data sent over the network.
For example, I can set 1920x1080, which will be the remote resolution. Then my default 150% DPI scaling is applied locally, resulting in ~2880x1620. Some black borders remain but it's usable.
According to official documentation, you could edit .rdp file and add parameter desktopscalefactor:i:value where value is scale factor (100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500), 100 is default.
Docs: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/rdp-files
The answer to some of your puzzle is here: https://superuser.com/a/1031862/15466
When you rdp in, you can set the rdp client to make the session fit your client display area. However, for auto zoom to work, mremote may be required (as mentioned in https://superuser.com/a/1031862/15466 )