I was looking for a way to pass through GPU acceleration to virtual machines for some processing tasks. However, most methods [such as DDA or VMware ESXi] requires specific server hardware, server hypervisor OS, support CPU & motherboard firmware. Sadly, I don’t have matching specification to use those methods.
Then I come across RemoteFX. While it’s not a full feature GPU pass through, it serves my current needs with my limited availability for other methods. Unfortunately Microsoft is disabling [updates after July 14, 2020] and removing RemoteFX support by February 9, 2021.
Based on your Windows 10 version and your updates, you may find that RemoteFX is disabled. But there’s still ways to make it work.
Moreover, if you have trouble with sound or connecting using remote desktop, I have a solution for you.
RemoteFX for Windows 10 version 1803 or earlier
RemoteFX is supported in these versions:
- start Hyper-V manager
- go to Hyper-V Settings > Physical GPUs
- select your GPU
- check the box Use this GPU with RemoteFX
- click OK
- select your virtual machine
- click Settings…
- click Add Hardware > RemoteFX 3D Video Adapter
- click Add
- update RemoteFX settings for your needs
- click OK
That is. Start the virtual machine and you should have RemoteFX working for your VM.
RemoteFX for Windows 10 version after 1803 without Windows update after July 14, 2020
In this case, RemoteFX still works if your virtual machine already have RemoteFX adapter added. But you don’t have the option to add new RemoteFX adapter from the Hyper-V Manager:
It’s dimmed and you won’t be able to add RemoteFX. Moreover, The Physical GPUs option is no longer shown in Hyper-V Settings.
But you can still add RemoteFX adapter using PowerShell:
- note the name of your virtual machine
- start PowerShell as Administrator
- run command: Add-VMRemoteFx3dVideoAdapter -VMname
Now check your virtual machine settings at Hyper-V manager and you should see RemoteFX adapter added.
RemoteFX for Windows 10 version with Windows update after July 14, 2020
You will start to receive the following error if you try to start a virtual machine with RemoteFX adapter:
This is because Microsoft’s updates after July 14, 2020 would disable RemoteFX due to a vulnerability.
All hope is not lost. You can re-enable it using Powershell:
- start PowerShell as Administrator
- run command: Get-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter
- note the name of the graphic card
- run command: Enable-VMRemoteFXPhysicalVideoAdapter -Name “”
Now try again and your virtual machine with RemoteFX adapter should be starting ok.
If you want to add new RemoteFX adapter, check out powershell command Add-VMRemoteFx3dVideoAdapter discussed in last section.
Troubleshooting
Video remoting was disconnected
If you have this error, you need to update a setting in your virtual machine using Group Policy Editor.
- you can sign in to your virtual machine by not using Enhanced Session Mode or remove the RemoteFX adapter for now
- run gpedit.msc [Group Policy Editor] as Administrator
- go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Remote Session Environment
- double click on Use WDDM graphics display driver for Remote Desktop Connections [note: this config is only available Windows 10 version 1903 or after. Update your VM if needed]
- select Disabled
- click Apply
- reboot your VM
You should now be able to connect using Enhanced Session Mode.
RDP failed to connect
If you receive this error, you need to disable Use WDDM graphics display driver for Remote in your virtual machine as discussed in the last troubleshooting section.
Disable Windows Automatic Update
Microsoft has scheduled to remove RemoteFX by February 2021. If you want to continue to use RemoteFX after that, you would need to avoid Windows Update at that time.
One way is to disable Windows Automatic Update.
IMPORTANT: continue using Windows without security updates pose security risk to your system. Do not disable unless necessary.
To disable Windows Automatic Update, follow the steps below:
- type services in search box
- run App Services
- scroll to Windows Update
- double click to bring up Properties screen
- select Disabled for Startup type
- click Stop
- click Apply
Security Risk
RemoteFX has a remote code execution vulnerability [CVE-2020-1036] that has no patch to fix. As a result, Microsoft decides to remove the RemoteFX feature to eliminate the risk.
IMPORTANT: continue using RemoteFX poses security risk to your system. Use it at your own risk or stop using RemoteFX to avoid the risk.